Freshwater Society is a nonprofit that was founded in 1968 by Dick Gray, Hib Hill, and Dr. Richard Caldecott to promote the conservation, protection, and restoration of all freshwater resources and their surrounding watersheds. The organization is a thought leader in Minnesota on the health of our waters and produces presentations, conferences, reports, and studies for a variety of audiences.

The organization is also a resource for clear information about the importance of improving water quality. Freshwater partnered with Minnehaha Creek Watershed District in 2013 to pilot a Master Water Stewards program. The program trains volunteers to work within their own communities to conserve, protect, and clean up water by building stormwater management projects (like rain gardens), advocating for clean water in their communities, and connecting with the public about water quality concerns. Freshwater is now training the fifth class of Master Water Stewards and the program now has more than 190 certified Master Water Stewards.

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District is also working with Freshwater to support lake associations throughout the district. This partnership offers trainings and opportunities for networking and collaboration that help lake associations successfully care for their lakes, streams, and wetlands. We are grateful for the work Freshwater – now celebrating its 50^th anniversary – contributes to water quality efforts throughout Minnesota, and we are proud to partner with them to protect water in the Minnehaha Creek watershed!