Watershed Master / Beach Watchers . . .

WSU Watershed Master/BeachWatchers

WSU Watershed Master/BeachWatchers attend 100hours of classroom and field training focused on water quality and water resources. The training covers a wide range of topics including Lake Whatcom, stream ecology, marinebiology, salmon and their habitats, stormwater, agriculture, forestry, green building, low-impact development, noxious weeds, wildlife, intertidal monitoring, coastal geology, and more. In exchange for this free training, participants commit to giving 100 hours of volunteer service to our community. Participants are free to choose volunteer projects that are meaningful to them and are strongly encouraged to engage in education and leadership projects.

Watershed Master/Beach Watchers come from all walks of life and bring a rich cross-section of backgrounds, experiences, service and talents. We are dedicated to protecting and preserving our marine and freshwater resources through research, education, public awareness and example.
The highly acclaimed and nationally recognized “Beach Watcher” program began by Washington State University Extension in Island County 15 years ago and made its debut in Whatcom County in 2005. Long-time residents of Whatcom County will recognize similarities to the popular “Watershed Master” program which operated here about a decade ago.

The program does not advocate any particular point of view but strives to provide objective information about the water resources we share and impacts to them. Enforcement or monitoring others for compliance with regulations is not any part of the program.

For an application or a brochure contact Cheryl Niles at clniles@wsu.edu or by telephone at (360) 676-6736. Updates and downloadable applications to the program will be available soon.

Watershed Masters/Beach Watcher- FAQ

2008 Application

Printable Brochure

Volunteer naturalist Bob Lemon shows off a sunflower sea star!

Maps-
  Point Roberts (pdf)
  Mud Bay (pdf)
  Cottonwood Beach (pdf)