Greener Approach
Sustainability is an approach to meeting our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This area contains resources applicable to greener approaches in the park maintenance industry.
Sheet Mulching: Lawn to Garden Bed in 3 Steps
Penn State Extension, 2020
Never dig up turfgrass again! With sheet mulching, you can easily transform lawn areas into a new garden bed. You will use readily available, sustainable materials and zero chemicals. This video will show you how!
Community Tree Plans: A Guide for Tree Commissions and Advisory Councils
Penn State Extension, 2007
"This article explains planning hierarchies and putting tree planning into practice, including effective administration
Mulching Landscape Trees
Penn State Extension, 2018
Mulches are materials placed over the soil surface to enhance landscape beauty, improve soil conditions, protect plants from foot traffic and lawn equipment, and suppress weeds.
Hedgerows for Wildlife and Naturalized Adventure
Penn State Extension, 2021
A diverse array of plants in hedgerows provide important habitat for a variety of birds and small mammals.
Forest Landowners Guide to Tree Planting Success
Penn State Extension, 2014
This article focuses on the values and methods of establishing wooded areas on rural property.
Guide to LEED Certification
U.S. Green Building Council, 2021
This site outlines certification guides support the LEED process. Access each rating system guide for important information regarding the LEED certification program including the current policies, procedures and pricing.
Motorized Trail Construction and Maintenance Manual
Maine Department of Conservation, 2011
This handbook will show you examples of how to construct and maintain trails that minimize erosion and environmental impacts while providing safe accessible trails.
Sustainable Trail Bridge Design
US Department of Agriculture, 2020
This report focuses on designing new, short,single-span, wooden trail bridges that the Forest Service classifies as minor and major trail bridges. This report also briefly addresses other bridge types and materials outside the minor and major trail bridge classifications.
Erosion Control During Trail Maintenance and Construction
Bureau of Trails New Hampshire, 2017
BMPs minimize the risk of sediment and other pollutants getting into waterbodies, maintain the natural flow of water in streams and wetlands, protect shoreland vegetation and provide a safe stable trail system.
Life on the Edge: Improving Riparian Function
Oregon State University Extension, 2011
Whether it's along a coastal or a desert stream, the riparian area plays a pivotal role in the health of our watersheds. In this video, viewers discover what that means.
Light Pollution: The Solution Is Easy!
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, 2015
This video takes a look at park lighting, and demonstrates how it can be improved. It also shows some examples of how effective lighting is safer and saves money over traditional lighting fixtures.
Sample - Application for Dark Sky Park Status
Forest Preserves Champaign County, 2018
Example of an application to classify for becoming a Dark Sky Park
What is an MS4?
Penn State Extension, 2018
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System refers to a collection of structures designed to gather stormwater and discharge it into local streams and rivers.
National Menu of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Stormwater
US Environmental Protection Agency, 2020
The menu of BMPs is based on the stormwater Phase II rule's six minimum control measures. EPA has found the practices listed in the menu of BMPs to be representative of the types of practices that can successfully achieve the minimum control measures.
SAMPLE - Successful Green Infrastructure Grant for Parks
Cleveland Metroparks, 2018
Example grant application of an awarded project to the Ohio EPA for their Encouraging Environmental Excellence (E3) Program - which recognizes an organization’s exceptional achievements in environmental stewardship.
