Master Watershed Steward program earns regional award

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — 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.

“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.

The association presented the award April 23 at its annual gala at Fairmount Water Works in Philadelphia.

“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.

The Delaware River Basin spans parts of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware and serves as a critical source of drinking water and ecological habitat for the region.

“WRA unites people and organizations across geographies, sectors and disciplines to address our region’s most complex water resources challenges,” said Skelly Holmbeck, executive director of the association.

She added that the awards celebrate leaders whose work helps protect drinking water, restore aquatic ecosystems and strengthen long-term sustainability.

“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.