Agricultural Uses for Warm Season Grasses 

Read Full Document Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a perennial, warm season grass native to most of the eastern United States. It is drought and salt tolerant, needs little to no fertilizer and does well in shallow, wet soils.  Its long roots improve soil and water quality by absorbing nutrients and sequestering carbon dioxide. The seven […]

Native Plant Seedling Gallery

Native Plant Seedling Gallery Read Full Document Print this Information Most eastern US native plant species do not bloom during their establishment year. For most individuals this makes it difficult to determine if any of the desired species in their meadow are growing. To assist those who lack experience with seedling identification, we have produced […]

Native Trees & Shrubs for Riparian Buffers 

Read Full Document Riparian buffers provide an effective means of filtering sediment, nutrients, pesticides and other materials from surface runoff and reducing pollutants in shallow subsurface water flow. They also serve to provide habitat and wildlife corridors in primarily agricultural areas, and are important for stream bank restoration and stabilization. Buffer design is a key […]

Natives for Reclamation of Oil & Gas Sites

Natives for Reclamation of Oil & Gas Sites Read Full Document Development of the Marcellus and Utica Shale Plays in Pennsylvania and surrounding states has created a great opportunity for our region and our country. Landowners have the ability to determine, to a large extent, how their lands are reclaimed after drilling or associated activity […]

Resources for Supporting Pollinators 

Read Full Document The plight of honeybees, native pollinators and the monarch butterfly have placed a renewed sense of urgency on the development and conservation of habitat for these crucial ecological workhorses. As a result, numerous opportunities exist for farmers and landowners to help achieve pollinator habitat goals while ensuring the continued profitability of their […]

Switchgrass for Riparian Buffers 

Read Full Document A riparian area on the Allegheny River in northwest Pennsylvania consisting of cordgrass, switchgrass and other warm season grasses. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a perennial, warm season grass native to most of the eastern United States. It is drought and salt tolerant, needs little to no fertilizer and does well in shallow, […]

Using Native Grasses for Biomass

Read Full Document Ernst Conservation Seeds is one of the largest switchgrass seed producers in the country, having more than 30 years’ experience in the establishment, management, and harvest of native warm season grass seed and biomass. Calvin Ernst demonstrates the height potential of Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) Switchgrass, as well as other native warm season grasses, has […]

Utility Right-Of-Way Sites Guide

Read Full Document Many utility companies and oil and gas operators recognize a unique opportunity to go a step beyond basic reclamation standards by using native species indigenous to the area being restored. In doing so, they are affirming the industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship. This electricity transmission R-O-W is well-established with beneficial native grasses, […]

Weeds of Meadows

Weeds of Meadows Read Full Document For many years, there has been significant public interest in planting native meadows for aesthetics and to provide habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. Weeds are a source of frustration for those planting meadows. They compete with the desired plants for nutrients, light, and water. Additionally, they detract from […]