Newfound Watershed Stewards gain important skills and experience to further their careers while advancing the conservation mission of the Newfound Lake Region Association and serving the community as AmeriCorps members.  Watershed Stewards spend an impactful season (May 19 – Oct 29) working with local partners and community members— growing the stewardship of our lake, rivers, forests, and mountains— and leave the program with the confidence to make an impact wherever their conservation journey leads them.

The Newfound Lake Region Association is a mission-driven, member-supported environmental nonprofit committed to protecting Newfound Lake and its watershed. The Association – through education, programs, and collaboration – promotes conservation and preservation of the region’s natural, social, and economic resources.

Newfound Watershed Stewards advance the mission of the NLRA while developing skills and experience necessary for a career in conservation through hands-on training and service learning. Over a five-month term of service, crew members serve alongside NLRA staff and volunteers, gaining experience in watershed management, public engagement, professional communication, environmental education, and freshwater ecology. The work of Watershed Stewards includes collecting water quality data, leading environmental education programs, preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species, engaging with community members, and implementing projects throughout the watershed that improve water quality. NLRA’s AmeriCorps members support growing environmental stewardship in the Newfound Lake Watershed and leave a measurable impact upon the program’s completion.

Stewards serve the Newfound Lake community as part of the Lakes Region Conservation Corps, an AmeriCorps state service program increasing the capacity of conservation within New Hampshire’s Lake’s Region. Stewards receive housing, a bi-weekly living allowance ($839.10), and an education award upon successful completion of the program ($3,697.50).