February 2019 GVC Newsletter
Do Unto Those Downstream as you'd have those Upstream Do Unto You!
The Gunpowder Valley Conservancy's Clear Creeks Project is excited to announce its 2019 Bay-Wise Project at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School and Parish ! Our Lady of Mount Carmel (OLMC) is situated on 8.5 acres in Essex. Last year, Mount Carmel students helped reduce stormwater runoff by planting a rain garden on their campus. Their efforts will be further augmented with the installation of several more Bay-Wise landscaping practices in 2019:

  • 3 microbioretention practices
  • 1 rain garden
  • 1 Bayscape garden
  • 4 rain barrels
  • 10 large native trees

Alex Brylske, OLMC Athletic Director and Director of Alumni Relations, shared that the OLMC Bay-Wise Project "represents the beginning of a relationship that hopes to spread environmental stewardship and care of creation locally and regionally. The [Bay-Wise practices] will treat stormwater, educate our community, and facilitate greater understanding of the role we play in preserving our precious local waterways. GVC is a model for the implementation of such work, and we are grateful to call them our partners during this process."

The OLMC Bay-Wise Project will also benefit from partnerships with Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake and the University of Maryland Extension Master Gardeners of Baltimore County . Project funding is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Trust.

You can help out too! Everyone is welcome to participate in OLMC Bay-Wise Project events throughout the year. Our first event, a "Care of Creation Kickoff", will be Saturday April 13 from 3 pm - 5 pm. Stay tuned for more details in March.
Free Workshops for Clean Water
Rain barrels reduce ponding in your yard and provide a source of water to maintain your gardens and lawn. Learn more about rain barrel benefits and then build your own barrel at our March 9th Rain Barrel workshop at MD Presbyterian Church (1105 Prvoidence Road, Towson.) Workshop is free but rain barrels cost between $30 - $60 (depending on your residential watershed.)
Trash in your local stream got you down? GVC is here to help! Sign up for our free March 16th Adopt-a-Stream training . This is your opportunity to be trained as a stream captain in advance of our region-wide Project Clean Stream event in early April. Training will take place at Christus Victor Church (9833 Harford Road, Parkville.)
Upcoming Calendar of Events
Our volunteer events officially start in March. Now is the perfect time to sign up as a volunteer!
March 2 : Tree Maintenance
March 9 : Tree Maintenance
March 16 : Tree Maintenance
March 23 : Tree Maintenance
March 30 : Tree Maintenance
April 13: Care of Creation Kickoff at OLMC
GVC Internships
GVC is actively seeking volunteer Reforestation Crew Chiefs and Tree Maintenance interns to assist with our 2019 tree planting and tree maintenance programs in northern and eastern Baltimore County. Must be in good physical condition and able to work weekends. We will train you!
 
Know anyone pursuing a career in environmental science, forestry, or ecology? Volunteering with GVC is a great way to earn valuable hands-on experience in the field! Community service learning hours also available for high school students.

Reforestation Crew Chief description . Contact Peggy Perry by email
Tree Maintenance Intern description . Contact Kim Peabody by email
Make a Difference
Make a Valentine's Day donation to show your love of clean water! Your tax-deductible donation to the Gunpowder Valley Conservation helps preserve land and protect waterways in Baltimore County.
Your voice is needed! The  Maryland Department of Natural Resources  is seeking public comment on the state’s management of white-tailed deer . The input will be used to help revise the state’s deer management plan for the next 15 years, establishing long-term goals and identifying specific objectives and strategies for achieving them. Comments will be accepted online through February 28.