On October 28, Lancaster Clean Water Partners hosted a streamside planting of native trees, shrubs, and pollinator plants in celebration of Riparian Buffer Month at Manheim Township’s Overlook Park.

The plantings will provide a science-based solution to water pollution from stormwater runoff and will be centrally located in a public park where visitors will be able to see a wide diversity of native plants and tree care techniques.

Following the planting, partner organizations will create signage to teach visitors about the importance of streamside trees and their benefits to healthy waterways and safe, clean fresh water.

Township officials off the event, and volunteers from partner organizations planted approximately 800 trees and shrubs across 5.5 acres.

This planting is a continuation from the initial planting event at Overlook in the spring, when partner organizations planted 2.5 acres of riparian forest buffer.

In honor of fall festivities, sweet treats will be available and prizes will be awarded to volunteers with the best costume and the most riparian-buffer-inspired costume.

For more information, contact Emily Smedley, Communications and Program Manager, 717-598-6111, esmedley@lancastercleanwaterpartners.com 

For more information on programs, initiatives, funding, technical support, upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the Lancaster Clean Water Partners website.  Click Here to sign up for regular email updates.  Follow them on Facebook.

October Is Buffer Month!

Penn State Extension is joining the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council, who declared October as Riparian Buffer Month, as an opportunity to build awareness and familiarity of forested riparian buffers while sharing the applicability of these sustainable practices in a variety of settings.  Read more here.

PA Chesapeake Bay Plan

For more information on Pennsylvania’s plan, visit DEP’s Chesapeake Bay Office webpage.

How Clean Is Your Stream?

DEP’s Interactive Report Viewer allows you to zoom in on your own stream or watershed to find out how clean your stream is or if it has impaired water quality using the latest information in the draft 2020 Water Quality Report.

NewsClip:

-- ABC27: Tree Planting At Manheim Twp Park Aims To Protect Waterways, Habitats

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-- Guest Essay: Communities Should Invest Federal American Rescue Plan Funds In Conservation - Andy Loza, WeConservePA

-- DEP: Healthy Waters Newsletter Highlights Profiles Of 40 Clean Water Funding Programs, Local Clean Water Leadership

[Posted: October 28, 2021]

11/1/2021