June 2022 Newsletter
The Time Traveling Issue
As our youngest volunteers (and their amazing teachers) are enjoying summer break, GVC is heading into warp speed with a lot of updates. So many, in fact, that we only have room for an issue full of snippets. Enjoy!
First, let's start with the old news. The moment you've all been waiting for...our 2020 Annual Report. Many of us turned inward as a result of the worldwide pandemic and it forced us to delay some things as we adjusted to that new reality. This, our 2020 annual report, reflects our status at the end of that year and we hope to catch up by publishing our 2021 report by the end of this year!

Please note that the 2020 annual report will only be available in digital format.
Honoring The Heart of GVC
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but we're pretty sure these are priceless. Last month, we had the honor of hosting a TRIPLE surprise party at Charlie Conklin's house. Only a few people knew all the details! Special thanks to GVC's Event Committee and Charlie Conklin's Slovakian "family" for their help behind-the-scenes.
Susan Bath presented Charlie Conklin with personalized artwork honoring his 30+ years of service to GVC.
30 years combined! Peg Perry (left) and Karen Stupski (right) both celebrated their 15th Anniversary as GVC staff!
More Details About Our Annual Celebration!
We are excited to share more details about Evening Among the Trees on Saturday, September 17th:


  • Celebrate our 2022 Hero of the Green, Corey Johns

  • Enjoy delicious food from McFaul's Ironhorse Tavern

  • Dance the night away with live music by Free Range Blue

  • Bid on our unique art raffle, silent auctions, and Wagon of Cheer


Early bird ticket sales ($75/person) will begin next week. Stay tuned!
Coming Soon: New GVC Website
Our updated website aims to provide concise, action-oriented information to help YOU get involved with Gunpowder Valley Conservancy. You'll soon have our history, calendar of events, and programs at your fingertips. Anticipated launch date in summer 2022.
A Successful Gunpowder Watershed Forum
Thank you to the 60+ people who made our Gunpowder Watershed Forum a success! Your input (and enthusiasm) was invaluable and we look forward to sharing next steps later in the summer. Special thanks to the Neighborhood Design Center for providing excellent support as event facilitators. Make sure to check them out!
Buy a Rain Barrel from GVC
You can still benefit from adding a rain barrel to your property this summer! Reserve your spot today for:

Saturday, July 16 (10 am - 12 pm)


Anyone is welcome to attend our workshops for FREE to learn more about the benefits of rain barrels and how to properly maintain them. If you are interested in purchasing a rain barrel (or two), you'll just need to provide the number and color of rain barrels you'd like, as well as your mailing address when you register. This allows our staff to determine whether you are eligible for our Clear Creeks Project 50% discount, which is based on your property's location within the Gunpowder Watershed.
See You at ECOFEST 2022
Hello to all our friends on the other side of the Gunpowder Falls! We're looking forward to seeing you at Ecofest 2022 this Sunday afternoon (June 26th) at Highland Presbyterian Church. This is a free event but registration is encouraged:

EcoFest is a family-fun festival celebrating creation in Harford County. Free activities, crafts, and demonstrations for all ages. Make sure to stop by our table to participate in a nature scavenger hunt and learn about GVC's upcoming volunteer opportunities.
Communicating with Gen Z
GVC got schooled! This spring, we were matched as a client for Towson University's Strategic Public Relations and Integrated Communication class and its four impressive marketing companies: A+ Agency, Move Forward, pop! Agency, and Stellar Seniors. Special thanks to Jenna Mills, TU Director of Alumni Engagement, and Ron Brown, GVC Board Member, for connecting us. We now have four plans that identify ways GVC can strengthen our communication with Gen Z, especially in terms of taking action for climate change.We look forward to reviewing our summer reading!
GVC Alum Making Impact
Congratulations to our 2021 GIVE Fellow, Cristian Ojeda, for being featured in Laureate's 2021 Impact Report for his work with GVC and Business Volunteers Maryland. We are grateful to you and your peers for sharing your talents with us. Keep up the good work!