The Jennifer Branch Preservation Project
Who, What, When, Where, Why and How
Who – the Gunpowder Valley Conservancy (GVC) and partners including community associations, local government and other non-profit organizations supported by a $100,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
The Gunpowder Valley Conservancy (GVC) is a non-profit organization, which mobilizes people and resources to care for the lands, waters and character of the Gunpowder Watershed. Its emphasis is on land preservation, restoration, stream cleanups and education.
Project partners include the Center for Watershed Protection, Baltimore County Master Gardeners, Baltimore County Soil Conservation District, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Biohabitats Inc., Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Resource Management, and other community based organizations including Greater Parkville Community Council, Carney Improvement Association, Christus Victor Lutheran Church, and Graham Equestrian Center
What – a project to improve the health of Jennifer Branch and the Chesapeake Bay by improving the local communities of Carney and Cub Hill.
When – September 2009 through August 2011
Where – the Jennifer Branch watershed, which includes all the land that drains into the Jennifer Branch and includes most of Carney and Cub Hill.
The watershed border is within the area east of Old Harford Road, south of Gunpowder Falls State Park, north of Joppa Road, and west of Hines Estate Road. See Jennifer Branch watershed map at the bottom of the page.
Why – to reduce storm water runoff (rain water that hits hard surfaces carrying pollution and sediment to the storm drains and then flows directly into Jennifer Branch) and pollution in a way that will also help the community, its residents, and Jennifer Branch.
Much of the development, particularly the home building, in Jennifer Branch happened before storm water was regulated, beginning with the Clean Water Act of 1972. When development occurs without anything to control storm water there is an increase in storm water runoff entering the neighboring streams, cause flooding and other pollution problems. As this water travels over impervious surfaces (roads, roofs, lawns, and driveways) before reaching the stream it gathers sediments (dirt, sand, etc.) and harmful pollutants (oil, fertilizer, etc.). In the natural condition, which is forest, this water would soak into the ground without picking up these harmful substances. Because of these impervious surfaces, Jennifer Branch receives more water and pollution than the stream can handle. This leads to erosion, which adds sediment to the water, which leads to more erosion and suffocated fish and other aquatic life.
How – by educating, engaging and supporting residents in improving their yard and community spaces with Green Solutions like rain collecting barrels, water filtering gardens and yards, and planting native trees. GVC will pay for up to 80% of the cost of these green solution projects for residents of the Jennifer Branch Watershed!
Project goals include motivating at least 67 households to put in a storm water and pollution reducing practices described below (also known as Best Management Practices or BMPs).
Downspout Disconnections - for gutter downspouts that currently flow directly onto the street and into a storm drain, they can be altered to drain onto lawn or gardens. Free for the first 30 residents!
Planting a Rain Garden - a rain garden is a special, water loving garden that helps soak up and filter rain water from your roof, driveway, or other hard surfaces. 80% of the cost will be covered for first 3 rain gardens!
Installation of a Rain Barrel - a large barrel (~50 gallons) that collects rainwater from your roof through your downspouts that you can use to water your lawn or garden, wash your car, clean your tools, etc. It will help save on your water bill. 50% of the cost will be covered for the first 30 rain barrels!
Permaculture Gardens - a typical backyard Permaculture design will include gardens with fruit and nut trees, edible shrubs and herbs, vegetables, and plants that capture storm water, attract beneficial insects and provide home grown food. 50% of the cost will be covered for the first 2 Permaculture gardens!
Bayscaped Gardens and Yards - a beautiful landscaped alternative to standard yards, planted and maintained with native plants to benefit people, the local environment, and the Bay. It reduces the time and expense of mowing, watering, fertilizing and treating lawn and garden areas and can address areas with problems such as erosion, poor soils, steep slopes or poor drainage. They use native plants to provide habitat for local and migratory animals, improve water quality, and reduce the need for chemical pesticides and herbicides.
50 % of the cost will be covered for the first 2 Bayscaped yards!
CONTACT: To install or learn more about GREEN SOLUTIONS for your yard, contact Peggy Perry, Jennifer Branch Project Manager at pperry@gunpowderfalls.org or call 410-668-0118.
A special thank you to our partners in this community enhancement project: Greater Parkville Community Council (GPCC), Carney Community Association (CIA), Christus Victor Lutheran Church, School of Living, and Baltimore County Depart-ment of Environmental Protection and Resource Management.
To learn more about the Gunpowder Valley Conservancy, visit us at www.gunpowderfalls.org
To learn more about the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation please visit: www.nfwf.org
