Howard County Watershed Stewards Academy
What Is the Watershed Stewards Academy?
The Howard County chapter of the Metropolitan Baltimore Watershed Stewards Academy is a 15-class course that trains, supports and empowers community leaders to serve as Master Watershed Stewards in the protection, restoration and conservation of Howard County watersheds.
Why Are Master Watershed Stewards Needed?
A watershed is the land area that drains to a common body of water, such as a stream, lake or bay. Changes to the land, such as forest clearing and the addition of roads, driveways, parking lots and rooftops, greatly increase the amount of stormwater runoff that reaches our local waterways. This runoff is swiftly carried to our local streams and rivers and can cause flooding and erosion, and wash away important habitat for critters that live in the stream. Stormwater runoff also picks up and carries with it many different pollutants that are found on paved surfaces such as sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, bacteria, oil and grease, trash, pesticides and metals.
Master Watershed Stewards will reduce the negative impacts of stormwater runoff in Howard County and will be key players in restoring the Chesapeake Bay, by working locally to reduce sediment and nutrients flowing into local streams, lakes and rivers and ultimately the Bay.
Master Watershed Stewards Will:
- learn best management techniques to reduce pollution at its source and "slow the flow" of stormwater from neighborhood watersheds into local streams;
- use their new skills to implement "Capstone Projects," such as rain gardens and rain barrels;
- educate the public about need to need to prevent stormwater pollution;
- engage and educate a wide range of citizens in critical water quality improvement projects;
- serve as a resource for family, friends and the community on actions they can take to improve their watersheds; and
- receive technical support from a consortium of professionals on design, implementation and fundraising for Capstone Projects (to be completed 6-8 months after the final formal course).
Who Should Become a Master Watershed Steward?
YOU! Your rewards? Opportunities for exciting, interactive environmental activities, special outdoor time with family and friends, and satisfaction gained from a job well done.
Interested in Becoming a Master Watershed Steward?
The inaugural course of the Watershed Stewards Academy is currently being developed by Howard County Government, Columbia Association, Center for Watershed Protection, University of Maryland Extension Howard County and Howard County Legacy Leadership Institute for the Environment. Some basic information about the program is provided below.
- The first course is scheduled for Fall/Winter 2012. Click here to download the application.
- The training will take place over 15 weeks, including two all-day sessions held on weekends and the remaining three-hour sessions held in the evenings during the week. Click here to view the curriculum.
- Interested parties will complete an application process, including attending one informational meeting.
- While the Capstone Projects are focused on Howard County watersheds and preference is given to Howard County residents, participants from outside Howard County are welcome.
- Stewards are expected to participate in continuing education to remain an active Master Watershed Steward.
- Tuition will be $250 per Master Watershed Steward and scholarships will likely be available.
For more information or to add your name to the list of interested citizens, please contact: Lori Lilly, Center for Watershed Protection, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 410-461-8323 x223.