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
The Journey to the Harris Creek Watershed Plan
Creating Community by promoting Justice
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
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
Interested in Helping to futher this along? Volunteer www.Baltimorewaters.org
The Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association Ray D.Bahr MD
Monday, July 27, 2009
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
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
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