Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program

Transcription

1 Rutgers Cooperative Extension Jessica Brown, E.I.T. and Christopher C. Obropta, Ph.D., P.E. December 4, 2014

2 The Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) Water Resources Program was created to help provided solutions to New Jersey s water resources problems. It is a multi-disciplinary program that integrates teaching, research, and extension and develops strong partnerships.

3 Rutgers Cooperative Extension Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) helps the diverse population of New Jersey adapt to a rapidly changing society and improves their lives through an educational process that uses science-based knowledge.

4 Our Mission is to identify and address community water resources issues using sustainable and practical science-based solutions.

5 Program Staff Chris Obropta, Ph.D., P.E. Jeremiah Bergstrom, LLA, ASLA Jessica Brown, E.I.T. Lisa Galloway Evrard Sara Mellor Kyle Gourley, E.I.T. Rosana Da Silva Chris Perez Michelle Hartmann Tyler Wibbelt

6 Our 2014 Summer Intern Team *Not pictured Dillon Swiderski Soto

7 Integration Integrated meaning to bring research, education, and extension together around a problem area or activity. Through integrated programming, the Land Grant Universities can deliver solutions to today s problems and yield quick measurable outcomes.

8 How does Integration Work? Secure base funding to conduct a research project in a watershed Direct extension programming into the same watershed to compliment research effort Get the students/community involved this is the education Demonstration education

9 Funding Sources NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection US EPA Dodge Foundation New Jersey Sea Grant Surdna Foundation Camden Co. Municipal Utilities US Dept. of Agriculture Camden Co. Soil Conservation District National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Various municipalities Various school districts

10 Research

11 NJWRRI The NJWRRI is a Federally-funded program of research, training and information transfer concerning all aspects of fresh and estuarine water in the state. Its mission is to: sponsor research on all aspects of water quality, water quantity, water use, and the management of water resources, train students at the undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels to become the next generation of water resource professionals for New Jersey, and facilitate the transfer of information from researchers to the public and to water resource managers.

12 Current Research Agenda Green Infrastructure for Sustainable Communities Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources Ecological Restoration and Rehabilitation Environmental and Watershed Modeling Enhancement Pollutant Removal of Stormwater Management Practices

13 Extension Projects If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water -L. Eisley

14 Water quality and quantity modeling BMP identification and design Development of a Watershed Restoration Plan

15 Robinson s Branch Watershed

16 Addressing Flooding Issues BOONTON RESERVOIR 2 Year 10 Year 100 Year

17 2 Year 10 Year 100 Year

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20 Design projects for bioenvironmental engineering senior design Undergraduate independent studies Graduate research

21 Extension Programming "Unless someone like you cares a whole lot, nothing is going to get better. It s not. Dr. Seuss The Lorax

22 Stakeholder committee Stormwater management in your backyard program How to Build a Rain Garden Messy Town Children s Program Restore-a-Waterway Program

23 Stormwater Management in Your Backyard Program Why do we care about stormwater? 40 to 70% of existing NJ water quality problems attributed to stormwater (NJDEP, 2003)

24 NJ Rain Garden Initiative A rain garden is a landscaped, shallow depression that is designed to intercept, treat, and infiltrate stormwater at the source before it becomes runoff.

25 Changing the Face of Youth Science Education Students participate as legitimate members of a scientific community. They work with their teachers, parents, local scientists, other knowledgeable members of the community to create a solution to a relevant environmental problem in their community.

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28 Training Municipal Officials on Low Impact Development/Green Infrastructure Training Youth on Green Infrastructure and Implementing Practices at Schools Educating Stormwater Coordinators Demonstration Projects