Watershed Protection | University of Maryland Extension

Updated: November 10, 2022

Pond Management Calendar and Record Keeping Log

Updated: August 19, 2022

What Happens after Phragmites is Killed? (EBR-59)

Non-native Phragmites australis can negatively impact wetlands by altering hydrology, displacing plants and animals, and increasing fire potential. Researchers are trying to understand if eradicating Phragmites without replanting the marsh with native plants can result in negative impacts to the marsh. Authors: Eric Buehl, Andrew Baldwin, Sylvia Jacobson, Karin Kettenring, Melissa McCormick, Dennis Whigham; Title: What Happens after Phragmites is Killed? (EBR-59)

Updated: May 25, 2022

Rain Gardens

A rain garden is a planted depression in the landscape that collects and allows rainwater runoff from hard surfaces to be absorbed. Rain gardens are planted with native plants, and include a soil media and mulch.

Updated: December 6, 2021

Stewardship Opportunities

Stewardship opportunities offered through the University of Maryland Extension.

Updated: July 6, 2021

From My Backyard to Our Bay

A Dorchester County Homeowner’s Guide: Actions to Improve the Water Quality of the Chesapeake Bay

Image of flooding on Maple Dam Road in Dorchester County, Maryland

Updated: May 13, 2021

Adoption of Household Stormwater Best Management Practices

This report summarizes the findings of a household survey conducted by the University of Maryland (UMD) regarding the adoption of stormwater best management practices (BMPs), including rain gardens, rain barrels, low fertilizer lawn care, and conservation landscaping.

Updated: May 11, 2021

Rain Gardens Across Maryland

Cleaning Maryland’s waterways one rain garden at a time. This new and improved “how-to” manual discusses the benefits of incorporating multiple small-scale practices into a rain garden design.

Updated: March 28, 2021

Permeable Hardscapes

Permeable hardscapes help manage stormwater (surface water from heavy rains or snow) and are an alternative to hard surfaces. Materials used as permeable hardscapes allow stormwater to seep into the ground (permeate) rather than pool in low spots or run off into storm drains or local streams. This Extension Brief is meant to provide the property owner with information about selecting permeable hardscapes. Installation should be performed by an experienced, certified contractor.

Updated: February 11, 2021

Riparian Buffer Financial Assistance Opportunities (Fact Sheet #769)

Landowners interested in creating riparian buffers can take advantage of cost-share programs available for establishing buffers. This publication outlines some of the programs available.

Updated: February 11, 2021

Riparian Buffer Management: An Introduction to the Riparian Forest Buffer

A riparian forest buffer encompasses the area from the streambank to and including an area of vegetation located upslope from the water. This publication provides background information on this habitats.