Township natural lands and resources are both vast and highly valued by residents. Township managed natural resources (e.g., street trees, passive and active parklands) are widely viewed as core community assets, providing defining characteristics for the community. These resources also provide valuable ecosystem services such as shade, clean air, flood and erosion control, clean water, carbon sequestration, pollination, soil formation, nutrient cycling, and cultural services (e.g., educational and recreational experiences). 

The Natural Resource Management goal of Lower Merion's Sustainability Plan is to manage the natural environment to improve the overall health, diversity, and resilience of ecosystems, and to increase the ecosystem benefits provided to all. 

Township Initiatives

Township Sustainability Staff works with Public Works, B&P, and Parks and Recreation on municipal management initiatives. The current focus is on increasing tree canopy, biodiversity, and green infrastructure throughout the Township.

Tree Planting and Protection Initiatives

The Community Facilities and Infrastructure Element of Lower Merion's Comprehensive Plan describes the benefits of street trees and makes recommendations to maintain the Township’s established street tree pattern, integrate the Township’s street tree network into regional public health/air quality/climate change efforts, and continue efforts to plant appropriate trees in appropriate locations and to preserve the health of established street trees.

A bid for development of a tree canopy management plan was awarded in [MONTH, YEAR]. Learn more about what the plan will include [here]. 

The Township has a Shade Tree Request form to encourage residents to request new trees to be planted on their properties. Areas within the right of way are considered by the Township Arborist for free township trees, and areas outside of the right of way are considered by PHS Tree Tenders for free or low-cost private trees.

As with all sustainability strategies and goals, public buy-in is necessary for widespread and long-lasting success. What can residents do?

What can Residents Do?

Plant and Care for Trees

• Plant trees on your lawn! If you think your right-of-way is a good candidate, request a tree from the Township here. 
• If you have a new tree, make sure it survives and thrives by following a few useful tips. 
• Become a Tree Tender with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
• English Ivy is an invasive species that is killing trees in our community. If your trees have ivy, learn how to remove it with this video!

Choose Sustainable Landscaping Practices 
How you plant and manage your property is impactful! Here's a few things you can do:

• Plant native plants (here's a useful resource on the topic)
• Leave the leaves - ditch your leaf blower and leave the leaves where they fall!
• When it dies, electrify! As your lawn equipment needs replacement, choose electric options.
• Help capture stormwater by planting rain gardens or purchasing a rain barrel.
• Opt OUT of mosquito spraying - this can harm pollinators! Manage mosquitos by removing standing water on your property and setting up dunk buckets (learn more here).