What It Is, Why I Created It, and How You Can Become Involved
Why I Created the American Stewardship Network
After more than fifty years working in conservation, education, and community engagement, I came to one clear conclusion:
America needs a simple, practical, and inspiring way for ordinary people to become stewards of the places where they live.
We cannot rely solely on governments, institutions, or experts to “fix” environmental decline. Real change happens when people—neighbors, families, businesses, and communities—recognize their role in caring for their land, water, and shared natural resources.
The American Stewardship Network was created to help make that possible.
Its purpose is not to create a new organization, bureaucracy, or certification program. Instead, it is designed to be:
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A nationwide movement
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A philosophy of living
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A practical model for action
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A community of people who care about the places they call home
Most importantly, it is a way to teach and encourage stewardship that anyone can understand and adopt.
Three Initiatives
Conservation Landscapes for America
What the American Stewardship Network Is
The American Stewardship Network is a national framework for individuals, neighborhoods, and communities who want to live more intentionally, care for the environment, and strengthen the places where they live, work, and play.
It is built upon three key components:
1. A Clear Definition of Stewardship
At its heart, stewardship means:
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Paying attention
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Taking responsibility
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Caring for the land, water, and community around you
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Working for long-term well-being, not short-term gain
Stewardship is not political, scientific, legal, or technical—it is personal.
It is a way of living.
2. The Principles of Stewardship
These principles form the foundation of the Network.
They describe the attitudes, values, and actions that define an American Steward.
The Principles of Stewardship
They help answer questions like:
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How should I approach decisions about the land and water around me?
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What does responsible personal or community action look like?
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How do I balance economic needs with environmental realities?
The Principles provide clarity and consistency for anyone who wants to participate.
3. The American Declaration of Stewardship
The American Declaration of Stewardship is a voluntary, personal commitment to:
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Live with intention
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Learn about one’s place
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Make choices that protect and strengthen local environments
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Support and inspire others to do the same
American Declaration of Stewardship
The Declaration is not a contract, certification, or membership requirement.
It is simply an expression of purpose—a way for people to declare:
“I choose to live as a steward of the place I call home.”
How People Can Become Involved
Anyone—anywhere—can participate in the American Stewardship Network.
There are no fees, no applications, and no formal membership process.
There is one simple entry point:
🌱 Become a Steward-Subscriber (Free)
Anyone can become a Steward-Subscriber by subscribing to any of my three online magazines:
These publications provide:
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practical guidance
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inspiration
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stories from the field
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examples of local stewardship
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tools and resources
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updates on the American Stewardship Network initiatives
A person who subscribes to any one of these magazines is, by definition:
Someone who cares about stewardship and is choosing to learn and grow as an American Steward.
This simple model allows the Network to grow organically—person by person, community by community.
How to Put Stewardship Into Practice
The American Stewardship Network encourages everyone to begin right where they live.
No matter where someone lives—city, suburb, small town, farm, or neighborhood—they can organize their work using the same three-part structure:
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Your Local Area
Your yard, street, neighborhood, or favorite nearby green space. -
Your Watershed
The natural system your land drains into—your ecological address. -
Your Regional Ecological System
The larger landscape or water body your watershed belongs to.
This simple model makes stewardship understandable and replicable anywhere in America.
My own work in New York, Indiana, and Florida follows this same structure, and I encourage others to do the same.
Who Can Join the American Stewardship Network?
Anyone!
Individuals
Families
Neighborhood groups
Students
Retirees
Landowners
Homeowners
Renters
Businesses
Churches
Clubs
Community leaders
There is no barrier to entry.
If someone wants to care about their place, they are welcome here.
What the Network Is Not
The American Stewardship Network is not:
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a certification program
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a regulatory body
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a membership organization
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a political movement
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a scientific authority
It is a philosophy and a framework, supported by learning tools, free publications, and examples from real life.
The Goal of the Network
The long-term goal is simple:
To build a growing community of American Stewards who care for their own places—one backyard, one neighborhood, one watershed at a time.
By adopting the Principles of Stewardship, embracing the Declaration of Stewardship, and becoming a Steward-Subscriber, anyone can take their first step in this national effort.
🌟 Invitation
If you care about nature…
If you want to strengthen your community…
If you believe in leaving things better than you found them…
You are already halfway to becoming an American Steward.
All that remains is to take the first step.
Subscribe to one of the magazines, explore your own place, and begin your personal journey of stewardship.
This Network exists to help you do exactly that.