Minnesota Water Stewards

The Minnesota Water Stewards program provides training and opportunities for residents to protect and improve water quality and habitat, engage fellow residents and promote clean water.

Minnesota Water Stewards participate in training led by experts in hydrology, stormwater management, water policy, community-based social marketing, and raingarden assessment and installation. They must complete a capstone project that captures rainfall and allows more water to soak into the ground and lead a community outreach event. Stewards become a point of knowledge and influence in their communities.

Minnesota Water Stewards sessions begin every October and run through April.

Certified Minnesota Water Stewards volunteer 50 hours of community service in their first year and at least 25 hours of service with eight hours of continuing education each subsequent year to keep certification.

The program is a partnership between Freshwater, participating cities and watershed management organizations. Within Dakota County, this includes Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization, Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization and the City of Eagan.