1. Western Washington state is rich in natural resources, including estuaries and shorelines, wetlands, forests, and abundant wildlife. The economic viability of the region depends on these resources. Increased population growth and development of natural lands stress the health of these precious resources. Of particular concern is pollution from stormwater runoff and on-site sewage system failure, which can be traced in part to individual land-use practices. A 1998 needs assessment of environmental educators in Thurston County identified the real estate community as a high priority for water resource education. Real estate professionals influence individual land-use practices, yet tend to have poor knowledge of environmental issues. Educate real estate professionals and small-scale developers in Western Washington about water resource issues so they can make environmentally suitable decisions regarding development and land-use practices Educate real estate professionals so they can transfer information to their clients about land use and water resource issues Method Course Titles: Environmental Regulations Landscaping Low-Impact Development Salmon & Streams Septics & Groundwater Shorelines Soils Wetlands Woodlands 614 people have attended 44 courses from February 1998 to April 2004. These 614 individuals have accounted for 1167 course attendances – over 35% have taken 2 or more classes. Water Resource Education for Real Estate Professionals Puget Sound Region, Washington Karen Janowitz WSU Thurston County Extension 720 Sleater Kinney Rd. SE, Ste Y Lacey, WA 98503 janowitz@wsu.edu 360-786-5445 ext 7918 Karen Janowitz, Washington State University Extension Generalized characteristics of real estate community members: Work independently Skeptical of environmental bias Concern about bottom line of buying & selling property Education principles and strategies are chosen to address these characteristics. Instructional strategies: Diverse presentations Relaxed setting Engage through humor Experiential learning (field trips) Adult education principles used in program: Problem & experience centered Nonthreatening and objective presentation materials Based on participants’ life experience, knowledge, and needs Promotes inquiry Shows how concepts fit together (“the big picture”) Introduction Objectives Discussion Further Discussion Conclusion Although a method has not been determined to correlate this program to water quality protection and improvement, it is nonetheless extremely successful in educating the real estate community about water resource issues. Two other county extension offices in Washington state also offer real estate education courses. The program can be used as a model elsewhere in the country, furthering water resource education. Acknowledgement is given to Robert Simmons of WSU Mason County Extension and L. Katherine Baril of WSU Jefferson County Extension. A couple of evaluation questions ask how often attendees share course information with clients and colleagues. Extrapolating the given responses, one can estimate between approximately 900 to 1800 clients and 900 to 1900 colleagues have received water resource information to date. Motivation for participation: Real estate agents and appraisers receive continuing education credit toward their biennial professional license recertification. Increased knowledge leading to greater ability to assist clients. Course characteristics: Typical course agenda includes scientific concepts, regulatory and policy information, case studies, and field trip Presentations by expert professionals Field trips for experiential learning Lunch, resource binders, and field trip transportation provided Detailed class evaluation for each speaker, and the overall class Course Title# of Attendees Environmental Regulations26 Landscaping122 Low-Impact Development108 Shorelines134 Salmon & Streams134 Septics & Groundwater272 Woodlands77 Wetlands294 Total1167 Sample of post-course evaluation questions More knowledgeable of land and possible problems Able to better value a property Able to pass on course topic information to clients Able to give contact information to clients Knowledge gained from course generated new clients Program is successful due to: Large amount of information transferred from attendees to clients and colleagues Genuine increase in knowledge about water resource issues by real estate professionals High number of repeat attendees (over 40%) Favorable response to evaluation questions Occasional participants who attend for no credit Program self-supported with registration fees Puget Sound Washington State Seattle Olympia Number of times attendees share course information with clients Visit to a landslide Priest Point Park, Olympia, WA Low tide for the nearshore Field trip transportation for adults! Course Title Water Resource Education Program for Real Estate Professionals and Appraisers Number of attendees per course February 1998 to April 2004 Post-course evaluations are sent to attendees at least 6 months after attending. The average return rate for these is 30.3%. 97% of attendees who responded said they would recommend the course to colleagues. Number of times attendees share course information with colleagues Course Title