5 things I’ve learned as an AmeriCorps Stormwater Education Coordinator

I am helping create a future generation of water guardians, and that is something to be proud of!
Taylor Weddington, AmeriCorps 23′

1. The World of Stormwater

This role has exposed me to a vast array of knowledge about stormwater that most people don’t get the opportunity to learn about. From different types of pollution to infrastructure terms, and strategies for reducing stormwater runoff, I have gained a deep understanding of the importance of mitigating the effects of stormwater and how to communicate these concepts to diverse audiences.

2. North Carolina Geography

Although I am from North Carolina, I knew little about the smaller towns that CWEP is partnered with. It’s been an adventure traveling all over the central and eastern part of the state to meet with community members and get to know the area. From Leland in the south to Roxboro in the north and everywhere in between, there is a lot of exploring to do and many amazing people to meet!

3. Coordination Skills

As a newcomer to coordination, I have navigated how to manage multiple events with partners and community organizations across different timelines. I quickly learned that effective communication and organization are key when planning meetings and events.

4. The importance of asking questions

Starting a new position involves a lot of on-the-job learning, and asking questions is the best way to gain a deeper understanding of the work. CWEP has a culture of mentorship, and I have been fortunate to learn from subject matter experts and leaders in the environment and resilience field. Learning more about their roles and how they achieve their own goals at work has given me knowledge that I will use throughout my professional life.

5. Cultivating curiosity

As someone who works with younger students who haven’t had much exposure to water processes yet, it is a special privilege to introduce new concepts about a resource that is often taken for granted. By connecting students with nature and helping to cultivate healthy relationships with water, I am helping create a future generation of water guardians, and that is something to be proud of!

My AmeriCorps term will be ending in July and I am looking forward to what the future holds! If you are interested in becoming the next Stormwater Education Coordinator for CWEP, learn more by clicking the link below.

Apply Here

Introducing Taylor Weddington

September 21, 2022September 21, 2022Leave a comment

Nice to meet you! My name is Taylor Weddington and I am an AmeriCorps service member serving as the Stormwater Education Coordinator for the Clean Water Education Partnership (CWEP). I recently relocated to Raleigh from my hometown of Wilmington, NC and I am excited to start my journey with TJCOG in the beautiful Triangle Area.

This past May, I graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and a concentration in conservation. Throughout my studies, I learned about the complexity of environmental issues and how important equitable access to environmental services and education are to the wellbeing of our communities. I first became involved in environmental outreach through an internship with the North Carolina Division of Water Resources, where I focused on creating digital outreach materials for watershed restoration grants. This experience opened my eyes to water management projects in North Carolina and to the abundance of organizations working together to improve water quality.

To accelerate my knowledge of water restoration, I studied Water Resource Management and Sustainable Practices at the Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola in Cusco, Peru this past summer. Comparing the environmental issues and strategies used in Peru and in North Carolina was intriguing and left me with valuable insight. Although many issues stem from very different and complex sources, I noticed the solutions used in both places had an element of education and direct involvement with communities to instill behavior change. By giving current and future generations knowledge to enhance water quality and mitigate environmental issues, they are given the power to protect and advocate for what is important to them. This is a vital strategy to promote resiliency for all people around the world.

I am thankful that I will be part of CWEPs effort to ensure more people throughout partner communities are being exposed to direct and meaningful stormwater education, and to be part of a program that gives North Carolinians the tools to remain resilient.

Introducing Caroline Wofford

September 21, 2021Leave a comment

Hello everyone! My name is Caroline Wofford and I am an AmeriCorps service member serving this year as the Stormwater Education Coordinator for the Clean Water Education Partnership (CWEP). I was born and raised in Chapel Hill and spent much of my childhood playing in the creeks and streams of central North Carolina, so these issues are near and dear to my heart.

I recently graduated from Scripps College in Claremont, California with a Bachelor’s in Chemistry, and a focus in atmospheric and environmental chemistry. During my time at college, I was able to deepen my understanding of environmental science, while also learning also how science, policy, and human behavior come together to inform how the environment and natural resources are utilized. Throughout my education, I have often felt that science is inaccessible, and that there is a lack of effective means to communicate scientific concepts and findings to a non-technical audience. This hinders both general public understanding and effective evidence-based policies. I want to help get people of all ages excited about science as a way of understanding the world, rather than just a subject in school.

I am thrilled to be back home in the Piedmont, working to bridge this gap through clean water education. There’s so much we can do to help keep our water clean, especially regarding stormwater pollution. I can’t wait to work with communities across the state to protect our water, so all North Carolinians can enjoy a healthy environment for generations to come!