Education Grounded in Science
At Headwaters & Marine Stewards, we believe that to protect our environment, we must first understand the Vital Cycles that sustain it. Our programs translate complex biogeochemical processes into actionable knowledge for local guardians.
The “Vital Cycles” Curriculum
We offer workshops, field kits, and digital resources centered on the four great movements of matter and energy.
1. The Hydrologic Journey (The Water Cycle)
Focus: From Evaporation to Estuaries Learn how water connects our mountains to our seas. We track the path of precipitation through the NH Seacoast, teaching stewards how to manage runoff and protect the filtration systems of our local headwaters.
2. The Breath of the Forest & Sea (The Carbon Cycle)
Focus: Photosynthesis & Climate Resilience Understand how our local landscapes and marine eelgrass beds act as “carbon sinks.” We teach the science of carbon sequestration and how local land-use decisions impact the global atmosphere.
3. The Foundation of Growth (The Nitrogen Cycle)
Focus: Proteins, DNA, and Water Health Nitrogen is essential for life but can be a pollutant in excess. Our programs teach you how to monitor nitrogen levels in local streams and understand its transformation from a mountain nutrient to a coastal challenge.
4. The Hidden Catalyst (The Phosphorus Cycle)
Focus: Soil Health and Energy Transfer Without an atmospheric phase, phosphorus moves through our rocks and soil. We teach stewards how to manage soil health and prevent the nutrient loading that can lead to harmful algal blooms in our marine ecosystems.
How We Teach: The HMS Method
Each of our programs follows a signature “Source to Sea” learning model developed by David Miller:
Community Monitoring: We equip you with the tools to collect data on these vital cycles, contributing to a real-time map of our region’s health.
Field-Based Workshops: Get your boots wet. We use local headwaters as living laboratories.
Digital Stewardship Kits: Access the educational materials David creates in NotebookLM—distilled, high-level research made intuitive for all ages.
Enroll in This Module
Free for Community Stewards | Professional Certification Available
The HMS Consultancy Edge
Why we teach this: This protocol isn’t just an educational exercise—it is the exact framework Headwaters & Marine Stewards uses to advise municipalities on MS4 Permit compliance and Watershed Management Plans.
While our stewards provide the “boots on the ground” for data collection, our consultancy provides the high-level analysis and engineering strategy required for large-scale nitrogen reduction.
Are you a Municipal Leader or Land Developer?
If your project requires more than community monitoring, we offer:
| Regulatory Liaison | Advanced Nutrient Modeling | Grant Writing & Funding |
| We bridge the gap between your project and state environmental agencies. | Predict how land-use changes will affect nitrogen output. | We help you secure Clean Water Act Section 319 grants to fund your mitigation projects. |