Green Snow Pro article, by Michael Dietz, PhD CTIWR, article by Jessica McBride, PhD Contact Michael Dietz , PhD michael.dietz@uconn.edu ctiwr.uconn.edu What do taking a trip to the beach, testing a well, and planting a new garden have in common? You guessed it—water. UConn is home to a state-wide organiza- tion focused on providing Connecticut’s citizens with information and research about all the water resources we encoun- ter in our daily lives. As the state’s land grant university, UConn’s College of Agriculture Health and Natural Resources became the home of the Connecticut Institute of Water Resources (CTIWR) in 1964. The institute seeks to resolve state and regional water related problems and pro- vide a strong connection between water resource managers and the academic community. CTIWR also shares water- related research and other information with the general public to bridge the gap between scientists and the community. The institute is currently expanding and focusing more attention on com- munity outreach with the arrival of new center director, Michael Dietz. “Our goal is to increase visibility of the water research in language that the general public can understand and use in their daily lives,” says Dietz. “We want to become a one-stop shop for informa- tion about all kinds of water-related issues. Where can you go to get your water tested, up to date information about drought or water quality around the state, in addition to research reports and funding opportunities for scientists.” Recent projects explored leaching of nitrogen and phosphorous from lawns, relationships between metals and organic matter in soils, and quantifying the impact of road salts on wetlands in Eastern Connecticut. “UConn has some really talented water researchers from different disci- plines who can help citizens in our state better understand issues that affect our water resources. Through CTIWR, we’ll make sure that these experts and citizens can come together, speak the same lan- guage, and learn from one another.” In an effort to increase awareness, CTIWR sponsored a photo contest for best water- themed photograph. The first place winner for 2018 was Molly Cunningham (winning image, right). Congratulations to Molly! Connecticut Institute of Water Resources (CTIWR) costs alone! A summary of these findings is currently under review at the Journal of Extension. The statewide implementation of the Green Snow Pro program in Connecticut has begun: during the fall of 2018 the T2 center gave two separate trainings for municipal public works crews and more are being scheduled for this year. The group will continue to meet to work on the liability protection here in Conecticut, as well as expanding the offering to private contractors. This effort has been a great collabora- tion of UConn educators, regulators, and public works professionals. The success of this program highlights the fact that education truly can have lasting environmental benefits. 2018 HIGHLIGHTS OF EXTENSION 9 HE HE