Watershed Stewards Program Evaluation, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Water Quality Program

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University of Maine Cooperative Extension
5741 Libby Hall
Orono, ME 04469-5741
(207) 581-3188
1-800-287-0274 (in Maine)
TDD: 1-800-287-8957 (in Maine)
FAX: (207) 581-1387
E-Mail: www-questions@umext.maine.edu

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Water Quality Program is a partner in the CSREES New England Regional Water Quality Program. We actively participate in the following New England Regional Water Quality Focus Areas: Nutrient and Pest Management, New England Private Well Initiative, New England NEMO, Sustainable Landscapes, and Animal Waste Management.

Watershed Stewards Program Evaluation

Ten-year evaluation

We are currently evaluating the effectiveness of our Watershed Stewards Program. Look for information about this evaluation in 2008, or call Laura Wilson at 581-2971 for more information.

Five-year evaluation

In 2002, we conducted a five-year program evaluation. To assess program's effectiveness, we studied whether our program significantly improved program participant knowledge level over non-participants through quantitative and qualitative measures. An objective 15-question test was administered to program participants and other people living in the same lake watersheds. Stewards scored significantly (23%) higher on the objective test than those who had not been involved in the program. Program participants qualitatively demonstrated much more involvement with lake governance, implementation efforts, and related activities.

See our article in the Journal of Extension "Effecting Land-Use Changes Through Education and Implementation: Assessing the Effectiveness of the Watershed Stewards Program."

A Member of the University of Maine System