Certification Requirements

How do I become a Mater Watershed Steward?

The WE Team offers a Master Watershed Steward certification for completing 80 hours of training and projects; including training on at least six core watershed concepts. Time spent attending Water School and other WE Team lead sessions will count towards MWS certification. Training hours can be completed by attending additional Water Schools, other watershed related OSU trainings, workshops or symposium, and relevant non-OSU sponsored trainings, workshops or symposium as approved by OSU’s Watershed Education (WE) Team. Due to the flexible design of the MWS program, participants will be able to decide how much of their required 80 hours is devoted to project time and how much is spent in trainings and workshops. Some participants may use project hours to complete the majority of their requirements, while other will choose to attend more trainings and workshops to reach their goal.

Core Concept Workshop Requirements

To ensure participants receive training in the building blocks of watershed concepts all MWS graduates are required to have completed a minimum of a 1.5 hour workshop in at least six of the eight core watershed concepts:

• Watershed Processes
• Salmonid Ecology
• Soils, Erosion and Conservation
• Riparian area management and restoration
• Stream Assessment and Restoration
• Wetland Evaluation and Enhancement
• Water Quality and Monitoring Methods
• Working Together to Create Successful Groups

MWS Program Update: The WE Team is working with the Oregon Master Naturalist program to create a watershed stewardship track within the Oregon Master Naturalist framework. Future MWS classes and Water Schools will be offered in partnership with the OMN program.  For more information about this exciting partnership please contact Megan Kleibacker or Jason O'Brien, OMN Program Coordinator.