Parks and People is seeking volunteers to help design and implement projects for Watershed 263!  Watershed 263 is a project aimed at reducing the amount of impervious surface within the completely urbanized watershed in an effort to improve Baltimore City’s water quality.  In addition to reducing impervious surface, Parks and People is committed to promoting community art and has dedicated a local artist to each site.  Volunteers would be tasked with collaborating with community members and local artists to develop a compelling landscape plan that implements sustainable stormwater management strategies.  This unique opportunity offers firsthand experience in collaboration, community design, low impact development, and implementation!

For more information about Watershed 263 check out their website: http://www.watershed263.org/index.html

For more information on how to help please contact Lauren Kovach at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Project Locations

Project 1

Location/Area: Mount and Presstman St. (Gilmor Homes)

GPS: 39.18’ 18.71” N 76.38’ 39.72”W

Type of Project: Impervious surface removal

Site measurement: 6000 square feet

Goal: Remove 6,000 square feet of impervious surface and install a landscaped water infiltration system that will collect rain water from residential downspouts.

Project 2

Location/Area: 1102-1148 Vincent St.

GPS: 39.18’ 05.24” N 76.38’ 38.43”W

Type of Project: Micro drainage installation

Site measurement: 21,016 square feet

Goal: This site is and existing bio swalre that needs repair. We will change the design for this area to create a landscaped micro-drainage area with a community meeting space.

Project 3

Location/Area: 1700 W Lafayette St

GPS: 39.17’ 56.42” N 76.38’ 40.48”W

Type of Project: Rain Garden

Site measurement: 8,648 square feet

Goal: Redirect stormwater from the rear alley to support the development of a rain garden.

Project 4

Location/Area: 902-928 Whatcoat St.

GPS: 39.17’ 57.09” N 76.38’ 27.21”W

Block/Lot: 0076-072

Type of Project: Water catchment and agriculture project

Site measurement: 46,280 square feet

Goal: Develop an urban agriculture site with innovative water catchment systems to support the growth of green materials. This will also be agriculture class room space for students attending Harlem Park schools.

Project 5 - PRIORITY!

Location/Area: Harlem Park Elementary

GPS: 39.17’ 50.12” N 76.38’ 31.65”W

Type of Project: Impervious surface removal

Site measurement: 24,645 square feet

Goal: Remove asphalt on school property and install a tree grove and outdoor classroom.

Project 6

Location/Area: Carey and Franklin St.

GPS: 39.17’ 39.53” N 76.38’ 20.82”W

Type of Project: Impervious surface removal

Site measurement: 28,809 square feet

Goal: Redevelop an inner block park in the Harlem Park community by removing asphalt and installing a bio-swale and a landscaped community arts open space.

Project 7

Location/Area: 103-105 Gilmor St.

GPS: 39.17’ 24.40” N 76.38’ 31.21”W

Type of Project: Rain water catchment area

Site measurement: 15,928 square feet

Goal: Redirect rain water into catchment areas that will be landscaped as a wetland site.

Project 8

Location/Area: Baltimore and Mount St.

GPS: 39.17’ 18.84” N 76.38’ 36.68”W

Block/Lot: 0195-035

Type of Project: Impervious surface removal

Site measurement: 7,000 square feet

Goal: Remove over 7,000 square feet of impervious surface and install a landscaped bio swale and community open space.

Project 9 – PRIORITY!

Location/Area: 1399 Ramsey St.

GPS: 39.16’ 59.55” N 76.38’ 23.56”W

Type of Project: Impervious surface removal

Site measurement: 2,480 square feet

Owner: Matthew T Showalter Sr

Location/Area: 400 S Calhoun St

Goal: Remove concrete foundations from several garages and redirect stormwater run-off into a landscaped infiltration area.

Project 10 - PRIORITY!

Location/Area: 517 Kirby Lane

GPS: 39.17’ 40.32” N 76.38’ 46.58”W

Type of Project: Asphalt removal and creation of new green space in park-line site.

Site measurement: 5,000 square feet

Goal: Remove 5000 square feet of asphalt in former city playground to improve health conditions of existing trees and create new green space that can better absorb stormwater.