The NY Master Watershed Steward Program contains a mix of face-to-face sessions along with distance learning and a hands-on project. We hope that the variety of educational formats will appeal to a diversity of learning styles and time constraints. The curriculum will be comprised of a number of modules, some elective, some mandatory. The elective modules will allow for the tailoring of the educational program to the needs of the individual. Each module will be comprised of a presentation (lecture or field-based) segment, background readings, resource list, an application activity where the individual applies what they are learning, and an evaluation. The program runs from June 2012 to January 2013. Upon NY Watershed Steward Program, trained volunteers in the program will:
- Participate in basic and advanced training sessions on topics including watershed planning, volunteer watershed monitoring, assessing and inventorying, hydrology, stormwater and floodplain management, green infrastructure, leadership and communication skills, and stakeholder involvement techniques.
- Meet, learn from, and build a network of peers and professionals working on watershed issues.
- Gain strategies, skills, and resources for successful watershed management.
- Design and carry out a 40-hour volunteer watershed project that benefits watersheds in New York.
- Maintain involvement with the New York Master Watershed Steward Post-training as mentors to new trainees, watershed outreach volunteers, contributors to the website, etc.
If you would like in-depth training that will build your capacity for successful watershed management, we encourage you to enroll in the NY Master Watershed Steward Program. The NY Master Watershed Steward Program is designed for anyone with watershed management responsibilities or interests, such as:
- watershed coordinators
- citizen volunteers
- community officials, engineers, or planners
- conservation agency staff
- stormwater managers
- members of land trusts or community environmental organizations
- drainage boards, town boards, or others that influence water management
Participants complete a series of online lesson modules that include readings, assignments, and discussion over a 7-month period. Face-to- face meetings promote networking and allow opportunities to pursue specialized topics in-depth. Each participant completes a learning project on a topic of special interest. Graduates of the NY Master Watershed Steward earn a Professional Certificate in Watershed Management.
Session 1: June 16-17, 2012, Omega Institute (Dutchess County; directions)
Session 2: October 20, 2012, Agroforestry Resource Center, Acra, NY (Greene County)
Session 3: January 26, CCE Ulster County Office, 232 Plaza Road, Kingston
The application period for the 2012-2013 Class is now open. Enrollment is limited to 40 participants.
The Fee is $55, which must be paid by May 1, 2012 (includes training, materials, and food; lodging is an additional fee). For more information please contact Shorna Allred, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, at (607) 255-2149 or srb237@cornell.edu.