Watershed Restoration | University of Maryland Extension

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: March 1, 2023

2023 Charles County Rain Barrel Workshops

The Charles County Government and University of Maryland Extension are pleased to offer workshops on the practical uses for rain barrels and how they reduce the impact of runoff on our local waterways and Chesapeake Bay.

Updated: February 15, 2023

Woodland Wildlife Spotlight: American Beaver

The American beaver was almost hunted to extinction in Maryland and across the continent. Read about this nocturnal herbivore that scientists are helping to conserve, and that in return, are discovering the benefits of having beavers in a variety of ecosystems in need of help.

American beaver in Dorchester County, MD. Photo © bev45, iNaturalist.org

Updated: November 10, 2022

Pond Management Calendar and Record Keeping Log

Updated: August 19, 2022

What Happens after Phragmites is Killed? (EBR-59)

Non-native Phragmites australis can negatively impact wetlands by altering hydrology, displacing plants and animals, and increasing fire potential. Researchers are trying to understand if eradicating Phragmites without replanting the marsh with native plants can result in negative impacts to the marsh. Authors: Eric Buehl, Andrew Baldwin, Sylvia Jacobson, Karin Kettenring, Melissa McCormick, Dennis Whigham; Title: What Happens after Phragmites is Killed? (EBR-59)

Updated: August 10, 2022

Roots in Research - Yield of 2020 - CMREC - Upper Marlboro

Take a look at the research happening here at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center in Upper Marlboro (CMREC-UM). Even though we are one of the smallest Research and Education Centers (RECs) in the State, our scope of research is quite vast. Here at CMREC-UM you will find research on agronomy, cover crops, forestry, horticulture, irrigation, livestock, water quality and more.

Updated: July 29, 2022

With Buildings Preparing to Reopen, It’s Time to Think About Stagnant Water and Health Risks (EBR 2020-0542)

This is an infographic increasing awareness of potential water quality and health risks (lead, copper, and Legionella bacteria) associated with reopening buildings that have been closed for an extended period. Authors: Andrew Lazur and Rachel Rosenberg Goldstein; Title: Think About Stagnant Water and Health Risks (EBR 2020-0542)

Updated: May 25, 2022

Rain Gardens

A rain garden is a planted depression in the landscape that collects and allows rainwater runoff from hard surfaces to be absorbed. Rain gardens are planted with native plants, and include a soil media and mulch.

Updated: July 6, 2021

From My Backyard to Our Bay

A Dorchester County Homeowner’s Guide: Actions to Improve the Water Quality of the Chesapeake Bay

Image of flooding on Maple Dam Road in Dorchester County, Maryland

Updated: June 30, 2021

BEST PRACTICES FOR DEEP ROW ENTRENCHMENT (DRE) OF BIOSOLIDS USING HYBRID POPLAR TREES

Deep row entrenchment (DRE) is a biosolids beneficial reuse system suited to strip mine reclamation using biosolids and hybrid poplar trees. This publication provides best management practices resulting from years of research by the University of Maryland on a private gravel spoil site in southern Maryland. Application of the technique to coal mine spoils is discussed with examples of commercial applications.