Blog
Want to know the hot topics in Howard County stormwater? Click here to have our blog sent to your inbox every 2 weeks—we’ll give you the rundown on runoff. Learn about people, places, and things in Howard County stormwater management. Don’t be impervious to the stormwater facts!
July 31, 2014
Watershed Protection and Restoration Fee
Is Compromise Compromising?
This blog was written by Rachel Beebe, a new member of the Howard County stormwater team.
Too often, environmental discussions turn into polarizing battles. You’re either 100% in one camp, or 100% in another. This turns the middle ground into a no-man’s land. We fail to grasp, in situations like these, that we’ve created a false dichotomy. When we engage in these crusades—we remember how well... Read more
July 31, 2014
Trees
The Effect of Trees in Paving and Stormwater Runoff
This blog has been reposted from Deeproot by blogger Leda Marritz. To read more of their blog posts, click the link below:
http://www.deeproot.com/blog/blog-entries/the-effect-of-trees-in-paving-on-stormwater-runoff
A study recently published in Urban Forestry & Urban Greening presents data showing that trees planted in paving can significantly reduce stormwater runoff. The results,... Read more
July 31, 2014
Seasonal
When Disaster Strikes – Stay Green
Given Mother Nature’s recent outbursts in this area, let’s talk about being prepared. Whether we’re facing another snowpocalyspe, hurricane, earthquake, flood, or even an afternoon electrical storm, it’s easy to be prepared while still being “green.” Having witnessed the chaos that ensued in the Twitter world just before Irene hit (i.e.“[insert name of any store here] in #HoCo just ran out of... Read more
July 31, 2014
Watershed Protection and Restoration Fee
Out Of The Shadows
The forgotten utility is coming out of the shadows.
For the last 18 months I have been blogging about the underfunded and often misunderstood stormwater management program. After years on the back burner, the status of this important environmental program is about to change. Last week, County Executive Ulman introduced legislation to create a dedicated Watershed Protection and Restoration Fund –... Read more
July 31, 2014
Trees
Buffers? You Mean Those Things That Wax Your Cars?
As evidenced by the County’s recent give-away, 2010 Trees in 2010, planting trees is a high priority for the County. What is the return on investment for such a program? I’ll tell you…Trees:
- Remove carbon dioxide from the air and produce oxygen;
- Provide food and habitat for wildlife;
- Intercept water, store some of it, and reduce storm runoff and the possibility... Read more