Deadline to apply is Friday, August 9. Scholarships available.
PHILADELPHIA–Penn State Extension and the Philadelphia Water Department are now accepting applications for Philadelphia’s first Master Watershed Steward Program. Applications are due by August 9th.
Two information sessions will be offered for Philadelphia residents interested in becoming certified Master Watershed Stewards:
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WHAT: Philadelphia Master Watershed Stewards information session for interested residents and water advocates.
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WHERE: Fairmount Water Works, 640 Water Works Dr.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
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WHEN: Thursday August 1st at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday, August 6th at 6:30 p.m.
About Master Watershed Stewards:
The program provides participants with extensive training in watershed management. After completing the classes and volunteer hours required for certification, Master Watershed Stewards educate their communities about watershed stewardship based on university research and recommendations.
Established to strengthen local capacity for protecting watersheds by educating and empowering volunteers across the commonwealth, the program is now represented by over 300 participants in 17 Pennsylvania counties.
Master Watershed Stewards have collectively contributed over 27,000 volunteer hours improving Pennsylvania watersheds.
Master Watershed Stewards receive 40 hours of training on topics including water quality, stream health, stormwater management, native plants, wildlife and geology. After completing the training session, stewards fulfill 50 hours of volunteer service.
In subsequent years, Master Watershed Stewards can maintain their status through 20 hours of volunteer time to watershed projects or programs and attending a minimum of 10 hours of advanced training.
Examples of projects and programs include designing and installing demonstration rain gardens or stream-side plantings, teaching children about stream ecology, and organizing educational workshops that address such topics as backyard conservation or homeowner stormwater management.
Philadelphia’s 2019 Master Watershed Steward training classes will take place on Thursdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. beginning September 12. Classes will be held at partnering environmental organizations throughout Philadelphia and conclude in mid-December.
The course also includes three hands-on Saturday field trips.
The fee for the training program is $70. Scholarships are available based on financial need.
For more information about the Master Watershed Steward Program or to request an application for the 2019 training program, contact Erin Frederick at (610) 391-9840 or elf145@psu.edu.
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