Members of the Southern Extension-Research Activity-46 (SERA-46) team identified a need for building capacity among watershed leaders to effectively address nutrient pollution in watersheds of the Mississippi and Atchafalaya River basin (MARB). A collaborative project was developed and funded by USEPA to create a network of watershed practitioners and farmer leaders to strengthen the implementation effectiveness of nutrient management strategies that reduce nutrient movement. This project successfully conducted a needs assessment, which indicated a need for professional development and networking among watershed practitioners in the MARB.

Working toward meeting this need for networking and professional development project team members developed a peer-learning opportunity. Life Hacks Over Lunch is a virtual, free meet-up series designed for watershed professionals to share ideas and advice for solving real-life challenges of watershed projects. Following approaches used in the technology development industry of “hacking” or brainstorming solutions to problems/challenges, at each meet-up one person kicks things off by presenting a challenge or issue to the group to “hack.” Conversation, collaboration, and commiseration ensue – with the goal of providing the hack pitcher with several options to address their challenge.

Six meet-ups were offered in FY2022 (three in fall 2021 and three in spring 2022). Meet-up attendance averaged 35 participants representing the 12 MARB states as well as others outside the MARB. The team plans to continue these meet-ups and enhance watershed practitioner networking through The Confluence website (https://watershedleaders.org/ ).