The creeks, the tree canopy, and the open space along Darby and Cobbs Creek are some of the best things about living here. The plan takes seriously the responsibility to protect them, and commits to concrete action on the things that are genuinely at risk.
The Township envisions a Haverford that protects and strengthens its natural assets — cleaner creeks, a healthier tree canopy, and development that works with the environment rather than against it.
Rain garden expansion in parks is an ongoing recommendation
A street tree inventory is recommended to guide future planting priorities
The plan recommends creek corridor protections through updated setback and buffer requirements
The stormwater ordinance was updated in 2024; new development must meet modern green infrastructure standards
A certified arborist position or contract is a named as a short-term goal
Zoning incentives for LEED, Energy Star, and green construction practices are under development
Both of Haverford's creek corridors are officially classified as "impaired" by the Pennsylvania DEP, largely due to urban stormwater runoff carrying pollutants and sediment into the water. If you've ever noticed murky water after a storm, that's what's happening. The plan treats this as a priority, not a footnote.
New minimum setbacks are recommended from creek banks for buildings, paving, and outdoor storage
Stream buffer vegetation replacement requirements are proposed to protect and restore the natural filtering zones along both creeks
Private landowners adjacent to streambanks would be encouraged and supported in installing vegetative buffers and doing periodic cleanups
Riparian buffer management plans are recommended for any new development along a creek corridor
The Darby Creek and Cobbs Creek corridors are also identified as potential scenic and recreational assets, the kind of natural amenity that deserves access and stewardship, not just protection on paper
When rain falls on roofs, parking lots, and roads, it picks up pollutants and rushes directly into storm sewers and eventually into the creeks. Managing that flow is one of the most important environmental jobs the township has. The plan calls for expanding green infrastructure that slows, filters, and absorbs stormwater before it becomes a problem.
Rain gardens with native plantings already exist in some parks and are recommended for expansion
Pervious paving and tree trenches are recommended for incorporation into streetscape improvements, particularly in commercial corridors
Green roofs on buildings will be encouraged through zoning incentives
Regular street sweeping currently removes pollutants and sediment before they enter the stormwater system
Reducing mowing in non-active park areas is recommended to allow natural vegetation to absorb more runoff
The stormwater ordinance was updated in 2024 to comply with current state and regional standards
"It is not just about keeping Haverford Township a great place to live; it's about making it even better for generations to come."
— Haverford 2035 Comprehensive Plan
Haverford is a Tree City USA, a designation that comes with real obligations around planting, maintenance, and management. The canopy is one of the Township's greatest assets, and it's also genuinely at risk. Heritage trees take decades to grow, and the current canopy is getting older without a systematic plan to replace it.
The plan recommends hiring or contracting a certified arborist to provide expert oversight of street trees and park trees
A full inventory of street trees and park trees is recommended to identify gaps and aging specimens
Regulations around heritage tree preservation are recommended for review and possible strengthening
The plan prioritizes native species plantings, and recommends explicitly permitting lawn conversions to native ecologically beneficial landscaping
Volunteer Tree Tenders are recommended to be recruited and supported as a community-based maintenance force
State and federal funding through programs like TreeVitalize is recommended to be pursued for new plantings
Haverford Township has already converted 100% of its municipal electricity purchases to clean renewable sources and converted all outdoor lighting to energy-efficient LEDs. An energy audit of all township buildings is complete and implementation is underway. The Climate Action Plan, adopted in 2021, provides the broader framework, and the Comprehensive Plan is designed to work alongside it.
The gap that remains is in homes and commercial buildings. Right now, 89% of Haverford residences heat with fossil fuels, utility gas, fuel oil, or other combustion sources. That won't change overnight, but the plan sets a direction.
Solar canopies over large parking areas are recommended, with relaxed setback requirements to make them easier to install
New buildings over 45 feet are recommended to pursue LEED or Energy Star certification
A point-based permitting incentive system is proposed to reward green construction and renovation practices
Residents and businesses could be connected to state and federal funding for energy-efficient appliances, heating systems, and insulation upgrades
Delaware County's new Bike Share program is coming, and Haverford is identifying the best station locations, another small but meaningful step toward reducing car trips
We are a new community-led initiative bringing together neighbors who believe Haverford Township deserves better parks, stronger public spaces, and more vibrant places to gather. We'd love to have you with us.
