Rooted in Community. Driven by Justice

Who We Are

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A Vision for a Greener, Fairer Tomorrow

Championing Environmental Justice

At Partners for Environmental Justice (PEJ), we believe every community deserves access to clean, thriving natural spaces. By restoring urban wetlands like Walnut Creek, we address environmental inequities and foster connections between people and nature. Our mission is clear: to empower communities, protect ecosystems, and create lasting change.

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Our Top Priorities for a Healthier, More Equitable Future

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Education & Empowerment

We believe knowledge is power. Through community workshops, advocacy training, and environmental education programs, we equip residents with the tools to protect their neighborhoods and advocate for sustainable change.

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Green Infrastructure Improvements

From rain gardens and green roofs to watershed restoration, we enhance both the natural and built environment. These projects reduce flooding, improve water quality, and create healthier spaces for the community.

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Equitable Development

We ensure that community development benefits everyone by prioritizing affordability, sustainability, and environmental justice. By centering local voices, we help create thriving, resilient neighborhoods around the Walnut Creek Watershed.

Transforming Challenges Into Opportunities
Through advocacy, education, and restoration, PEJ is leading the charge to combat flooding, pollution, and neglect in urban wetlands. From hands-on volunteer projects to partnerships with local schools and organizations, we’re creating spaces that benefit both the environment and the community. Every initiative brings us closer to a sustainable and inclusive future.

Building a Better Future

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Where We Started

"A wetland is an area of land saturated with water. Wetlands reduce flooding, decrease erosion and are home to an abundance of plants, fish, and wildlife."

A Small Group with Big Dreams

The Beginning

In the mid-1990s, a group of Southeast Raleigh residents, inspired by faith and a commitment to justice, came together to tackle the environmental inequities facing their community. Rochester Heights, plagued by frequent flooding and neglected wetlands, needed urgent action. From these humble beginnings, Partners for Environmental Justice was born—a grassroots movement dedicated to restoring nature and uplifting neighborhoods.

Making Change a Reality

Progress Through Partnership

Over the decades, PEJ has grown into a trusted leader in environmental restoration and advocacy. By securing funding, mobilizing volunteers, and forging partnerships with local organizations and schools, we’ve transformed challenges into opportunities. The Walnut Creek Wetlands now stand as a testament to what communities can achieve when they work together. And this is just the beginning.

Your Support Makes the Difference

Meet Our Team

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Board Members

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Emeritus Board Members

Honoring Our Founding Leaders

The PEJ Emeritus Board Members are the visionaries who laid the foundation for our organization. Their decades of service, leadership, and dedication helped transform Walnut Creek into the vibrant, protected wetland it is today. Though they no longer serve on the Board of Directors, they remain invaluable community stakeholders and ambassadors for our mission.

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Have Questions? We’re Here to Help

Reach out to discuss how we can make a difference together.