Indiana Master Watershed Steward Program

219 GreenConnect host Kathy Sipple speaks with Leslie Dorworth about the Indiana Master Watershed Steward. New in 2019, it will be offered virtually this year (2021).

Indiana Master Watershed Stewards are trained volunteers who understand how watersheds work and are willing to help with watershed improvement efforts in their communities.

Master Watershed Stewards complete a 12-week training program that pulls together information from scientists, researchers, and watershed management professionals. Topics will include how watersheds function, what factors affect watershed health, how water is managed for human use, and how volunteers can play a part in promoting watershed health and appreciation.

Once they complete the training program, Master Watershed Stewards put their knowledge to work on different kinds of volunteer projects, depending on their interests. Some examples are:

• Monitoring streams for plants, animals, and water chemistry.
• Pitching in to help with local streambank restoration projects.
• Joining a local watershed group.
• Promoting safe boating on local waterways.
• Organizing a riverside clean-up event.
• Staffing an information table at a local festival or event.
• Organizing community workshops on topics such as rain barrels, rain gardens, wildlife, pollution prevention, or invasive plant control.
• Working with community leaders to find creative ways to protect local rivers and streams.

If learning more about water and natural resources excites you, then you will make an excellent candidate for the Master Watershed Steward Program!