Katie Collins is a Water Resources Agent in Sumter County. She has been with Clemson Extension for almost six years and recently hosted one of her favorite programs in all that time. Katie has worked with Karen Jackson to create and grow the Stream Bank Repair program for over two years. This program helps homeowners, land managers, and park staff to reduce erosion along streams using simple and cost-effective strategies. After seeing a need to increase knowledge of and appreciation for local streams in Sumter County, Katie hosted an event called “Love Your Stream: An evening at Shot Pouch Branch.” Local families and students gathered at Dillon Park to learn about their local stream, sample aquatic macroinvertebrates, and install native plants along the streambank to reduce erosion. Of the participants who participated in a follow-up survey, 100% said they gained new knowledge from the event, and it would impact their future decisions and behavior. While those are encouraging results to report, Katie’s favorite review came from a local Master Gardener’s grandson, who participated in the program. He gave her a big hug and told her, “Thank you for doing this. It really meant a lot to me.” That’s what extension work is all about, making a lasting impact on our local communities that improves the lives of South Carolina residents.
