Embrace A Stream

When you support Embrace A Stream, you’re helping local TU volunteers drive important local conservation projects forward on their home waters, and making it possible for the next generation of conservationists to connect with hands-on river restoration projects.

Embrace A Stream (EAS) is a matching grant program administered by TU that awards funds to TU chapters and councils for coldwater fisheries conservation. Since its inception in 1975, EAS has funded more than 1,150 individual projects with more than $4.9 million in direct cash grants.

For current updates on EAS projects, visit the EAS Facebook page and follow #embraceastream on Instagram and Facebook.

In 2022, a total of $86,000 was awarded to 13 chapters and councils, helping restore stream habitat, improving fish passage, and protecting water quality in states from coast to coast.

Grant Applications

Please note the following 2023 EAS funding cycle draft deadlines:

  • May 15 – Deadline to notify regional EAS representative of your intent to apply 
  • July 1 – First draft applications sent to regional EAS representative (optional)
  • August 1 – Final application deadline
  • September 30 – Grants awarded at CX3 Spokane Embrace A Stream Banquet

View the Grant Guidelines & Instructions (PDF)

For your EAS application, you will need the following documents:

Once you have reviewed and worked on your draft application with your EAS Regional Representative (list below) you will apply by July 1 using the following online application:

Embrace A Stream 2023 Final Application (online)

Be sure you have everything you need before beginning the online application.

Embrace A Stream Grant Review Committee

The Embrace A Stream Committee is comprised of TU volunteers and scientific advisers. The committee evaluates all proposed projects and makes final funding decisions in the fall of each year. EAS Committee members are a valuable resource for potential grant seekers and should be a chapter or council’s first point of contact when considering an EAS application. Chapters and councils that receive money are often in contact with their EAS committee representative early and often. The members of the committee include:

Region                              Name/Email                               Phone                   
Chair                              Ron Rhodes                (413) 768-4994      

New England              Ellen Smith                  (413) 624-3483     
(ME, MA, NH, VT, CT, RI)     

Northeast                    Peter Ten Eyck (412) 576-5221
(NY, NJ, PA, DE)

Mid-Atlantic               Brian Bernstein          (410) 262-4188   
(MD, VA, WV, DC, OH, KY) 

Great Lakes                Mike Kuhr                    (414) 588-4281       
(MI, MN, WI, IA)

Midwest States          Mike Kruse                 (573) 819-5426   
(IL, IN, MO, AR, KS)

Northern Rockies      Andy Brunelle              (208) 343-1510   
(ID, WY, MT, ND, SD, NE)       

Southern Rockies    Marshall Pendergrass       (970) 596-8602              
(UT, AZ, NM, CO, OK, TX)

Pacific Northwest      Bridget Moran              (360) 348-0583         
(WA, OR, AK)

Southwest                 Eddie Burke         (775) 747-2785
(NV, CA, HI)

Southeast                   Tom McInnis                (864) 654-4003   
(TN, NC, SC, GA, AL, MS, FL)          

Embrace A Stream Final Reports

One of the requirements for receipt of an EAS grant is a final report. Your team has two years to complete your project and file a final report.  Reports are important as they communicate your efforts to allow the EAS committee to tell compelling stories for program sustainability. In your final report, highlight your proposed goals and objectives and how those were met. If there are goals and objectives that were not attained, please provide additional details to explain.  Any surplus EAS funds must be returned. 

Note that TU chapters who fail to file a final report for projects that received EAS funding will not be eligible to receive future EAS grants.

Click here to download the Final Report Template