WEST CHESTER, Pa. — Penn State Extension Chester County is now accepting applications for the 2021 Penn State Master Watershed Steward program in Chester & Delaware Counties. This program trains volunteers to become citizen scientists who are enthusiastic about the conservation of our water resources and gives them the information and skills necessary to share their experience and knowledge with others. Weekly classes will be held Wednesday evenings from March through mid-June with Saturday field trips and hands-on learning opportunities.
In exchange for 40 hours of instruction, candidates agree to volunteer 50 hours to Penn State Extension the first year, followed by 20 hours per year thereafter. Volunteer activities include organizing educational events, designing demonstration rain gardens, organizing stream cleanups, working with municipal officials to plant native trees and meadows, monitoring streams, collaborating with local watershed associations and much more.
There is a program fee of $125 to cover the cost of training materials and expenses. The local program can offer needs-based financial assistance if needed. Two online Open House sessions will be held on January 13th and January 20th at 6:30pm in each county to provide more information. Registration is https://extension.psu.edu/master-watershed-steward-open-house.
For more information, please contact coordinator Meagan Hopkins-Doerr at mxh1135@psu.edu or 610-696-3500.
–Meagan Hopkins-Doerr, Penn State Extension