Yes, Penn State organizes events which promote conservation and sustainable utilization of oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and marine resources through its Sea Grant program, Riparia Center, Extension programs, with the Pennsylvania Water Council, and through resources on the Office of Physical Plant (University facilities division) website.

  • The Sea Grant program hosts annual environmental forums focused on Lake Erie (see May 2023 Forum  and archived agendas covering Hazard Mitigation and Climate Change, Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and Environmental Justice and Equity for details on more Lake Erie specific topics).
  • The Marine Science Society at Penn State sponsors social events in marine science, such as guest speakers, movie showings, and marine science interest trips, conventions, or trips to see or enhance bodies of water.
  • Riparia responds to requests for information and assistance from the University students and faculty, the University’s Office of the Physical Plant, federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations, consulting firms, industries, schools, and citizens. 
  • Extension programs include webinars and workshops on the role of river basin commissions and water use, groundwater protection, water management, stream ecology, the relationship between agriculture and Chesapeake Bay water quality, and watershed-friendly property certification. 
    • Extension programs led by the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management help people make informed decisions that improve their own well-being and ensure clean water, viable populations of native wildlife, recreational opportunities, attractive communities, and the sustainable production of wood and paper products.
  • The Water Council and what was knows as Penn State’s Sustainability Institute held joint events in 2021. The Soundings water film series was co-presented by Penn State’s Sustainability Institute, Penn State’s Water Council, and WPSU (Penn State’s public media station). This series explored the intersecting issues surrounding water conservation and the innovative research and policy solutions addressing these issues around the world. The Soundings series explored the many different ways we interact with water and helped to highlight Penn State’s leadership in a breadth of water-related fields. From exploring environmental justice issues of access to clean, safe water to celebrating the importance of water in cultures around the world, these films invite us to take soundings of our liquid planet.

Learn more about Penn State’s Progress on SDG 14 HERE.