By Jodi Sulpizio, Penn State Extension

Twenty enthusiastic participants completed the 40 hour training toward becoming York County Master Watershed Stewards. Instructors from Penn State Extension and partnering conservation agencies taught the series of classes.

Topics included groundwater, stream ecology, soils, geology, native plants, aquatic invasive species, wildlife, stormwater management, green infrastructure and more.

Field trips included a visit to York Water Company, Dover Wastewater Advanced Treatment Plant, Stroud Water Research Center and various stream and habitat improvement projects in the area.

This training provides participants with background knowledge needed to be a successful volunteer. Ongoing educational opportunities are also provided to keep volunteers informed and engaged.

To obtain certification as a Penn State Master Watershed Steward, each trainee must pass a final exam with a minimum score of 80 percent and must fulfill 50 hours of volunteer service in the community within the next year.

Trainees will work on projects to help improve the health of our streams, rivers and other natural resources. They will also teach citizens about environmental stewardship based on University research and recommendations.

Upon successful completion, trainees will graduate as official Master Watershed Stewards. We are excited to see the program grow and welcome the trainees to our team!

The next training in York will begin in March of 2020. Interested individuals can contact Jodi Sulpizio, Master Watershed Steward Coordinator - York, by sending email to: jrb143@psu.edu for more information.

Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Programs are now operating in Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Wyoming and York counties.

To learn more about Master Watershed Steward Programs available in your county or if you are interested in starting one, visit the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards webpage.  Questions can be directed to Erin Frederick at 610-391-9840 or send email to: elf145@psu.edu.

Upcoming Extension Workshops

-- July 17: Managing Stormwater At Home, Middletown, Dauphin County

-- Various Dates/Locations: Private Water Well Safe Drinking Water Clinics

(Reprinted from the Penn State Extension website. Click Here to sign up for updates from Penn State Extension.)

NewsClip:

Volunteers Needed For Master Watershed Stewards In Lehigh Valley And Beyond 

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[Posted: June 17, 2019]

6/23/2019