Launch Steward Project

The Deep Creek Watershed Foundation has purchased rain jackets, long sleeve ¼ zip sweatshirts, flashlights, and extendable mirrors for the Garrett College Launch Steward Program with part of a grant we received from the Jayne Koskinas Ted Giovanis Foundation for Health and Policy.

The Deep Creek Lake Launch Steward Program is a partnership between the Maryland Dept. of Nat. Resources (Park Service) and Garrett College’s Natural Resources and Wildlife Technology Prog. (NRWT). Students from this program are employed to conduct inspections of vessels launching in two local state parks: Deep Creek Lake and Rocky Gap.

The apparel has “Launch Steward” screen printed on the back and the logos of Garrett College and Deep Creek Watershed Foundation on the front.

The students, who are trained to conduct inspections of vessels for Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), are specifically looking for hydrilla, an invasive weed that is found nationwide, and zebra mussels that cling to boats and other watercraft.

Our donations should help these students to be more comfortable while doing this important work and to be more accurate with their searches with the supplied equipment.