WEST PITTSTON — The Penn State Extension Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming counties offices are now accepting applications for the 2016 Master Watershed Steward Program. The program provides people who are enthusiastic about the environment with the information and skills necessary to share their experience and knowledge with others.
Master Watershed Stewards receive 40 hours of training on topics including water quality, stream health, native plants, recreational resources, and groundwater. After completing the training session, students 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 continuing education training.
The 2016 Master Watershed Steward training program kicks off from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 1 and continues on subsequent Wednesdays through Aug. 31. The course also includes three hands-on Saturday field trips visiting sites in all three counties. Classes will be held at partnering environmental organizations throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming counties.
There is a fee to help offset the costs for program materials and professional guest speakers. Scholarships are available for those with financial hardships.
Three information sessions will be offered from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., one on Tuesday, April 5, at the Wyoming County Extension Office; another on Thursday, April 14, at the Luzerne County Extension Office and a third on Monday, April 18, at Penn State Worthington Campus.
For more information or to register, contact Mike Balk at 610-746-1970 or mdb5612@psu.edu. Program information can also be found online at extension.psu.edu/Luzerne.
