Volunteer opportunities
Help to protect water, woods, prairie and wetlands on your land and in our communities. To learn more about volunteering with the Washington Conservation District, contact Jessica Sahu Teli.
Minnesota WATER STEWARDs
Join an elite cadre of more than 20 volunteers who have participated in the Minnesota Water Stewards program in Washington County.
Meet some of the stewards and learn about their volunteer efforts in this virtual tour.
The Water Steward program is offered through a partnership with Freshwater Society. To become certified, stewards participate in 50hrs of training, complete a capstone project, and commit to volunteering 25hrs per year after certification.
In 2022, funds are available for stewards to get trained and participate in the Water Efficiency track only.
WATER QUALITY MONITORING
Stream monitoring
WCD coordinates volunteer stream monitoring for watershed management organizations in Washington County. Teachers and students collect and identify macroinvertebrates twice annually from stream sites in the county.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Information on Biological Monitoring
The data establishes a long-term record of the streams' capacity to support various life forms while engaging and involving volunteers in natural resource management. Volunteers are trained using EPA protocols and work in partnership with WCD staff to ensure quality control.
Lake Monitoring
Live on or near a lake? Sign up for Metropolitan Council's Citizen Assisted Monitoring Program (CAMP).
Each volunteer monitors a specific site on a lake on a regular basis from mid-April through mid-October (every two weeks is most common). You’ll collect surface water samples, measure water temperature and clarity, and report weather and lake conditions.
Group Projects
Are you looking for a group project for a scout troop, Rotary club, church or community group? Here are a few options to consider.
Storm drain stenciling
Stencil storm drains in your neighborhood with an educational message “Do not dump - drains to lake/river/wetland.” WCD will supply materials, including stencils and paint. We also recommend distributing door-hangers to promote the Adopt-a-Drain program while your group is out.
Clean-up event
Clean-up events are easy and rewarding. Simply pick a location and coordinate with your city or the landowner (if on park land) to arrange for trash disposal at the end of the event. WCD can supply gloves and bags if needed.
Buckthorn or invasive species removal
WCD has four weed wrenches available for volunteer events. Contact our staff for planning assistance, including locations in need of volunteer support, materials to bring, and best practices.