The Watershed Alliance (WA) provides and supports innovative, hands-on water quality monitoring and watershed education programs that integrate classroom instruction, stream monitoring, and community service in Vermont and the Adirondack region of New York.  The University of Vermont Watershed Alliance (UVM WA), a UVM Extension Program in partnership with Lake Champlain Sea Grant and the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, is led by Bethany Hanna, Outreach and Education Coordinator.

During the 2006/2007 school-year, UVM WA connected with over 1500 students from 21 middle and high schools throughout Vermont.  The core of UVM WA educational opportunities is the Stream Monitoring Program in which UVM WA educators facilitate students in adopting a section of their watershed.  Students monitor chemical, biological, and physical characteristics of a local stream; analyze data collected; and communicate their findings to the community through an outreach project.  In addition, UVM WA has internship opportunities in support of the Stream Monitoring Program for UVM undergraduates interested in watershed education and gaining experience teaching in the field and in the classroom. 

UVM WA collaborates with partners at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: the Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Lab, Lake Champlain Sea Grant, UVM Extension, the Lake Champlain Basin Program, and ECHO to bring two of their newest program offerings: Lake Champlain Live and Keeping the Balance. 

Teacher training is also an important component of UVM WA activities.  UVM WA, in partnership with other organizations, is a major resource for educators, providing information on watershed and water quality resources, equipment, and teaching methods.  In addition to our undergraduate internships, UVM WA is a partner in a yearlong professional development workshop series sponsored by the Champlain Basin Education Initiative (CBEI) entitled A Watershed for Every Classroom.

For more information on the Plattsburgh State Watershed Alliance, a LCSG program through Plattsburgh State University, please download their program brochure.