Master Watershed Stewards are trained volunteers who understand how watersheds function and are willing to help with watershed improvement efforts in their communities.                

After completing the training program, Master Watershed Stewards put their knowledge to work by participating in various volunteer projects, depending on their interests. Some examples include:

• Monitoring streams for plants, animals, and water chemistry.
• Assisting with local streambank restoration projects.
• Joining a local watershed group.
• Promoting safe boating on local waterways.
• Organizing a riverside clean-up event.
• Staffing an information table at a local festival or event.
• Organizing community workshops on topics such as rain barrels, rain gardens, wildlife, pollution prevention, or invasive plant control.
• Working with community leaders to find creative ways to protect local rivers and streams.

We are looking for people with a keen interest in the environment, a willingness to learn, and — most importantly — a strong desire to make a difference in the community. Whether you are a teacher, an accountant, a construction worker, a homemaker, a stay-at-home parent, or in any other line of work, you can become a Master Watershed Steward in Illinois and Indiana!

Many states around the country offer Master Watershed Steward Programs that train volunteers in the basics of maintaining and enhancing water resources. In our two states, the Master Watershed Steward program is open to all residents.

To become a certified Master Watershed Steward, you must complete 8 weeks of training (one education module per week) and 35 hours of volunteer service over a two-year period. We will help you identify volunteer opportunities that fit your interests.

PGPs/CEUs are available for educators.

The Illinois-Indiana Master Watershed Steward Program Toolkit provides all materials necessary to guide hosts and future Master Watershed Stewards through the program curriculum, engaging participants as stewards of natural resources and ecosystems through science-based education and volunteer service in their communities. The toolkit includes host resources, curriculum unit materials, and course evaluation resources.

Once you have signed up for the program, you will gain access to the Illinois-Indiana Master Watershed Steward Program Toolkit website. The website is accessible only to those who have been granted sharing permissions. If you’re having issues logging in, please contact Leslie Dorworth for Indiana or Eliana Brown for Illinois — contact info at the bottom of this page.

To register for an upcoming spring or fall master watershed steward program, please reach out to your local county Extension office (either through University of Illinois for Illinois residents or Purdue University for Indiana residents). You can find contact info here:
Purdue Extension Offices
University of Illinois Extension Offices

Illinois-Indiana Master Watershed Steward Program 

 

@IndianaMWSP