Watershed steward volunteers sought

Lehigh Valley residents that want to learn more about the environment and get involved in local efforts to protect water can look to the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program. No previous experience is necessary — just a desire to give back. This program brings together university educators from varied disciplines, environmental professionals and local conservation agencies to deliver 40 hours of training to a select group of recruits who in turn volunteer to help protect the Lehigh Valley’s most important valuable resource, water.

Lessons in topics such as water quality, stream health and restoration, recreational use, groundwater and geology equip the trainees for many projects that benefit the community. Last year 65 volunteers spent nearly 1,300 hours teaching students about stream ecology, planting riparian buffers to filter runoff, installing rain gardens, helping municipalities meet state mandated stormwater runoff requirements and delivering educational public workshops for homeowners on rain barrels, pollinator gardens and stormwater management.

The 2021 Master Watershed Steward virtual training program begins March 3 and continues through June on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The course also includes three hands-on field trips to be scheduled COVID permitting. The fee for the program is $125, which helps offset the costs for program materials and professional guest speakers. Scholarships are available for those with financial hardships.

Three virtual open houses will be offered: 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 1, 1-2:30 p.m. Dec. 9, and 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 16.

To register, go to extension. psu.edu/master-watershedsteward-open-house.

For information, contact Brad Kunsman at 610-813-6613 or bjk21@psu.edu.