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Join Master Watershed Stewards, Gardeners for In-Person Programs

by Penn State Extension

May 12, 2021

Join our trained Master Watershed Stewards and Master Gardeners of Berks County as they lead several educational sessions throughout the second half of May. Residents of Berks County and beyond can learn about the health of and what lives in our streams, techniques for vegetable gardening, and the invasive species along the Appalachian Trail. Specific dates, topics, and registration links are included below. Each event is $5. All participants will be required to follow proper covid safety protocols outlined during registration. We hope to see you there!

Walk with Watershed Stewards: Family Fun Water Activity  –  Saturday, May 15, 2:30-3:00 p.m.

Description: Take a walk with Master Watershed Stewards and learn something new about nature or the watershed landscape in which you live. For this event, join us for a mile walk down a stream bed and look for living creatures while learning about many things that help your watershed. At the conclusion of the walk, you will have a chance to win a prize! Children over the age of 9 are welcome if accompanied by an adult and registered as a guest through the adult’s registration.

Location: Berks County Agricultural Center, 1238 County Welfare Road, Leesport, PA 19533

Cost: $5

Host: Penn State Extension, Master Watershed Stewards

Registration link: https://web.cvent.com/event/03567740-ebb1-4bbf-88f9-7fedff631fc8/summary  (Registration closes 24 hours before the start of the program.)

 

Walk with Watershed Stewards: Get Buggy with ChemistryMonday, May 17, 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Description:  Join us for a short hike at Nolde and learn about water testing and macro invertebrates. No prior hiking experience needed! Wear sturdy footwear that you can get wet. Meet your walk leaders at Nolde Forest Environmental Center main parking lot by the mansion and McConnell Hall.

Location: Nolde Forest Environmental Center, 3025 New Holland Road, Reading, PA 19607

Cost: $5

Host: Penn State Extension, Master Watershed Stewards

Registration link: https://web.cvent.com/event/d0ad56f8-0ad2-4d22-a667-e2acc50e3020/summary (Registration closes 24 hours before the start of the program.)

 

Walk with Watershed Stewards: Woodland/Streambank Invasive Plant Walk – Saturday, May 22, 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Description: This woodland walk along a short section of the Appalachian Trail in Port Clinton follows the banks of the Schuylkill River. Dress appropriately for a natural dirt path and walking approximately 1.5 miles. Meet the outstanding senior women volunteers who maintain this trail.

Location: Appalachian Trail, Broad St. and Penn St., Port Clinton, PA 19549 (A parking location map will be provided upon registration.)

Cost: $5

Host: Penn State Extension, Master Watershed Stewards

Registration link: https://web.cvent.com/event/2a3198c1-b878-4f58-9ade-867ca8b5cb36/summary (Registration closes 24 hours before the start of the program.)

 

Special Techniques in the Vegetable Garden: Straw Bales, Trellises, and Tipis – Thursday, May 27, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Description: This workshop will cover straw bale gardening, trellises and tipis, and succession planting. Participants will learn the basics of getting started with straw bale gardening, from start to harvest. Participants will set up a cattle-panel trellis and a tipi. These are hands-on activities with participants organized into groups. Vegetable Demo Garden volunteers will help each group set up straw bales, and plant, prune, cage, and stake the tomato plant. Finally, participants will set up a cattle panel trellis and a tipi. Questions are welcome as the participants work through the activities. This event is for anyone wanting to learn more about the 1) advantages of straw bales, 2) positioning of straw bales, 3) pruning of straw bales, and 4) conditioning straw bales to create a near-perfect growing medium inside the bale.

Cost: $5

Location: Berks County Ag Center, 1238 County Welfare Rd., Leesport, Pennsylvania 19533

Host: Penn State Extension, Master Gardeners

Registration link: https://extension.psu.edu/special-techniques-in-the-vegetable-garden-straw-bales-trellises-and-tipis (Registration closes 24 hours before the start of the program.)

For more information about either the Master Watershed Steward or Master Gardener programs of Berks County, including how to become a volunteer, please contact program coordinator, Natalie Marioni at 610-378-1327 or [email protected].

For questions related to managing runoff on your property, home ponds, rain barrels, rain gardens, or streamside property care, connect with a train Master Watershed Steward by emailing [email protected]. To reach a trained Master Gardner for home gardening assistance, please email [email protected] or call 610-378-1327 to set up a video chat appointment.

The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact us at 610-378-1327 in advance of your participation or visit.

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