Penn State Extension Chester County is now accepting applications for the 2021 Penn State Master Watershed Steward program in Chester and Delaware counties. This program trains volunteers to become citizen scientists who are enthusiastic about the conservation of water resources and gives them the information and skills necessary to share their experience and knowledge with others. Weekly classes will be held on Wednesday evenings from March through mid-June with Saturday field trips and hands-on learning opportunities.

In exchange for 40 hours of instruction, candidates agree to volunteer 50 hours to Penn State Extension the first year, followed by 20 hours per year thereafter. Volunteer activities include organizing educational events, designing demonstration rain gardens, organizing stream cleanups, working with municipal officials to plant native trees and meadows, monitoring streams, and collaborating with local watershed associations.

There is a program fee to cover the cost of training materials and expenses. The local program is able to offer needs-based financial assistance. Online open house sessions will be held for each county at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Jan. 13 and 20. Registration is available at https://extension.psu.edu/master-watershed-steward-open-house, and people should click "Agenda" to choose the date of the open house they would like to attend.

For more information, readers may contact coordinator Meagan Hopkins-Doerr at mxh1135@psu.edu or 610-696-3500.