"I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze..."

-   William Wordsworth, an excerpt from Daffodils      

Editors Note

Spring has sprung!  The daffodils are here and a new growing season has begun. 

This is the best time of the year for planting.  It's time to start thinking about how you can improve your landscape.  Maybe this year you're ready for a rain garden or bioretention area, or you're looking to bring in wildlife with a butterfly or hummingbird garden.  There are many native plants available in the industry now.  If you're ready to get your hands dirty, below is a list of native plant nurseries in the area.  Also check out the Upcoming Events below, there are some native plant sales coming up.

If you're interested in adding a rain garden or would like to spruce up your landscaping, contact us at F. X. Browne, Inc.

~ Lisen Cummings, Sustainable Environments Editor/Designer

COLLINS NATIVE PLANT NURSERY
773 Roslyn Avenue
Glenside, PA 19038
Phone: 215-884-4161
E-mail: edgehillcastle@camcast.net

EDGE OF THE WOODS NATIVE PLANT NURSERY
8718 Clausville RD, Fogelsville, PA 18051
Phone: 610-442-2495 or 610-442-2496
Email:info@edgeofthewoodsnursery.com 
Web:www.edgeofthewoodsnursery.com

ERNST CONSERVATION SEEDS, LLP
9006 Mercer Pike, Meadville, PA 16335
Phone: 800-873-3321
Fax: 814-336-5191
E-mail: mailto:ernstsales@ernstseed.com
Web: www.ernstseed.com

GO NATIVE TREE FARM
2310 Chestnut View Drive
Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: 717.399.0195
Email: gonative@voicenet.com
Web: www.gonativetrees.com

NEW MOON NURSERY, LLC

13 Ways Lane
Kennett Square, PA 19348
Phone: 888-998-1951
Fax: 888-998-1952
E-mail: info@newmoonnursery.com

Web: http://www.NewMoonNursery.com/

NORTHEAST NATIVES & PERENNIALS
1716 E. Sawmill Rd., Quakertown, PA 18951
Phone: 215-536-1511
E-mail: NENatives_Perennials@yahoo.com

OCTORARO NATIVE PLANT NURSERY
6162 Street Rd., Kirkwood, PA 17536
Phone: 717-529-3160
Fax: 717-529-4099
Web: www.octoraro.com

REDBUD NATIVE PLANT NURSERY
1214 N. Middletown Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342
Phone: 610-358-4300
www.redbudnativeplantnursery.com

SUGARBUSH NURSERY
4272 Morgantown Rd., Mohnton, PA 19540
Phone: 610-856-0998
Email: info@sugarbushnursery.com
Web: www.sugarbushnursery.com

TEMPLE UNIVERSITY
Native Plant Propagation Center
580 Meetinghouse Rd., Ambler, PA 19002
Phone: 215-283-1330

YELLOW SPRINGS FARM
1165 Yellow Springs Rd., Chester Springs, PA 19425
Phone: 610-827-9204
Fax: 888-522-5616
Web: www.yellowspringsfarm.com

Topic of the Month

Stimulus Package - Wetlands and River Restoration

 

The stimulus bill includes funding for wetlands and river restoration.  The Association of State Wetland Managers has a website that provides valuable information on utilizing stimulus funding to conserve, manage and protect our water resources and wetlands.  Funding is available through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Army corps of Engineers, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  For more information, visit http://www.aswm.org/fwp/stimulus/index.htm

 

EPA Funding:

 

Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes $4 billion for Clean Water State Revolving Fund projects and $2 billion for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund project.  Applicable projects must be on a state Intended Use Plan (IUP). 

 

EPA Fact Sheets:

• "Protecting Wetlands with the Clean Water State Revolving Fund"

            http://www.aswm.org/fwp/stimulus/wetlands.pdf

• "Funding Nonpoint Source Activities with the Clean Water State Revolving Fund"

            http://www.aswm.org/fwp/stimulus/nps.pdf

• "Green Infrastructure Approaches to Managing Wet Weather with Clean Water State Revolving Funds"

            http://www.aswm.org/fwp/stimulus/green_infrastructure.pdf

 

 

NOAA Funding:

 

Coastal and Marine Habitat Restoration Projects Funding Announcement - NOAA

NOAA is seeking projects that will restore coastal and marine habitats, including wetlands restoration, dam removals, shellfish restoration and coral reef restoration.  Funding is provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  Applications are due April 6, 2009.

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/recovery/

 

 

FHA Funding:

 

For detailed information on stimulus funding that has been allocated to the Federal Highway Administration, visit http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/economicrecovery/summary.htm

 

 

USDA NRCS Funding:

 

The Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations program has monies to be utilized for buying and restoring floodplain easements. The Watershed Rehabilitation program provides monies for dam removal or rehabilitation.  Visit http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ under Water Resources Programs for more information.

 

News Clips

 

Project Demonstrates Benefits of Constructed Wetlands to Treat Non-Traditional Water Sources

A study by Clemson University researchers was conducted to determine whether constructed wetlands could be utilized to treat contaminated water.  The study included ash basin water, simulated cooling water, flue gas desulfurization water and water that is utilized in producing oil and natural gas.  The purpose was to see if constructed wetlands could remove the contaminants found in these water types such as salts, heavy metals and hydrocarbons.  The water was filtered through the constructed wetlands for approximately 24 hours.  Results showed that the treated water was acceptable for reuse or discharge.  Since constructed wetlands cost 10-50% less than typical water treatments, this is a great opportunity.  Constructed wetlands have many attributes such as stormwater management, water quality, wildlife habitat and aesthetics.  If you are interested in utilizing constructed wetlands on your site, please contact us at F. X. Browne, Inc.

WaterWorld, March 10, 2009

http://ww.pennnet.com/display_article/356131/41/ARTCL/none/ENVIR/1/Project-demonstrates-benefits-of-constructed-wetlands-to-treat-non-traditional-water-sources/

 

DCED Helping Pennsylvania Communities Grow and Improve with $1.6 Million Investment

The Department of Community and Economic Development is providing $1.6 million of funding for 43 projects in 25 counties in Pennsylvania.  The funding will be utilized for the development of comprehensive plans, assistance for municipalities to update zoning laws, and to help communities pay for costs associated with transportation, infrastructure, brownfields, housing, parking, open space, and historical preservation needs. 

newPA.com, Janel Miller, March 17, 2009

http://www.newpa.com/newsroom/news-detail/index.aspx?nid=317

 

Report Says Chesapeake Bay's Health Not Improving

Despite a multibillion-dollar cleanup effort over the last 25 years, an annual study by the Chesapeake Bay Program states that the Chesapeake Bay remains "severely degraded".  Development and approximately 17 million people within the watershed in portions of New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia are contributing nitrogen, phosphorous and sediments to the Bay.  The bay's health is at 38 percent. 

The Associated Press, Brian Westley, March 19, 2009

http://www.pennlive.com/newsflash/pa/index.ssf?/base/news-72/1237469349183550.xml&storylist=penn

 

Report Shows Progress Exceeding Plans in Christina River Basin

A report by the University of Delaware and the Delaware River Basin shows that projects over the past four years have reduced stormwater runoff pollution to the Christina River Basin.  The Christina River Basin Clean Water Partnership in Pennsylvania and Delaware has performed many projects to reduce stormwater pollution, such as stream restoration, stream fencing and nutrient management control plans.  This was accomplished with the assistance of a $1 million EPA Targeted Watersheds Grant.

EPA Environmental News, February 5, 2009

http://www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/pdf/pressreleases/Christina%20Basin%20PR%20Feb%205.pdf

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

 

Managing Wet Weather with Green Infrastructure Webcasts

The 2009 schedule of webcasts on Managing Wet Weather with Green Infrastructure is at: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/outreach_files/webcast_flyer_green_infrastructure.pdf Webcasts are free. The flyer provides information on how to register.

• April 28, 2009 - Models & Calculators

• April 28, 2009 - Municipal Case Study: Louisville

• May 12, 2009 - Site Planning & Design Considerations

• May 12, 2009 - Costs and WERF Cost Tool

• June 23, 2009 - Funding & Incentives

• June 23, 2009 - Brownfield Redevelopment

• July 28, 2009 - Retrofits: Green Streets

• July 28, 2009 - Operation & Maintenance

April 18, 2009 - Lehigh County Conservation District Tree Seedling Sale
The Lehigh County Conservation District will be holding their annual tree seedling sale.  Orders should be placed by March 25 but will be filled on a first come, first serve basis, so don’t wait too long.  They offer trees, shrubs and herbaceous seed mixes.  Proceeds will benefit environmental programs in Lehigh County.
http://lehighconservation.org/uploads/PDF/tree_form.pdf

April 22, 2009 - Earth Day

http://www.earthday.net/

To learn about the history of Earth Day or to look for an event in your area, visit http://www.epa.gov/earthday/

 

April 25, 2009 - Brodhead Watershed Association Native Plant Sale

The Brodhead Watershed Association will be holding a native plant sale.  The Monroe County Conservation District will also be offering four kinds of evergreen seedlings.  The plant sale will be held at the Monroe County Conservation District.

http://www.mcconservation.org/

 

April 25 through May 9, 2009 - Pick It Up PA Days 

Join the Great American Cleanup of PA by taking part in the Pick It Up PA Days from April 25 through May 9, 2009.  Do your part to remove litter from our roads, parks, forests, riverbanks, neighborhoods and open spaces.  You can register an event or find an event that's already scheduled. 

http://www.greatpacleanup.org/

 

May 8 through 17, 2009 - Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve Spring Native Plant Sale

Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve will be holding a native plant sale.  The sale starts May 8 for members only.  May 9^th through May 17^th is open to the public.  They also have a Native Plant Seed Catalog which offers 53 species.

http://www.bhwp.org/seed_catalog/plantsale.htm

 

June 13-14, 2009 - Northeast PA Energy Solutions Expo

The Pocono Northeast Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council and its partners are hosting the Northeast PA Energy Solutions Expo at the Luzerne County Fairgrounds in Dallas, PA.  The Expo will be focused on reducing energy consumption and finding local alternative and renewable energy options.  Presentations will include information on solar, wind, biomass, geothermal energy, biofuels, green building design, saving energy, energy audits, and transportation.  For more information, visit www.pnesolutions.org or contact the Pocono Northeast RC&D Council 570-282-8732 ext. 4 or sue@pnercd.org.

 

Policy Update

House Approves Major Water Infrastructure Legislation

The House of Representatives approved legislation to authorize $20 billion for wastewater and water quality improvements.  $13.8 billion would be provided for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and $750 million for the Great Lakes Legacy Act over the next 5 years.  Amendments were adopted to increase stormwater pilot projects that utilize low impact development (i.e. rain gardens, green roofs, etc.)

American Rivers, Week of March 16, 2009

http://www.americanrivers.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=17121.0&dlv_id=27661

DEP Takes Over Marcellus Shale Gas Well Permit Reviews from Conservation Districts

The PA DEP will now be reviewing permits for the exploration, production, processing, treatment or transmission facilities for Marcellus Shale gas drilling.  They will be reviewed under the ESCGP-1 Permit.  New permit forms will be available for use starting April 1, 2009.
PA Environment Digest, March 20, 2009

http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=11902

Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) Announces Restoration of Federal Funding Support
The U.S. Congress has approved legislation to support the DRBC expense budget at a tune of $715, 000.  The DRBC provides programs for water quality protection, monitoring and assessment, water supply allocation, flood loss reduction, drought management, water conservation initiatives, watershed planning and habitat restoration.
Delaware River Basin Commission News Release, March 19, 2009
http://www.state.nj.us/drbc/newsrel_fedfundingrest031909.htm

 

Grants and Awards 

DEP/DCNR Grant Guidance Workshop
The DEP and DCNR are holding workshops to provide guidance on applying for grants.  Municipalities, community planners an watershed groups are welcome to attend in Sharon, PA (northwest PA) on April 2, 2009.  DEP grants that will be discussed consist of Growing Greener, Energy Harvest, Coastal Resource Management, Source Water Assessment and Protection, and environmental grants.  DCNR grants such as Bureau of Recreation and Conservation Grants Program will also be discussed. 

http://www.ahs2.dep.state.pa.us/newsreleases/default.asp?ID=5441&varQueryType=Detail

 

Fund for Wild Nature

The fund for Wild Nature provides funding for campaigns focused on saving and restoring native plant species and ecosystems.  Next deadline is May 1, 2009.  A future deadline is November 1, 2009.

http://www.fundwildnature.org/proposal.html

 

Upper Mississippi River Watershed Fund

The USDA Forest Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation partnered to provide grants for forest and restoration of watersheds in the Upper Mississippi River drainage.  Non-profit 501(c) organizations, local and state units of government are eligible.  The minimum match is 1:1.  Pre-proposals due April 15, 2009.

http://www.nfwf.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Chesapeake_Bay_Stewardship_Fund&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=4037

 

Smart Growth Implementation Assistance 2009 Request for Applications

Technical assistance is provided to communities to incorporate smart growth in future development to address issues such as climate change, green jobs, corridor redevelopment, green building, suburban retrofitting, and disaster resiliency.  It is provided by the Development, Community, and Environment Division in EPA's Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation.  It is open to tribal, local, regional and state governments.  Nonprofits can also apply if they have a partnership with a government agency.  Applications are due April 23, 2009.

http://epa.gov/smartgrowth/2009_sgia_rfa.htm

 

EJ Small Grants Program

This grant program provides support to communities that work together on local solutions for environmental or public health issues.  It assists communities in creating collaborative partnerships.

http://www.epa.gov/compliance/environmentaljustice/grants/ej-smgrants.html

 

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Electronic Grants System

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources provides eGrants, an electronic grants system that contains all available DCNR grants.  Applications can be submitted online.

https://www.grants.dcnr.state.pa.us/index.aspx

 

Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program

This grant program provides a reimbursement grant of 25%, up to $25,000 for small businesses in Pennsylvania to become more energy efficient.  Small businesses (with 100 employees or less) can be reimbursed for improvements such as geothermal heat pumps, energy efficient HVAC, lighting, building insulation, etc. Applications must be submitted by May 1, 2009.

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/energindependent/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=543714&enintechNav=|37014|

 

Small Business Low-Interest Rate Loans

The Small Business Pollution Prevention Assistance Account (PPAA) Loan Program provides low-interest rate loans for small business projects that reduce waste, pollution or energy use.  The 2% fixed interest loans can fund 75 percent of the project cost to a maximum of $100,000.  For more information, www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: PPAA. “ http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/energindependent/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=543714&enintechNav=|37014|

 

Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program

This grant is available to nonprofits and local governments for preserving, restoring, and/or rehabilitating historic resources.  It is a competitive matching grant with a maximum award of $100,000.

http://www.artsnet.org/phmc/grants.htm#clg

 

2009 Community Conservation Partnership Grant Program (C2P2)

These grants are available to nonprofits, local governments and county governments for recreation and conservation needs.  Grants are organized into three subjects: planning, acquisition and development. Applications are due April 22, 2009.

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/grants/

 

Conservation Easement Assistance Program

Provided by the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association, this program assists with transaction costs for conservation easements, for a total of $5,000 per easement transaction.  The program assists with completing conservation and trail easements, amending and restating older easements, establishing or updating baseline documentation and installing signs on eased properties.

www.conserveland.org/ceap

 

PennVEST Infrastructure Loans/Grants 

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority published revised cutoff dates for submitting applications for water, wastewater, stormwater and other project funding:  May 18, 2009 for the summer board meeting (TBD)

http://www.pennvest.state.pa.us/pennvest/cwp/browse.asp?A=4 

 

Foundation For Pennsylvania Watersheds Grants

The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds is now accepting applications for grants to protect healthy, natural streams, clean up pollution, and restore degraded wildlife habitat. The next round of applications are due August 21, 2009. The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds awards grants to 501(c)3 nonprofit citizen groups. The primary service area is from the Ohio boarder to the mainstem of the Susquehanna River. http://www.pennsylvaniawatersheds.org/?page_id=20 

 

PA WREN Community Watershed Education Grants

The Water Resources Education Network (WREN) has funding available up to $5,000 to help launch community projects that educate citizens about ways to protect community water resources from polluted runoff. Eligible projects include watershed education projects that build awareness and educate Pennsylvania citizens about their role as environmental stewards. WREN gives priority to projects that incorporate social marketing concepts and encourage individual or public policy action that will protect and improve local water resources. Applications are due by April 3, 2009. http://wren.palwv.org/grants/local.html 

 

PA DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants

The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will award Community Conservation Partnership Grants to municipalities for recreation, park and conservation projects. These include the rehabilitation and development of parks and recreation facilities; acquisition of land for park and conservation purposes; and technical assistance for feasibility studies, trails studies, and site development planning. The deadline for grant applications is April 22, 2009. The PADCNR, in partnership with the PA Recreation and Park Society, has scheduled a series of eight grant workshops for the Community Conservation Partnership Grant Program. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/grants/

 

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative

Under the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative (CBWI), eligible landowners can use available technical and financial assistance to address soil erosion, sedimentation, and excess nutrients in streams and waterways, as well as other related natural resource concerns such as air quality, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and forestry. Applications for CBWI will be accepted continuously and evaluated on a monthly basis. To apply, farmers must fill out an application form and contact their local NRCS office. Pennsylvania agricultural producers located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed may be eligible to apply. http://www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cbwi/index.html

 

Call for Stormwater BMP Projects

The Stormwater BMP (Best Management Practice) Recognition Program recognizes innovative BMP's implemented between 2007 and 2009 in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties.  It is provided by the Philadelphia Water Department Office of Watershed (PWD) and the Temple-Villanova Sustainable Stormwater Initiative (T-VSSI).  Projects must be submitted by June 1, 2009.

http://develop.temple.edu/ambler/csc/t-vssi/CallForProject.htm

 

Call for Entries - National Award for Smart Growth Achievement

The National Award for Smart Growth Achievement recognizes those that can demonstrate that they have used smart growth techniques so create better places.  Provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  It is suggested that projects performed between April 23, 2004 and April 23, 2009 be submitted.  Applications are due April 23, 2009.

http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/awards.htm

 

Call for Abstracts - Watershed Science and Technical Conference

The 2009 Watershed Science and Technical Conference "Clean Water Through Protection and Partnership" will be held September 14th and 15th, 2009.  This conference will bring together professionals from around the nation.  Abstracts are due May 15, 2009.

http://www.nywea.org/

 

 

Watershed Plan Builder

The Watershed Plan Builder will help you develop or update a watershed plan.  You provide the information specific to your watershed and this tool will create a customized watershed plan outline.  As you are guided through the watershed planning process, you can end up with a comprehensive watershed plan.  Visit this link for more information: http://iaspub.epa.gov/watershedplan/planBuilder.do?pageId=51&navId=39 F. X. Browne, Inc. has 31 years of experience in developing and revising watershed and comprehensive plans.  If you are interested in developing a watershed plan or comprehensive plan for your watershed or township, please contact us at F. X. Browne, Inc.

 

User’s Guide to the Water-Analysis Screening Tool (WAST): A Tool for Assessing Available Water Resources in Relation to Aquatic-Resource Uses

The US Geological Survey and PA DEP have provided this water analysis screening tool.  It delineates potential problem areas for water use demands and water availability and it indicates net withdraws on aquatic resources.  The user can access watershed information, input water data to generate down-stream effects, and change the data in order to make comparisons.  Data is produced in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.

By Marla H. Stuckey and James L. Kiesler

http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2008/1242/

 

Regression Method for Estimating Long-Term Mean Annual Ground-Water Recharge Rates from Base Flow in Pennsylvania

U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2008-5185

This report provides information on the method developed for estimating long-term, mean annual groundwater recharge.  It utilizes streamflow data taken from 80 streamflow-gaging stations in Pennsylvania.  The base-flow yield is predicted from 28 basin characteristics.

By Dennis W. Risser, Ronald E. Thompson, and Marla H. Stuckey

http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2008/5185/

 

Brownfields Redevelopment Toolbox for Disadvantaged Communities

This document provides case studies, tools and planning for brownfields remediation in disadvantaged communities.  It gives tools and technical assistance to local communities that wish to overcome economic and neighborhood disadvantage.  It is provided by the Northeast-Midwest Institute and the Disadvantaged Communities Network.

http://www.nemw.org/ToolboxDisadvantagedCommunities.pdf

 

Pond/Wetland Management Guidebook

This guidebook provided by the EPA gives maintenance and inspection procedures for wet ponds and wetlands.  It includes checklists to guide the user on the correct practices.

http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/pondmgmtguide.pdf

 

 

 

 

 

F. X. Browne, Inc.  – Environmental Consulting

F. X. Browne, Inc.
 Engineers – Planners – Scientists
31 Years of Excellence & Innovation

SERVICES

Lake and Water Quality Studies
Watershed Management Programs
Bioengineering Projects
Stormwater Management
Watershed Inventories
Water Quality Monitoring
Laboratory Services
Water Quality & Watershed Modeling
Open Space Planning
Water & Wastewater Planning and Design
Low-Impact Development
Geographic Information Systems
Public Education and Seminars
Wetlands Consulting Services

Corporate Office: Lansdale, PA
Pocono Office: Marshalls Creek, PA
New York Office: Saranac Lake, NY

For more information, call us at (215) 362-3878 or visit: http://www.fxbrowne.com