It’s a time of change for the Minnesota Water Stewards program! Recent conversations with current and potential partners, as well as Stewards and program supporters, show a clear path forward.
Over the past 11 years, we have certified more than 500 Water Stewards in a Metro-based program that linked residents interested in leadership training with their local watershed organization as a sponsoring partner. The program has evolved from in-person learning to a hybrid format, supported with continuing education and networking.
Abby Moore, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization:
“I love having Minnesota Water Stewards in the community. They add a lot of richness to their neighborhoods and organizations. Having more awareness and knowledge out in the world is helpful, and the curriculum and experience of Minnesota Water Stewards is really great.”
Certified Stewards continue to make an impressive impact on water organization boards, in water-related professional positions, and in activities within their communities; and Metro partner organizations deeply value and rely on their Stewards. However, many of our sponsoring partners find themselves at capacity for new volunteer management and want to spend more time fostering the existing relationships they’ve built through the program. Reducing the number of new Stewards participating in the program translates into a significant reduction of available funding to run the program.
At the same time, across Minnesota, soil and water conservation districts and other organizations eager to cultivate an informed, active public would like to engage Minnesota Water Steward volunteers to extend their reach in One Watershed, One Plan implementation and other initiatives.
In response to the changing needs and constraints of our Metro partners, and expanding interest throughout the state, we are adapting Minnesota Water Stewards into a more affordable, sustainably funded online program that will be widely available across the state and region. Now anyone with an interest in learning more about protecting and improving water can apply to the program, complete the online course, take at least one action step, and become a certified Minnesota Water Steward. Removing the requirement of a sponsoring partner organization and lowering the fee to participate makes Steward leadership training more accessible, hopefully increasing program enrollment across the state.
Locally focused, customizable curriculum
Recognizing that local water issues call for local solutions, we will also be developing new modules to meet specific regional needs. The result will be Steward leadership training that is more flexible and adaptable to regional water initiatives.
Here are a few examples of new curriculum we are considering:
- Private well education
- Indigenous knowledge
- Built infrastructure
- Water workforce pathways
- Aquatic invasive species
- Natural shorelines
In summary, the proposed changes include:
- Allowing anyone, anywhere in Minnesota to participate, without the need for a sponsoring organization. However, partners can still recruit cohorts to take specific training as needed.
- The addition of customizable curriculum to make the training fit local and regional needs.
What won’t change is our dedication to volunteer leadership development that is grounded in water science, engagement and education – and building a statewide community of committed, connected water champions.
We love Minnesota Water Stewards and invite you to partner with us to adapt the program into its next iteration. Your ideas, feedback, and financial support are always welcome. Invest in Minnesota’s clean water future now. Watch for more updates in Spring 2025!
For more information, please contact Alex Van Loh.