Nature-Based Placemaking

This handbook provides strategies for communities to utilize their natural, outdoor recreational resources as assets to grow and enhance their community and economic development strategies. The handbook was developed through a partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC), a statewide nonprofit corporation. While this handbook is focused on general nature-based placemaking opportunities and acknowledging natural assets in Pennsylvania, communities with an excess of vacant land may apply some of the concepts in the handbook and to improve their communities.