Watershed Support
Funds Pennsylvania county conservation districts to employ Watershed Specialists and support science-based education and outreach projects to improve local water quality and watershed health.
Funder: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2026 (all activities complete by June 30) | July 2026 (executive summary and supporting materials due)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,250 per county for Watershed Specialist position (requires 20% match) | Up to $5,000 per county for Mini-Grants (no match required); annual, renewable.
Summary: Supports county conservation districts in Pennsylvania to employ Watershed Specialists and fund education/outreach projects to improve local water quality.
Key Information: Only county conservation districts are eligible applicants; Mini-Grant funds cannot be used for staffing the Watershed Specialist position.
Description
The Conservation District Watershed Specialist (CDWS) Program provides annual funding to Pennsylvania county conservation districts to employ Watershed Specialists and to implement education and outreach projects that promote water quality improvement and watershed health. Watershed Specialists engage in watershed monitoring, community engagement, technical assistance, and educational activities, focusing on both surface and groundwater resources. Mini-Grants are also available to support adult-focused water quality education and demonstration projects.
