We are excited to be offering this list of resources in the region, but we need your help to populate the list! Know of a resource in the South Mountain? Email Julia Chain at jchain@appalachiantrail.org
Online Resources
| Name | Organization | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Conserved Land Database | WeConservePA | WeConservePA compiles and maintains Pennsylvania’s official spatial database of conserved land, including privately conserved land and properties and those conserved by federal, state, county, and local governments. |
| Conservation Tools Library | WeConservePA | Comprehensive library of conservation information, model documents, and samples. Topics range from land use and planning to easements, recreation, advocacy, and education. |
| Resource Library | Center for Land Use and Sustainability | The CLUS builds partnerships with organizations, businesses, and individuals to support science-based solutions to interdisciplinary sustainability challenges. |
| Nature-Based Placemaking Program Handbook | Pennsylvania Downtown Center | NBP is about the connection and collaboration among the focus areas of civic, tourism and business in the following ways: civic, where the focus is on education and emotion; tourism, where the focus is on hospitality and guest services; and business, where the focus is on shopping and entertainment. |
| Chesapeake Data Explorer | CMC (Cheseapeake Monitoring Cooperative) | The Chesapeake Data Explorer was developed as a centralized data repository to facilitate the Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative’s (CMC) data integration efforts. It is a web database where member organizations can upload and manage data, monitoring locations, and their monitoring volunteers. The data base is available to the public via the query function on the CDE homepage: The Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative commits to supporting all partners, communities, and individuals who want to collect, share, interpret, and use water quality data to increase understanding of Chesapeake Bay watershed health. |
| PA-SHARE | PA State Historic Preservation Office | Use PA-SHARE to search for and locate historic properties and archaeological sites, view and download information, submit and track projects for PA SHPO’s programs, and manage all of your project communications conveniently from your home or office. |
Technical Assistance Resources
| Name | Contact | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cumberland County Conservation District | 717) 240-7812 | |
| Adams County Conservation District | (717) 334-0636 | |
| York County Conservation District | (717) 840-7430 | |
| Franklin County Conservation District | (717) 264-5499 | |
| Capital RC&D- Grazing Support | (717) 241-4361 | Capital RC&D’s grazing support program promotes resources for new and experienced graziers in our region and throughout Pennsylvania, such as the farmer-to-farmer grazing advisement program; support for the Franklin and Lebanon County Grazing Networks and the PA Grazing Lands Coalition (PA-GLC). |
| Natural Resources Conservation Services Local Service Centers (USDA) | Adams-(717) 549-4674 Cumberland-(717) 601-3712 Franklin-(717) 446-8502 York-(717) 894-3001 | NRCS helps producers, soil and water conservation districts, and other partners protect and conserve natural resources on private lands throughout the United States. |
| WeConserve PA | 717-230-8560 | WeConservePA provides direct technical assistance via phone, email, and in-person meetings to:land trusts, local governments, trail groups, other conservation nonprofits |
| Master Watershed Steward Program | Holly Smith, hps5293@psu.edu | Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards (MWSs) are trained, energized citizens in your communities who are available to help your municipality meet its regulatory obligations under the MS4 program. |
| DCNR: Managing Your Woods | More than 70 percent of the woodlands in Pennsylvania are owned privately. This resource provides instruction, tools, and technical assistance to help landowners manage their land in ways that enhance wood production and recreation, protect water, and benefit wildlife. | |
| TreeVitalize: Community Tree Management | TreeVitalize is a public-private partnership established by DCNR to help build capacity within communities to plan for, plant, and care for trees, and to offer educational trainings to help citizens understand the diverse benefits of trees and the importance of properly planting and maintaining them. |
Training and Certification Programs
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Master Watershed Steward Program | This program provides extensive training in watershed management to volunteers who, in return, educate the community about watershed stewardship based on university research and recommendations. |
| Find EE Near Me | Are you looking for an environmental education organization to partner with, lead a field trip, deliver an education program, or facilitate professional development? PA has over 475 environmental education providers! These organizations provide environmental education programs for families, schools, youth groups, adult groups, and professional development training workshops. You can use this online inventory to search for EE providers in your region or across the state. |
| PA Master Naturalist | Pennsylvania Master Naturalist is a statewide partnership initiative that aims to connect people with their local ecosystems through intensive natural science training and local conservation service work. It is a venture directed toward developing a local corps of “master volunteers and service providers”. |
| PA Master Gardener | Master Gardener volunteers support Penn State Extension’s educational programs in consumer horticulture. They develop their horticultural expertise through participation in educational training classes conducted by Penn State University faculty and Extension staff. |
Comprehensive Plans
| Name | County | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Plan | Adams | |
| Comprehensive Plan | Cumberland | 2017 |
| Franklin County Forward- Comprehensive Plan | Franklin | 2012 (2035 in progress) |
| Comprehensive Plan | York |