Isn't easy being green: Here's help

Members of the Schuylkill Action Network have published a free guide to help business owners make their properties environmentally friendly.

The new handbook, entitled "Green Guide for Property Management," is now available at SchuylkillWaters.org. It shows readers a variety of ways to capture or divert rain and melting snow before they become polluted. Examples of projects range from low-cost ponds, rain gardens or wetlands to long-term investments like green roofs, porous paving, underground storage tanks and more.

"Large property owners can make the Schuylkill River the cleanest it's ever been, and they can save money while doing it," said Tom Davidock, coordinator of the Schuylkill Action Network. "Many have already gained a competitive edge by trading their mowed lawns for wildlife habitats filled with native plants, shrubs and trees."

The Schuylkill Action Network is a coalition of more than 100 member-organizations. It was formed in 2003 to clean up and protect Pennsylvania's Schuylkill River, as well as its tributaries. Members include conservation districts; local, state, and federal agencies; watershed organizations and individuals. Examples include the Delaware River Basin Commission, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Philadelphia Water Department, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, just to name a few. Anyone is welcome to join, and membership is free. To join, click on "Get Involved" at SchuylkillWaters.org.