February 2020 Newsletter
Welcome to our new Clear Creeks Project neighborhoods!
From its inception in 2013, the Gunpowder Valley Conservancy's Clear Creeks Project has encouraged neighbors to come together for the common goal of restoring cle an, clear water within our local creeks and streams. Wilson Point, Bowley's Quarters, Holly Neck, and Bowerman-Loreley Beach are just a handful of neighborhoods that feature multiple Clear Creeks stormwater best management practices (BMPs), including rain barrels, rain gardens, and Bayscapes. We are thrilled to announce that the Clear Creeks Project , and its 50-80% cost-share on BMPs, has now expanded to the communities within the heart of the Loch Raven Reservoir, the Loch Raven South and Loch Raven East sub-watersheds.
Do you live, work, or worship in the Loch Raven South or Loch Raven East area? Reach out to us and we can connect you to our opportunities to solve standing water issues, reduce stormwater runoff and pollution, and beautify your property. Contact Amy Young for more information about community presentations and/or how to get on our wait list for a FREE rain garden yard assessment.

The Clear Creeks Project will also continue to serve neighborhoods within the following watersheds: Bird River, Lower Gunpowder Falls, Middle River, and Tidal Gunpowder. Our first Rain Barrel workshop of the year will be held on Saturday, March 21 . What a great way to get ready for spring gardening. Best of all, all Clear Creeks residents are eligible for a 50% discount on each rain barrel. With the discount, each barrel is $35. FYI, our rain barrel prices have gone up slightly to include a PVC elbow with each barrel. View our interactive map to see if your property is within the Clear Creeks Project area.
Special thanks to our 2020 Clear Creeks Project funders for their invaluable support: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation; Chesapeake Bay Trust; Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability; Baltimore Gas and Electric; Gunpowder Valley Conservancy; and Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund, administered by Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Dine Out for Clean Water!
Last month we showcased our GVC Volunteer of the Year, Mark McDonald, in front of a local restaurant, DeSantis' Pizza Grill & Bar . Thanks to our amazing community connections we are proud to announce our upcoming fundraiser at DeSantis' Pizza Grill & Bar (9638 Belair Road next to Swim First School) on Tuesday, March 24th . 10% of their sales that day will be donated to the Gunpowder Valley Conservancy; no flyer needed!
Save the Date: Baltimore Earth Day 2020
Just announced! GVC is on the planning committee for Baltimore Earth Day 2020 , a month-long celebration that culminates on Sunday, April 26 with a family-friendly festival at Oregon Ridge Nature Center. Our partners will be offering 50+ environmental activities throughout the greater Baltimore area in April. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to re-energize your commitment to "Think Globally, Act Locally!"

We will be adding the events to gunpowdervalleyconservancy.org/earth-day on a weekly basis.
Upcoming Calendar of Events
Spring is almost here, which means our Calendar of Events will soon have more offerings! A general reminder that our volunteer events are eligible for community service learning hours. Interested in volunteering on a regular basis? Contact Peg Perry to learn about becoming a Reforestation Crew Chief this spring and fall. Our spring tree planting dates are: April 4, April 11, April 18, April 25, and May 9.
Sunday, March 1 : Tree Maintenance
Saturday, March 7 : Adopt-a-Stream training
Saturday, March 7 : Tree Maintenance
Saturday, March 14 : Tree Maintenance
Saturday, March 21 : Rain Barrel workshop
Saturday, March 21 : Tree Maintenance
Saturday, March 28 : Tree Maintenance
Make a Difference
2/25 Town Hall Meeting on Land Preservation
Do you value clean water, productive farmland, open space and recreational trails? If so, we need YOU to speak up at the District 3 Town Hall on Tuesday, February 25 in Timonium . Baltimore County has significantly reduced local funding for land preservation. Our land trust partners will be there to request that funding be restored to prior levels, and are asking for residents to show their support.

Meeting info :
February 25 (6 - 8 pm)
Dulaney High School
255 East Padonia Road
Lutherville, MD 21093
ACT on Climate Change Issues
It's never too late to share New Year's Resolutions. This gem is from The Baltimore Sun's Dan Rodricks. Don't have a place to plant a tree? Join us for our spring Tree Plantings:
Calling all Backyard Birders!
Upset about recent studies on declining bird populations? Your backyard bird observations can provide valuable data for the " Maryland DC Breeding Bird Atlas 3 ." Learn about their volunteer opportunities on their website and Facebook.