Best Management Practice | University of Maryland Extension

Updated: March 12, 2025

Cover Crop Planning (FS-2024-0743)

Cover crop planning according to cover crop purpose, cover crop window within cash crops, and realistic expectations can greatly increase the benefits that cover crops provide, making the overall farming system more productive, sustainable, and profitable. Author: Sarah Hirsh, Ph.D., Haley Sater, Ph.D, and Dwayne Joseph, Ph.D.; Title: Cover Crop Planning (FS-2024-0743).

Updated: May 3, 2024

Watershed Stewards Academy Curriculum (EC-2020-0518)

The Watershed Stewards Academy (WSA) uses a train-the-trainer approach to instruct and manage a diverse group of Steward volunteer. The goal of the program is to develop Stewards conversant in watershed issues, who provide localized community outreach and assist with the implementation of best management practices focused on stormwater and improving local water quality.The Watershed Stewards Academy Curriculum is a 13-module curriculum, comprised of numerous lessons and activities, that provides participants the basic tools and information for those interested in stormwater management. Each module is approximately 2-3 hours long. This may vary based on local program goals and objectives. Authors: Kelsey Brooks, Eric Buehl, Jennifer Dindinger, Amanda Rockler, and Jackie Takacs; Key Contributors:Suzanne Etgen, Kate McClure, and Taryn Sudol; Title: Watershed Stewards Academy Curriculum (EC-2020-0518)

Updated: January 22, 2024

Home Landscape Best Management Practices

Home landscape best management practices covers proper fertilization, mowing, mulching, irrigation and water management, and yard waste management.

Updated: October 19, 2023

What are Permeable Hardscapes

Permeable hardscapes help manage stormwater (surface water from heavy rains or snow) and are an alternative to hard surfaces. Materials used as permeable hardscapes allow stormwater to seep into the ground (permeate) rather than pool in low spots or run off into storm drains or local streams.

Updated: October 17, 2023

Installation of Pet Waste Station

When disposed of improperly, pet waste can be a source of water pollution because it contains diseases and bacteria. When precipitation falls on pet waste, bacteria and diseases are picked up and carried to local waterways and eventually the Chesapeake Bay. The pollution caused by unscooped pet waste affects both wildlife and humans – diseases associated with pet waste can cause illness and even death in people with weakened immune systems.

Updated: May 16, 2023

Planting trees helps our forests weather climate change

Spring is here, and there is no better time to get outside and plant new trees on your property or in your community. And opportunities to do so abound this time of year. The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and many other environmental groups are hosting tree-planting events throughout the region to improve water quality, create wildlife habitat, clean the air and enhance climate resiliency for the watershed.

A volunteer works with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay to plant a streamside buffer in Lancaster County, PA. Photo by Eric Braker/Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay

Updated: March 13, 2023

Pond and Watershed Management

Prior to digging or re-digging a pond, landowners need to contact their Soil Conservation District or Natural Resources Conservation Service Office to obtain the appropriate permits. In most counties, these offices can offer assistance in pond sitting and design.

Updated: September 7, 2022

Guidance for Using Maryland's 2018 Sea Level Rise Projections

Incorporating sea level rise projections into projects can help increase resilience to future conditions. Guidance for Using Maryland’s 2018 Sea Level Rise Projections provides a step-by-step approach for selecting sea level rise estimates based on the report Sea-Level Rise Projections for Maryland 2018 to use in planning, regulatory, or site-specific projects.

Updated: December 6, 2021

Stewardship Opportunities

Stewardship opportunities offered through the University of Maryland Extension.

Updated: May 13, 2021

Adoption of Household Stormwater Best Management Practices

This report summarizes the findings of a household survey conducted by the University of Maryland (UMD) regarding the adoption of stormwater best management practices (BMPs), including rain gardens, rain barrels, low fertilizer lawn care, and conservation landscaping.