UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Municipal leaders and other interested individuals can learn about current Pennsylvania green stormwater infrastructure adoption strategies to improve water quality and manage runoff at an upcoming Penn State Extension land-use webinar.
Vincent Cotrone, urban forestry extension educator, will present the 75-minute webinar at noon Oct. 15.
Many communities have achieved significant financial savings and water quality improvements by adopting green infrastructure strategies to manage stormwater, organizers noted.
In addition to managing runoff and improving water quality, green stormwater infrastructure offers a wide range of community benefits — from reducing urban heat island effects and providing cooling and shade, to improving air quality, supporting public health and contributing to increased property values and green job creation.
This session will highlight research and case studies from across the country that demonstrate cost-effective, proven approaches to stormwater management.
Participants can learn best practices for the design, installation and maintenance of green stormwater infrastructure systems that help reduce stormwater runoff and support compliance with “municipal separate storm sewer system” permit requirements.
The webinar is part of Penn State Extension’s Summer/Fall Land-Use Webinar Series, which is aimed at helping community leaders navigate land-use challenges, with topics ranging from small farm economics and green infrastructure to solar development trends and artificial intelligence in planning.
The series began Aug. 6 and runs monthly through November. Sessions feature Penn State experts and guest speakers discussing timely issues affecting municipal officials, planners, landowners and community organizations.
Each 75-minute session is recorded and made available to registrants for six months. Other programs in the series include:
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Aug. 6: “The Economic Impact of Small Farms: What it Means for Community Plans and Planners” (recorded).
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Aug. 20: “Local Ordinances and Green Infrastructure in Pennsylvania” (recorded).
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Sept. 17: “Current Pennsylvania Solar Development Trends: Update for Municipal Leaders” (recorded).
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Nov. 19: “Practical AI for Community Development and Planning: Tools, Tips and Useful Everyday Applications.”
Penn State Extension is offering the series in partnership with the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Planning Association and the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development.
Registration is required to receive the link to access each webinar.
Pending approval, the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Planning Association will offer professional credits to registered landscape architects or professional planners with the American Institute of Certified Planners. Participants can earn 1.25 credits for each webinar or 6.25 credits for attending the full series.
The cost of the webinar series is $50 for all five sessions, or $95 for all five sessions for those who want to receive AICP certification-maintenance credits from the American Planning Association. In addition, registered landscape architects can receive continuing-education credits for a fee of $65.
For anyone interested in a particular topic from the series, individual session registration is available for a fee of $15 per session. Those needing assistance can access a scholarship option.
For more information, contact John Turack at 724-837-1402 or by email at jdt15@psu.edu. Visit Penn State Extension online to register for the webinar.