Natural Landscapes and Open Spaces
Open space systems within public and private developments provide additional opportunities for resource protection and active or passive recreation, and offers benefits including enhanced water and air quality, improved habitat, decreased stormwater run-off, and enhanced desirable aesthetics of natural surroundings. This area contains resources applicable to the establishment and maintenance of natural landscapes and open spaces within our parks.
Put Some spring in Your Risk Management Program
Peter Erndwein, Delaware Valley Insurance Trusts
No lawn in shaded areas? Read on.
Rewriting the Woods; Restoring Native Landscapes from Invasive Takeover
Ryan Varner, Northampton Parks and Recreation
Guide to establishing a lawn area.
Overview of Pennsylvania’s Recreational Use of Land and Water Act
Andrew M. Loza and Debra Wolf Goldstein, Esq. (2019). Justin Hollinger, Esq., and Loza updated (2026)
Agencies rights on public Use.
Recognize Hazardous Defects in Trees
US Forest Service Northeastern Area Pub# NA-FR-01-96
This publication by the US forest Service can help you to identify trees in a hazardous state
Guidelines for Maintaining Streams in Your Community
PA DEP Pamphlet
Does DEP need to be called before you work in a stream? This pamphlet guides that decision.
Lawn Management Through the Seasons
Peter Landschoot, PhD Former Professor of Turfgrass Science PSU
A concise information article with annual turf management chart for athletic field and lawn management in Pennsylvania.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Guidebook
Self-Published
In the 5th installment of this 7-part series, the author provides you with step-by-step instructions on how to handle a pesticide accident.
On the Job After Natural Disasters, Part 1
John Ball, Ph.D., CTSP
With more extreme weather events, natural disasters have become more common. Learn what you can do to manage these jobs and minimize risk.
Avoiding Corrosion of Electrical Connectorson Winter Maintenance Equipment
Clear Roads, 2023
This synthesis project used a survey of winter maintenance professionals and a review of relevant literature to gather information that will aid transportation agencies in reducing—or avoiding—the corrosion of electrical connections on winter maintenance equipment.
Plant Life Cycles 101
American Meadows, 2023
What's The Difference Between Annuals, Perennials, & Biennials?
Native, Invasive, and Other Plant-Related Definitions
US Dept. of Ag, 2022
Technical definitions related to the management of plant species
Biota of North America Program
BONAP, 2022
BONAP provides in-depth information on the entire vascular flora of the continent north of Mexico, as well as for Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
Sustainable Landscaping Basics
Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, 2021
This video will discuss how the principles of sustainability, together with an understanding of conservation techniques and ecological gardening methods, can inform your landscape design decisions and provide achievable structure to the management of your landscape.
How to Remove the Invasive Plants Threatening Native Plants
VPM, 2020
This video highlights Jim Hurley from Blue Ridge PRISM, a volunteer group focused on helping property owners identify and remove invasive plants that are threatening natives.
Invasive Species Spotlight: Purple Loosestrife
PA DCNR, 2020
Purple loosestrife is a common invasive plant in Pennsylvania. Its flowers are commonly seen along wetlands, stream banks, and other wet areas. This prolific plant overtakes habitat and out competes native plants -- lowering diversity and preventing native wildlife from getting the nutrition they need.
