Water Quality and Management

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.

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.

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

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.

Did you know that runoff containing deicing chemicals can damage our rivers and streams?

Downspout planters are an effective and attractive way to help minimize stormwater problems.

These metal yard signs will be installed near Master Watershed Steward restoration projects to prevent maintenance workers from accidentally mowing over plantings.

Why plastic overuse is a problem, defines what microplastics are, and provides tips to reduce our use of plastics.

These yard signs will be installed near Master Watershed Steward restoration projects to prevent maintenance workers from accidentally mowing over plantings. Kit includes 1 Coroplast sign with wire stake.

This article discusses controlling water's edge erosion problems on small riparian sites.

Create and maintain a water-saving rain barrel using the purchased kit, a barrel, and these step-by-step instructions, including photos.

This article provides information on what PFAS chemicals are, their sources, how they impact us, and what we can do about it.

As landscapes grow and develop, the health of streams and rivers affects the quantity and quality of the rainfall entering waterways; what many call stormwater.

Manure impacts water quality. In Pennsylvania, everyone who produces manure needs a plan. That includes 4-H youth!

Results of a 2006 Penn State study on the condition of septic systems statewide, funded by a grant from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.

Learn the basics of farms and farming, including crops, livestock, and natural resources, common to Pennsylvania and other Mid-Atlantic and Northeast states.