Adult Education Programs

We introduce the community, with a focus on local educators, to environmental issues and proactive
solutions currently being implemented in the Niagara River/Lake Erie watershed.

Learn About Our Custom Programs

About Water Academy

Water Academy is a college-level course designed to introduce the community to environmental issues and proactive solutions currently being implemented in the Niagara River/Lake Erie watershed.

This program builds upon the success of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper’s River Academy program, offering a more extensive range of learning opportunities through unique partnerships with local non-profit organizations, including the Western New York Land Conservancy, Buffalo Audubon Society, and Tonawanda Botanical Garden Organization. Guest lecturers may include representatives from governmental agencies, community organizations and the private sector.

Stay Tuned for Our Next Session of Water Academy!

Class Topics:

Love Canal
Green Infrastructure, Green Jobs
Clean Water and You
Restoring Living Shorelines
Urban Green Infrastructure Projects
Saving Unique Habitats – Service Day

Course Credit

Waterkeeper has partnered with SUNY Erie Community College (ECC) to provide this program, so course credits are available to participating students. ECC course credits are fully transferable to most SUNY schools.

Non-Course Credit

Water Academy is also open to the public for non-course credit. There are a limited number of need-based scholarships available. For scholarship information, please contact Liz Cute at ecute@bnwaterkeeper.org.

See what students are saying about Water Academy!

“This class exceeded my expectations! My favorite part was going to beautiful natural areas that I had never been to, and learning about the various issues.”
Student, 2018

“I enjoy being outdoors and learning new information, but this academy took it to the next level. Being able to bring so much back to my classroom and lighting a desire within me to engage more with the community and doing my part was a part of this class I did not expect.”
Student, 2017

“It was great to be able to participate with students just starting their careers. The consideration of a different type of water issue and actual or proposed responses was a terrific foundation. Course leadership was excellent. I have come away with several ideas for how to use my volunteer hours!”
Student, 2018

“The water academy provided me with new resources that I use in my classroom and in my personal life. Creating a rain garden is now on my summer “to-do” list and my students looked forward to my “Thursday Morning” chat after Wednesday’s Water Academy class.”
Student, 2017

For Teachers, Homeschooling Families, and After School Educators

Are you interested in learning more about Water Academy and how you can implement it in your classroom? Our lesson plans are available for download here:

River Academy Curriculum – Introductory Module – Lesson 1

River Academy Curriculum – Introductory Module – Lesson 2

River Academy Curriculum – Introductory Module – Lesson 3

Questions about the course? Need more information before you register? Please contact Liz Cute at ecute@bnwaterkeeper.org.