See All Watershed Protection and Restoration

Sediment barriers are temporary structures used around the edge of sites with bare soil. They are meant to separate any potential sediment pollution from stormwater that might flow off the site.

A riparian buffer involves planting or retaining trees, shrubs, or tall grasses along the banks of rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds.

The adaptability of rain gardens makes it possible to fit them on urban and suburban sites where green space is limited.

These pervious surfaces are designed to allow snowmelt and rain to drain through the hard, but porous, top surface.

Native meadow plantings are meant to be low maintenance and, once established, only need to be cut back once or twice a year.

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.

Stormwater is the water that runs off of houses, streets, parking lots, and other hard surfaces during rain events. It has been identified as a major cause of water pollution.

Let's dive into looking at these water critters.

A Master Watershed Steward reflects on their own journey to advocating for watershed protection.

Live stake nurseries combine restoration work with educational outreach.

Wetlands are unique ecosystems found worldwide that host an abundance of plant and animal species and function as a natural means of water filtration and flood control.

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.

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.

Educational resources on proper management of private water systems including wells, springs, and cisterns.

Pennsylvania is home to many fascinating wetlands and swamps that help purify water and serve as beneficial habitats that teem with life.

Discover the Master Watershed Steward Program, empowering communities through conservation, environmental education, and community involvement. Join us today!

Penn State Extension is seeking individuals and organizations to present at the 2025 Dive Deeper Summit for Water Educators, scheduled on September 25, 2025, in Harrisburg.

As a teacher, educator, volunteer, or parent, explaining complicated concepts is much easier with resources and visuals.

Actively replenishing dead wood in forest streams improves fish habitat while enhancing water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

Discover the Master Watershed Steward Program, empowering communities through conservation, environmental education, and community involvement. Join us today!

Discover the Master Watershed Steward Program, empowering communities through conservation, environmental education, and community involvement. Join us today!

While some nutrients are essential for a healthy aquatic ecosystem, extra nutrients become a pollution problem.

Is your stream healthy? Would you like to explore it a little closer or monitor changes in your stream over time? Have you recently done something to improve your stream, and now you want to measure the successful results?