Watershed Restoration | University of Maryland Extension

Updated: October 19, 2023

Introduction to Rain Gardens

Introduction to the use, planning and building of rain gardens.

Updated: October 19, 2023

What are 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.

Updated: October 17, 2023

Conservation Landscaping

A conservation landscape is a garden that improves water quality, promotes and preserves native species, and provides wildlife habitat. Conservation landscaping replaces hard surfaces or turf grass of a traditional lawn with native plants. There are many social and environmental benefits that result from installing a conservation landscape.

Updated: October 17, 2023

Downspout Redirection

Hard surfaces such as roofs increase runoff by preventing rain water from being absorbed into the ground.

Updated: October 17, 2023

Rain Barrels and Cisterns

Rain barrels and cisterns are devices that are placed at the end of downspouts to collect rainwater and store it for later use.

Updated: October 4, 2023

October 2023 WSA Newsletter

Updated: September 20, 2023

Certified Baywise Landscaping

Most Maryland residents live within a half-mile of a storm drain, stream or river. Most of those waterways eventually drain into the Chesapeake Bay.

Updated: September 5, 2023

Cecil County Watershed Stewards Academy

The Watershed Stewards Academy is a great opportunity to learn how to solve water quality problems in your community and join a local network of energized leaders.

Updated: July 25, 2023

What Happens after Phragmites is Killed? Year 2 (EBR-2023-0652)

In the second year of the project, researchers returned to the same field and mesocosm sites to evaluate the results of planting native species after Phragmites eradication. The results have led to several preliminary implications for restoration. Authors: Eric Buehl, Andrew Baldwin, Hope Brooks, Sylvia Jacobson, Karin Kettenring, Melissa McCormick, and Dennis Whigham; Title: What Happens after Phragmites is Killed? Year 2 (EBR-2023-0652)

Updated: June 8, 2023

How Do I Use Reclaimed Water on My Farm? A Review of Maryland Class IV Reclaimed Water Guidelines (FS-1100)

As the demand for water grows, the amount of water will remain the same, making it important to find new and reliable sources of water for agricultural production. One possibility is using highly treated effluent from municipal wastewater treatment plants, also known as reclaimed or recycled water. This guide is a review of the Maryland Department of Environment Guidelines for Use of Class IV Reclaimed Water: High Potential for Human Contact and what it means for farmers interested in using reclaimed water on their farm. Authors: Mayhah Suri, Paul Goeringer, and Dr. Rachel Rosenberg Goldstein; Title: How Do I Use Reclaimed Water on My Farm? A Review of Maryland Class IV Reclaimed Water Guidelines (FS-1100)