January 2021 Newsletter
Speak for the Trees in 2021
Looking for a meaningful way to volunteer in 2021? Consider becoming a Reforestation Crew Chief with the Gunpowder Valley Conservancy (GVC)!

Must be in good physical condition and able to work weekends. We will train you! A perfect fit for students pursuing a career in environmental science, forestry, or ecology.
GVC's 2020 Accomplishments
Starting the new year off right! We are thrilled to report that we successfully raised $20,000 through our End-of-Year matching campaign. We are grateful to all our donors for their support of clean water in the Gunpowder Watershed.

Most years the GVC is fortunate to engage over 2,000 volunteers in environmental stewardship activities. As expected, Covid-19 severely limited when we could host volunteer events as well as the number of volunteers allowed at each event. Despite these restrictions, GVC made great strides towards a cleaner, greener Gunpowder Watershed.

In 2020, 952 volunteers donated 2,420 volunteer hours worth $69,333.

Here are just a few of their accomplishments. Thank you!
Quick Survey To Improve Baltimore County Waste Management
Do your part and take action in 2021! Baltimore County is requesting feedback from residents and businesses to help improve our solid waste management and recycling services. Deadline is February 7.
Success for Rural Lands in the Gunpowder Watershed
Map created by Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Gunpowder Valley Rural Legacy area (see above),sponsored by GVC, encompasses 3,819 acres in Baltimore County. The area parallels the Gunpowder River and protects farmland, forests, natural and cultural areas adjacent to the River.

In 2020, GVC was awarded an additional $377,249 by the Rural Legacy Program to purchase conservation easements in the area. The easement committee has identified key properties in the area and will continue to work with interested property owners to protect the best of the Gunpowder Valley.
In Memory: Gene Flanagan
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of GVC Champion Leader, Gene Flanagan. Gene became involved with the GVC more than 20 years ago, engaging his students from Rosedale Alternative High School (now The Rosedale Center) in outdoor activities. Charlie Conklin recalls one of his first encounters with Gene's students:

"None were smiling. I could see that they had a bad sense that they were going to be forced to do labor. After they finished the service objective, whether it was planting trees or maintaining a trail, they were all smiling!"

Gene was also our champion in leading canoe trips down the Gunpowder. One memorable trip started just below Corbet Road. It was supposed to be a fun trip for our volunteer leaders, no work. However, one of the participants noticed that there were tires in the river and yelled to Gene "Can we pick them up?" As Gene always did, he said "OK" and at the end of the two hour trip, we collected 25 tires.

Gene will be remembered for his commitment for the greater good as well as being a mentor to his students.