Julie has over 25 years of experience working in natural resources communication, education and outreach. Before joining the Colorado Natural Heritage Program at Colorado State University as the department’s communication and outreach specialist, Julie provided project management and facilitation services for water education and community programs. Her business was inspired by her love for outdoor spaces and her background in connecting people to one of our most valuable resources - water. Julie previously served as the associate director of the Colorado Water Center at Colorado State University where she oversaw a portfolio of research projects, education programs, and outreach activities and facilitated regional scale programs including the USDA-NIFA Northern Plains and Mountains Regional Water Program, Water Literate Leaders of Northern Colorado, and the Poudre Runs Through It Study/Action Work Group. Julie’s career also includes working with governmental agencies, non-profits, and community groups to address natural resource challenges, assisting landowners with implementation of conservation practices, and advising students and mentoring young professionals. Her research interests have been focused on human behaviors related to water use, the intersection of energy and water resources, and agricultural water use and management in the Colorado River Basin. She serves on Water Education Colorado’s board of trustees, serves as vice chair for the Poudre Heritage Alliance and chairs One World One Water Center’s advisory council. Julie earned her B.S. in Environmental Management from South Dakota State University and her M.S. in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources from Colorado State University.