The NYS Master Watershed Steward Program is an educational extension program developed by Cornell University Cornell Cooperative Extension that empowers citizens of New York to take action to be part of the solution to the watershed problems throughout the State. To obtain the title of "New York Master Watershed Steward," participation in a training workshop and a watershed -based apprenticeship project are required. As part of the training program, experts will cover relevant topics including: watershed planning, floodplain management, best management practices to address watershed problems, stakeholder engagement, and much more. During the training workshop, the apprenticeship projects will be described. All are welcome and previous environmental experience is not required. Registration information will be available shortly.
The mission of the New York Master Watershed Steward Program is to strengthen local capacity for successful management and protection of watersheds by empowering volunteers.
The NY Master Watershed Steward Program contains a mix of face-to-face sessions along with distance learning and a hands-on project.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,
The Fee is $55, which must be paid by June 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.
The NYS Watershed Steward Program is now accepting applications for the 2012-2013 program.
Click here to see the save the date flyer for our upcoming program.
Participants complete a series of in-person and online lesson modules that include readings, assignments, and discussion over a 7-month period. There will be three mandatory in-person sessions:
- June 16-17, 2012, Rhinebeck, NY
- October 20, 2012, Acra, NY
- January 26, 2013, Kingston, NY
Additional in-person sessions may be necessary for particular elective modules selected by the participant. Each participant completes a learning project on a topic of special interest. Graduates of the NY Master Watershed Steward Program earn a Professional Certificate in Watershed Management.