WSA Program Staff Contact Information
Jacqueline Takacs
Watershed Restoration Specialist takacs@mdsg.umd.edu
240-393-6508
Nicole Basenback
Watershed Restoration Program Assistant nicoleb@umd.edu
240-309-4189
Program Goals
Upon satisfactory completion of the program the candidate will have learned about:
• Stormwater management principles and practices.
• Best management practices (BMPs) for controlling stormwater in a residential setting.
• Native plants and their role in protecting the environment.
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The stormwater professionals from the region.
• Designing and installing stormwater management practices through hands-on techniques.
How to explain stormwater issues to interested citizens.
• Presenting the concept of stormwater management to neighbors and small groups.
• St. Mary’s County’s online Geographic Information System (GIS) and the UMD Sea
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Grant Extension SMART tool.
Identifying and obtaining funding sources to pay for projects.
The Candidate will graduate with:
• A toolkit with supplies and materials to assist with restoration and outreach activities.
• A certificate stating the candidate has graduated to a Master Watershed Steward.

As a Master Watershed Steward, your role is to work with communities to:
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Assess Watersheds - Help communities identify pollution sources
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Educate Communities - Help neighbors understand the most pressing water quality problems in their area
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Reduce Pollutants - Work with communities to target pollution sources such as pet waste, fertilizer, pesticides, and illicit discharges
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Take Action - Help communities to reduce polluted runoff by engaging them in installation of Best Management Practices, in accordance with all regulations and design specifications
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Measure Success - Track and demonstrate measurable impacts
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Continue Efforts - Continue education beyond the program and ensure practices are maintained
Responsibilities of a steward:
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Follow the guidelines and procedures set forth by your WSA Chapter and the State WSA
Office.
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Be considerate, respect others competencies and work as a member of a team with all professional and volunteer staff.
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Be willing to serve as a community resource for environmental and watershed information.
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Keep accurate written record of volunteer hours, contacts and activities, and continuing education hours. Submit this record on a regular basis to program staff.
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Answer questions from and educate residents about stormwater BMP’s through site visits.
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Attend meetings, assume leadership roles and take advantage of continuing education opportunities.
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Market and promote the WSA program to the public.
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Stewards will not receive payment or other compensation for any services rendered.
Benefits of being a steward:
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Opportunity to attend basic and advanced training programs covering stormwater mitigation and water quality topics.
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Opportunity to increase personal knowledge and skill base, and fill leadership positions.
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Meet and work with other people interested in environmental and watershed concerns.
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Satisfaction of working collaboratively to promote healthy watersheds and waterways.
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Opportunity to build stronger ties to community well-being and sense of place.

Requirements for Initial Certification:
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Complete the Watershed Stewards Academy coursework, consistent with the attendance policy, below.
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Complete the class and team capstone projects.
Requirements for Annual Maintenance of Certification:
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Provide 30 hours of community service for watershed actions similar to those provided during completing of the class and team capstone projects, which could include maintenance of installed projects.
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Complete 10 hours of continuing education activities.
Attendance Policy:
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The Academy expects attendance at all the training classes and field trips. We maintain the following policy for missed classes: a.
Candidates who miss up to two classes due to pre-scheduled conflicts (as reported to the WSA Coordinators, at the time of application) or illness/injury/emergency may make up class material as determined by the Academy Coordinators (e.g., by partnering with a Candidate who attended a session, by reading background material or by attending a make-up activity). b.
It is the responsibility of the Candidate to make up missed classes by contacting another Candidate to obtain materials and review coursework. Although we will make reasonable efforts to assist the Candidate in the make-up of a missed class, this may not always be possible. If a person misses more than two classes, the candidate is unlikely to receive certification at the end of the course. Exceptions to this policy will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Homework Policy:
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A candidate can expect to have reading, written, and/or oral assignments. Each session we will provide some simple homework to help you use and explore the tools given in class or prepare for the upcoming class. If you are having trouble with any topic or skill, please contact program staff. Some homework assignments will be collected for the purpose of checking your understanding of the subject area. Homework will not be
“graded”, but will serve as a barometer for how well we have met our learning objectives and where additional help is needed.
Class Project:
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The class, as a group, will design, plan and install a stormwater management project.

Individual/Team Capstone Projects:
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Working individually or in small groups, you and your classmates will complete capstone projects, incorporating 1) assessment of stormwater problems of the chosen watershed or neighborhood and 2) community engagement to mitigate the problems. Team capstone projects must be completed by September 2017.
Inclement Weather Policy:
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If St. Mary’s County Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, Watershed
Stewards Academy classes will NOT be held. School closing information can be found at www.smcps.org. Participants will be notified by email regarding cancellations and rescheduled classes.
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The field classes have outdoor components that will be held rain or shine. Participants should arrive for these classes prepared to be comfortable in the outdoors (bringing proper footwear, hat, sunscreen, rain gear, water bottles, etc.).