Penn State Extension in Lehigh and Northampton counties invites residents to join our team of trained Watershed Stewards, making valuable impacts in our communities.

If you are interested in the environment and the water we drink, a willingness to learn more, and most importantly, a strong desire to make a difference in your community, Penn State Extension’s Master Watershed Steward Program may be a good fit for you.

Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards are, first and foremost, volunteers. The volunteer training program aims to expand knowledge in water and natural resources with Penn State’s research-based information to broaden our conservation outreach. Our volunteers are involved in community education and boots-on-the-ground projects such as stream restoration plantings and maintenance, stream clean-ups, wildlife and water quality community science monitoring, and more.

No prior scientific or environmental knowledge necessary – just an interest in giving back and learning about the watershed issues that affect our communities! The basic training class provides all the necessary background in watersheds and natural resources to equip participants with the tools to make a difference in their communities. We seek individuals who enjoy learning, have the desire and time to volunteer, and value working with others.

The spring training will be a hybrid class with a combination of in-person and virtual sessions. Live, online sessions are scheduled for Thursday evenings between February 20 and May 29, 2025. During the spring through fall seasons, there will be several options for practical training through hands-on field experiences.

Want to learn more about your local program? We invite you to attend our virtual information session. The Info session is free, but registration is required.

Virtual Information Session: Thursday January 9, 2025, at 6:30pm

Registration link:  Master Watershed Steward Training Info Lehigh and Northampton Counties

Volunteer activities available to Master Watershed Stewards include organizing educational events, designing demonstration rain gardens, leading live staking workshops, organizing stream cleanups, planting and monitoring riparian forest buffers, working with municipal officials to plant native meadows, stream water quality monitoring, educational presentations to the public, and more. For more detailed information about the program, attend one of our live information sessions or visit: Lehigh and Northampton Counties — County Programs — Master Watershed Steward Program

Residents who are ready to apply to the program, can submit an online application at https://tinyurl.com/MWSapply or request a hardcopy application by calling 610-813-6616 and asking for Shannon Frankosky.

The Master Watershed Steward Program, established to conserve local watersheds by educating and empowering volunteers across the Commonwealth, has over 960 participants across Pennsylvania, with 100 in the local Lehigh and Northampton County program. Master Watershed Stewards have collectively contributed over 25,000 volunteer hours to improving Pennsylvania watersheds. We are excited to add more volunteer members to our Lehigh and Northampton county teams.

For more information about the Master Watershed Steward Program, please contact program coordinator Shannon Frankosky by telephone at 610-813-6616 or by email at slf5855@psu.edu.

The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact us at 610-378-1327 in advance of your participation or visit.

 

About Penn State Extension

Penn State Extension is a modern educational organization dedicated to translating scientific research into real-world applications to drive progress. In support of Penn State’s land-grant mission, extension programs promote a vibrant food and fiber system, a clean environment and a healthier population for Pennsylvania and beyond.

Penn State Extension serves individuals, businesses and communities, helping them address problems and realize opportunities through a robust portfolio of educational programs, products and services. With support from federal, state and county governments, the organization has a tradition of bringing unbiased information and support to the citizens of Pennsylvania for more than 100 years.

 

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Shannon Frankosky
Master Watershed Steward Coordinator
Lehigh and Northampton County
4184 Dorney Park Rd
Allentown, PA 18104