2012 is quickly coming to a close! I’d like to look back at many of the accomplishments that the Monocacy & Catoctin Watershed Alliance partners have achieved in the past 11 months, and also towards what we have to look forward to in 2013.

We have planted many acres of new forest throughout Frederick County, and will continue do so next year. Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) keep planting trees towards their “20% by 2038” tree canopy goal.  Through partnerships, FCPS has added 34+ acres to their school sites, with an estimated 10 additional acres to be planted next spring. Through the 2012 Neighborhood Green program, private landowners in the Linganore watershed will be converting approximately 14 acres of turf grass to forest, improving water quality and wildlife habitat while reducing time and money spent on lawn maintenance. This educational cost-share program will continue in 2013. Frederick County’s Planning Department is planting and permanently protecting forestland through the Linganore Watershed Easement Purchase Program as well.

How can you help?

• You can contribute to tree canopy expansion in Frederick County by donating a Gift of Trees through the Tree-mendous Maryland program.
• If you have already planted trees in your community, consider applying for a PLANT Award to recognize your community’s tree planting and maintenance efforts.

Forests are great for stream health, as are a number of other initiatives being led by Alliance partners. Potomac Conservancy and the US Fish & Wildlife Service recently worked together to remove Clifford Branch Dam and restore Clifford Branch through natural stream channel design and riparian buffer establishment. This project will improve conditions for existing populations of brook trout. Speaking of trout, the Potomac Valley Fly Fishers are selling 100 limited edition prints of a beautiful rainbow trout this holiday season to go towards the club’s conservation efforts. Members of the club also participated in Catoctin Creek Nature Center’s Stream Survey and identified and sorted macroinvertebrates to study stream conditions at two locations within the creek.

How can you help?

• Name a stream! The Monocacy Scenic River Citizens Advisory Council is looking for citizens to assist them in naming 3 streams in Frederick County and 3 streams in Carroll County.
• Have you seen pollutants entering our local streams? You can easily report these incidents by using a new smart phone app created in partnership by Friends of Frederick County, Potomac River Keeper, and Chesapeake Commons (there is also a website option).

Two of our articles feature bioretention projects in Urbana, MD: The Urbana High School bioretention project recently received a makeover, while the Urbana Elementary School Bioswale got hit by its 2nd hurricane since its installation. See how they look now…

Keep checking our website and calendar of events throughout 2013 to learn about volunteer opportunities for tree planting, stream clean ups, and more!

Heather Montgomery
Community Restoration Coordinator
301.600.1741

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