Minnesota GreenCorps members improving stormwater management

Since the Minnesota GreenCorps program began in 2009, 30 GreenCorps members have served in the “Green Infrastructure: Stormwater” track at host sites throughout Minnesota. Cities, watershed districts, universities, and nonprofit organizations have benefited from the work of GreenCorps members, several of whom have enter the workforce with their host sites or as stormwater managers in other capacities. GreenCorps members help organizations lead projects that they couldn’t have otherwise implemented and work with regulated municipalities to go above and beyond requirements or improve their communities. This year, there are three members whose main focus is stormwater. Erica Strom is working with the City of Duluth and the Regional Stormwater Protection Team to develop programs to encourage responsible salt application and chloride pollution reduction. Shanti Penprase is supporting the Freshwater Society’s expansion of its popular Master Water Stewards program to a statewide audience. Leah Weston is helping the City of Faribault inventory stormwater practices within city boundaries and conduct outreach on stormwater issues. If your organization may be interested in employing a Minnesota GreenCorps member, go to the MPCA web site and sign up to be notified about future opportunities.