The Conservancy is dedicated to protecting the land, air, and water in our area. Through our work with volunteers, local governments, and school groups the Conservancy strives to raise awareness about the impacts of stormwater runoff and install projects to help our streams. The Conservancy is also part of the Delaware River Watershed Initiative, a regional collection of environmental non-profits and universities dedicated to healing the Delaware River.

Stormwater that does not absorb into the ground during rain and snow events is the primary threat to our streams. Extensive development and lawn proliferation has limited the amount of space rain has to absorb into the ground, causing flooding in streams and on roads. In addition to its sheer volume, stormwater carries anything it picks up on the street – fertilizers, pesticides, motor oils, road salt, sediment, trash – to streams through storm drain systems. Polluted water harms wildlife and impacts our drinking water.

Stormwater is a widespread issue, so the Conservancy provides free advice for residents hoping to reduce their impact on the watershed. The Conservancy has also worked with the residents of Delmont Avenue in Ardmore to install green stormwater projects on their properties and is pursuing similar projects on other streets. On the municipal level, the Conservancy works with Lower Merion Township to meet its federally mandated stormwater requirements.