Updated: February 20, 2024

Interested in keeping your local creeks, rivers, and streams clean? Want to be involved in protecting the Chesapeake Bay? Become a leader in your community by training to be a Master Watershed Steward!

Through a comprehensive training program stewards learn to identify factors that impact stream health, educate neighbors about water quality issues, and implement projects that have a meaningful and positive impact on local water resources. The Watersheds Stewards Academy (WSA) is a joint program administered by Harford County Government and University of Maryland Sea Grant Extension.

Teachers can receive 5 MSDE credits for completing the program.

Become a Steward

Harford County partnered with the University of Maryland Extension Office to establish the Harford Streams Watersheds Stewards Academy. Master Watershed Stewards are trained to become community leaders who promote Harford Streams' mission to increase water quality awareness, encourage actions to reduce human impacts to water quality, and engage communities to take actions to improve water quality.

If you would like more information or have further questions email Claire Cambardella at ccambard@umd.edu or  Laura Coste' at wsa@harfordcountymd.gov.

Application Instructions and Forms

Please review the Harford County Application Information Sheet and the example of course schedule before applying. 

2024 Harford Streams WSA Application Form

You may submit your completed application to Laura Coste’, Department of Public Works, at wsa@harfordcountymd.gov or 212 South Bond Street, 1st. Floor, Bel Air, MD 21014.

References

Please ask two (2) references to complete the Harford County Reference Form on your behalf and send the form directly to Laura Coste’ at wsa@harfordcountymd.gov or 212 South Bond Street, 1st. Floor, Bel Air, MD 21014.

Process

Applicants will be contacted for a phone interview shortly after the application deadline.

 

 

The University of Maryland is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Equal Access Programs.

La Universidad de Maryland es una institución con Igualdad de Oportunidades de Empleo y con Igualdad de Acceso a Programas.

Tuition Information

The tuition cost for the Harford Streams WSA certification course is $150. Please do not send tuition with application. Payment will be due upon acceptance to the program. A limited number of scholarships are available. Contact Laura Coste' at wsa@harfordcountymd.gov for more information.

Tentative Schedule

Harford Streams Watershed Stewards Academy Tentative Schedule

Alternate Wednesdays including 4 Saturdays

 

Date

Time

Topic

1

Wednesday, 09/20/23

6:00 – 8:30

Introduction/ Class Policies/ Expectations/ Icebreakers/ Pre-test

2

Wednesday, 10/4/23

6:00 – 8:30

Water Systems and Stormwater Issues Introduction/

Legislation and Policy/ Local Perspectives, Programs and Policies

3

Wednesday, 10/18/23

6:00 – 8:30

Introduction to Best Management Practices (BMPs)/ Stream Restoration

4

Saturday, 10/21/23

9:00 – 11:00

Stormwater Practice Tour and Intro to Class and Capstone Projects

5

Wednesday, 11/1/23

6:00 – 8:30

GIS and Desktop Analysis (Darlington Hall Room #208)

6

Wednesday, 11/15/23

6:00 – 8:30

Neighborhood and Site Assessment

7

Saturday, 11/18/23

9:00 – 3:00

Class Project Tour and Reading Topographic Maps

8

Wednesday, 11/29/23

6:00 – 8:30

Class Project Discussion and Checklist

9

Wednesday, 12/13/23

6:00 – 8:30

Soils/ Web Soil Survey/ Perc Test

10

Wednesday, 01/3/24

6:00 – 8:30

Native Plants and Planting plan design

11

Wednesday, 01/17/24

6:00 – 8:30

Capstone Project Development (BMP Implementation) and Individual Stormwater Presentations (ISP) Overview

12

Wednesday, 01/31/24

6:00 – 8:30

Project Funding

13

Wednesday, 02/14/24

6:00 – 8:30

Community Engagement

14

Wednesday, 02/28/24

6:00 – 8:30

Social Marketing

15

Wednesday, 03/13/24

6:00 – 8:30

Individual Stormwater Presentations

16

Saturday, 03/23/24

8:00 – 11:00

Kollar Nursery Field Trip (Backup Date 03/30/22)

17

Wednesday, 03/27/24

6:00 – 8:30

Individual Stormwater Presentations

16

Saturday, 3/30/24

8:00 – 11:00

Kollar Nursery Field Trip (Backup Date)

18

Wednesday, 4/10/24

6:00 – 8:30

TBD

19

Saturday, 4/13/24

9:00 – 3:00

Class Project (Field Session)

20

Saturday, 4/20/24

6:00 – 9:00

Class Project (Field Session – Weather Makeup Date)

 

Wednesday, 4/24/24

6:00 – 8:00

GRADUATION!

  • Unless otherwise indicated, all regular sessions will take place at Harford Community College, 401 Thomas Run Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015, Student Center, Room #243
  • Outdoor field sessions will take place at sites around Harford County.