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.
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:
- Charlotte's Quest Nature Center
- Cromwell Valley Park
- Glenn Martin Aviation Museum
- Graham Equestrian Center
- Historical Society of Baltimore County
- Jerusalem Mill
- Manor Mill
- Marshy Point Nature Center
- Oregon Ridge Nature Center
- Pipe the Side Brewing Company
- Sparks Nature Center
Stay tuned! We will be adding a PDF version of the passport by April 22nd for you to print off at your convenience.