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Watershed Academies

Leading and coordinating watershed management projects requires a diverse skill set. There are several state-based training programs in the Midwest led by land grant universities that equip watershed professionals with these skills.

These programs cover the basics of watershed and/or soil and water resources management, including the ecological, social, and practice-based elements. While their content is often tailored to their state, in some cases, out-of-state residents are welcome to join their programs.

Indiana Watershed Leadership Academy

Purdue University

The Indiana Watershed Leadership Academy is designed to increase participants’ capacity to lead community-based watershed efforts to protect and restore water quality. Topics include watershed science, technology skills, leadership, and engaging local decision makers.

Target Audiences:

Watershed coordinators, conservation agency and district staff, volunteers, engineers, consultants, and non-profit organizations

Format:

Hybrid virtual and in-person sessions over 5 months, held annually

Professional certificate available:

Yes

Fee:

$1250 or $750 for non-profit organizations

Open to out-of-state residents:

Yes, but content is Indiana focused

Iowa Watershed Academy

Iowa State University

The Iowa Watershed Academy is for Iowa watershed project coordinators and features topics in the areas of phosphorus management, nutrient reduction strategy measurement, project management, communication and engagement strategies, and hands-on tours and demonstrations.

Target Audiences:

Watershed coordinators employed by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Watershed Approach, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, ISU Extension, counties, and other nonprofit organizations

Format:

One-and-a-half day in-person sessions, held twice annually in spring and fall

Professional certificate available:

No

Fee:

Free for target audiences

Open to out-of-state residents:

No

Michigan Lake and Stream Leaders Institute

Michigan State University

An intensive, multi-session, statewide leadership development program that helps participants develop technical and people skills to become more effective leaders in addressing, managing, and protecting Michigan’s inland waters.

Target Audiences:

Water resource professionals, decision makers, waterfront property owners, engaged community members

Format:

3 in-person sessions (5 days total) in classroom and outdoor settings; held biennially. Independent applied projects.

Professional certificate available:

No, but continuing education credits are available

Fee:

Up to $400, depending on format

Open to out-of-state residents:

Yes, but content is Michigan focused

Watershed Specialist Training Program

University of Minnesota

The Watershed Specialist Training program has delivered an online training course since 2013, targeting current and aspiring water resource professionals. The goal is to continually build local capacity to address Minnesota’s water resource challenges. The program is taking a break in 2022 to reassess needs and possibly revise the format. Look for a return in 2023.

Target Audiences:

Water resource professionals in local government and nonprofits, private consultants, students

Format:

Virtual for 14 weeks

Professional certificate available:

Yes

Fee:

$860

Open to out-of-state residents:

Yes

Nebraska Water Leaders Academy

University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Water Futures Partnership-Nebraska

The mission of the Nebraska Water Leaders Academy is to provide learning opportunities that focus on cooperative approaches to solving Nebraska’s water issues.

Target Audiences:

Early to mid-career professionals wanting to be more involved in water issues in Nebraska.

Format:

6 in-person sessions, held annually. Team projects.

Professional certificate available:

No, but continuing education credits available

Fee:

$2000

Open to out-of-state residents:

Yes

Soil and Water Conservation Leadership Academy

North Dakota State University

The Soil and Water Conservation Leadership Academy is designed to enhance participants’ abilities to lead community-based conservation projects.

Target Audiences:

Built primarily for Soil Conservation District (SCD) Supervisors, the Academy is also a valuable training experience for SCD employees, watershed coordinators, partner organization staff, and other local leaders.

Format:

Three levels, each offered as one-day workshops. Levels I and II are offered both in person and virtually

Professional certificate available:

Yes

Fee:

Level I is free; Levels II and III are $25

Open to out-of-state residents:

Yes

Arkansas Watershed Steward Program

University of Arkansas

The purpose of this program is to promote healthy watersheds, increase understanding of the potential causes of water resource degradation, and give people the knowledge and tools they need to identify, prevent and/or resolve water quality problems.

Target Audiences:

Community leaders, educators, concerned citizens

Format:

Virtual or in-person trainings customized for audiences

Professional certificate available:

No

Fee:

Free

Open to out-of-state residents:

No

EPA Watershed Academy

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The Watershed Academy provides self-paced training modules and webcasts from national experts about a range of watershed management topics.

Target Audiences:

Watershed managers, local officials, decision makers, and involved citizens

Format:

Online and self-paced

Professional certificate available:

Yes

Fee:

Free

Open to out-of-state residents:

Yes