Master Watershed Steward Program
On February 13, 2018, Jodi Sulpizio, the Natural Resources Educator at the Penn State Extension Service in York, spoke about the Master Watershed Steward Program. Modeled on the Master Gardener Program, it is currently offered in 13 counties across the state. It was established to strengthen local capacity for management and protection of watersheds, streams, and rivers, by educating and empowering volunteers across the commonwealth. 2016 was York County’s first Master Watershed Steward class. The next Master Watershed Steward class will begin in late February 2018.“Generally 15-20 people are selected for the program each year. Those accepted to the program attend training classes that focus on a broad range of water resource topics, including groundwater, stream ecology, wetlands, invasive plants, water recreation and stormwater management. There is a one-time registration cost to those accepted into the program. This is to cover the cost of the manual, name tag, and cost of the meeting facilities.” (taken from the program website)
Jodi emphasized the importance of informed management of watersheds, especially in the Susquehanna River valley which contributes much of the freshwater flow into the Chesapeake Bay. Storm water management and residential water run-off are typical point sources for contamination of river water.
Anyone interested in the Master Watershed Steward program can contact Jodi through the Penn State Extension Office in York or through her contact listed at https://extension.psu.edu/programs/watershed-stewards/counties/york