Our mission is to sustain and improve the water resources of Springfield and Greene County through education and effective management of the region’s watersheds
Who We Are
The Watershed Committee of the Ozarks (Watershed) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1984 with a mission to sustain and improve the water resources of Springfield and Greene County through education and effective watershed management. We are dedicated to ensuring clean, abundant water for current and future generations by empowering our community with the tools and knowledge necessary for effective water stewardship. Our credo is “Clean Water for Life!”.
Our six-member Board of Directors helps guide our dynamic staff team, and our mission is supported by our sponsors: City of Springfield, Greene County, and City Utilities of Springfield. Our success also relies heavily on a network of volunteers, public and private funders, and community partners, all working together to address urgent challenges to water quality and sustainability. Our geographic focus areas include Springfield, Greene County, and the watersheds which supply drinking water to local citizens.
What We Do
Our work primarily falls into two categories: Projects and Education.
The Watershed Committee of the Ozarks (Watershed) leads a variety of projects aimed at protecting and enhancing water quality across our region. We focus on improving stormwater quality with nature-based solutions and green infrastructure which naturally filter pollutants and reduce runoff. We support compliance with the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) through public education, infrastructure improvements, and pollution reduction strategies. From urban stormwater solutions to rural conservation practices, our projects work toward a cleaner, healthier watershed.
Education & Innovative Programs:
Watershed operates the Watershed Center at Valley Water Mill Park, which serves as a hub for environmental education, with field trips, interpretive signage, and hands-on activities designed for audiences ranging from children to professionals. Our educational programs empower the community with knowledge to understand and protect local water resources and inspire stewardship across generations. We have built hands-on, place-based educational programs, integrated with the needs of partners like Springfield Public Schools. Through continual improvement, our programs have become some of the best of their kind in the nation.
Watershed Conservation Corps (WCC): We collaborate with partners on habitat restoration, vegetation management, trail maintenance, native seeding, tree planting, and prescribed burns, all aimed at enhancing and protecting our natural resources. Committed to cultivating the next generation of conservation leaders, our program equips young professionals with the tools they need to thrive in the field. Through hands-on experience, skill-building training, and networking opportunities, we provide our crew members with the expertise and connections essential for advancing their careers in natural resource management and conservation.
Watershed Natives: Native plants are great for clean water and community outreach. Our native plant nursery cultivates locally adapted plants that help combat erosion, enhance stormwater infiltration, improve soil health, and support biodiversity. We engage students in hands-on environmental stewardship, including soil preparation, seed collection, germination, crop cultivation, site restoration, and invasive species management. The plants they grow are used in our restoration projects and made available for public purchase, contributing to both ecological restoration and community involvement. Our Watershed Natives internships offer college students a valuable opportunity to immerse themselves in the field of natural resources, connect with industry professionals, and build strong, conservation-focused resumes.
Fellows Lake LLC: Fellows Lake is more than just a reservoir—it is major source of Springfield’s drinking water supply. Fellows Lake LLC manages “Dock 66” and the marina store at Miller Park with the goal of fostering a meaningful connection between people and their water resources. such as powerboating, kayaking, sailing, hiking, biking, fishing, and birdwatching. We aim to provide useful information and help foster deeper appreciation for watershed stewardship and the role we all play in protecting this essential resource.
Why Focus on the Land to Impact Water?
We are fond of the quote, “The health of our waters is the principal measure of how we live on the land” – Luna Leopold” and “We all live downstream.” Watersheds (the land) contribute water to our streams, lakes, and aquifers; everything that happens on the land can impact water quality. Over 99% of the land which supplies drinking water for the region is privately owned, making education, outreach and encouraging conservation practices on the landscape vital to sustaining and improving water quality.
Why It Matters
Water is vital for our health, economy, and environment. It connects us all. For our region to continue to grow and prosper, for our health, for our economy, for the fish and fowl and children catching crawdads in the creek, for a future we all want to share, we must continually strive and focus on clean water and take action to sustain and improve our water resources. Protecting this resource is crucial for a sustainable and prosperous future.
How You Can Help
We invite you to join us in our mission to protect our water resources. Whether you volunteer, participate in our educational programs, or donate to support our projects, your involvement makes a difference. Together, we can ensure clean water for everyone.
Explore our Annual Reports for more details on our impact and progress