Master Watershed Steward program offered

The Penn State Master Watershed Steward Program in Bucks County is training a new class of volunteers this spring. The program provides extensive coursework in water and natural resources training for citizens who have an interest in the environment, a willingness to learn more and a strong desire to make a difference in the community. The program seeks individuals who enjoy learning, have the desire and time to volunteer, and appreciate working with others.

Volunteer activities available to Master Watershed Stewards include organizing educational workshops in backyard conservation or homeowner stormwater management, creating demonstration rain gardens and native pollinator gardens or streamside plantings, organizing stream cleanups, planting riparian forest buffers, working with municipal officials to plant native meadows, removing invasive plant species, restoring streambanks, monitoring streams for erosion and bacteria, and more.

No prior watershed knowledge or training is required to take the Master Watershed Steward training course.

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.

This spring’s training will be held via Zoom 5:30 p.m. Wednesday evenings March 3 through June 2.

Optional in-person field experiences will be scheduled locally as COVID-19 safety measures allow.

An online video to learn about the program and an online application is available at extension. psu.edu/programs/watershed-stewards/counties/bucks.

A free Open House Q&A session will be held via Zoom 6:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 12. To register, call 267-483-2020.

For information about the program costs and volunteer commitment, contact Master Watershed Coordinator Kathleen Connally at 267-483-2020 or email kxc30@psu.edu.