The Penn State Master Watershed Steward Program received a two year grant from the York County Community Foundation through the Codorus Creek Watershed Foundation to increase local capacity by training conservation minded volunteers to conduct public outreach and carry out projects in the Codorus Creek watershed.

The Master Watershed Steward Program looks for individuals that have an interest in the environment, a willingness to learn more and most importantly, a strong desire to make a difference in the community.

Penn State Extension partners with the York County Conservation District and the Watershed Alliance of York (WAY) to implement the program and identify needs in York County.

To become a certified Master Watershed Steward, applicants must complete 40 hours of training and fulfill 50 hours of volunteer service. After becoming certified, they maintain their status by giving at least 20 volunteer hours and attending at least 10 hours of continuing education annually.

The first class has already provided outreach to 2,697 youth and adults and donated over 700 volunteer hours. The Master Watershed Stewards Program looks forward to utilizing the community support from YCCF to train additional Master Watershed Stewards and expand conservation efforts.

The York County Community Foundation creates a vibrant York County by engaging donors, providing community leadership, and investing in high-impact initiatives while building endowment for future generations.

The 2017 class is currently accepting applications. Classes will begin in late February of 2017.

For more information or to apply for the York program, contact Jodi Sulpizio by sending email to: jrb143@psu.edu or call 717-840-7408.

More information on the program is available by visiting the Penn State Master Watershed Steward Program webpage.   Steward Programs are currently active in Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Wyoming; and York counties.

If you live in the participating counties or would like to establish a program in your county, contact Erin Frederick at 610-391-9840 or send email to: elf145@psu.edu.

(Photo: Elyse Pollick,YCCF; Jodi Sulpizio, Diane Oleson, Penn State Extension; Jake Romig, Watershed Alliance of York.)

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(Reprinted from the November 14 issue of the Watershed Winds newsletter is now available from Penn State Extension.  Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)

11/21/2016