The Howard County Watershed Stewards Academy (HoCoWSA) Advisory Committee is recruiting volunteers for the first class of Watershed Stewards in Howard County.  Information Night is Aug. 28, 7 p.m. at the Miller Library, 9421 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City.  Applications are due Sept. 12.

Watershed Stewards will learn how to design and build projects that reduce the amount of storm water runoff that flows from rooftops, roads, driveways and parking lots into streams and rivers in Howard County.  Storm water runoff can carry sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, bacteria, oil and grease, trash, pesticides and metals that pollute the Chesapeake Bay.

A class of about 20 adults will begin a 15-week course on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012.  The classes are held on Tuesday nights and three Saturdays at the University of Maryland Extension Howard County, 3300 N. Ridge Rd., Suite 240, Ellicott City, MD.

After the course work is finished, volunteers will have the knowledge and tools to begin a “Capstone Project” in their local community. As Watershed Stewards, they will know when and how to use solutions such as conservation landscaping, rain gardens, rain barrels, downspout disconnection, and permeable pavers. They will also be able to educate residents in Howard County about the need for storm water management and how to prevent pollution and manage water on private property.

The HoCoWSA Advisory Committee includes the Howard County Office of Environmental Sustainability, the Columbia Association, the University of Maryland Extension Howard County, the Center for Watershed Protection, and the Howard County Legacy Leadership Institute for the Environment. The organizations joined together to  build teams of Watershed Stewards who are trained by experts to help residents solve pollution problems in Howard County rivers and streams. 

Information about HoCoWSA and the application are available online.  A $250 fee is due at enrollment and scholarships are available.  

For more information contact Barbara Schmeckpeper, 410-381-5279, or Sylvia Huestis at howardwsa@gmail.com.