When you live in a watershed—and we all do!—you share a common bond. The rain that falls on your home, business, or neighborhood park flows to a singular body of water. For us, it is the Gunpowder River, our direct connection to the Chesapeake Bay and a major source of Baltimore’s drinking water supply.
In recent years, Gunpowder Valley Conservancy (GVC) has focused on installing conservation gardens in suburban areas to provide beautiful landscaping solutions that reduce the negative impact of stormwater runoff. Looking ahead, we want to deepen our connection with people who live and work in the rural communities of our watershed in northern and eastern Baltimore County, eastern Carroll County, and western Harford County.
How can we best preserve and enhance natural areas in the rural parts of the Gunpowder watershed? GVC wants to hear from you! We have a short survey where you can share what you enjoy about the natural features of your property, as well as any concerns you might have about the local environment. None of the answers are required. Consider it a conservation starter to tell us what you think.
Simultaneously, we want to shine a light on the wonderful farms, nurseries, breweries, wineries, and other agricultural businesses within the Gunpowder watershed. While we can’t provide an exact number within our watershed, we know that there are 783 farms located on over 70,000 acres in Baltimore County (2022 Census of Agriculture). Each season, we plan to highlight different aspects of local agriculture in our watershed in our Growin’ In the Gunpowder blog.
Fall snuck up on us this year. But there’s still time to enjoy! If you are out and about the next two weekends, make sure to take part in some fall fun in the Gunpowder watershed. We’re going to start from the waterfront and head upstream!
- Zahradka Farm Market (2300 Golupski Road, Essex, 21221): Has BOGO pumpkins the week leading up to Halloween!
- Weber’s Cider Mill Farm (2526 Proctor Lane, Parkville 21234): Visit their store for local apples, produce, baked goods and more. They also have Fall Harvest Days (paid admission) through Sunday 11/8.
- Burton Farms (12032 Glen Arm Road, Glen Arm 21057) is a roadside self-service stand. Pumpkins, mums, corn, pears, apples and more! Pay by cash, check or Venmo.
- Maple Border Farm (3000 White Hall Road, White Hall 21161) corn maze is open on Friday 10/30 and Saturday 10/31 (paid admission)
- Star Bright Farm (2950 Garrett Road, White Hall 21161) will have its Fall Festival on Saturday 11/7 (paid admission) with straw bale maze, farmyard animals, wagon ride, and a barn market.
Check out the map of our watershed below and see if you’re in our area. If so, send an email to Amy Young, Land Stewardship and Outreach Manager, so we can highlight you in a future post.
