Teaching adults and children about the environment, monitoring water quality and participating in stream cleanups are just some of the activities of the Master Watershed Stewards (MWS), a volunteer program of Penn State Extension.

Applications are currently being accepted for the spring 2024 MWS training classes, which will run from March to June, with separate dates for Berks, Lancaster and Chester counties.

According to Erin Frederick, statewide MWS coordinator, training topics will include flooding, drinking water, wastewater treatment, plastic pollution, water chemistry, restoration projects, native plants and the implications of land uses on the watershed. "We cover a lot," she said, noting that optional field trips are also offered.

In exchange for 40 hours of instruction, candidates must agree to contribute 20 hours of volunteer service their first year, followed by 20 hours of volunteer efforts and 10 hours of continuing education per year thereafter.

"Once you start training, you can begin volunteering," said Frederick. "We will also be providing group projects, which is a nice way to get started."

"(Volunteering) is very flexible," she added. "You will be presented with a variety of opportunities. You can choose what you want to do based on your time and your interests."

A volunteer portal is offered so that those who complete the program may register their hours. "It is important to keep track of your volunteer hours. That's how we showcase our impact to our stakeholders and how we keep our program going," said Frederick. "(For example), you can report the number of trees you planted. Since we started the program (in 2012) Master Watershed Stewards have planted 75,000 trees in Pennsylvania."

Rebecca Hayden, president of the Watershed Coalition of the Lehigh Valley, added that volunteer opportunities may also include organizing educational events, designing demonstration rain gardens and planting live stakes to prevent stream bank erosion. According to the Penn State Extension, live stakes are branches of trees that are cut while the trees are dormant. They are planted directly in the soil where they are able to develop roots and grow into new trees.

"Master Watershed Stewards have different preferences for the types of volunteer opportunities they would like to engage in. Organizing educational events can be a volunteer opportunity, but if you don't like to teach at them, that is fine, too," Hayden stated. "You can find the niche that works for you. Stream cleanups are popular because it's a nice way for families to come out and feel like they are making a difference."

"The need is obvious for a program like this," she added. "(Pennsylvania has) the second most stream miles in America, with Alaska being the first."

Frederick explained that those interested in the program are asked to complete an application and take part in a brief virtual interview. "The interviews are just to get to know you and make sure that our programs can fill the needs you are looking for," she pointed out. "It's also a time we can answer any questions that you might have."

Once accepted into the program, volunteers will be asked to pay a one-time fee. "It helps cover our training expenses, but we don't want that to be a barrier to anyone. We have scholarships available," noted Frederick.

In addition to helping the environment, Frederick added, volunteers can enjoy the outdoors and meet new friends. "We hope that you find it rewarding and you have fun. It is a great way to meet people with similar interests," she said. "It is amazing to me that people from so many different fields all have this one unified desire to make the world a little bit better place."

To learn more about the program, visit https://extension.psu.edu/programs/watershed-stewards and scroll down to the news item "Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program Now Accepting Applications for 2024 Training." Those with questions may email Frederick at elf145@psu.edu.