Meet Mariah: Watershed Manager

Rooted in Agriculture, Focused on Water

We’re thrilled to welcome Mariah Roberts to The Watershed Foundation as our new Watershed Manager, a role created to strengthen and expand our agricultural and urban conservation programs. Mariah will play a key role in implementing water quality initiatives, managing impactful projects and grants, and working closely with landowners, community partners, and our collaborative team to advance our mission.

In this position, Mariah will assist landowners with conservation grants such as Healthy Soils Clean Water, Beyond Lawns, and Healthy Shorelines. She’ll also focus on building local partnerships, delivering public presentations, and leading outreach initiatives, especially those centered on agricultural education and sustainable land practices that protect and enhance our watershed.

“Teaching has always been in my nature,” Mariah says. “I’m thrilled to continue serving local landowners by helping them protect their investment in the land — whether it’s around their home, business, or farmland. I’m especially excited to support our local agricultural producers. They work tirelessly to feed and fuel the world. My goal is to help them maximize their profit while minimizing environmental impact.”

Mariah’s deep connection to agriculture began on a diversified family farm near Mentone, and today she continues that passion on her family farm in Syracuse. Her hands-on experience and passion for sustainable farming make her uniquely equipped for this role.

“We are so excited to bring Mariah onto our team,” says Lyn Crighton, Executive Director of The Watershed Foundation. “Her role is pivotal to our efforts to improve soil and lake health. Her agricultural background will be a tremendous asset.”

When Mariah isn’t in the office or in the field, she loves quality time with her children, Trevor and Jay, serving and volunteering in the community, and cooking meals using the food she grows herself. On her farm, she enjoys supporting her husband and fellow farmers, as well as caring for the cattle.

With Mariah on board, we are better equipped than ever to protect and enhance the health of our land and water — now and for generations to come!