Indiana Master Watershed Stewardship Program logo - blue outline of Indiana with a graphic hand holding a water droplet

No matter where you live, you live in a watershed—an area of land that drains to a waterbody such as a stream, river or lake. Through a structured training program beginning March 17, the Indiana Master Watershed Steward Program (IMWSP) will provide community members with knowledge about their surrounding water bodies and how to keep them healthy. The program highlights the Lake Michigan region but is open to all Indiana residents.

The IMWSP will give participants the opportunity to interact with area experts on subjects pertaining to their local watershed. From these natural resource professionals, participants will learn the fundamentals of watershed hydrology, water quality, soil and geology, flooding and stormwater, green infrastructure, watershed wildlife, how people affect watersheds and water quality, and more. The pilot program last year proved to be successful, and participants walked away as Master Watershed Stewards with a deep understanding of local watersheds and how to care for them.

The program will engage participants with local environmental agencies and community groups to promote community participation in local water quality and fish and wildlife enhancement through volunteering efforts. Each program participant will apply knowledge gained from the IMWSP to complete a local watershed stewardship project, such as assisting with streambank restoration, riverside cleanups and promoting safe boating.

Application

IMWSP applications are due February 27, 2020. The registration fee is $95. For registration materials, email Leslie Dorworth at ldorwort@pnw.edu or call (219)989-2726.

Class Schedule

Participants will complete 11 weeks of training. Classes begin March 17 and end May 26, 2020. They will be held every Tuesday from 5:30-8:00 p.m. CT at The Residences at Coffee Creek, 2300 Village Point in Chesterton, Indiana.

Continuing Education Units

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for educators who complete the IMWSP.


Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant is a part of University of Illinois Extension and Purdue Extension.

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Did you know unused medications can end up in our lakes, rivers, and drinking water, affecting our wildlife and water quality? That’s why proper disposal matters. This Saturday, April 25th, take advantage of the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) to safely and anonymously drop off expired or unused prescriptions.Can’t make it Saturday? Our Unwanted Meds program can help you find a year-round drop-off location near you: unwantedmeds.org/how-to-dispose/find-a-drop-off-locationClick the link in our bio to access the Unwanted Meds drop-off locator!#UnwantedMeds #TakeBackDay #GreatLakes #WaterQuality #SafeDisposal
Happy Earth Day 🌎💙From the Great Lakes to your local community, every action counts. Whether it’s reducing waste, protecting water, or learning something new, small steps make a big impact.