Community-Based Green Infrastructure, A Rutgers Cooperative Extension Urban Extension Initiative

Abstract

A successful urban Cooperative Extension (Extension) program has been developed by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program around green infrastructure in New Jersey. The program has gained the trust of the regulators at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the nonprofit community, state groups, elected officials, and consultants. This paper discusses the development process of an urban Extension program to work with communities to address their combined sewer overflow issues, including educational programs, partnerships, and funding. Additionally, the paper discusses the implementation of the program in Camden City, New Jersey, and the impacts associated with the program’s implementation. Finally, the paper provides a vision for regional collaboration among Land-Grant Universities around green infrastructure.