Penn State Extension Lehigh and Northampton County offices are accepting applications for the 2016 Master Watershed Steward Program.

The program is designed to provide people who are enthusiastic about the environment with the information and skills necessary to share their experience and knowledge with others.

Master Watershed Stewards receive 40 hours of training on topics including water quality, stream health, native plants, recreational resources, and groundwater.

After completing the training session, students fulfill 50 hours of volunteer service.

The training program starts March 9 and continues 6-8:30 p.m. subsequent Wednesdays through mid-June.

The course also includes three hands-on Saturday field trips.

Classes will take place at partnering environmental organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley.

The fee for the program will help offset the costs for program materials and professional guest speakers.

Scholarships are available for those with financial hardships.

An information session will be offered 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at Illick’s Mill, Bethlehem.

The 2016 Master Watershed Steward Program is a collaborative effort of Penn State Extension, the Watershed Coalition of the Lehigh Valley, Northampton County Conservation District, Appalachian Mountain Club, the Wildlands Conservancy and the Lehigh Gap Nature Center.

For more information about the Master Watershed Steward Program or to request an application, contact Erin Frederick at 610-391-9840 or email elf145@psu.edu.