Nestled among mature forest and homes on Providence Road, Divinity Lutheran Church is a small congregation making large ripples for the health of nearby Loch Raven Reservoir. When it rains on the hard (impervious) surfaces at the church, the water doesn’t have far to go to reach one of the three main sources of Baltimore’s drinking water supply. Stormwater runoff, however, is a leading cause of pollution within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Meaning, even in that short distance, excess water from the church can become polluted by flowing over fertilized lawns, pet waste, motor oil, and even bare soil.
This year, Divinity Lutheran has been working in partnership with Gunpowder Valley Conservancy (GVC) to create conservation gardens and install rain barrels that reduce the amount of stormwater runoff from their property. The general public is invited to attend the Clear Creeks Project Open House at Divinity Lutheran (1220 Providence Road, 21286) on Sunday, September 10th from 12 pm to 2 pm. This is a free, drop-in event that will include hands-on activities, information sessions, garden tours, light snacks, and camaraderie. We’ll even be screening the Ravens game if you want to keep score in between activities!
The Open House is a great time to stop by and see Divinity Lutheran’s accomplishments and learn how you can implement similar practices at your home, business, or place of worship.
- Get professional advice on how to maintain your native gardens and trees in the fall, including pruning techniques and assessing tree damage
- Volunteer to help mulch trees and remove non-native plants to prepare for native plantings next year
- Connect with Baltimore-area Green Teams and environmental organizations, including Gunpowder Valley Conservancy, Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake and Master Gardeners
- Learn how you can promote clean water AND save money by installing a Clear Creeks Project rain barrel and/or rain garden
The Clear Creeks Project Open House is the culmination of the Bay-Wise Project at Divinity Lutheran, which is primarily funded by a Chesapeake Bay Trust Outreach and Restoration Grant. Now in its tenth year, the GVC’s Clear Creeks Project is a grant-funded, citizen-based initiative to restore the water quality within targeted areas of Baltimore and Harford Counties. Almost 20% of the land surrounding the southern part of Loch Raven Reservoir is classified as impervious surface. With over 50,000 people living in neighborhoods between York Road and the Reservoir, GVC believes people can have a positive impact on the health of Loch Raven Reservoir—and, in turn, their own health—by making small changes in their own backyards.
Event Summary:
Clear Creeks Project Open House
Sunday, September 10, 2023 from 12 PM – 2 PM
Divinity Lutheran Church
1220 Providence Road, Baltimore, MD 21286