The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Chesapeake Bay Trust recently announced funding awards for four projects that beautify and green communities, as well as improve stormwater quality while reducing the volume of polluted runoff.
Recipients include faith-based organizations, an environmental non-profit organization, and a community non-profit organization.
This partnership between Baltimore City and the Chesapeake Bay Trust offers true leveraging of funds. Of the $228,088 awarded recently for projects in Baltimore City, $123,000 is provided by Baltimore City through the Stormwater Fee and $105,088 is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Trust predominantly through the Treasure the Chesapeake license plate program and Chesapeake and Endangered Species Fund donation line on the Maryland state income tax form.
The shared goals of both organizations are to support projects that improve the quality of life in Baltimore City while connecting Baltimore City residents to the outdoors, natural spaces, and natural resources and improving the water quality of local streams, rivers, and the Baltimore Harbor.
The following Baltimore City projects were supported in the last round of funding:
Baltimore Tree Trust; $74,737: for a community-based effort to plant street trees within the Berea neighborhood of the Harris Creek Watershed area of east Baltimore City. The restoration portion will result in 100 trees lining neighborhood streets, all planted by volunteers led by Baltimore Tree Trust (BTT) staff. Post-planting, BTT will water the trees and work with the community on additional tree care related activities such as mulching and pruning.
Civic Works, Inc.; $30,000: for workforce training for green infrastructure installation and maintenance. This outreach project will engage Baltimore residents from underserved communities in green infrastructure solutions for restoring the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
The Episcopal Church of the Holy Covenant; $54,444: for the installation of two rain gardens on the church property. The rain gardens will collect runoff and will serve as a tool to educate the congregation and members of the neighboring community.
Friends of Herring Run Park; $24,475: to engage park users in decreasing litter in Herring Run Parks by at least 20%, preventing litter from traversing to the Chesapeake Bay.
Govans Presbyterian Church; $68,907: for the installation of the first of 3 planned stormwater management practices on the church property. The bio-retention system is to be installed at the site of a primary storm drain to help manage the volume of runoff.
National Aquarium; $17,020: to improve environmental conditions through an education, outreach and stewardship driven litter reduction program by providing meaningful and relatable community engagement and hands-on educational opportunities.
Patterson Park Audubon Center; $30,000: to grow the Bird Ambassadors initiative, which motivates Baltimore’s Latino neighbors, through their connection to migratory birds and shared travel routes, to take local conservation action.
source: Chesapeake Bay Trust
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