UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — With a background in environmental biology, Stefanie Green, of Northampton County, has always been interested in understanding and maintaining the natural environment. After joining the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward program, she put her skills and program resources to use.

A chance meeting when walking her dog at Nockamixon State Park introduced Green to Rebecca Hayden, president of the Watershed Coalition of the Lehigh Valley, who introduced her to the program. At this time, Green was studying at Delaware Valley University for a degree in environmental biology and was interested in the program.

Green interned with the Lehigh Valley Master Watershed Steward Program in the summer of 2013, helping lay the groundwork for how the program functions today. Her work included organizing photos, mapping out sample sites, and assisting other volunteers and coordinators in tasks. It wasn’t until 2020 that she took the program’s course and began to work with the county’s program as a volunteer.

“Since officially becoming a steward, I have used all the available resources offered to plunge into public service under the title,” Green said. “I have attended a variety of trainings, continue to meet an incredible group of people and have been given the means to excel at a number of projects around the watershed.”

As part of the program, Green has taken part in projects such as tree plantings, riparian buffer maintenance and educational programs. Two of her major projects included building and maintaining two riparian buffers, one in Hokey Park and one in Walnutport.

“These have been years-long undertakings and would not have been possible without the support of the Master Watershed Steward program,” she said. “They’re helping to spread the word and offer assistance as needed.”

Additionally, Green also was part of the group that created and led the Tap Talks program, in which she and others find speakers to give talks based on various watershed topics at local breweries, wineries and cafes.

Shannon Frankosky, Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward coordinator for Lehigh and Northampton counties, praised the commitment that Green puts into organizing volunteer and promotional efforts for the program.

Green encouraged those interested in making a positive impact to join the Master Watershed Steward program, which offers opportunities that can appeal to anyone.

“I think the program is full of incredible opportunities, even if I am a bit biased,” she said. “There is something for everyone, and then some. The goal is something I feel we can all eagerly get behind: science-based education for all, and conservation of our natural resources.”

The Penn State Master Watershed Steward program provides extensive training in watershed management to volunteers who, in return, educate the community about watershed stewardship based on university research and recommendations. The program was established to strengthen local capacity for management and protection of watersheds, streams and rivers by educating and empowering volunteers across the commonwealth.

Anyone interested in becoming a Master Watershed Steward can learn more at the program's website.