Watershed Steward program applications

The Penn State Extension Watershed Steward program is offering basic training classes in Bucks County beginning in spring 2021.

The program provides extensive coursework in water and natural resources with ongoing volunteer and educational opportunities that allow participants to make a difference in their communities. The program seeks individuals who enjoy learning, have the desire and time to volunteer, and appreciate working with others.

This spring’s training will be held virtually via Zoom 6 p.m. Wednesdays March 3 through June 2. Optional in-person field experiences will be scheduled locally with COVID-19 safety measures in place.

In exchange for 40 hours of instruction, candidates must agree to contribute 50 hours of volunteer service their first year, followed by 20 hours per year thereafter. Volunteer activities available to Master Watershed Stewards include organizing educational events, designing demonstration rain gardens, organizing stream cleanups, planting riparian forest buffers, working with municipal officials to plant native meadows, removing invasive plant species, streambank restoration, and monitoring streams for erosion and bacteria.

An online video is available to learn more about the program, as well as two virtual open house events for questions. Goto extension.psu.edu/ programs/watershed-stewards/counties/bucks for dates, times, and registration.