Explore the Gunpowder

Get Outdoors for Clean Water

The Gunpowder Watershed is our connection to the Chesapeake Bay. It is full of history, beauty, and important wildlife habitat. It is also the source of over 60% of the Baltimore area's drinking water.

The Explore the Gunpowder Watershed Challenge is a 40 day-long event where participants are encouraged to connect with nature, local businesses, and environmental stewardship. It starts on Earth Day, April 22, 2024 and goes through May 31, 2024.

Participants will earn a challenge coin and grand prize raffle entry for each challenge that they complete. The grand prize is a Gunpowder Getaway - one night at the historic Monkton Hotel (Fisherman's Lodge) and a pair of Manor Mill concert tickets.

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Challenge #1: Activity Challenge

Complete 35 miles of activity in honor of GVC's 35th Anniversary! Walk, bike, roll, swim, paddle, or otherwise move through the watershed at your own pace.

  • There is a $35 registration fee.
  • Once you complete your payment, you will receive a code to join our Activity Challenge on the Pacer app. Pacer can track your steps using your smart phone or it can link to your smart step counting device (e.g. Fitbit).

Challenge #2: Exploration Challenge

Visit nature centers, local businesses, and other places of interest to earn stickers in our FREE Gunpowder Passport. You can also earn a sticker for volunteering with GVC or attending special events, like our Fun Hike at Marshy Point on April 27th.

Collect 4 stickers to complete your passport. Our 2024 Passport locations are:

 

Need a Gunpowder Passport? Print off a PDF version here!