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<p class="MsoNormal">Registration is now open for the 2025 Green Infrastructure Champion Program.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This <b><u>FREE</u></b> online training series is provided by Rutgers University and taught by Christopher Obropta, PE, PhD (the latest Stormwater Conference Keynote Speaker). There are 10 classes total with a minimum of 5 needed to become
a certified Green Infrastructure Champion. Green Infrastructure Champions are key players in implementing green infrastructure as an approach to stormwater management in their own municipality. The State of Maine is home to several Green Infrastructure Champions
that participated in last years sessions, including professionals from the Biddeford, Lewiston, Portland, South Portland, and Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District. General consensus is that the trainings were both informative and entertaining.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Green Infrastructure Champions will be able to:<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">Enhance their knowledge through green infrastructure workshops, seminars, and personal research<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">Engage community leaders to adopt green infrastructure as a stormwater management solution by updating ordinances and municipal master plans<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">Encourage local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and schools to incorporate green infrastructure in their existing landscaping<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">Secure funding for green infrastructure<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">Publicize implementation of green infrastructure through social media channels<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In addition to training on green infrastructure planning and implementation, the program also offers technical support to develop a design for a green infrastructure demonstration project, networking opportunities with other Green Infrastructure
Champions for mutual support, and assistance with grant writing. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Read more about the Green Infrastructure Champion Program here:
<a href="http://water.rutgers.edu/Projects/GreenInfrastructureChampions/GIC.html">
http://water.rutgers.edu/Projects/GreenInfrastructureChampions/GIC.html</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Register for free here: <a href="https://rutgers.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Z7vPwx7XTJ2Oc3NpPgwnNQ#/registration">
https://rutgers.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Z7vPwx7XTJ2Oc3NpPgwnNQ#/registration</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For more information, contact <a href="mailto:Cody.Obropta@maine.gov">
Cody.Obropta@maine.gov</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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