June 2020 Newsletter
Improving Our Environment...Six Feet Apart
How do tree huggers plant trees in the time of COVID-19? With their arms outstretched six feet apart, of course! We are proud to announce that the GVC was able to plant 235 native trees within the Loch Raven Reservoir and Lower Gunpowder Falls watersheds in late May and June. We couldn't have done it without the help of our volunteer leader crew chiefs, interns, staff and property owners. It required working in very small groups while wearing face masks and gloves and maintaining sanitized equipment.
The GVC has developed COVID-19 guidelines to ensure our adherence to our guiding principles and to allow us to continue our important environmental work in a safe manner. These guidelines were adapted from state environmental and health organizations and are subject to change as COVID-19 restrictions are revised by the Governor's office. As of June 2020, we are beginning to offer outdoor volunteer opportunities to a limited number of participants to allow for proper social distancing. We hope to offer rain barrel workshops, Bayscape and Rain Garden Maintenance workshops, and rain garden workshops this summer. Visit our online calendar of events for the most updated list of GVC offerings.
Bowleys Quarters Residents Do Their Part for Clean Water
Last year, we introduced you to the Baynes family, who have lived in the Chesapeake Bay area for over 90 years. Ibby Baynes, the family matriarch, wanted to preserve the natural environment that has been so integral to her family and community. In 2018, Ibby reached out to Lockheed Martin, Gunpowder Valley Conservancy, and Maryland Department of Natural Resources to inquire about stabilizing the bulkhead of Baynes Cove, the family's residence on Seneca Creek that includes a community boat launch for Bowleys Quarters residents.

We are thrilled to update you about all that we have accomplished with our partners at Baynes Cove. Last year, we installed a rain garden as well as 50 native trees and shrubs to help control erosion and stormwater runoff issues. This year, we are collaborating on a microbioretention practice and living shoreline restoration.

The Baynes Cove project is truly an exercise in community building. Last year's tree planting was enhanced by the leadership and work of Eagle Scout candidate, Tommy Simmons. One of our rain garden volunteers, Holly Cardamone, was inspired to create a community garden involving Seneca Elementary School students and Lockheed Martin biologists. Our collaborative work is also featured on page 3 of Lockheed Martin's Spring 2020 newsletter .
In Memory: Peggy Pierson
The GVC would like to extend our condolences to the family of Peggy Pierson . Peggy will be remembered for her huge heart, warm embrace, and ability to inspire others to care for the Chesapeake Bay. The first Clear Creeks Project rain barrel was installed at Peggy's home in Wilson Point. In 2014, the Clear Creeks Project steering committee bestowed upon her the title of "Miss Clear Creeks". Her enthusiasm for clean water was on display for all to see as she rode on the Clear Creeks Project float in the Wilson Point Fourth of July parade!
#WhyWeGVC
Social distancing doesn't have to be so distant! Check out our # WhyWeGVC campaign on Facebook and Instagram as our staff and board members share stories of why they are passionate about working with your local watershed organization. We're adding new stories all the time.