Watershed Education

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

Vegetated swales are contoured land areas or ditches covered in plants. They are designed to collect stormwater runoff and move it away from areas where it can't soak into the ground.

Trees adjacent to residential and commercial properties, parks, along roads, and in parking lots provide environmental, social and, economic benefits.

This restoration includes stabilizing and/or altering the stream channel to slow and direct the flow of water to reduce erosion and flooding.

Stormwater basins are the reservoirs built near developments to temporarily hold stormwater during rain and snowmelt. They prevent high volumes of water from rushing into nearby streams during storms.

Pet owners have several choices for safely disposing of their pet waste. The simplest method is usually collecting it in a bag and tossing it in the trash.

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.

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.

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.

John Hartzell, Adams County Master Watershed Steward, reflects on his involvement in projects regarding habitat and stormwater runoff.

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.

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

Take a 13-mile bike tour through York's heritage and watersheds. Learn about local mills, watershed features, and natural landmarks through educational stops, including a visit to Codorus Creek.