Enhancing Extension’s Impact through Collaboration with the Center for Watershed Protection
By Bill Hubbard
University of Maryland Extension
Introduction
As a natural resources Extension professional, I am interested in opportunities to partner with various agencies and organizations who share similar goals and missions. I have found over the years that some organizations align more closely with Extension’s mission than others. One organization I have found to be extremely closely aligned is the Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) located in Fulton, Maryland, but with satellite offices and partnerships throughout the country. CWP’s dedication to advancing clean water resources and healthy ecosystems through responsible land and water management resonates deeply with my professional objectives. Here are a few of my reasons why I believe this.
Shared Objectives: Extension and CWP
Both Extension and CWP aim to empower communities with knowledge and tools for effective natural resource management. While Extension focuses on delivering science-based education to diverse audiences, CWP provides technical expertise and resources to support watershed and stormwater professionals. This synergy enhances our collective ability to address pressing environmental challenges, including urban stormwater management and reducing excess chemicals and pollutants in our watersheds. For those of you who have been around for a while one example of shared missions through action came about with the creation of the Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials program, or NEMO. CWP was a strong supporter of this program, which was led by University of Connecticut Extension professionals but saw success in many states and municipalities for several years throughout the country. The current Executive Director for CWP is Hye Yeong Kwon, she is very interested in exploring this program again with Extension. This shows real evidence of a successful program and partnership! See below for more about NEMO.
Professional Development, Networking, and Visibility
Another area where we share joint missions is in the areas of professional development, networking and visibility. Engaging with CWP provides invaluable opportunities for professional growth. Their National Watershed and Stormwater Conference offers technical presentations, field trips, and high-level networking, as well as an excellent platform to showcase Extension’s work in stormwater management, pollutant reduction, and watershed protection. Highlighting the successes of our land-grant universities demonstrates the relevance of our research and Extension programs to society.
Access to Resources and Expertise
CWP’s extensive guidance manuals, technical reports, and research publications equip Extension professionals with evidence-based tools to inform local programs. Their consulting services and training sessions provide tailored support, enhancing our capacity to implement effective watershed and water quality improvement projects.
Building on Past Success: NEMO
The NEMO program achieved remarkable progress in helping local decision-makers understand and manage nonpoint source pollution and accommodate growth while protecting their natural resources and community character. Now is the perfect time to regroup around this effort, leveraging Extension’s network of natural resource specialists, watershed professionals, urban foresters, and other allied experts. By reinvigorating this focus and collaborating with CWP on this, we can drive stronger, coordinated action in urban watershed management and water quality protection nationwide.
In conclusion, by becoming active members of CWP, today’s Extension professionals strengthen the connection between research, education, and community action. This collaboration will enhance professional development, expand networking opportunities, and provide a platform to showcase the impact of Extension programs. Furthermore, this is an ideal opportunity for ANREP and its members to consider establishing an initiative focused on urban watershed management, building on the legacy of NEMO and connecting professionals across disciplines to improve water quality and sustainable urban environments. Let me know what you think! Please feel free to contact me at or 301.789.9441.
For more information on CWP’s initiatives and membership opportunities, visit cwp.org.
