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April 2021 Urban Extension News Bulletin

Posted by msanderson | April 13, 2021

Features: Wastewater Surveillance Symposium, Skagit County seeking comments on stormwater management, No-till organic farming?, Urban forestry and social justice, Smart buildings & equity


Dear Colleagues,

Spring has officially sprung! Whether you’re out on your porch soaking up the sun while balancing a laptop, or huddled under a blanket with a fresh box of tissues (hello allergies), change is in the air and we’re clamoring to move forward.

The National Urban Extension Virtual Summit is flagged on my calendar for May 19th-20th. Additionally, we’ve pulled together some interesting reads for all of you with your hands and minds in the dirt/stormwater.

Until next time, be well, wear your masks, and wash your hands.

Brad

Brad Gaolach Ph. D. | He/Him
Washington State University Extension
Director | Metropolitan Center for Applied Research & Extension
Director | Western Center for Metropolitan Extension & Research
Associate Professor | Community & Economic Development
Phone: (425) 405-1734 | WSU Direct: 21734 | Twitter: @WSUMetroCenter LinkedIn


 

Register Today!

Monday, April 26th, 2021
Noon

The Water Research Foundation will host an online symposium to share updates on wastewater-based epidemiology activities from around the world, with a focus on how this information is being used to support health agencies in their COVID-19 response.

“We are excited to once again convene global experts on this crucial topic,” said Dr. Peter Grevatt, WRF CEO.


 

 

Skagit County taking comment on stormwater management plan

Skagit County taking comment on stormwater management plan. Skagit County Public Works is taking public comment on a draft Stormwater Management Program Plan update. Comments will be accepted until May 31 by email to jasonq@co.skagit.wa.us or by mail to 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. The draft plan can be viewed online.


 

Can organic farmers unlock the secrets of no-till farming? Reducing tillage, which often relies on herbicides, has long been out of reach on organic farms. Now, a group of veteran growers are undertaking a soil health experiment with implications for California and beyond.

“It’s like looking at the world through a different lens . . . a more reverential one that says we don’t know a whole lot and we should stop screwing it up. And maybe it can teach us if we step back,” said Muller of Full Belly Farm.


 

Using urban forestry to fight for environmental justice

urban forest planting

Submit abstracts for the National Extension Energy Summit by Monday, May 3rd.

Using urban forestry to fight for environmental justice

The trees that line city streets and surround apartment complexes across the US hold great value, in part because of their proximity to people.

The term “urban forest” may sound like an oxymoron. When most of us think about forests, we may picture vast expanses of tall trunks and dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, far from the busyness of the city. But the trees that line city streets and surround apartment complexes across the U.S. hold great value, in part because of their proximity to people.


 

Can smart buildings be more equitable buildings?

Smart living computer on wall

Can smart buildings be more equitable buildings?

Modern “smart” buildings that aim to optimize energy efficiency and occupant satisfaction now incorporate much more sophisticated technologies than those prevalent when these biased building standards were developed, but are we learning from the lessons of the past?


 

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