Monday, September 28, 2009

Thanks for the Opportunities and the Memories

By Rebecca West, 2008-2009 WEF President

Well I’m getting close to the end of my term, and I've got to say that it’s been an awesome ride! Like probably every other WEF President, I’m hoping to leave the Federation just a little bit further down the road in terms of providing the world’s best technical knowledge and training in water. To that end, I’m happy to report that Stormwater and Nutrients are two areas the Federation has targeted for resource development. And hot topics like these will be considered as a part of WEF’s latest efforts to “globalize” programming and products for a broader appeal to our members seeking a global perspective on water issues.

As I look back over the last year, it’s also been good to see other priorities take shape, like initiatives to strengthen the relationship between WEF and our outstanding MAs and a fresh look at communications.
That includes a redesigned WEF website for much better access and delivery of products and services – btw, check out our new website - what do you think? – and our focused discussions on water infrastructure in the media through the launch of the Liquid Assets program.

Cruising into next year as immediate past president, I’ll look forward to continued work with AWWA and EPA on our efforts to develop a clearinghouse for water sector education and related communications for water sector workforce issues. In addition, I look forward to supporting WEF’s continued efforts that further our mission of water as a global citizen – specifically in bringing access to clean and safe drinking water and sanitation to others in developing communities through our relationships with Water for People, the Peace Corps, and others. The strengthening of support for these efforts during this past year has been personally exciting to see take shape and further defines the critical connection between water and global health.

Perhaps most important, I’d like to leave with a big thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers, members and hard-working WEF staff who have made this year such a memorable and rewarding experience. It has been a privilege and honor to work with you all – now let’s have some fun at WEFTEC in a few weeks!

Friday, September 18, 2009

SYPC Gets Ready for Wet Work in Orlando

By Haley Falconer, Chair of SYPC Service Project Subcommittee

I’m excited to report that WEF’s Students and Young Professionals Committee (SYPC) will definitely enhance the environment in Orlando this year at WEFTEC! On Saturday October 10th, around 80 volunteers from WEF, consulting firms, universities, and industry are joining forces to complete the second annual community service project, “Wading for Wetlands,” at the Northwest Water Reclamation Facility outside of Orlando. This year we are focusing on harvesting plants from an established part of the wetland and replanting them in undeveloped wetland areas.

Our main goals are to educate participants about the wetland treatment system and how wetlands are used to further remove nutrients from the reclaimed water prior to recharging sensitive aquifer systems. We’ll also encourage volunteers to share this knowledge in their communities. The SYPC service project will help Orange County increase the planted area in the wetlands, which in turn will enhance nutrient reduction by the wetlands, thus improving the overall system performance.

The SYPC, along with staff at the NWRF and WEF, is planning and coordinating the project, recruiting volunteers and sponsors, and most importantly, providing manual labor. A morning ceremony will be attended by WEF Past President Jim Clark and afternoon recognition will be given by WEF Immediate Past President Adam Zabinski.

The SYPC would like to encourage MAs to consider planning a service project for their annual meetings. This is a great way to recruit new members and young professionals, as well as give people a different outlet for furthering their involvement in the organization. It would be fantastic to have any interested MA leaders attend the service project in Orlando to see what the SYPC is up to.

The planning process will soon begin for the WEFTEC.10 third annual outreach project in New Orleans, Louisiana. If you would like more information on this project, please contact me at haleyfalconer@gmail.com. Meanwhile, we hope to see you in some Orlando wetlands next month!