Research Practicum Assisting Communities’ Conservation Efforts

Taught by Dr. Michael Rubbo, a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Studies and Science, ENV 498 is a Research Practicum course that has been assisting multiple communities’ conservation efforts, including mapping wetlands in Mount Pleasant, NY, and conducting biodiversity studies to support a town-wide Natural Resource Inventory in Ridgefield, CT.
This past fall, students presented findings of their water quality monitoring project of Peekskill Hollow Brook, which provides the water supply for Peekskill and a supplemental supply for several neighboring communities. This research will be used to identify threats to the river and ultimately develop mitigation to conserve this resource.
Dr. Rubbo’s community-based research program focuses on providing practical hands-on experience to students while supporting the needs of local municipalities. Â
Recent Posts

Read Dr. Finewood’s newest paper assessing barriers to accessing GSI incentive programs in the US
In a paper published in the Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning, Dr. Finewood and colleagues take an equity planning approach to assess barriers to accessing green stormwater infrastructure incentive programs.

Read Dr. Toomey’s “Facts Don’t Change Minds – Social Networks, Group Dialogue, and Stories Do”
In this blog post, Dr. Anne Toomey shares four ways researchers can engage with findings from the social sciences to better communicate their work.