Empowering Communities Through Green Infrastructure: Highlights from the Green Infrastructure Champion Conference
On May 29, the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program, led by Dr. Chris Obropta, hosted a noteworthy gathering: the Green Infrastructure Champion Conference, attracting around 100 attendees. This event celebrated the growth of a transformative program that, in just seven years, has trained over 900 Green Infrastructure (GI) champions statewide. These individuals are now equipped to return to their communities and implement nature-based solutions that enhance stormwater management.
Dr. Obropta’s commitment to advancing green infrastructure is evident in his hands-on projects, planning initiatives, and educational outreach across New Jersey and beyond. He asserts that our state, which is the most densely populated in the nation, faces significant environmental challenges. With 95% of waterways impaired, 21 combined sewer communities, and a history of severe storms heightened by climate change, New Jersey urgently needs effective stormwater management solutions. Dr. Obropta often shares one key insight: strict stormwater regulations for new developments have not significantly improved water quality. Instead, retrofitting older developments with green infrastructure is essential to mitigating the impairments affecting our waterways.
Green infrastructure offers a cost-effective and sustainable approach to stormwater management. It focuses on capturing, filtering, absorbing, and reusing stormwater to restore natural water cycle.
The conference showcased a range of speakers, each contributing valuable insights into various aspects of green infrastructure. From keynote speaker Stephen Souza to advocates like Patricia Lindsey Harvey, Kristine Rogers, and Jennifer Duckworth, the shared knowledge provided multiple examples of how these champions implement green practices across municipalities (see newsletter below for details about each presenter’s topics).
A standout presentation came from the Save Barnegat Bay team, which showcased a report card tool for towns to evaluate their compliance with municipal stormwater requirements. This innovative approach empowers local governments to understand their impact on water quality and take actionable steps towards improvement. Their cheat sheet on MS4 offers a great way to see the requirements under the permit for towns to achieve.
The conference illustrated the importance of collaboration, education, and community involvement in overcoming New Jersey’s stormwater management challenges. This network of Green Infrastructure champions is leading the charge in creating healthier environments for future generations.
Resources
Green Infrastructure Champions Program
Understanding The New Ms4 Permit A Primer For New Jersey Municipalities
Rutgers University Water Resource Program, MAY/JUNE 2025, WATER PAGES eNEWSLETTER
