Conservation Practices

The lack of private water well construction regulations in Pennsylvania means that observing manure application setbacks is crucial for protecting private drinking water resources.

Live stakes are an increasingly popular way to repair eroding streams on a budget. However, moving plants always comes with the risk of spreading pests and diseases.

A brief introduction and instructional guide to using live staking as an inexpensive and simple technique to restoring eroding stream banks.

Manure is a great resource for farms because it contains valuable nutrients that benefit growing crops.

Grassed waterways are wide, shallow channels installed where water runoff usually concentrates in an agricultural field.

Without cover crops, the soil would be bare during the off-season and exposed to rain, snow, and wind.

A Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training article about streambank stabilization, including information about benefits, design and maintenance, and cost, aimed at conservation professionals, ag landowners, and farmers

This video provides basics about wildlife habitat enhancement. It covers plant diversity, forest structure, food and water for wildlife, and sources of professional assistance.

Learn more about Agricultural Erosion and Sediment Control Plans, why these are important, whether your farm needs a plan, and available resources.

This article discusses forested watersheds, effects of timber harvesting and how to protect the watershed, and technical information specific to Pennsylvania.

Helps farmers, ag landowners, and conservation professionals implement best practices, ensure the health of land and water in our communities, and leverage funding and partnerships.

This manual for landowners describes where wetland restoration is possible and how it is done. It covers basic wetland concepts, ecological concepts and terms, wetland restoration, and maintenance.

Manure management is a difficult but critical part of managing any horse property.

Tree shelter cages constructed with metal garden fencing help protect newly planted tree and shrub seedlings from wildlife damage and other problems such as overheating, and wind knock-over sometimes associated with plastic tree tubes.

The Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) is preserving more than the environment, it is preserving a way of life for this Washington County farming family.

Where to look for funding or financial assistance for improvements on the farm.

TSPs provide customized conservation planning on your behalf.

Multi-generation organic dairy farm leverages conservation funding to protect water quality while improving operational efficiency

Professionals involved in conservation planning, grant funding, and/or project management often reference an Inventory and Evaluation or I&E. This article describes components of an I&E and provides key aspects for successful projects.

Learn how soil erosion is calculated for your farm.

Charvin Organic Farms completed a major conservation project, addressing nutrient runoff and soil erosion through innovative partnerships and diverse funding sources.

Having a stream in your yard can be a beautiful addition to your property. It can also be a source of frustration and confusion when things aren't going well.

Develop essential skills in agricultural conservation during this three-day training course focused on resource concern identification and conservation practice implementation.

Riparian buffers protect water quality by intercepting sediment and pollution from agricultural fields, residential lawns, roadways, and other sources.

A conservation success story for a Washington County farm which utilized ACAP funding to implement agricultural best management practices.