Learn & Network

Join WeConservePA and guest speakers from the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of Forestry, Rural and Community Forestry section for a two-part presentation on the whys and how-to’s of lawn conversion and green infrastructure.

DCNR launched its Lawn Conversion program in 2020. Born out of the Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts, this statewide program’s goal is to improve water quality through converting mowed grass lawn areas to either forest or meadow, both of which help to improve infiltration and remove pollutants in stormwater runoff. In this session, we will cover how the lawn conversion program was envisioned and how it is currently operating, how DCNR is working to make lawn conversion funding and technical assistance available to partner organizations working with landowners in Pennsylvania, the basics of designing and implementing lawn conversion projects, and the challenges that come with converting lawn to meadow or forest.

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Speakers

Teddi Stark | Teddi Stark is the Watershed Forestry Program Manager with DCNR Bureau of Forestry. Teddi helps to develop strategies for scaling-up riparian forest buffer and lawn conversion implementation work in PA. The purpose of the Watershed Forestry program is to improve water quality in PA while simultaneously realizing the many co-benefits of reforesting streamsides and converting mowed grass lawns to new forests or native meadows.  Teddi lives in Harrisburg with her husband and two dogs and enjoys hiking and traveling with them whenever she is not working.

Kelsey Mummert | Kelsey is the Lawn Conversion Program Coordinator with the PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry. She blends her passions for natural areas and people to support Pennsylvanians in converting lawns to woods and meadows.

 

Part 2: Lawn Conversion and Green Infrastructure–Why and How?

 

This event is made possible with support from: