Krystal Herrmann & Alan Kolok

The Nebraska Watershed Network (NWN) was created five years ago by Dr. Kolok. NWN uses community engagement, and in particular citizen science, as a method to educate people about water quality. Dr. Kolok: "There are a lot of water issues in this town and in this state. This state is highly agricultural which means you get a lot of agricultural run-off."

The goal of NWN is to educate and engage citizens about the water quality. "Our hope is once you get educated, you will be engaged to action," said Dr. Kolok. NWN has many partnerships with K-12 schools. UNO students and K-12 students "can get there hands wet and get get out in the field and make measurements. They will be the people that will struggle with these issues for the next 50 or 60 years."

Program coordinator Krystal Hermann explained the importance of citizen science: "You do not need a formal science background, a degree, or Ph.D. behind your name to collect scientific data and contribute to our projects." The NWN has engaged close to a thousand citizens.

Watch the video below about the Nebraska Watershed Network:

Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center (Weitz CEC)

The Nebraska Watershed Network (NWN) is a Weitz CEC building partner organization. Krystal explained that: "The Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center has been an essential tool for us. To be able to work in an environment where there are so many nonprofits and community groups. We have easy access to a lot of groups."

The Weitz CEC has allowed the NWN to collaborate with student organizations and community nonprofits resulting in new partnerships.

"It is almost like a chain reaction. When you work with one community group, you end up meeting another community group and you develop more partnerships. That is why the Community Engagement is so unique. Being on the university campus is such an asset to us."