EASTON, Pa. — A statewide program focused on protecting water resources while providing habitat for wildlife and pollinators is expanding.
- The Watershed-Friendly PA program is expanding to include urban areas and institutional properties
- The project is run by the Nurture Nature Center and the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program
- If certified, a property owner or renter will receive a certificate, a free window or door decal and can order a property sign
“We all live in a watershed, and our actions impact the health of the watershed which in turn impacts our health,” said Kate Semmens, Nurture Nature Center's science director. “Recognizing property owners and individuals that are taking actions to reduce pollution, conserve water, maintain native habitats and reduce storm water runoff not only supports watershed health but it builds the understanding that we are connected to our local environment and have an important and valuable role in its health and ours.
“So, if your neighbor chooses not to have a highly manicured lawn but instead support native flora in their yard, there are benefits to that which should be recognized and encouraged.”
Launched by Nurture Nature Center and the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program, the Watershed-Friendly PA program provides education about best management practices, as well as a certification, for landowners incorporating those practices on their properties. The three-year-old program has now expanded to include urban areas as well as larger or institutional properties.
“Making larger properties watershed-friendly is imperative for watershed health due to the large amount of acreage they comprise,” according to the program’s website. “Additionally, institutional properties tend to have highly manicured landscapes with non-native grasses requiring significant maintenance through mowing and pesticide and fertilizer applications contributing to water quality issues, among other impacts.
“By taking action to make these properties more watershed friendly, the health of the watershed and those that live in it will be improved, in addition to cost and time savings for the institutions.”
So, if your neighbor chooses not to have a highly manicured lawn but instead support native flora in their yard, there are benefits to that which should be recognized and encouraged.Kate Semmens, Nurture Nature Center's science director
In addition, there are residents living in urban areas who want to contribute to watershed health but have limited property, officials said. They can contribute to watershed health through waste management practices, as well as other activities.
There are now three different applications: urban small lot or apartment (less than 10,500 square feet), mid-sized property (0.25 acres to 15 acres) and large-sized property (over 15 acres).
“The urban small lot or apartment is designed for anyone who manages or shares management of an outdoor space measuring less than 10,500 square feet, or who manages a streetside, patio or rooftop garden, or who only controls their indoor living environment, and recognizes community members who incorporate best practices into their lives and where they live,” officials said.
In order to achieve the certification, individuals and organizations must commit to working towards the program’s objectives, which include: reducing stormwater runoff, reducing pollution, conserving water, supporting wildlife and pollinators and participating in community-based watershed protection activities.
Once certified, the property owner or renter will receive a certificate, a free window or door decal and can order a property sign.
Since 2020, more than 1,200 acres of property across the state have been certified watershed-friendly through the program, officials said. It was developed through a nearly $20,000 Environmental Education Award from the state Department of Environmental Protection.
In 2022, the program was granted the 2022 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.
The DEP has continued its support of the program, providing more grant funding to expand the program to additional property and individual types as well as to launch a brand new website, watershedfriendlypa.org.
Officials are hosting webinars this month for residents seeking more information about the program. The next webinar is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 31. Registration is required.
