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.
Guide to Sustainable Mountain Trails
US National Park Service
Trail assessment, planning & design sketchbook
Managing and Reducing Wastes: A Guide for Commercial Buildings
Environmental Protection Agency
Here are tools and resources to help facility managers, building owners, tenants and other stakeholders improve waste management in their buildings, reduce costs and enhance sustainability.
Construction Waste Management
US Army Corp of Engineers
"Responsible management of waste is an essential aspect of sustainable building. In this context, managing waste means eliminating waste where possible
A Green Guide for Waste Management and Recycling During Special Events
US National Parks Service
NPS and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed this guide to help private event organizers and park managers successfully plan waste reduction and recycling programs for special events held at national parks.
Tackling Litter and Flytipping in Recreational Spaces
Zero Waste Scotland
A practical guide to changing behavior
Creating Sustainable Community Parks and Landscapes
PA DCNR
This guidebook was created to outline the benefits of enhancing the natural resources in local parks and other landscapes, to maintain these areas in a sustainable manner, and to provide a step-by-step guide to help staff and volunteers achieve those results.
Guidelines and Best Practices for Sustainable Trails
Trails for All Ontarians Collaborative
A carefully designed and constructed trail minimizes the impact that people have on surrounding or more sensitive terrain.
Northeastern Forest Regeneration Handbook
US Forest Service
A Guide for Forest Owners, Harvesting Practitioners, and Public Officials
Benefits of Mulching
Penn State Extension
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.
How to Build a Raised Garden Bed
TheCraftyGemini
Step-by-step process for building low-cost raised beds for a community garden.
Community Garden Plant Growing Guide
Old Farmer's Almanac
Our Growing Guides contain everything you need to know about planting, growing, and caring for all of the most popular vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, bulbs, and shrubs.
Garden Pests and Diseases
Old Farmer's Almanac
The Old Farmer’s Almanac Garden Plant Pest and Disease Control Library has information on identifying and controlling your most common insect pests and critters—from aphids and hornworms to rabbits and deer. We also address plant disease from blights to wilts.
Conservation Practices for Athletic Fields
San Antonio Water System
An athletic field Best Management Practice addresses the efficiency concept that all desired management goals are accomplished with the minimum amount of water required.
Benefits of Natural Grass Fields
Sports Turf Managers Association
The following technical resource provides a detailed look into the benefits and cost effectiveness of maintaining natural grass fields.
Sports Turf Alternatives Assessment: Cost Analysis Preliminary Results
Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute
The section presented here covers information on costs (installation, maintenance, replacementand disposal) associated with synthetic and natural turf options.
