A Riparian Buffer Success Story, Northeastern School District – York County, Pennsylvania

Location: York County, along the Susquehanna River

Partners involved: Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Northeastern School District, and funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resource

Submitted by: Jodi Sulpizio, Penn State Extension Natural Resources Educator and Master Watershed Steward Coordinator

To help York County, Pennsylvania reduce pollution entering the Chesapeake Bay, Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards partnered with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and Northeastern School District to plant a twenty-five-acre riparian buffer along Hartman Run, a tributary to the Susquehanna River. In addition to helping clean up local waters, this project provides an outdoor classroom for teachers and students. 

On October 24, 2019, state leaders, students, administrators, and conservation partners attended a kickoff celebration along Hartman Run, which meanders through the landscape below Shallow Brook Intermediate School. PA DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn planted the first tree. 

Cindy Dunn – Planting 1st Tree

After that, hundreds of volunteers and students followed, planting trees and securing tree shelters in the first planting phase. The following weekend, over 100 community members joined in and planted the remainder of the trees. Additional acreage was planted in phases between 2020 and 2022, and Master Watershed Stewards and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay’s Riparian Rangers currently maintain the site. 

Many Volunteers Took Part – 2019

Buffer Planting – 2019 (ShallowBrook Intermediate School Site)

A major transformation has taken place on Hartman Run. The native trees and shrubs are growing by leaps and bounds. Wildlife is abundant. The community and school district have embraced it. Today, four years after the last planting phase, tree tubes are being removed, and a young forest is emerging. 

Maturing Buffer – 2022 – (ShallowBrook Intermediate School)

Involving students in this project was paramount. They worked diligently, digging holes, planting trees, pounding stakes, and securing shelters. As they demonstrated great teamwork, they made a direct connection to the earth and understood the connection between trees and water quality. It was very rewarding to see their joy and excitement. For some, it was their best day of school ever! Together, they planted a forest that will reap many rewards for years to come. Educating and engaging students in environmental stewardship early encourages students to take an active part in local habitat restoration and community decision-making into their adult years.

Student Involvement

This project demonstrated the strength of cross-sector partnerships and the collaborative nature of conservation efforts while garnering community involvement and support. In addition, it contributes to sediment and nutrient reduction goals for local streams and rivers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It also sets an example for other school districts and businesses, hospitals, and college campuses that own large amounts of land suitable for similar efforts. 

Buffer Planting (2019)

Buffer Planting as of 2026

River Birch in Buffer

This project was funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. If you know of a potential riparian buffer site in Pennsylvania, we hope you will consider partnering with Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council, conservation districts, watershed groups, or other conservation organizations.

This post Is part of the fifth annual CCLC Riparian Buffer Month.

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