Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program Accepting Applications for Spring 2026 Training

The Master Watershed Steward Program provides training, resources, and ongoing support to volunteers looking to engage in environmental restoration projects and educational programs. Next spring, 12 local programs will be offering training classes.

The program provides broad water science and natural resources coursework with ongoing volunteer and educational opportunities that equip participants with the tools to make a difference in their communities. We seek individuals who enjoy learning, have the desire and time to volunteer, and value working with others.  No previous experience is needed - our program empowers You to make a difference in Your community and beyond!  You can learn more about the program here. 

This spring's training will be held virtually via Zoom on Thursday evenings starting February 19th, 2026, and will run through June 4th. Some county programs may begin on February 12th, offering an initial in-person meeting. In-person, outdoor field experiences will also be scheduled locally, and online "enrichment" sessions on various niche topics will also be offered.

In exchange for 40 hours of instruction, candidates must agree to contribute 20 hours of volunteer service in their first year, followed by 20 hours of volunteer efforts and 10 hours of continuing education per year after that. Volunteer activities available to Master Watershed Stewards include organizing educational events, designing demonstration rain gardens, organizing stream cleanups, planting riparian forest buffers, working with municipal officials to plant native meadows, monitoring streams for bacteria, and more.

To learn more about the Master Watershed Steward program, you can attend one of our county information sessions. Follow the link in your local program to register for a session:

• Adams: Tuesday, December 9^th at 7:00 PM
• Allegheny: Thursday, October 16^th at 7:00 PM & Friday, November 14^th at 7:00 PM
• Berks: Thursday, December 11th at 6:30 PM, and Tuesday, January 6^th at 7:00 PM
• Dauphin/Lancaster/Lebanon: Thursday, November 20^th at 6:30PM, Thursday, December 11th at 6:30 PM
• Endless Mountains: Contact Jeremy Leaidicker at jxl6817@psu.edu
• Luzerne: Thursday, December 4 at 6:00 PM
• Lehigh/Northampton: Friday, November 14^th at 7:00 PM
• Monroe: Thursday, November 20 at 6:30 PM and Thursday, December 18 at 6:30 PM
• Northwest PA (Erie/Crawford/Warren): Wednesday, November 5^th at 7:00 PM
• Philadelphia: Tuesday, October 28^th at 6:00 PM & Wednesday, November 19^th at 7:00 PM
• Westmoreland: Thursday, November 13^th at 7:00 PM
• York: Monday, December 1st at 6:30 PM and Tuesday, January 6^th at 12 PM

If you don't see your county listed, you may be able to train with a nearby program.  Visit our county program pages and reach out to your local coordinator