The powerful partnership between the Anne Arundel County DPW and the Watershed Stewards Academy stands out for the scope of its impact. In addition to a strong engagement through new media and social media, the partnership with WSA allows DPW to provide community-based technical assistance that is not otherwise available through County staff. WSA builds capacity in Anne Arundel County by training Master Watershed Stewards to help neighbors reduce pollution in local creeks and rivers. WSA has trained over 280 Master Watershed Stewards in a hands-on course that gives leaders tools to implement change in their communities, turning knowledge into action. Watershed Stewards represent over 100 residential communities, 25 houses of worship, and dozens of schools and other institutions and coordinate restoration projects ranging from rain barrels to stream restoration. As a result of these efforts, over the last 5 years, Stewards have installed over 3,200 projects, planted more than 125,000 native plants and trees, and engaged nearly 180,000 Anne Arundel County residents.
