EAC speaker series spotlights Watershed Friendly Property certification

Joe Davis, chair of the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC), opened the series and introduced Theresa Avery, a Master Watershed Steward with Penn State Extension, who framed the talk around a local certification program. "This certification is a partnership between the Nurture Nature Center and the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards, and it is funded by the environmental education grants program from the state," Avery said, describing the program's purpose and funding.

Avery said the certification evaluates four areas—reducing stormwater runoff, reducing water pollution, conserving water and supporting wildlife and pollinators—and is organized by property size. She advised attendees to download the printable worksheet on watershedfriendlypa.org before applying and noted the program uses a self-assessment that requires an 85% score across the four dimensions to qualify.