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K-State Today

December 3, 2012

Kansas Environmental Leadership Program accepting applications

Submitted by Mary Lou Peter

Water and its importance in the environment is the focus for participants in Kansas Environmental Leadership Program, or KELP. The program is accepting applications for its 2013 class until Dec. 15.

The 10-month program focuses on educating citizens about water quality and quantity issues while strengthening their leadership skills. Participants attend five sessions held in various parts of the state. The program is administered through Kansas State University’s department of communications and agricultural education and K-State Research and Extension.

“KELP class members come from all walks of life and from all over the state,” said Brandi Nelson, program coordinator. “We’ve had private citizens who just want to learn more about water and the environment, as well as farmers, extension agents, university faculty members, representatives of government agencies and utility companies and other professions go through the training. They each bring a unique perspective to the class. Participants learn from each other as well as from the structured seminars.” 

The sessions include field trips, group activities and opportunities to network. Participants explore streams and their inhabitants, view aquifer recharge projects visit water and wastewater treatment plants and learn about urban storm water management.

As part of the training, class members form teams that design and implement projects that focus on watershed restoration and protection, public water supplies or conserving and extending the life of the High Plains aquifer.

Information about the program is available at www.ksre.ksu.edu/kelp or by contacting Nelson at nelsonbm@k-state.edu or 785-532-3828.