Our Tool Shed is a resource library designed for professionals working within all aspects of park maintenance. We continually research best maintenance practices from all industries to gather videos, articles, templates, and websites and store them in one place for our members. We spend the time to sift through the noise and provide you with valuable information when you need it, so you can focus on developing solutions. If there is something you need but cannot find, reach out and share your specific needs.
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.
Invasive species: Bush honeysuckle
The State Journal-Register, 2013
Bush honeysuckle invades the forest, crowding out native wildflowers and suppressing the growth of new oak and hickory trees.
Invasive Plants
HortTube with Jim Putnam, 2020
This video highlights common ornamental plants found in home and park landscapes that become invasive problems.
The Effects of Invasive Species
New Jersey Audobon, 2020
This video highlights invasive species common to the mid-Atlantic region and demonstrates some of the effects specific species can create when uncontrolled.
Fighting nonnative, invasive plants at Jacobsburg
lehighvalleylive.com, 2016
Robert Neitz, manager at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center in Bushkill Township, shows some of the park’s nonnative, invasive plant species and discusses efforts to fight them.
Removing Invasive Species Along Ohio Waterways
Ohio DNR, 2019
The ODNR's Scenic Rivers Program works with local volunteers to remove invasive species along the Little Darby in Madison County, Ohio
Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook
US Department of Agriculture, 2007
This notebook has pulled together basic trail construction and maintenance information, presented it in an easy-to-understand fashion, and oriented it to the needs of the trail worker.
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.
Trail Design for Small Properties
University of Minnesota Extension, 2006
Trail Design for Small Properties provides simple, inexpensive solutionsfor designing, building, and maintaining sustainable trials—trails forhiking, horseback riding, bicycling, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling,off-highway motorcycles (OHMs), and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
Trail Bridge Rail Systems
US Forest Service, 2007
Choosing a rail system for trail bridges andboardwalks can be difficult. This tech tip explainsthe differences between three basic rail systems,discusses Forest Service requirements, and provides a simple process for determining the basic rail system that best fits your structure.
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.
Recreational Trail Standards for HRTA-HRM Trails
HRTA, Recreational Trails Committee, 2019
Sample standards for non-motorized trail builders
Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access
US Department of Transportation, 1999
This report presents a number of factors that affect the accessibility of sidewalks andtrails in the United States are presented.
