Master Watershed Steward Program and Training in Watershed Management

The Keystone Clean Water Team has been involved in watershed training and citizen based science programs since the foundation of the organization.  We have conducted rain barrel workshops, training sessions on low impact development and rural/urban landowner stormwater management, citizen science and stream and lake monitoring programs, education on conservation of water, resources, and energy, private well owner outreach, groundwater/watershed education, and stream and watershed assessments.

In June and July of 2019, we were asked by the Penn State Master Watershed Steward Program to conduct 2 training sessions for their education efforts.

Program 1:  “Earth- Was Not Always a Big Blue Ball”
Program 2:   “Pennsylvania – Balancing Natural Gas/Development/ Groundwater and the Environment ”

If you are looking for other resources on these topics, please consider the following:

Educational Booklet on Drinking Water In Pennsylvania

Know Your H20 Store – Neighborhood Hazard Reports (Nationwide) and Water Testing Services

Interesting Reading:  The Poisoned City: Flint’s Water

Training Courses
Natural Gas and Fracking – Environmental Consequences
Stream Restoration (Course 1 of 6)
Stream Monitoring Program – Use our Surface Water Quality Index Calculator (give your stream or surface water a Grade)

You can find information on the Penn State Master Watershed Steward program was established to educate and empower volunteers to protect environmental resources. Training and volunteer service are coordinated at the county level by extension staff, partners, or trained volunteers. 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.  Master Watershed Stewards work with the community to improve the health of our streams, rivers and other natural resources.

Example projects

  • Organizing educational events such as rain barrel building workshops and seminars on backyard stormwater management.
  • Participating in stream restoration projects.
  • Sampling water quality and stream assessments.
  • Coordinating and conducting stream clean-ups.
  • Working with municipal officials on stormwater.
  • Planning and carrying out habitat improvement projects.
  • Teaching adults and children about the environment.

On Climate, I do recommend:

The Politically Incorrect Guide to Climate Change (The Politically Incorrect Guides)

Global Warming-Alarmists, Skeptics and Deniers: A Geoscientist Looks at the Science of Climate Change Paperback – Illustrated, January 20, 2012.

The New Year Has Started, and We Need to Change How We Address Water Issues.

Susquehanna Greenway Partnership River Towns Planner Position

Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is seeking a candidate for the position of River Towns Planner (RTP) to develop and implement programs that build the capacity of local partners to envision, plan, construct and sustain riverfront parks, walking and biking trails, river accesses, green infrastructure, and greenway signs. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture or Community Design is required. Relevant experience in community engagement strategies, community assessments, conceptual renderings, landscape design, historic preservation, graphic design, and project management is needed.

The full position description is attached. Please share with anyone you think might be interested.

To submit an application, please email tcarothers@susquehannagreenway.org your cover letter, resume, and short writing samples. PLEASE PUT “River Towns Planner” IN THE SUBJECT OF YOUR MESSAGE.
Application Deadline: September 14, 2015

About the Susquehanna Greenway

The Susquehanna Greenway is a connected landscape of walking and biking trails, river access points, unique river towns, working farms and conserved land that stretches over 500-miles along the Susquehanna River. The Susquehanna Greenway improves the quality of life for the people who live near it, enhances the economic vitality of the communities that foster it, and preserves our natural and cultural resources. It provides opportunities to exercise outdoors, experience nature and explore historic river towns. The Greenway protects our water quality and inspires stewardship and civic pride in places where people love to live, work, play and visit.

Visit www.SusquehannaGreenway.org to learn more.

Online Training Courses
Stream Restoration – Course 1 of 6.
Wetland Science Course
Sustainability
Stormwater Harvesting
Regenerative Landscape Design
Natural Approach to Stormwater Management