FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Core Course
Below are answers to the questions we get the most often about our Live and Self-Paced Core Course. For more detailed answers, please visit our Help Desk.
Course Requirements
What Do I Need to Prepare?
From land access to prerequisites, find out everything you need to know about what you need to have to be successful in the Core Course.
Do I need to have land?
No, you do not need land access to complete the course, though, depending on your goals, you may want to have permission to work on a small plot, either on your own property or that of a friend or neighbor's. A front yard or backyard would suffice for these.
Are there any prerequisites?
There are no prerequisites to take our current course offerings. You just need to come to the course eager to learn and ready to put in the work. We do recommend that everyone view as much of our content in the Community, on Youtube, or on our Website, as possible. This will create a solid foundation of understanding.
How much time do I need?
The weekly time commitment of this course ranges from 2 hours to 15 hours depending on the actions required and the lengths of videos within the module. Some of the later modules will require even more time to complete, sometimes reaching 20+ hours depending on how you choose to complete the action.
Do I need access to machines?
You do NOT need to have access to heavy equipment to complete the course requirements. If you do have access to these things and wish to work on a larger scale as you move through the workbook actions, you absolutely can. But all of the land based requirements can be done with basic hand tools on a smaller scale. Students are provided with a list of necessary basic equipment.
How long does it take to complete?
The Live Core Course takes 6 months to complete. During the first 5 months, new modules are released every other week.
The Self-Paced Course can be completed at your own pace over a 12 month period. It is possible to finish the Self-Paced Core Course in as little as one month, but we recommend you give yourself at least 3 months.
Student Expectations
What Can I Expect to Gain?
From job expectations to post machinery operation, here are the answers to our most common questions about what you can expect to have achieved, post course.
Will I be successful immediately?
We provide all of the materials, information, resources, and access to professional support you need to make a full-time career out of water restoration work, but ultimately your success is up to you.
Will you teach me how to run equipment?
This course offers basic instruction on the operation of equipment. Much of the real learning comes from practice and working with a mentor, which we provide guidance on.
What kind of clients can I expect?
Our students go on to work with a range of clients; from nonprofits of all varieties, to long-term contracts with large wineries and hotels, to individuals like farmers and homeowners, and of course, with their community.
What backgrounds do student have?
Our students come from all professions, all regions, and all walks of life.
Is the course only for young people?
No. From 18 to 100, people of all ages and life stages can benefit from the course.
What is certification?
Certification is offered as part of our Live course only and is a prerequisite to listing on our Practitioner Page.
A Once in a Lifetime Experience
Enrollment closes at the end of March
Join students from around the world in our upcoming 2025 Live Core Course. The course begins April 7th and takes place over the subsequent 6 months. You'll be with a group of incredible peers, learning week to week about how to work with water to create a better common future.
The Live Core Course
Which Features Are Unique to Live?
Whether you enroll in the Live or the Self-Paced version, the Core Course content remains the same. So what makes Live different?
What are the payment options?
We have both one time and monthly payment options for the Live Course, with no additional fees for choosing monthly.
Can I get a refund if I'm not happy?
If you are unsure if the course is right for you, please select the monthly payment plan as refunds are not offered for any payment that has already occurred.
What if I experience a technical issue?
For all technical problems, please reach out to us via our Contact Us page.
What does the Live Core Course include?
The Live course provides students with access to all of the course content, including module and action videos, a workbook, Module Mentoring, and additional support and resources.
In what ways will I interact with other students?
You will interact with other students in the online community and within the live Module Mentoring sessions. You may also be presented with the opportunity to engage with other students in workshops.
Is there a "professional support" level?
After completing the course you are given the opportunity to join the Alumni Membership. This includes access to all course content, bonus material, and professional development sessions with Zach Weiss and fellow course alumni.
What are Module Mentoring sessions?
Held virtually and hosted by Zach Weiss, each session is focused on a specific module and the workbook items associated with it. Sessions last approximately two hours and occur bi-weekly during the course.
What if I can not attend the sessions live?
You can post your question beforehand, and all session recordings, transcripts, and chat logs are available via the course app after the event.
The Self-Paced Core Course
Which Features Are Unique to Self-Paced?
Whether you enroll in the Live or the Self-Paced version, the Core Course content remains the same. So what makes Self-Paced different?
Are monthly payment plans available?
We do not offer payment plans for the Self-Paced Course at this time.
Can I get a refund if I'm not happy?
Refunds are not available for the Self-Paced version of the course.
What if I experience a technical issue?
For all technical problems, please reach out to us via our Contact Us page.
What does Self-Paced include?
The Self-Paced course provides students with access to all of the course content on our course platform, but does not include the workbook, Module Mentoring, additional support, or a direct path to certification.
When you purchase the Self-Paced Core Course, 100% of the price you pay can be applied towards the Live version, should you choose to upgrade in the future.
Global Equity Scholarship
Are There Scholarships?
Our Global Equity Scholarship seeks to help create equality between people all over the world. Read more about the scholarship, why we offer it, and how to donate here.
Why and who is eligible?
We offer a limited number of scholarships each round. They reduce the price of the course based on the applicant and are available to all non-US based residents.
How do I support it?
Water Stories provides 100% matching funds for all donations and every cent goes to the scholarship students.
How do I apply?
A large part of the application process is demonstrating your commitment and enthusiasm, so make sure you explore the free content we provide on the website and in our community.
Join the Core Course
Enroll Today & Begin Watershed Restoration!
Enrollment for the Live Core Course is only offered once per year and so the enrollment period is limited, but you are encouraged to join our Self-Paced version any time. And remember, if you upgrade to Live you will receive full credit for your payment of Self-Paced.
Want More?
Still Have Questions?
Visit our Contact Us page to reach out to us directly, or for more detailed information about the Core Course and water cycle restoration, visit our Core Course Preview page. For general questions about Water Stories that are not related to the course, please see our General FAQ Page.