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.
The Box Tree Moth: Coming Soon to a Neighborhood Near You!
Michael J Raupp PH.D & Paula Shrewsberry PH.D Tree Care Industry Magazine Feb. 2026
The Box Moth may be new in PA this year. Read about it here.
Budget Crunch? You Can Still Renovate Your Field
Mary Helen Sprecher Sportsfield Management Online
Turf restoration could be within your budget.
Guidelines for Maintaining Streams in Your Community
PA DEP Informational Booklet
Packed booklet from PA DCNR. Download the PDF.
Lawn Establishment
Peter Landschoot, Ph.D, PSU
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., Justin Hollinger, Esq.
Agencies' rights on public use.
From Software to Systems: How AI will Re-shape Parks & Recreation
Birju Kadakia
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here. Can it help your department?
Designing Trails for User Types
Do your trails fit your users?
Chainsaw Safety Tips
Penn State Extension, video featuring Mike Powell
Great short video review on safety in the field.
Canada Geese: The Bird Control Challenge of the Decade
Marcia Anderson PhD, US EPA
Techniques for managing problem Canada Geese.
Five Tips to Ensure a Healthy Pond
Bryan Swistock, Senior Associate, Water Resources, PSU Extension
Algae blooms happen and how to prevent them in this video.
Roadside Guide to Clean Water: Riparian Buffers
Learn the connection between riparian buffers and water quality.
