This trout was captured (and released) by Vermillion Watershed Stewards during a volunteer trout survey.

Thanks to funding from the Vermillion Watershed Joint Powers Organization and Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI), the Vermillion Stewards Program was launched by FMR in 2005 as a way to engage local citizens in activities that protect the Vermillion River and the many tributaries, lakes and wetlands that makes up its watershed.

Now in its fourth year, the Vermillion Stewards Program helps local residents learn about the watershed while working to protect and enhance its unique natural resources.

Program Goals

The 2008 Vermillion Stewards program has four key goals:

Community Outreach and Citizen Engagement

Increase community outreach and engage local citizens and communities in the work of the Vermillion Watershed Joint Powers Organization and the Vermillion Stewards Program.

Natural Resource Protection

Improve the overall health of the Vermillion River and the tributaries, lakes and wetlands that make up its watershed by coordinating a series of hands-on watershed stewardship and education activities throughout the watershed.

Public Education and Awareness

Raise awareness throughout the community about the importance of watershed protection and what local residents, businesses, organizations and communities can do to help.

Partnership and Resource Development

Build strong partnerships and leverage the Vermillion Watershed Joint Powers Organization’s resources by bringing additional financial and professional resources to the watershed.

2008 Events Schedule

Our 2008 Vermillion Stewards event schedule includes a great mix of education, stewardship, restoration and monitoring activities in communities across the watershed. We are planning a full calendar including:

• A spring birding hike
• Woodland and prairie plantings
• Seed collections
• River-friendly gardening and landscaping workshops
• Stream bank restoration
• Exotic species removal
• A Prairie restoration tour
• A Vermillion River trout survey

While some of these events are still in the planning stages, more information will be available soon! Keep an eye on our events calendar or get in touch with us (see "Get involved," below) to find out about events as they are announced.

Get involved!

The Vermillion Stewards program is a great way to get involved with the community and meet new people while actively helping to protect the Vermillion River as an asset and amenity to the area in which you live.

All programs are free and open to the public. For more information or to get involved, contact volunteer coordinator sue rich through our contact page or at 651-222-2193 x14