The Penn State Extension’s Master Watershed Steward Program received the 2026 Special Recognition Award from the Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin.
The award recognizes an individual or organization whose expertise or partnerships have catalyzed meaningful progress in water management.
The program was cited for its work conserving and enhancing waterways and green spaces through education and outreach and advancing ecological resilience in the Delaware River Basin.
The Association presented the award April 23 at its annual gala at Fairmount Water Works in Philadelphia.
“We are so grateful to have the work of Master Watershed Stewards recognized by the Water Resources Association,” said Erin Frederick, statewide Master Watershed Steward coordinator.
She noted that nearly 600 Master Watershed Steward volunteers across the Delaware River Basin in Pennsylvania contributed more than 33,000 hours in 2025, supporting restoration and monitoring efforts and reaching more than 76,000 people through education programs.
“Their commitment and passion for protecting our water resources are nothing short of extraordinary,” Frederick said.
“These awardees are leading with science, collaboration and vision to advance resilience and sustainability in the Delaware River Basin and beyond,” said Jennifer Garigliano, the Association’s board president.
“It is an honor to receive the 2026 Special Recognition Award,” said Beth Yount, water resources extension educator and Master Watershed Steward coordinator for Philadelphia County. “Master Watershed Stewards in Philadelphia, the Delaware River Watershed and across the state volunteer their time and labor to care for our waterways and the environment, but we do not work alone.”
She noted that this work relies on strong partnerships with neighbors and community organizations.
Volunteers support a wide range of efforts-- from installing pollinator habitat in urban spaces to building riparian buffers, creating meadows, maintaining park ecosystems and collecting data that informs environmental research.
“Recognition for our work is, by its nature, recognition for the web of connections that ties us all together as stewards of our precious natural resources,” Yount said.
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 about the program on the Penn State Extension website.
Click Here for the announcement.
(Photo: Shannon Frankosky, Master Watershed Steward coordinator for Lehigh County; Erin Frederick, statewide Master Watershed Steward coordinator; and Beth Yount, water resources extension educator and Master Watershed Steward coordinator for Philadelphia County.
Related Articles This Week:
-- In Memoriam: Gilbert Freedman, Tireless Advocate For And Founder Of The Conodoguinet Creek Watershed Assn. In Cumberland County
-- PA Assn. Of Conservation Districts Celebrates County Conservation District Week - April 26 to May 2 [PaEN]
-- DEP Sets State Water Plan Update Meetings For Regional, Statewide Water Resources Committees Starting May 19 [PaEN]
-- Delaware River Basin Commission To Hold Hearing May 6, Business Meeting June 11 [PaEN]
-- Essential Utilities, PA Environmental Council Award $60,000 In Grants To Support Projects To Protect Drinking Water In Bucks, Chester, Delaware Counties [PaEN]
-- PA American Water Awards 12 Organizations $243,349 In Water And Environment Grants [PaEN]
-- Columbia Gas Of PA Awards $50,000 In Environmental Action Grants To 11 Nonprofits [PaEN]
-- Delaware River Basin Commission To Hold Hearing May 6, Business Meeting June 11 [PaEN]
-- Susquehanna University, Chesapeake Conservancy Collected 100,000 Live Stakes To Expand Riparian Forest Buffers [PaEN]
-- Foundation For PA Watersheds Accepting Letters Of Interest In Funding For Community-Based Environmental Projects In Raccoon Creek Watershed, Allegheny, Beaver, Washington Counties [PaEN]
-- Penn State Extension: Sponsorship Opportunities Available For Sept. 15-17 ACAP Ag Conservation Conference, Indiana County [PaEN]
-- Conservation Efforts Unite: Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay And Joe Jurgielewicz & Son, Ltd. Partner to Create Cleaner Waterways and Lower Environmental Impact [PaEN]
-- RegenAll Funds 130-Tree Silvopasture Project On Lancaster County Farm [PaEN]
-- Three Rivers Waterkeeper Announces Intent To Sue Neville Chemical Company For Polluting Ohio River Near Pittsburgh [PaEN]
-- Penn State Extension Recruiting Pennsylvania Pond Owners To Join A Community Science Study [PaEN]
-- Penn State Extension: Spring Tips For A Watershed-Friendly Yard
-- Penn State Extension: Potential Hidden Substances In The Groundwater You Drink
-- Penn State Extension Latest Watershed Winds Newsletter: Upcoming Webinars, Workshops
-- Help Wanted: Armstrong County Conservation District Watershed Specialist [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- Pennsylvania Independent: PA Group Urges Congress To Save Chesapeake Bay Restoration Funding
-- Lancaster Farming - Tom Venesky: ‘Big Picture’ Partnership Makes Conservation Easier For Farmers [Joe Jurgielewicz & Son, Alliance for Chesapeake Bay]
-- WESA - Rachel McDevitt: Pittsburgh-Area Conservation Projects Get Grants From Open Space Institute To Help Wildlife, Climate
-- Spotlight PA - Molly Bilinski: The Shapiro Administration’s Unusual Challenge To Proposed ICE Warehouse Detention Centers In Berks, Schuylkill Counties Could Take Years To Play Out
-- PHYS.org: Mapping Microplastic Movement In Rivers And Streams Across Pennsylvania [Penn State]
[Posted: April 25, 2026] PA Environment Digest
No comments :
Post a Comment