Penn State Extension’s Jodi Sulpizio Named Pennsylvania Watershed Champion

Thursday, October 12, 2023

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.