UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Starting as Master Gardeners and wanting to help protect local waterways, Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward program volunteers Jim and Teddy Emberg, of Westmoreland County, have taken that interest and applied themselves to the program in more ways than one.
The couple explained that they joined the Master Watershed Steward program’s Westmoreland County class in 2022 after learning about it through the Master Gardeners program, which they have been part of for over a decade. A stream on their property regularly flooded, and they wanted not only to learn how to prevent future flooding but also to help the program where they could.
“We weren’t trying to save the planet or anything,” said Jim Emberg. “We just had an interest in helping and eventually started to go to the program’s plant and tree sales and events and just help out where we could.”
Jim and Teddy Emberg regularly participate in the Master Watershed Steward program’s annual Native Tree and Shrub Plant Sale, assisting with the event in Westmoreland County. Additionally, the couple has been part of outreach efforts to raise awareness of the program’s goals and encourage people to volunteer.
Furthermore, the couple has worked with Justin Mansberger, Master Watershed Steward coordinator for Westmoreland County, on various rain barrel projects. Rain barrels capture and store water to be used in watering lawns, plants or gardens. The couple constructs them and helps interested community members understand how to maintain and properly use them on their property.
Mansberger praised the couple’s consistent efforts in supporting the program and their eagerness to lend a hand wherever possible.
“They’re some of my more passionate and involved volunteers,” Mansberger said. “They’re always so eager to help out, and I can really count on them.”
Jim and Teddy Emberg encourage those with an interest in nature, water quality or learning to join the Master Watershed Steward program, where they can apply themselves to help improve the environment at home and in their communities.
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.