Healthy creeks, mature trees, and protected open space are part of what makes Haverford Township special. Explore how the Comprehensive Plan aims to preserve and strengthen these natural assets.
The Comprehensive Plan calls for protecting Haverford's natural resources through healthier streams, expanded tree planting, modern stormwater management, and development that works with—not against—the environment.
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
Many of these recommendations serve more than one purpose. Trees reduce flooding and summer heat. Rain gardens improve water quality while beautifying parks. Walkable neighborhoods reduce vehicle trips while making it easier for residents to enjoy local businesses and public spaces. Throughout the Comprehensive Plan, environmental stewardship is integrated into transportation, parks, and economic development rather than treated as a separate goal.
Both Darby Creek and Cobbs Creek are classified as impaired waterways by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, primarily because stormwater runoff carries pollutants and sediment into the streams. The Comprehensive Plan identifies improving water quality and protecting creek corridors as long-term priorities.
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
Opportunities for planting trees should be expanded by supporting the initiatives of Haverford Tree Tenders and the Shade Tree Commission
State and federal funding through programs like TreeVitalize is recommended to be pursued for new plantings
Haverford Township has already transitioned its municipal electricity purchases to 100% renewable energy and converted outdoor lighting to LEDs. An energy audit of Township buildings has also been completed. The Comprehensive Plan builds on these efforts, working alongside the Township's 2021 Climate Action Plan to guide future sustainability initiatives.
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.
