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New regional NC Cooperative Extension natural resources agent outlines stormwater and biodiversity programs for Pender County
Summary
Matt Colligan, the newly assigned Cooperative Extension natural resources agent for Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties, introduced Extension services focused on stormwater management, native plantings, composting partnerships and school outreach and offered to work with communities and county staff to expand local programs.
Matt Colligan, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension natural resources area agent covering Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties, introduced himself to commissioners and described research‑based, nonregulatory services his office can provide to residents, HOAs and local governments.
Colligan emphasized stormwater interventions and green infrastructure that homeowners and developers can adopt to reduce runoff and improve water quality. "If you increase the organic matter by 1% on 1 acre of land, you can hold an additional 27,000 gallons of water," he said while describing debris diversion and composting as tools to improve post‑development soils and reduce stormwater impacts. He also highlighted Extension programs in master gardener outreach, school garden partnerships, and a "garbage to gardens" initiative piloted in area schools that diverts cafeteria food waste into composting and school gardens.
Colligan invited commissioners and county staff to request community presentations, noted he will update the county natural resources web page in 2026, and said many Extension resources are already available online.
