This blog post is the first in our series “Creating A Measurable Environmental Impact” that documents Gunpowder Valley Conservancy’s work with community partners to promote solutions to stormwater runoff on their property and beyond.
Located in Monkton, Manor Mill is a historic landmark open to the public, drawing 10,000-15,000 visitors each year. Guests are drawn to the site’s creative, community-driven spirit, which invites open minds to learn and participate. Offerings include arts and crafts shows, live music, poetry and prose readings, artist gatherings, classes, a gift shop, and special events.
The Opportunity
Manor Mill was experiencing frequent flooding, struggling gardens, and deer damage to plantings. Staff also wanted to become better environmental stewards by learning to identify native plants, adopting best practices for maintaining their grounds, and removing invasive species — all while treating the stormwater on their site.
Project Accomplishment & Results
Manor Mill is now a model site for stormwater management and outdoor learning with:
- Improved site drainage
- Enhanced property appearance with added attractive landscaping
- Reduced pollution
- Lowered maintenance costs
- Engaged staff and volunteers
- Demonstrated best practices for public
The project improved water quality and deepened the community’s environmental knowledge through the creation of a rain garden and 2,500 square feet of Bayscape plantings, eliminating the flooding that had plagued the site. Volunteers and staff engaged directly through hands-on workshops and events. The existing “Faerie Trail” was reimagined as a whimsical environmental resources, and six new educational signs were installed to extend learning beyond the project itself.
“Manor Mill is one of the few places where you can experience history, not just hear or read about it. We aimed to preserve the integrity of the site by installing rain gardens and Bayscapes that enhance its ability to manage stormwater. We hope that this project will serve as an example of how to seamlessly integrate ecological solutions into existing built environments.”
Ebram Victoria, Director of Ecological Restoration and Design
Funding Available
Manor Mill is a great example of how we can incorporate these best management practices into an existing area with parking lots and buildings. With available grant support, eligible partners may reduce project costs by 70 – 80%. We are currently seeking corporate and industrial partners in: White Marsh, Timonium, and Cockeysville.
Click here to fill out our garden interest form to be added to our wait list for a free yard assessment
About Us
Gunpowder Valley Conservancy (GVC) is a Baltimore County-based land trust and watershed restoration nonprofit founded in 1989. For over 30 years, we have worked to protect clean water for the two million people who live, work, and rely on the Gunpowder watershed. Through land preservation, restoration projects, and community partnerships, we turn local stewardship into measurable environmental impact. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay in touch!
This project was funded by Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region III, Chesapeake Bay Trust, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and Baltimore County.
This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement 41-95300101-3 to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does the EPA endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in this document.