Bridging the Knowledge Gap: MSRA’s Public Outreach Initiative
Elizabeth Kanner, PE
Maryland Stream Restoration Association
Owings Mills, MD
Rebecca Oaks, PE
Maryland Stream Restoration Association
Baltimore, MD
Authors: Elizabeth Kanner, PE and Rebecca Oaks, PE
The Maryland Stream Restoration Association (MSRA) is a non-profit organization that unites consultants, regulators, and educators to enhance the science of stream restoration and share knowledge with the public. Over the past two years, MSRA has developed a series of educational materials aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of stream restoration within local watersheds, while also promoting best practices for environmental protection. This presentation will focus on MSRA’s process and progress in community engagement, highlighting how other organizations can adopt and share these valuable resources.
MSRA’s educational tools have been designed to simplify complex technical concepts, making them accessible to the general public. These materials serve as a model for presenting environmental topics in a clear, understandable manner, ensuring that information is not only accurate but also engaging. As environmental issues like climate change grow more urgent, it is increasingly important to communicate these topics in ways that do not require specialized knowledge, but instead empower communities to take informed action.
By showcasing MSRA’s approach, this session will demonstrate how effective public outreach can foster greater understanding and involvement in environmental issues. MSRA believes that these tools will not only increase public knowledge about stream restoration but also set a new standard for how environmental education can engage diverse audiences. This work is vital in advancing support for stream restoration efforts and protecting natural resources such as the Chesapeake Bay. Attendees will leave with practical strategies and resources that can be adapted to their own environmental initiatives, ultimately strengthening community engagement and enhancing the collective impact of conservation efforts.
About Elizabeth Kanner
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About Rebecca Oaks
Coming Soon