Greening Dundalk Solving a Community Need through Local Action
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
410-282-0261 (office)
www.dundalkusa.org
Join the Greening of Dundalk group on Facebook!