The Nebraska Water Center, in partnership with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s School of Natural Resources, will begin its annual Spring Water Seminar Series in February. The 2022 series will highlight the significance that water holds in and around Nebraska and its ability to bring people from all walks of life together. The series is open to the public and will be held at Hardin Hall on the university’s East Campus at 3:30 p.m. every other Wednesday.

The series — with writing assignments and in-class, student-led discussions on alternate weeks — doubles as a one-credit hour undergraduate/graduate course listed under NRES/AGRO/GEOG/GEOL 484/884 and WATS 484. Students interested in registering should be junior level or above.

The 2022 seminars will feature a slate of specialists representing everything from city engineers to Indigenous educational consultants to river outfitters. This diversity in fields and experience will highlight how water means something different to every individual but is also something that unites people.

Established in 1968, the series provides a forum to increase awareness and allow for meaningful conversation regarding these issues. The series is a cornerstone of NWC’s mission to help the University of Nebraska become an international leader in water research, teaching, extension and outreach.

Lectures include:

• Feb. 2 — Wynn Hjermstad, community development manager, City of Lincoln; Glenn Johnson, former general manager, Lower Platte South NRD

• Feb. 16 — Shane Sigle, river designer, JEO Consulting Firm; Steve Rames, city engineer, City of Norfolk

• March 2 — Chris Chizinski, associate professor, School of Natural Resources; Dean Rosenthal, administrator, Fisheries Division, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

• March 23 — Colby Johnson, regional supervisor, Nebraska State Parks; Regina Carlini, director of economic development, KCAD; Deb Schilz, president, Ogallala City Council

• April 6 — Shane Doyle, educational consultant, Crow Tribe of Montana

• April 20 — Rich Mercure, Little Outlaw Canoes, Tubes and Kayaks; Mike Murphy, general manager, Middle Niobrara NRD; Matt Sprenger, project manager, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service