Gwynns Falls Watershed

	The Gwynns Falls watershed starts up in Owings Mills and eventually discharges into the Patapsco River in the Inner Harbor.

Located in the southwestern portion of Baltimore County the Gwynns Falls Watershed extends from Reisterstown to Owings Mills. The lower third of the watershed continues into Baltimore City and includes the communities of Dickeyville, Franklintown and Rosemont. The 66 square mile watershed (City and County combined) contains 133 miles of streams and drains to the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River in downtown Baltimore. 

Owings Mills is designated as one of the county’s growth areas and much of this portion of the watershed has experienced development particularly along the I-70 and Reisterstown Road corridor. The watershed lies almost entirely within the Urban Rural Demarcation Line and is serviced by water and sewer. The watershed has a population of 356,000 and 74.3% of the watershed is classified as urban.

Two major public land holdings are located in the watershed also represent the largest forested segments of the watershed.  The Soldiers Delight Natural Resource Area consists of 1000 acres and is located in Owings Mills.  The property protects and preserves unusual serpentine barren habitat with 39 rare and endangered species.  In Baltimore City, the 1,200 acre Leakin Park is one of the largest urban wilderness parks on the East Coast and also contains the trail heads for the 14-mile Gwynns Falls Trail.  This urban greenway is a walking and biking trail and is part of the East Coast Greenway and the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network.  It is intended to link with the Inner Harbor promenade.

Watershed Management Plan

The Gwynns Falls Watershed was the first watershed designated in the City/County Watershed Agreement for development of a joint watershed management plan. The watershed management plan identifies three primary joint goals to identify non-point source stormwater pollution, determine methods to reduce non-point source pollution, and to provide a planning tool for capital restoration projects.

Baltimore Ecosystem Study

The Gwynns Falls Watershed was selected as an urban study area for the Baltimore Ecosystem Study.  Baltimore City is one of two urban locations funded by the National Science Foundation and chosen as part of their Long-Term Ecosystem Research program.  The Gwynns Falls Watershed has been the subject of research projects by many of the scientists working on the project.  Another project, initiated by Baltimore City's Department of Public Works, is called Watershed 263 named for the number on the stormdrain pipe in the City's record keeping.  This watershed is a small completely urbanized watershed with no daylighted stream segments.  The project has focused on improving the quality of life of the community through innovative stormwater techniques.  Rain gardens, street trees and general reduction of impervious surfaces are some of the solutions that are being tried.

Restoration Projects

Read about restoration initiatives along Security Boulevard in the Woodlawn community.

Volunteer Activities

To participate in watershed activities contact your local watershed association.  For the Gwynns Falls watershed contact the Gwynns Falls Watershed Association.

Watershed Profile

General Overview

Land Cover Characteristics

Zoning Classifications

Contact Information
Watershed Management Program
Phone: 410-887-5683
Fax: 410-887-3510
E-Mail: watersheds@baltimorecountymd.gov

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Revised July 13, 2009