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New network started for environmental professionals

"At this point, we have just one planet to share."

So said David Hanselmann, a lecturer in the School of Environment and Natural Resources, in announcing a new Ohio-based professional network for people whose work helps keep the planet green.

The Environmental Professionals Network, which launched in August, "is for a broad range of people who are professionally engaged in managing, protecting, and using our environment and natural resources -- people who really should be connected but often are not, and sometimes are even at odds," said Hanselmann, who is the network's coordinator.

"By focusing on interaction and collaboration among the community of professionals in Ohio and even beyond, we expect that solutions, small and large, will be arrived at in a more positive manner."

The network has two key components: an extensive community-oriented website and a monthly high-profile speaker series, called the "2nd Tuesdays Breakfast Club."

 

More related to this story:

Ohio State President Gee, National Wildlife Federation head to kick off new environmental 'Breakfast Club' series

 

Joining the network is free. Students, too, are welcome. Participants can register by going to the network's website and clicking on "Getting Started."

Why join?

"By strengthening the community of environmental and natural resources professionals, we expect more innovative and cost-effective solutions to be developed."—David Hanselmann

"At the highest level, participants will be better able to serve clients, community, and society," Hanselmann said. "By collaborating within their community of professionals, they will be inspired, and will have opportunities to in turn inspire others.

"At a less lofty level, they will be able to get challenging questions answered; share useful information; and seek collaborators, applicants, volunteers, attendees, and more -- making daily work activities more effective and efficient.”

The website features a "Community" page for posts and discussions in six general categories: Air Quality; Education, Health, and Policy; Energy, Materials, and Sustainability; Land Use; Water; and Wildlife. Also on that page are polls, notices, event listings, and a section for questions and answers.

Hanselmann said potential network participants include people who work for businesses, non-governmental organizations, law firms, legislative offices, the media, colleges and universities, and local, state, and federal agencies -- and anyone else who works, studies, or volunteers in the natural environment.

Read more ...

-- Kurt Knebusch, Communications and Technology