BCWA Certified Land Stewardship Training Program
Do you love the Beaver Creek Wetlands?
Do you want to play a meaningful role in protecting the places you care about most?
Are you ready to turn a few hours a month into a lasting conservation legacy?
Beaver Creek Wetlands Association invites YOU to become a BCWA Certified Land Steward
🐢The expansion of the Spotted Turtle Trail brings opportunities for the community to enjoy the Beaver Creek Wetland corridor. Increased access also brings responsibility to care for the land. To meet that responsibility, BCWA is growing its conservation leadership team.
As a Certified Land Steward (CLS), you won’t just volunteer, you’ll lead.
🌱BCWA’s ability to protect and restore the Beaver Creek Wetlands depends on volunteers who are willing to take initiative and lead workdays or coordinate small projects. Volunteer leaders bring fresh ideas, energy, and expertise that strengthen our organization. You may guide work crews restoring wetlands with native plantings, removing invasive species, maintaining trails and boardwalks, or other hands-on stewardship projects that directly shape the health of the Beaver Creek Wetland ecosystem.
💡No prior experience is required. You’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to:
- Care for and sustain wetland ecosystems
- Protect and manage critical habitats
- Lead and motivate volunteers in the field
- Think critically, solve challenges, and work as part of a strong team
Training Commitment
Becoming a CLS includes four required, full-day training sessions. Except for April 17, each session includes classroom learning at Greene County Parks & Trails Headquarters in the morning, lunch, and hands-on field work in the afternoon. The April 17 training will focus on all-day equipment instruction at Phillips Park. Lunches will be from local restaurants featuring locally sourced food.
Friday, March 20, 2026, 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Geological History, BCWA’s History, and Plant Communities of the Beaver Creek Wetlands led by Dave Nolin
Morning classroom session: GCP&T John Finlay Education Center – 635 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Xenia, OH 45385
Afternoon field work: James P. Amon Biodiversity Reserve – 2050 New Germany Trebein Road, Fairborn, OH 45324
Friday, April 17, 2026, 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Habitat Management Equipment, Operation and Maintenance led by Skip Beehler
All-day field work: Phillips Park – 2090 Dayton-Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45434
Friday, May 15, 2026, 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Invasive Species Management led by Austin Miller
Morning classroom session: GCP&T John Finlay Education Center – 635 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Xenia, OH 45385
Afternoon field work: Beaver Creek Wetlands Reserve via Phillips Park – 2090 Dayton-Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45434
Friday, June 5, 2026, 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Zoning, Watersheds, and The Importance of Partners led by Patrick Higgins, Beth Edsall and Ken Moran
Morning classroom session: GCP&T John Finlay Education Center – 635 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Xenia, OH 45385
Afternoon field work: Siebenthaler Fen – 1998 Fairground Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45434
The training cost is $40, which helps cover supplies and lunch.
After Certification
CLSs commit to 35 hours per year (about 4–5 hours per month) with BCWA from March through November for at least one calendar year. Certification is automatically renewed with completion of the annual hours.
In addition to field work, CLSs attend scheduled Land Stewardship Committee meetings.
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If you’ve ever imagined yourself on the front lines of conservation—restoring wetlands, guiding others, and protecting the natural world, this is your moment. The impact you’ll make lasts far longer than the time you give.
Sign up today. Learn. Lead. Protect.
Become a BCWA Certified Land Steward.
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Thank you for your interest in BCWA’s Certified Land Stewardship Training Program. Registration for the Spring 2026 session is full.
If you would like to be placed on a waitlist for future programs, please add your name and contact information to this form: https://forms.gle/
For questions, contact Beth Edsall at bedsall@beavercreekwetlands.org or 937-320-9042.