The South Grand River Watershed Alliance (SGRWA) received one of three 2007 Stream Team Ambassador Awards given by the Missouri Stream Team program at the July 26 Meramec Watershed Celebration in Sullivan, Missouri. The SGRWA received the award for the Missouri River Unit which includes central, northwest, northeast Missouri and the Kansas City area. The award is given to recognize outstanding efforts for Teams that exemplify the three goals—education, stewardship and advocacy—of the Stream Team Program.
The South Grand River Watershed Alliance includes Stream Teams 2542, 2574, and 2523 in Cass County and is dedicated to educating the community about the watershed and actions we can each take to be good stewards of our water resources. They are grounded in a belief that, with knowledge about the characteristics of a healthy watershed, actions can be taken by each of us and our governing bodies to work together as a community to restore, protect and preserve our rivers and streams.
The South Grand River Watershed Alliance; which includes Stream Teams 2542, 2574, and 2523; is centered in Cass County and is dedicated to educating the community about the watershed and actions we can each take to be good stewards of our water resources. They are grounded in a belief that with knowledge about the characteristics of a healthy watershed, actions can be taken by each of us and our governing bodies, to work together as a community to restore, protect and preserve our rivers and streams.
Although the SGRWA only began their efforts in 2005, they already have a long list of accomplishments. Several members have been trained in water quality monitoring and have contributed to local cleanup efforts. Grants from WalMart and the Mid-America Regional Council have enabled them to install local rain gardens and sponsor programs to educate the community about watersheds and stormwater issues. They regularly write and submit “Know Your Watershed” features that are published in local newspapers. They hold an Open House program annually to acquaint the community with their group as well as other federal, state and local agencies and organizations involved with water issues and to invite the community to join in their Stream Team efforts. They are active within their community talking with local leaders, attending meetings, and speaking out to encourage wise land use and decision making throughout the watershed. Their informational web site (www.southgrandwatershed.com) not only contains facts about their watershed, but also about numerous local, state, and federal water-related resources. They are a shining example of participation in all three of the Stream Team Program goals of stewardship, education, and advocacy.