Harris Creek Watershed Strategy

The initial Department of Public Works Grant to the Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association was to develop a Stormwater Management Plan for reducing Trash and Pollution in the Watershed. We had an advantage in that we had a Trash Interceptor at the Outflow which was collecting 5 tons of Trash each month. The Therapy for this problem was to implement BMPs or Best Management Practices ( success stories learned from the Watershed 263 Project) throughout the 17 neighborhoods and two Parks in Watershed 246 (Harris Creek Watershed). The initial Grant was to contract with Parks and People Foundation and do the "people phase" of the Project. We were to develop a way to identify Stakeholders from the neighborhoods,get input from the residents through a Survey Questionnaire,educate Community Associations about the Stormwater Problem and finally to get adequate representation from the 17 neighborhoods to engage in several Workshops that would allow for the development of a Stormwater Plan for the Harris Creek Watershe. The Workshops were part of the second phase and wre to be funded through a Grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust Fund and the Service to be performed by the Center for Watershed Protection in collaboration with the Parks and Peolple Foundation,the Baltimore City Department of Public Works and coordinated through the efforts of the Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association.

The Survey Questionnaire has been perfected and has been completed by about 400 persons so far. We are anticipating 700-800 at the completion date (end of January 2010).At that time,we will begin our Workshops (second week in February) and these will lead to the development of a Stormwater Management Plan for the Harris Creek Watershed.

We have benefitted greatly during this Journey through the efforts of Donna Kirsh (BHWA) who has been able to obtain the second Grant as well as another small Grant for the Harris Creek Park. We have interacted with many Groups working within our Watershed and have benefitted fom theis advice as well as help. We realized right from the beginning that Education and Knowledge was not enough to change behavior of the citizens within the Watershed......and that which was needed was a "change in culture" and this was going to be a real challenge. We were helped a great deal from the symposiul on Humane Metropolis Baltimore....that Key Elements needed to be present to bring about a Culture Change.....and that Cities needed to become more GREEN;to protect and restore urban biodiversity and ecological services....more HEALTHY;to promote outdoor exercise and fitness,reduce respiratory threats....more SAFE;to reduce crime rates,lower risk of fire,floods and other hazards.....more EFFICIENT;to employ a better use of water,energy,materials etc.......more EQUITABLE; to embrace environmental and social justice,affordable housing,access to Jobs........more NEIGHBORLY; to foster Pride of Place and Community.

In addition to these six, Dr.Lenneal Henderson proposed that three additional characteristics of the New City develop.....these being CREATIVITY,COMMUNICATIVE and ARTISTIC for obvious reasons. The Goal of all of these was to Restore Nature within the Urban Regions. One could sum up this approach with the statement "Creating Community through Horticulture and Engaging Gathering Places. If we could get more people out more,engaging in community activities such as Community Gardens,get them talking to one another.......bringing out our Humanity,we could bring about Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods.......then problems such as Trash and Pollution could be addressed.

This is a step in the right direction that we have taken,but along the way we have encountered elements that need to be addressed.....some positive....some negative. The latter may include the distrust we have encountered that has as its basis the Environmental Injustice Practices in the Watershed over many years. These are real and we have to help in addressing and working to correct them if we want to change culture within the Watershed. On the other hand,we have come upon the emerging development of Hoop Agricultural Farming that potentially could provide a harvest of vegetables and fruits all year round that is locally and easily assessible....and could be placed at City Schools for School Children . This needs to be tested ,but has great potential. The Harris Creek Watershed is working with Civic Works to see if this can be accomplished in the Schools in the Harris Creek Watershed. As a result of our interest in Environmental Justice,we are forming a partnership with Environmental Justice Partnership.....and also trying to become a partner with Source for our Watershed Project at Johns Hopkins.

What is Important here is the Fact that this Project becomes more that just a Stormwater Project,but one of trying to Improve the Quality of Life for the residents in the Watershed and that can only come if we approach the Project as a "Work in Progress" and be open to discuss all Issues and put them all on the Table. We become better persons in the Process. We have more to do and more roads to travel.The Direction we now know is Clear.

Respectfully,Raymond D.Bahr MD Coordinator Harris Creek Watershed Project

Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association

Baltimore City Paper: CPTV: Hoop Dreams

Baltimore City Paper: CPTV: Hoop Dreams

This is part of the Harris Creek Watershed of the Baltimore Harbor Watershed and the Plan is to utilize this concept of Hoop Greenhouses throughout the Harris reek Watershed.

Ray Bahr Coordiator Harris Creek Watershed tormwater Project

Thanksgiving Day as a time to Justice in the World

Thanksging is a warm Holiday of Remembrances as we fill our stomachs with a standard menu (not to be touched with),then sit back in soft armchairs and doze off to short periods of sleep as we watch endless football games of little significance.......but it is also a Time to reflect and think about those Not So Blessed.......those Struggling,many times through no fault of their own.......Poverty is a real issue in America today.....it is often said that for many Americans,they still live in a third world country........in some way or other,our Humaness needs to reach out to these fellow Americans and World People. How we do it and how often will depend on many factors and has to be individualized........but we need to do so for these needy people....not just for them.....but to restore our own Humanity.

Perhaps,another thought that needs to come to mind is that "bad things happen to poor people"....... and this is something that we do wrong and need to correct. This should not happen,and when it does we need to quickly speak up and speak out to the wrongful actions. I am talking here about Environmental Injustice. Affected communities are taken advantage of and lose TRUST and become suspicious when even good programs for their communities are presented. This is what we found when we tried to develop. a Watershed Stormwater Project to reduce Trash and Pollution flowing into the Baltimore Harbor.

Enough said,we concluded that before we could develop the Stormwater Project,we must first find out from the residents the true issues confronting them and work to improve these conditions as well. Strong neighborhoods and stakeholders are needed so when challenged will be a factor in restoring Baltimore. The Improvement in the Quality of Life for residents in these neighborhoods will then enable a successful Stormwater Project,such as the Harris Creek Watershed Plan ,to become a reality.

This is what we are finding in this "Work in Progress". What are your Thoughts?

Raymond D.Bahr MD Coordinator Harris Creek Watershed (246) Project BHWA

Recognition of Patterson Park Top 12 Great Parks in the United States

Congratulations to Tim Almaguer and the Friends of Patterson Park for getting on the Forbes List for the Top 12 Great Parks in the United States. What an Achievement! WOW! The amount of Time, Effort and Commitment over the last 10 years has been Phenomenal. Citizens of Baltimore need to take time to recognize this,stand and applaud.

The Harris Creek Watershed Association is Proud that Patterson Park lies within its Watershed. Not only is it in it,but in many days long ago,it had a more intimate relationship. It was at the Northern part of Harris Creek that William Patterson had a six acre farm. There were two large steams that met just North of the Park to form a Major Stream that gave way to the Harris Creek that eventually flowed into the Baltimore Harbor along Boston Street in Canton. Harris Creek in 1797 had two large Boat Yards and it was at the Stodder Boat Yard where the famous Frigate Constillation was built as well as many Clipper Ships that played havoc with the British in the War of 1812.

We are trying to clean up the Harris Creek Watershed these days with a Stormwater Project that aims to reduce Trash and Pollution from going into the Baltimore Harbor. We are Proud of our Heritage....Proud of Harris Creek.....and even more Proud of Patterson Park after getting this recognition. Thanks Tim and Friends of Patterson Park. We appreciate your Effort.

Best,Raymond D.Bahr MD Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association

Moving ahead with the Harris Creek Watershed Project

The easiest part of doing this Project is to Educate about Trash and Implement Best Management Practices for dealing with excessive runoff from Stormwater. There are 17 neighborhoods in the Harris Creek Watershed that goes from Clifton Park to the Baltimore Harbor in Canton at the Outflow Drain located just across from the Safeway. However doing the Project this way only would wind up as a Failure. There are a lot of Issues in these neighborhoods that are more Important than Stormwater Management. These Issues need to part of the Equation in solving the Trash and Pollution Problem.

The medium earned Income is about $45,000 in the Canton area and this decreases to about $10,000 as one goes North. The Unemployment Rate is about 6% in the Canton area and rises to about 30% as one goes North. This translates to neighborhoods having Poverty Issues that results in an increase in the Illegal Drug Trading and the Violence and Homicide that goes with this trend. Humanity gets lost and there is a sense of Hopelessness. Homes become neglected and vacant. Dumping of trash in alleys and on vacant lots occur, setting the scene for rat infestation.

Residents become suspicious of outsiders,especially developers and urban planners. Trust is lost and becomes an obstacle preventing any meaningful discussion about a Stormwater Project.
Yet despite these shortcomings,all is not lost. Residents are still fellow human beings that seemingly have lost temporarily their humanity. Needed is a developing fellowship based on an understanding that Projects become sensitive in working to become more aware of the many issues confronting a neighborhood.

Yes,we will continue in the Watershed 246 Project or the Harris Creek Watershed Project,but we will tread lightly as we attempt to find ways to get back this Community Trust, so very much needed to engage deeply the Stakeholders that will help us in connecting Neighborhoods ......and use this as a Bridging Force to bring back a Live Baltimore.

Help us to understand what we have to do to unite and ignite the Neighborhoods in this Effort.

Respectfully,Raymond D.Bahr Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association

Survey Questionnaire for residents of Watershed 246

This has been a Tough Week for the Harris Creek Watershed (246). It is hard enough to controil the things that you can,but even worse when things come your way totally unprepared for. The only you can is to have "tenacity to the Vision" and keep moving on.

After the Bus Tour of the Harris Creek Watershed,we sat down to complete the Questionnaire that we could then use to do the Survey in the upper part of the Harris Creek Watershed.The Pan is to use this information in part of a Workshop being put together that will help in developing a Stormwater plan for the Watershed. To do this,we need people or residents to come together and share their experiences so that "problems of the neighborhoods" can be worked out in this setting. For these,we need to reach out and identify such individuals,but we are having trouble getting cooperation from those in authority that is needed to do this effectively.

Despite this setback,we are determined to modify our strategy and reach these people necessary to write a stormwater plan. "Tenacity to the Vision will be our Battlecry"

Respectfully,Raymond D.Bahr MD BHWA

Hoop Dreams: Sustainable agriculture comes to Lake Clifton Park | Baltimore City Paper

Hoop Dreams: Sustainable agriculture comes to Lake Clifton Park Baltimore City Paper

This will be part of our Stormwater Plan for the Harris Creek Watershed. We will try and promote Community Green Gardens,both the Standard ones as well as the "more intensive ones" as described here throughout the many unused acres in our Urban area for Agriculture. Read about this and give us some of your ideas how this can be successful in our GIS 246 Watershed. Ray Bahr MD BHWA

Harris Creek Watershed Game Plan

Game Plan

The Stormwater Project of the Harris Creek Watershed can only be successfully accomplished if there is Community Buy-in and that will require more than just Education about Trash and implementing best management practices for stormwater management. It will require an entire mindset change for this cultural change to take place.It will involve getting to know what the residents in these 17 neighborhoods feel are more pressing issues and how to go about achieving both objectives. Areas with concentrated poverty makes it difficult for residents to lead a more normal existence. To help neutralize this,we will try our best to promote,enhance and expand Community Gardens and Community Gathering Places. We will try and work with the Churches as well as the many groups already involved in cleaning and greening activities (see previous e-blog) in this watershed. Networking (never having to re-invent the wheel) will be a major strategy in trying to connect the people and the places in this watershed.There are many fine people living in these areas that at times become strangulated with the crime,violence and illegal drugs. Our Plan for the Harris Creek Watershed will get nowhere unless we find ways to improve the Quality of Life for all living in the watershed. We need to provide this Hope for them

With these Thoughts in Mind,we will incorporate the Humane Metropolis Baltimore Initiative that recently unrolled in a Conference Workshop sponsored by the Maryland Historical Society and the Parks and People Foundation. The Initiative highlights new initiatives to become more:

Green: Protect and restore urban biodiversity and ecological services.

Healthy: Promote outdoor exercises and fitness,reduce respiratory threats.

Safe: Reduce crime rates;lower risk of fire,floods and other hazards.

Efficient: Employ a better use of water,energy,materials (green buildings,light rail etc).

Equitable: Embrace environmental and social justice,affordable housing,access to jobs.

Neighborly: Foster pride of place and sense of Community



To these six, Dr.Lenneal Henderson added three more to improve even moreso the above. These are Creativity,Communication and Artistic........and to gel this Plan even moreso,Scott Spencer added "diversity" has to be included in every discussion.

Creating Community through Horticulture and adding Gathering Places for the needed Converstations to take place that will highlight Humanity as the most important aspect in our Stormwater Plan for the Harris Creek Watershed.

Respectfully,Raymond D.Bahr MD BHWA

The Harris Creek Watershed Plan for Stormwater Management
"Moving Along"

(3)-What makes this a viable Plan and gives it Hope is what is going on in the "greening" parts of the Watershed. Let's take a Look!

Banner Neighborhood's Garden

Duncan Block Community Garden

Montford and McElderry Garden

600 N.Rose Garden

God's Glory to Glover Street

Milton Montford Garden

Garden of Eden

Eager and Milton Garden

Faith Garden/Chess Park

Mura Street Garden

Lanvale Garden

Duncan Miracle Garden

North and Wolfe Garden

Darley Park Community Garden

Madeira Street Garden


Community Humane Groups working together

HEBCAC

Civic Works Americorp Program

Baltimore Green Space

B'more Green

Tree Baltimore

Cleaner,Greener Baltimore Initiative

OSI Fellows

University of Maryland Cooperative Gardens

Parks and Recreation

CARE

Baltimore Green Mapping

Master Gardener Program

Environmental Justice Partnership

Habitat for Humanity






Not to be forgotten are the Two Parks, Patterson Park and Clifton Park and the many vacant lots being turned into green spaces. Also to be included are the many Churches and Schools. Connecting these green points of lights and increasing the Gathering Spaces are part of the Humane Metropolis Initiative that serves as our Strategy for improving the Quality of Life in these impoverished areas. We can not expect to develop an effective Stormwater Plan for this Watershed unless we show an attempt to change the Culture of Despair that exists. Finding and Identifying Effective Stakeholders in each of the 17 Neighborhoods will be a Tool that we will seek to employ. Stay tuned in..............best,BHWA

The Harris Creek Watershed Stormwater Project

The Harris Creek Watershed Project is starting to make Progress. Moving it forward and getting the Message out as to what we aim to do in the Watershed is Important to us at this stage. The "gist" of this was included in a recent Sun Paper Article following a Bus Tour of the Harris Creek Watershed.

The Important Points covered and now available to the Public are (1)-The Harris Creek Watershed is an undertaking by the Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association (BHWA),that is has a significant Historic background,that it was paved over during the Industrialization of Canton,that it has an Outflow on Boston St,that 55 miles of pipes are necessary to carry the stormwater from Clifton Park to the Canton Area. There is a Paddle Wheel Trash Interceptor located at the Outfall and 3-5 Tons of Trash are collected each month. The immediate Goal of the BHWA is to reduce this significantly with Practices that will accomplish this.

(2)-The way to Clean up the Baltimore Harbor is to Clean up the City ....one Block at a time and help bring back Baltimore. However this will be a real challenge because of the Diversity that now exists in the Watershed. There is a wide variation in Income,rate of unemployment,schools crimes,drug addiction,etc Social Justice and Environmental Justice Issues need to be considered and better understood before setting up Workshops dealing with the Stormwater Issue. It becomes a Shared Watershed Plan only if "togetherness" becomes part of the core ingredients.

More to Come. Ray Bahr MD BHWA

Harris Creek Watershed Bus Tour

The Bus Tour to see the Harris Creek Watershed will take place on Saturday October 17,2009 from 12:30 to 3 PM and end in Canton at St.Anthony's Hall (St.Casimir's) with refreshments of Homemade Regular Chilli and Vegetarian Chilli where a discussion and critique of the Watershed will take place. There are 17 Neighborhoods and two Parks in the Watershed. Those interested in coming on the Bus Tour,contact Ray Bahr 410-534-7655

Miracle Garden on Duncan St.in the Harris Creek Watershed

On Saturday,the Miracle Garden on Duncan St Celebrated 20 years in operation. How do you like that for Sustainability? Lewis Sharpe is not only the Master Gardiner there,but he is also the Gourmat Chef. He prepared for us a sumptuous meal prepared from the Harvest. Noah and Jade,the children of Anita Stewart-Hammerer acted as the Tour Guides. Congratulations Duncan St. Many more years to you all.
Where this makes sense is to connect these green gardens,much like Olmstead did in the early 1900s when he talked about an enveloping green necklace surrounding the City and penetrating it. It provided outdoor activities,both fun and recreational. In Watershed 246,we hope to do the same. It has been said that you can create real community with Horticulture and Gathering Spaces where conversation,learning and spirituality can take place. Thus,the Harris Creek Watershed Project is more than a Stormwater Project. Think of it as a way to bring back Viable Neighborhoods that form the Backbone of a Healthy Baltimore. We are trying..... RDB

Harris Creek Watershed (246) Stormwater Project Meeting on September 1,2009

Putting together the Community Gardens (green assets) in the Neighborhoods that serves as a Gathering Space,not only for gardening but also Events and Educational Opportunities that provide Safe conditions. www.facebook.com/raymondbahr

Metropolis Baltimore Greening and Cleaning Effort

The Harris Creek Watershed (246) Stormwater Project
Humanity Initiative
Creating Community through Horticulture and Gathering Spaces

The Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association (BHWA) has taken on a Stormwater Project in the Harris Creek Watershed. This encompases 1270 acres and extends from Clifton Park to the Harris Creek Outflow in Canton (2700 block Boston St). It's purpose is to significantly reduce Trash and Pollution from going into the Baltimore Harbor. It plans to do this through Community Education and Implementing Best Management Practices for Stormwater Management. We know that currently there is 3-5 tons of Trash being deposited in the Harbor each month. To be successful,it is necessary not only to educate but to have the Stormwater Plan accepted by the 20 Communities in the 246 Watershed. The concerns of the Community Stakeholders need to be addressed as well. The Plan is to understand not only the Stormwater Plans but how best to Improve the Neighborhoods and Help in the Stregthening of these Communities.

The Approach we are taking is to Partner with other Community minded Groups by focusing on the Greener,Cleaner Efforts. The Humanity Initiative is derived from the recently held Conference entitled "Humana Metropolis Baltimore" sponsored by the Maryland Historical Society and the Parks and People Foundation and places emphasis on "Green,Healthy,Neighborly,Safe,Equitable and Efficient" in an effort to connect the Green Spaces throughout Baltimore City and bring more people out of their houses and enjoy Life. Lenneal Henderson felt that three other features should be added,namely "creative,communicative and artistic". Scot Spencer from the Anne Casey Foundation thought that "diversity concerns" should also be added. The Sum of adding these is to put into place a collective effort to connect green parks,community gardens and markets in hope of improving the Quality of Life in these Communities.

Equation for accomplishing this.

Greening Efforts Gathering Spaces Expanding the Effort Value Added Aspect

Community Gardens Enlive with Education Include more people
Parks and Entertainment Create New Programs
Converting vacant lots,
alleys,asphalt playgrounds

The First Meeting on collecting the inventory in Watershed 246 took place Sept 1,2009 and Assets will be reported in the next e-blog. Raymond Bahr MD BHWA

September 1,2009 Preparing the way for the Watershed 246 Stormwater Project

The Harris Creek Watershed 246 Stormwater Project involves 20 Neighborhoods that go from Clifton Park to the Harris Creek Outflow on Boston St. in Canton. In most of the Watershed medium income is down and unemployment up. Attempting to educate these Neighborhoods about Trash and Stormwater plans may be difficult unless there is also an attempt to understand the conditions under which the people residing in these Neighborhoods exist. How does one go about creating a positive force that will work to improve the Quality of Living in these Neighborhoods? How can Transformation take place?

I would propose that we look seriously at the recently held Conference entitled "Humane Metropolis Baltimore". It was sponsored by the Parks and People Foundation and touched on subjects germaine to answering the question of this Transformation. The relationship that we have to one another can be enhanced by activities that bring us out of our selves and encourage engagement and participation addressing common goals. Humanity blossoms in this environment. How can this be achieved and is this pipe dream possible?

the Formula for achieving this can be summarized this way,

(1)- Support the many "greening" projects throughout these Neighborhoods. I have been impressed by all the meaningful people involved in such activities.Their struggles to maitain this effort,especially in the present Economy,has not gone unnoticed. A listing of these activities is being put together. Connecting these "green"activities is a way of providing security and safety in these Neighborhoods. In many ways,it resembles the "green necklace" envisioned by the Olmsteads around the turn of the Century.

(2)- Create "Gathering Spaces" that bring people out and communicate more....the more,the better....Master Gardeners mixing with the Food experts and the Chefs....local experts among the opinion gatherers.

(3)- Find ways to engage as many people as possible....in some form of activity. Patterson Park and the Friends of Patterson Park is a prime example of what can be done optimally with a large Community coming together to make it better for everyone to enjoy.

(4)- Now with the above three as a start,begin to Grow exponentially in numbers of green gathering spaces and expansion for newer ways to involve even more of the populace....the elders....the disable......more programs for children....more school involvement(chess garden)


Inherited Poverty brings with it the baggage of Toxicity that has a negative influence on these Neighborhoods,but the Humanity that is promoted with an Emphasis on green gathering spaces that engage the members of the Community helps to offset this and gathers momentum as it pervades throughout the Community.


As the saying goes,

The Goal of these "green spaces" is to bring People Together to Rub Shoulders,Have Fun,and with Luck......even Get To Know Each Other.

When we work to make Life a Better Place for All of Us,we will have Prepared Well the Community for introducing the Harris Creek Watershed 246 Stormwater Plan.

Respectfully,Raymond D.Bahr MD BHWA

Connectivity is the First Step in The Harris Creek Project

July 29,2009 Blog

From Theory and Strategy to Action Steps. The First Step is for the BHWA to identify the current Assets and Inventory of Projects as well as the Resources within Watershed 246. It is amazing how many of these are taking place here but in many cases they are not connected. We have seen community gardens,an artistic chess , the miracle garden,BMPs,vacant lot projects,the Tree Baltimore project,civic works projects,etc Connecting these areas will begin the Effort to create a green necklace throughout the neighborhood. Stormwater Management brings with it "greening activities",but developing strong Stakeholders in the Neighborhoods will be needed to sustain the Efforts made. In addition,the same people can network with other groups working in the 246 Watershed. Creating Clean and Green Gathering Spaces throughout the neighborhoods makes them more Safe for the citizens traveling through them.

Connectivity..... or Connecting the green spaces throughout will be the Focus of the next Meeting of the Harris Creek Watershed Project to be held September 1,2009 at Lighthouse Point 2700 Boston St.6-8 PM. There is no question that the Stormwater Project will be difficult to carry out in the areas that are economically challenged,but working with Community Leaders and Stakeholders will be the next step in the Process. Planned next is a Bus Tour for Leaders in the 20 Communities....to be followed by several Workshops aimed at coming together in understanding and thought before developing the 246 Watershed Plan that will put into play Best Management Practices for dealing with the Rain runoff in the Watershed.

more to come....follow us on www.Baltimorewaters.org Ray Bahr MD BHWA

Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and Landscape Archirect at the turn of the century (1900). What does this have to do with the Harris Creek Watershed Stormwater Project? Today,"green space" is viewed as grass somewhat outside our house,but years ago at the turn of the Centurt (1900) there was a lot of excitement about Parks in the City. There were many reasons for this,but what intrigued me the most was the Public Health Issue. The "germ" theory had just been discovered as related to infections and... that the way to deal with the Problem was for citizens to get out of the house (close quarters),get walking and strolling,and get more frequent "baths". Parks were places where all three of these activities could take place. Public Bath Houses were popular in those days. Today,we take a bath at least once a day,but back then it was uncommon to do so. Why? Houses did not have baths,showers,tubs etc and toilet facilities were outdoors and it was OK to wash yourself once a month or less. I know your thinking,but that was the way back then....accept it and let's get on with my points. It started out as Public Health (to prevent infections from germs) and then it turned to Personal Hygiene. Remember Johns Hopkins had a School of Public Health and Hygiene. Parks and Green Space were very popular and Frederick Law Olmsted convinced citizens that the City lived within a Park....that there was a green necklace(green emerald) connecting all the green space and that within this lived a City with People..........the "connectivity" allowed people to get out,converse at gathering spots and became neighborly,allowed cleaning up and green activities .....and brought about safe neighborhoods' It was Sustainable because of this connectivity. This connectivity extended to the Baltimore Harbor and "green to blue' added to the Quality of Human Experiences. Over the years ,a lot of this became disconnected. We can lament over why this took place,but it is what it is. Sprawl resulted to our dismay,but it does not prevent us from doing the best with what we have.....and that is the message of the Initiative Humane Metropolis Baltimore.....bringing back the connectivity that was lost ...with greening....cleaning....getting people out to community gardens ....communicating with our neighbors.....making communities safer and more friendly.....bringing back Baltimore. That brings me to the point of talking abot the Harris Creek Watershed Project that will work to reduce Trash in the Baltimore Harbor but also put into effect Best Management Practices for Stormwater Management that will have greening aspects to this Strategy. The Project includes 20 Neighborhoods and presents a real Challenge,but if carried out well could well put us on a path to bring back the connectivity needed to place the green necklace around the City and connect it to a Cleaner and Safer Baltimore Harbor.
Interested in Helping to futher this along? Volunteer www.Baltimorewaters.org
The Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association Ray D.Bahr MD

How does a Stormwater Project promote a Healthy Neighborhood?
Stormwater or Rainwater causes problems when it arrives on concrete pavement or asphlalt parking lots and washes down the drain whatever is on the streets. To reduce Stormwater runoff,the Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association will be working with the Center for Watershed Protection to develop a Stormwater Plan to prevent problems of Runoff. Basically,this Consists of what is called "Best Management Practices(BMPS)"....diverting the water into areas that may absorb it prior to getting to the Stormdrain at the end of the street. Many of these BMPs are "greening" in that they consists of rain gardens,community gardens,tress etc. Thus the idea of a "Humane Metropolis Baltimore" fits very nicely into Stormwater Management and begins the Cycle needed to bring back a Healthy Neighborhood. If we start with Green (protect and restore urban biodiversity)......we go to Healthy (promote outdood exercise and fitness)....go to Safe (reduce crime rates).......to Efficient (employ a better use of water,energy etc)....to Equitable (embrace environmental and social justice).....and end up Neighborly (foster pride of place and sense of Community).
The Link between the Stormwater Management Plan and a cleaner,greener development strategy was recently presented in a Workshop sponsored by Parks and People and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.To become a Humane Metropolis,you have to bring about these key points. In addition,Lenneal J.Henderson (University of Baltimore) proposed that three other chacteristics be added,these being "creative,communicative and artistic". It is quite obvious that these three will add greatly to a robust and viable Neighborhood Community. Last,but not least is what Scot Spencer (Annie Casey Foundation) added......that we consider Diversity because of the Disparities that have accumulated over time widening the Gap and contributing to the Decline in Baltimore Neighborhoods.
With this in mind,the Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association will be managing the Harris Creek Watershed Project by reducing Trash and Stormwater Runoff as a way to Clean Baltimore Harbor,but it will also be working just as hard to develop strong Leadership from the Community in bringing about the "greening beneficial effects" as seen in the Humane Metropolis Baltimore Plan. In this way,a key needed element,namely "sustainability" will be a necessary part of this Developimng Healthy New Baltimore and its Healthy Neighborhoods.
Respectfully,Raymond D.Bahr MD BHWA Harris Creek Watershed Project Coordinator

The Harris Creek Watershed Project is now underway. It covers an area about 1270 acres and 21 Neighborhoods. It drains from its high point in Clifton Park and empties into the Baltimore Harbor on Boston St at the Anchorage Tower. The Goal will be to reduce Trash (now about 5 tons per month) by implementing a Stormwater Plan that incorporates BMPs (Best Management Practices) preventing rain water from flushing Trash down the drains.

That is the good news. We have a Plan that will work. However,it is not as easy as that. It requires "working together" and engaging Stakeholders in the different Neighborhoods to help bring this about. To do so,it will be important to find out about other problems in the Neighborhoods that may throw Stormwater off their radar. Other Pollution Problems such as crime,violence,illegal drugs etc need to be part of the equation. The Harris Creek Watershed Project will only become successful if the Neighborhoods come together in a united way in implementing these BMPs.

Recently,Parks and People Foundation sponsored a Workshop on Humane Metropolis Baltimore and encougaed Neighborhoods to strive and become Green,Healthy,Safe,Efficient,Equitable and Neighborly to help in bringing about this degree of cooperation. To this was added Creativity,Artistic and Communicative to make this Effort more Sustainable. Thus oue Efforts need to consider these features and empower Stakeholders to utilize them in implementing the Best Management Practices. RDB BHWA

Information on the Harris Creek Watershed Plan

For Blog Information on the Harris Creek Watershed and the Stormwater Plan being developed

can be found on http://RBahr.Blogspot.com/

Web Site for viewing the Harris Creek Watershed Blog

This Blog on the Harris Creek Watershed and the Stormwater Plan being developed can be found on
http://RBahr.Blogspot.com/

Canton Hollow-The Gateway to Baltimore Harbor

June 14,2009 Flag Day

Canton Park In Historic Canton surrounds the body of water known as Canton Hollow or Canton Cove, as it is known today. If you were to look for photographs taken about 150 years ago,you woulf find schooners ansd sailships moored in this area awaiting their call to sail into the Baltimore Inner Harbor. This was a holding area. The Poet Folger McKinsey captured this in his Poem.

LOOK AWAY TO CANTON HOLLOW

Look away to Canton Hollow where the old-time freighters lie.
Federal Hill to Middle River as the hungry sea gulls fly;
Look away by Lazaretto and beyond Patapsco's tide
To the glowing fires of Steelton and the bay so blue and wide.

Look away to Canton Hollow where the barques and schooners rest
Where the sailormen are happy as they trut with swollen chest;
To the chandler ships and cantines and the rusty Old World spell
I that port of ships of dreaming that have so much to tell.

Look away to Canton Hollow,to the old things once so true
When the freighters from far oceans brought the skies of tropic blue
When the sailors and the masters and the plum duff and the pone
Came to Baltimore and became our Canton's own.


Folger McKinsey was also the Author of the Baltimore anthem that Mayor Donald Schaefer and crowd sang in 1980 to welcome the Pride of Baltimore from her first winter cruise.

Brochure for the Harris Creek Watershed (246)

Brochure for the Harris Creek Watershed (246) with the addition of The Self Walking Tour around Historic Harris Creek.....the Creek that built the Constellation....the Creek that built the Park.......that built the Community of Canton. Let' Clean up the Trash from the Harris Creek Watershed. Ray Bahr MD BHWA

Historic Harris Creek in Canton Baltimore,Maryland 21224

Harris Creek no longer is visible,but it still lies under the area in Canton between the Safeway and the American Can Building and presents Tidal Flow from the Baltimore Harbor to Patterson Park. It has tremendous Historical Value in that the Boat Yards here were instrumental in building "wooden sailing boats" that became protective of our Young Nation.The Constellation,many Clipper Ships and the Monitor came out of these Yards. Even though Harris Creek is no longer visible,we should be quite Proud of this Historic Sight.

It is with this Thought in mind that we are undertaking the Harris Creek Watershed Project which is designed as a Stormwater Management Strategy to Clean up the Trash and Pollution coming from the 20 Neighborhoods in this Watershed. The Plan is to engage the Stakeholders in these Neighborhoods to put into place Best Management Practices to reduce Stormwater runoff as well as to Educate citizens to reduce Trash and Pollution on the streets. It is a long term Process that we will begin to carry out. The Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association will be joined in this Effort by the Department of Public Works,the Parks and People Foundation and the Center for Watershed Protection. Training sessions,Workshops,Touring the Watershed etc will soon be taking place. The End Product will be a Stormwater Watershed Plan for the Harris Creek Watershed.

In order to promote this Effort in Canton, the Base of this Watershed,a Brochure has been prepared that explains the History of this Area and the past location of this Creek with a Walking Tour highlightening the Historic Points of Interest. These Brochures have now been distributed to the majority of Businesses in the Canton Area in an attempt to create Awareness of the Historic Harris Creek in the past and to show the Need to prevent Trash from the Watershed going into the Baltimore Harbor.

The Brochures were packed 50 at a time into an attractive plastic holder and offered to all the Businesses in the Canton Area (O'Donnell Square, American Can Complex,Lighthouse Point,Captain James,Sip and Bite,Brewer's Hill,Dockside,Della Rose,Bay Cafe,Bo Brooks etc Surprisingly,every one of the Businesses welcomed the Brochure on the History of Harris Creek,the Self Walking Tour and the Information on the Harris Creek Watershed (246) Project. It is hope that this Free Exchange will provide future volunteers and needed contributions to carry this Watershed Project to a Successful Conclusion. Ray Bahr MD BHWA

The Project has been presented to the Board and the Public Meeting of the Canton Community Association and will be presented next month to the O'Donnell Street Businesses.

Historic Harris Creek Walking Tour began today. It is Free and Directions are contained in this Brochure. It's Purpose is to draw your Attention to the need to Preserve Harris Creek which is being ruined from the Trash and Pollution from the Harris Creek 1200 acres Watershed that serves 20 Neighborhoods from Canton to Cl;ifton Park. It is a Beautiful time of the year to take this Walk through Blossoming Canton Streets that now cover the Harris Creek. There is still Tidal Flow from the Harbor underneath. Daylightening this Creek is a Thought to Consider. Get out and enjow our Early Spring with a vigorous Walk,then stop in one of our famous Restaurants to finish it off. C:\Users\rdb60\Searches\watershed v4.search-ms

Cleaner Baltimore Harbor using the Harris Creek Watershed Stormwater Plan

April 24,2009 Weekly Blog (fourth installment)

Friends of the Historic Harris Creek

The Board of the Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association met this week and discussed where we are in regards to the Harris Creek Watershed (246) Project. We had met with Mary Washington from Parks and People to discuss our initial approach to the 20 Neighborhoods within the 246 Watershed. It was decided that Parks and People would put together a Tour of the 246 Watershed and invite Neighbors within it as well as Educational Personnel who would be available to start a discussion to get us started. This would be followed by a Questionnaire that would gather additional information. Training of the interviewers would be carried out by Parks and People. This would be a work in progress until it could be determind when to conduct several Workshops on the Harris Creek Watershed Project. Presently,we are waiting for the Tour to be set up.

We have also met with Paul Sturm and the Center for Watershed Protection for their expected input to the 246 Project. We have reviewed the recently completed Trash Assessment Project that CWP carried out on the 246 Watershed. This data will be added to the 246 Project and the CWP will work closely with Parks and People in the Workshops to scope out the Project and help in the writing of a Stormwater Plan for the Harris Creek Watershed.

For more information on the Harris Creek Watershed Project,please visit the Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association's web site www.Baltimorewaters.org Ray Bahr MD Coordinator HCWSP

Cleaner Baltimore Harbor using the Harris Creek Watershed Plan

Clean Baltimore Harbor

Blog No.3 Harris Creek Watershed (246) Stormwater Project

The Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association (BHWA) is now working with Parks and People an initial strategy to engage neighborhoods within the Watershed. Planned is a Bus Tour that will include representatives in these neighborhoods that will attempt to share thoughts with them about problems that would interfere with implementing a Stormwater Plan. Filling out a Questionnaire will be past of this initial assessment. This Questionnaire is to be designed by Parks and People and will serve as an instrument that will help in planned workshops in the near future. Stakeholders in these various neighborhoods will be identified to build capacity in this Project. The Center for Watershed Protection will also contribute in scoping out the Project and developing a Stormwater Plan for the Harris Creek Watershed Project.
The next step is to reach agreemen between BHWA and Parks and Peolple as to how to set up the Bus Tour,the key people to be present and the development of a Comprehensive Questionnaire. Ray Bahr MD BHWA Coordinator Harris Creek Watershed Project 4/18/09