Greening Dundalk

Solving a Community Need

through Local Action

Dundalk, Maryland:

A Brief Profile

• Unincorporated community

• Recent history based in industry

• Many Civic Associations and Unions

• Waterfront community

Defining Community

Need• Old Infrastructure and old planning paradigm

― Grey vs. Green infrastructure― Planning for general efficiency, not for community

Defining Community Need

• Urban area and Chesapeake Bay Watershed ― Limited tree canopy― Polluted run-off

Defining Community Need

• Former Industrial area― “Dirty” stigma – negative public perception― Limited local resources

Environmental “Lingo”

• ImperviousIncapable of being penetrated. Refers to ground cover or structures like asphalt, cement, roofs, etc.

• WatershedThe land area from which water drains to a common body of water.

• Native vs. InvasivePlants that have developed naturally in a given climate vs. those which have been artificially moved to a climate and out-compete native species.

• SustainabilityA term used to describe an approach to environmental issues which often include benefits to the natural environment, economics, and human society.

Community Based

Solutions1. Reducing effect of impervious cover

and air pollutants: planting trees

Community Based

Solutions2. Reducing polluted stormwater

run-off: planting trees, installing rain gardens and rain barrels

Community Based

Solutions3. Raising Awareness and Educating:

Encouraging recycling, Green Schools, Stream Clean-ups and Monitoring

Community Based

Solutions4. Engaging Community in Leadership and

Stewardship: Neighborhood-based initiatives, Community gardens, ‘Friends of Parks’

Benefits and

Measurable Outcomes

Many solutions are long-term.

How will we know if we’re making progress?

• Less trash! And other visible differences.

• Increased local investment

• Improved water quality

Benefits and

Measurable Outcomes

Overall, positive changes in ecological processes

Discussion

• What are other ways to reach these goals?

• If financial investment is required, who pays?

• Are you willing to make personalchanges for long-term environmental benefits?

Contact

Marisa Olszewski

Volunteer Maryland Coordinator, Greening of Dundalk

Dundalk Renaissance Corporation

marisa@dundalkusa.org

410-282-0261 (office)

www.dundalkusa.org

Join the Greening of Dundalk group on Facebook!