Water Quality Stewardship Certification Program

The Water Quality Stewardship Certification Program includes a series of five classes designed to expand your understanding of water quality concerns, recreational opportunities, fishing laws and techniques, and the many ways you can help keep our waters clean. This program is offered in partnership by the many local professionals and agencies who make up the Lucas County Environmental Edcuation Committee.

Participants will receive certification at the final class. All 5 classes must be attended to receive certification!

Course Descriptions
Class #1 Introduction to Watersheds
Thursday, June 4, 2025, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Maumee Bay State Park Nature Center, Oregon
Introduction to Watersheds will introduce participants to watershed delineation, human impacts on the water cycle, and the differences between point and nonpoint source pollution. Participants will observe a demonstration using the Enviroscape Watershed Model to see how stormwater runoff transports pollutants throughout a watershed, as well as how best management practices can reduce erosion and pollution. The program will conclude with a guided tour of the Maumee Bay wetlands, where participants will learn how wetlands help protect the water quality of Lake Erie. The tour will also include an introduction to macroinvertebrates and their role as key indicators of water quality.

Class #2 Paddle & Learn
Thursday, June 11, 2025, 5:30pm-8:00pm
Farnsworth Metropark, Waterville
Paddle & Learn will engage participants from the shore with an introduction to water quality sampling for both chemical (e.g., pH, dissolved oxygen) and biological (collection and identification of aquatic macroinvertebrates) parameters. After safety and gear review, we will take to the Maumee river to learn how to safely navigate in canoes while guided by certified staff. After this session, participants will be able to connect field sampling data with water quality conditions and will feel more confident on the water.

Class #3 Marine Debris
June 18, 2025, 5:30pm-7:30pm
National Museum of the Great Lakes, Toledo
Marine debris is any solid material produced by humans that ends up in the planet's waterways and ultimately into our oceans. In this class, we will explore the definitions, sources, paths of travel, and impacts of marine debris on our Great Lakes; discuss the human dimension; and share stories of hope and meaningful actions for the future.

Class #4 Something’s Fishy
Thursday, June 25, 2025, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Buehner Center, Oak Openings Metropark, Swanton
First Cast is an entry level class taught by specialists from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) that focuses on 4 main categories: Knots and Rigging, Habitat and Handling, Local Information, and Casting. This is based on Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s Passport to Fishing curriculum, which is a hands-on, station-based program teaching novice youth and families fundamental angling skills (knots, rigging, casting, handling), conservation, and fish/habitat knowledge. The goal of this course is to create a new generation of ethical anglers and conservationists by making fishing accessible, fun, and educational for beginners, building lifelong relationships with the outdoors.

Class #5 Putting It All Together
Thursday, July 9, 2025, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Buehner Center, Oak Openings Metropark, Swanton
Putting It All Together will synthesize the information from the previous courses and apply it to real-world scenarios. Participants will work in small groups to develop and deliver a brief presentation consisting of two parts. This activity encourages participants to connect knowledge with action and develop practical solutions for improving water quality.

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