A University of Nebraska–Lincoln watershed science education program for decision-makers has received a $71,751 grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

Troy Gilmore, assistant professor in the School of Natural Resources, leads the project.

A watershed science training program will be delivered to water resources decision-makers in Nebraska. Programming will be delivered collaboratively, leveraging the strengths and educational missions of partner agencies. The program will provide environmental benefits through strengthened natural and water resources management, delivering about $112,500 in savings to Nebraskans — a conservative estimate, based on reducing duplicate efforts among partner agencies.

The initial audience is Natural Resources District board members, who completed a needs assessment and received pilot materials through the NET-funded Nebraska Watershed Science website. A broader audience will develop over time.

The project consists of:

• Assessing existing water resources education efforts from water resources entities in Nebraska to find synergies between programs.
• Developing a watershed science training program for NRD board members and related adult stakeholders that uses online module development and education facilitated by Nebraska Extension educators and NRD staff.
• Evaluating learning outcomes and impact of the training program.

The collaborative program involves the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts, individual NRDs, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and the university.

The project is one of 118 receiving $20 million in grant awards from the NET this year. Of these, 73 were new applications and 45 are carry-over projects.

The Nebraska Legislature created the NET in 1992. Using revenue from the Nebraska Lottery, the trust has provided more than $328 million in grants to more than 2,300 projects across the state. Anyone – citizens, organizations, communities, farmers and businesses – can apply for funding to protect habitat, improve water quality and establish recycling programs in Nebraska. The NET works to preserve, protect and restore the state’s natural resources for future generations.