UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jodi Sulpizio grew up in rural Juniata County, roaming the fields, forests and streams with her sister and cousins. “The natural world was our playground, and that is where I began to love and appreciate our natural resources,” she said.
Today, Sulpizio has translated that childhood enthusiasm into a career as a Penn State Extension natural resources educator and Master Watershed Steward coordinator for York County. Recently, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay named Sulpizio as the 2023 Pennsylvania Watershed Champion.
“I am grateful and surprised to be recognized,” Sulpizio said. “There are many deserving individuals working incredibly hard to make a difference in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. I am honored to be selected.”
This award recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond to help improve the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Each year, the organization presents a Watershed Champion Award in each of its four regions of Maryland, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Sulpizio noted that the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay is a fantastic organization to partner with on both education and watershed restoration projects.
“Sometimes working in the environmental field can make you wonder if you are making a difference,” she said. “This award makes me feel encouraged that we are doing meaningful work and are making an impact here in York County and the Chesapeake Bay watershed.”
Sulpizio supports 93 Master Watershed Steward volunteers who, since the program began in 2016, have contributed more than 22,000 volunteer hours implementing best management practices and educating more than 38,000 York County residents about water resources.
“As the York County Master Watershed Steward coordinator, Jodi has built a powerful program that contributes significantly to natural resources education and conservation in her county,” said Erin Frederick, statewide Master Watershed Steward coordinator.
“This program stands out for the magnitude, depth and unique significance of its projects and collaborations,” Frederick continued. “Jodi has shown insight and energy in developing partnerships and creating innovative collaborative projects that bring together people and organizations that might not otherwise be connected.”
For instance, Sulpizio coordinates the Street 2 Creek storm drain art project, connecting environmental organizations with artists. This initiative involves painting eco-themed murals on storm drains to raise awareness about stormwater runoff’s impact on waterways and aquatic life.
As a natural resources educator, Sulpizio teaches residents about stormwater, drinking water safety and watershed management.
“I always enjoy teaching kids or working with them on a project,” Sulpizio said. “Seeing their excitement planting a tree, discovering a fascinating aquatic insect such as a hellgrammite, or catching their very first fish is incredibly rewarding.”
Teaching and witnessing tangible changes in behaviors and attitudes is the most fulfilling part of her job, she noted. Her parents, who were teachers, dedicated themselves to making a difference in their community. Their influence shaped Sulpizio’s career path. She also attended Penn State, majoring in environmental resource management, which further influenced her career.
“I didn’t want to teach in a regular classroom, so this job gives me the opportunity to share my knowledge, utilize an outdoor classroom and lead volunteer projects to protect water resources in our community and watersheds,” she said. “Healthy waters make healthy communities. Protecting our water resources should be a top priority locally, nationally and worldwide.”
She emphasized that everyone can be a good steward by taking actions such as reducing stormwater from their property, adding wildlife habitat to their backyard or planting trees.
“Jodi is passionate about empowering both citizens and volunteers to protect our natural resources,” Frederick said. “Together with her Master Watershed Steward volunteers, they have planned and completed numerous, successful watershed projects throughout the county.”
And new volunteers always are welcome, Sulpizio pointed out.
“Other than time, the two things one needs to become a Master Watershed Steward are the willingness to learn and the desire to make a difference,” Sulpizio said. “The Master Watershed Stewards are a dedicated, driven volunteer force. They are my heroes and are making a difference here in York County and across the commonwealth.”
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.