History and Accomplishments
Founded in 1992, the Center for Watershed Protection was established with the idea of creating a nonprofit organization dedicated to research and education on various watershed topics. With a focus on protecting streams, lakes, and estuaries, the organization grew over the years to become a national leader on stormwater management and watershed planning.
The Center has continued to maintain the basic premise that watersheds are a logical focus point for environmental efforts, and our services have expanded to include membership and watershed services along with research and education.
Our organizational goals include:
- furthering application of the watershed approach
- inspiring and empowering others to take action
- continually testing and refining our practices
- working to ensure regulations are effective
Our audiences include our members, local governments, and other stakeholders throughout the country that are interested in developing and applying solutions for cleaner water and healthier natural resources.
With our headquarters located in Ellicott City, Maryland; additional offices and staff are located in Charlottesville, Virginia; Richmond, Virginia; Leesburg, Virginia; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Ithaca, New York.
A timeline of some significant accomplishments include:
| 1992 | Center for Watershed Protection, Inc. established as a nonprofit organization in Virginia |
| 1993 | First grant from the Environmental Protection Agency |
| 1994 | Headquarters moves to Silver Spring, Maryland |
| 1996 | Spencer P. Ellis Award, Maryland Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects for "Outstanding Contribution to the Environment" |
| 1998 | Rapid Watershed Planning Handbook published, one of the first documents to establish protocols |
| 1998 | Headquarters moves to Ellicott City, Maryland |
| 1999 | National Education and Environmental Training Foundation's, Land Use and Natural Resources Category, In recognition of the Center for Watershed Protection’s Site Planning Planning Roundtables |
| 2000 | Better Site Design Handbook is published and in future years become an award winning, best-selling manual produced by the Center |
| 2000 | First Watershed Institute in Reisterstown, MD |
| 2000 | Maryland Chapter of the American Planning Association, Professional Achievement in Zoning, Frederick County Roundtable |
| 2000 | Study Web Award for the Center's website www.cwp.org |
| 2002 | Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination manual is produced establishing national protocols for developing an illicit discharges program |
| 2002 | Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organization's Standards for Excellence |
| 2007 | Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance Charity Seal |
| 2007 | A new strategic plan is written that embraces a national concept for the Center |
| 2008 | Maryland Distance Learning Association, Distance Learning Course of the Year, for Environmental Management 360: Introduction to Urban Watersheds |
| 2009 | The Board of Directors vote to establish a new membership arm of the Center, the Association of Watershed and Stormwater Professionals, or AWSPs |
| 2009 | Webcast Series begins |
| 2010 | Launch of professional membership program, the Association of Watershed and Stormwater Professionals (AWSPs) |
