ORONO – Residents of the Sebasticook Lake area have an opportunity this fall to learn about steps they can take to reduce pollution problems in the lake. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer its Watershed Stewards Program starting Sept. 25 at a location to be announced in the Newport area.

Participants will receive 20 hours of free educational training about lakes and water pollution. In turn, they commit to 20 hours of volunteer work on lake-related projects.

Extension assistant scientist Laura Wilson will conduct the program with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and other agencies. Weekly sessions cover topics such invasive aquatic plants, septic system maintenance and lake-friendly gardening.

More than 250 watershed stewards have been trained since the program began in 1996. Volunteer projects have included educational sessions for schools, lake and stream restoration efforts, and watershed surveys.

More information is available from Wilson at (800) 870-7270 or 581-2971, and by e-mail at lwilson@umext.maine.edu. The registration deadline is Sept. 16.