PA DEP Watershed Forestry and Buffer Training Series

Training workshops on riparian forest buffer planning, planting, and maintenance offered throughout Pennsylvania by DEP and partner organizations.

PA DEP, in partnership with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Penn State Extension, and other organizations, regularly offers training workshops on riparian forest buffers. Sessions cover site assessment, species selection, planting methods, maintenance, and funding sources. Workshops target landowners, municipal staff, conservation district personnel, and watershed group volunteers. The trainings are particularly relevant given Pennsylvania's commitment under the Chesapeake Bay TMDL to install thousands of acres of new riparian buffers. Most workshops are free or low-cost and include field demonstrations at existing buffer sites. Participants leave with hands-on experience and direct contacts for follow-up technical assistance. Workshop schedules are posted on DEP and partner websites.