SCRANTON — The Penn State Extension Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming County 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 starts Wednesday, June 1, and continues from 6 to 8:30 p.m. 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.

Two information sessions will be offered from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the following locations: Thursday, April 14, at the Luzerne County Extension Office; and Monday, April 18, at Penn State Worthington Campus.

For more information about the Master Watershed Steward Program or to register for one of the informational sessions, contact Mike Balk at 610-746-1970 or by email at mdb5612@psu.edu.

Information provided by Lackawanna County Communications.