Watershed Stewards Program

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Academic Level:
For most summer research programs, this is your upcoming status as of the fall. Always check with the individual program's website for details.

Undergraduates - Senior
Post-Baccalaureate
Graduate Students (Masters)

Note: this opportunity encourages applications from community college students.

Description:
Join a team of 48 committed individuals throughout California engaged in watershed protection, community outreach and education, and restoration projects! Spend 10 months working alongside natural resource professionals with one of WSP's 25 Placement Sites.

WSP Program Overview:

For 24 years, the Watershed Stewards Program (WSP) has been engaged in comprehensive, community-based, watershed restoration and education throughout coastal California. The primary focus of WSP is to assist communities and organizations with habitat restoration for salmonids (Chinook salmon, Coho salmon and Steelhead trout) in order to rehabilitate these threatened and endangered species to healthy and historic populations. Additionally, WSP provides watershed education and outreach in high-needs communities throughout the state, engages WSP Members in volunteer recruitment efforts to increase the capacity and reach of partner organizations, and helps Members develop into the next generation of natural resource professionals.

Each year, WSP places approximately 48 Members with natural resource organization Placement Sites throughout California to work collaboratively for their 10 month service term. Members serve under the guidance and mentorship of resource professionals in collaboration with local landowners, public agencies, and private industry to assess, monitor, and enhance watersheds. WSP's diverse Placement Sites include federal, state, county, tribal, and non-profit agencies and organizations. Each Placement Site engages between one and two Members in all the service activity areas, while each Site's overall strategy, emphasis, effort, and timing of service activities varies. For more specific information about each WSP Placement Site, please refer to the WSP website.

WSP fosters inclusion, inspires innovation, and encourages respect by embracing the diverse talents, perspectives, and backgrounds of all applicants. Each of us brings to the table a lifetime of experiences and knowledge. Each of us is different and adds value to the organization because of these differences. WSP seeks applicants that represents the racial, gender, cultural, and socio-economic diversity of American society.

During their service, Members participate in a wide array of activities, including:

-Regular watershed recovery and protection work with their Placement Site

-Teaching the Wonders of Watersheds (WOW!) curriculum in elementary schools

-Engaging their service community in watershed outreach

-Creating and implementing their own Watershed Awareness Project (WAP), and recruiting community volunteers

-Training and professional development opportunities.

Benefits Include:

-Opportunity to make a difference in a Californian community.

-A monthly living stipend:$2,700

-Hands-on training opportunities

-Uniform and field gear provided

-Opportunities to see some of the most beautiful places in California.


Participating Institution(s):
(Click an institution to see all programs it hosts or sponsors)

Program Materials:
  Program Video

This Program can be Described by:

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This program is funded by:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)


Page last updated 3/15/2024 12:59:40 PM
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