August 13, 2026
Gunpowder Valley Conservancy (GVC), in partnership with the Robert Oliver Park Association (ROPA), has secured funding from the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Storm Smart Chesapeake program to restore Robert Oliver Park in Middle River.
Tucked into the heart of a residential neighborhood and situated less than 500 feet from the tidal section of the Gunpowder River, Robert Oliver Park serves as a vital green space for the local community. This project will transform areas of the park into a living ecosystem that helps manage stormwater, improve wildlife habitat, and protect local waterways. Planned improvements include:
- Native plant gardens
- Tree plantings
- Habitat features for birds and bats
- Invasive plant removal
- Permeable gathering space
The renovation will serve as a demonstration park that educates the community about multiple ways to address stormwater and intercept the rain before it runs off into nearby streams. Last month, Ebram Victoria, GVC Director of Ecological Restoration and Design, gave a project overview to local residents. Click here to watch his information session to learn more!
Together, these practices aim to help manage stormwater runoff from more than 51,000 square feet of drainage area, reducing pollution entering the Gunpowder River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. The project is expected to prevent an estimated 13 pounds of nitrogen, 2 pounds of phosphorus, and nearly 940 pounds of sediment from reaching local waterways each year.
In addition to these environmental improvements, GVC and ROPA will offer community workshops, volunteer opportunities, and educational programming focused on conservation landscaping, rain barrels, and sustainable gardening practices. The project plans to transform Robert Oliver Park into a model demonstration site where residents can learn how nature-based solutions improve water quality, support wildlife, and build healthier communities.
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