Most Oregonians are familiar with "master" programs offered by the OSU Extension Service: Master Gardeners, Master Food Preservers, Master Woodland Managers. With special Extension training, these people serve as rich resources for their communities.

OSU Watershed Extension is following that successful model to educate Master Watershed Stewards, who will serve their communities by completing a project with assistance from OSU Extension, resource agencies or watershed councils, and becoming points of contact for their communities.

How can I become a Master Watershed Steward?

Attend an entire Master Watershed Steward Program.
Complete a 40-hour project (assistance available), either on your own property or in your community, individual or in a group.

Note: Please read about coming changes in the Extension Watershed program.

What are the Roles of Master Watershed Stewards?

After completing the education program and a project, Master Watershed Stewards are to:

Continue learning about and engaging in watershed stewardship, through local continuing education and volunteer opportunities announced by the local OSU Extension Host, the Master newsletter (Watershed Connections), the OSU Watershed Extension website, or other natural resource organizations
Support watershed groups with similar goals.
Serve as a point of contact for community members seeking assistance and refer people to OSU Extension Service, local supporting agencies, and watershed groups for reference materials, training, and assistance.

Master Watershed Stewards are not expected to serve as watershed management educators to the community.

What Benefits Will Master Watershed Stewards Receive?

High awareness and significant knowledge related to watershed principles and management and working together with people of diverse values and positions.
A better ability to discuss watershed concepts with natural resource agencies, policy makers, and others. A greater capacity to serve as a watershed council member or in your community.
A working knowledge of technical assistance and resources from OSU Extension and other natural resource agencies.
Reduced-price attendance to workshops or conferences through the OSU College of Forestry Outreach Education office.
A copy of the Watershed Stewardship Learning Guide (reference notebook).
A quarterly newsletter, just for Masters.
A Certificate of Accomplishment and a token for completing the program and a project.
Assistance completing a project and a chance to apply learned principles.
An applied level of understanding and skill about watershed stewardship through carrying out a 40-hour project.