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<p class="MsoNormal">Hello everyone,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Registration is now open for the 2026 Green Infrastructure Champions Program - a free, virtual training series hosted by the Rutgers University Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program. Many of you will remember Dr. Chris Obropta,
who served as the keynote speaker at our most recent Stormwater Conference; he and his team lead this exceptional program each year. Participation from Maine continues to grow, and the number of Maine-based certified Green Infrastructure Champions has increased
year after year. We hope to keep that momentum going in 2026 by encouraging watershed managers, municipal staff, consultants, and community leaders to register and take part.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The program provides:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Training on identifying, designing, maintaining, and implementing green infrastructure;<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Guidance on updating local ordinances and stormwater policies;<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Support for grant writing and project planning;<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Strategies for community outreach and engagement;<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Networking opportunities with professionals across the region.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A minimum of five (5) classes is required for certification, and all webinars are fully virtual and completely free.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Registration link: <a href="https://rutgers.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BZfp2vQvREeqeYJecHGHEQ">
https://rutgers.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BZfp2vQvREeqeYJecHGHEQ</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Please consider joining this year’s cohort - and feel free to share the opportunity widely. Let’s continue strengthening Maine’s capacity for effective green infrastructure and resilient watershed management.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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