Master Watershed Steward Don Horn promotes sustainability and clean water

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — From childhood fishing excursions to his present-day passion for conservation, Don Horn always has valued water. In his retirement, Horn said he found purpose in becoming a Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward volunteer, which allows him to give back to the community while positively impacting his own mental health. Horn joined the program in Cumberland/Franklin/Adams counties in 2021.

“Becoming a Master Watershed Steward not only enhances one’s understanding of natural systems, but also offers the opportunity to get hands and boots dirty with planting and restoration projects, water quality monitoring, invasive species removal efforts, and much more,” said Holly Smith, former Master Watershed Steward area coordinator and current volunteer.

“Don’s value as a knowledgeable, reliable and effective volunteer was evident from the start,” Smith continued. “His fingerprints are on so many successful projects, such as securing locations and signage for monofilament receptacles in several popular fishing locations in Michaux State Forest and along Big Spring Creek.”

Monofilament receptacles are containers used to collect and dispose of discarded fishing line. If left in the environment, fishing lines can harm wildlife and contribute to pollution.

Horn, who built the receptacles himself, recalled a grim story that underscores the need for these containers: “We had an unfortunate incident with a loon that got entangled in fishing line up on the reservoir,” he said. “We made several attempts to rescue it, but sadly, we were unable to save the bird.”

In addition to his work with the receptacles, he helps homeowners plan and install planting projects to relieve stormwater problems.

“People can use rain gardens and rain barrels to capture water and take care of their plants,” he said. “Instead of letting the water run off, they can create rain gardens to enhance the beauty of their properties.”

Smith noted that Horn often is the first to sign up to teach students about macroinvertebrates, volunteer at a festival or install a planting project.

“One of his many strengths is partnerships,” she said. “Don is very well connected and brings organizations together to complete projects that benefit natural areas, local waterways and communities. He always has a kind word, a smile and lots of ideas.”

In addition to the Master Watershed Steward program, Horn participates in the Friends of Michaux State Forest and the Big Spring Watershed Association. He conducts monthly water quality monitoring with Dickinson College’s Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring team.

In his quest for continuous learning, he has earned certification from the Chesapeake Urban Stormwater Professionals program and received training in Leave No Trace principles.

“With the staff coordinator position in transition, Don has stepped up in a big way,” said Erin Frederick, statewide Master Watershed Steward program coordinator. “Just this spring, he volunteered to help with the annual statewide native tree and shrub sale, taught children in two school districts about macroinvertebrates, staffed a monthly educational booth with the Big Spring Watershed Association, and planned a cleanup.”

Horn noted that the program improved his communication and networking skills, allowing him to spread the word about free or low-cost educational opportunities. “It’s great to have access to such resources anytime,” he said.

Pennsylvania has six major watersheds — Lake Erie, Genesee, Ohio, Susquehanna, Potomac and Delaware — each with a different outlet. “There is a lot of meaningful work happening all over the state,” Horn said.

Smith pointed out that the program’s volunteer opportunities enable participants to either engage in various projects as generalists or find a specialized niche. “There are opportunities for those who are artistic, those who like to build things, those who are very social and love to teach, and those who love being outside or near water,” she said.

Horn said the program has boosted his sense of self-worth: “It has encouraged me to spend more time outdoors and collaborate with wonderful and knowledgeable people. It allows me to continuously learn and grow."

Reflecting on the program’s impact, Smith said, “The best part of the Master Watershed Steward network is getting to know people like Don, who are so dedicated to improving and conserving our natural areas and waterways, and who bring so much dedication, knowledge and passion to the program.”

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.