Frederick City Greenway Project

Frederick City Greenway Project

The Challenge

The Frederick City Greenway project was started in 1995 with the identification of areas along Rock and Carroll creeks in need of stream stabilization and/or riparian buffer establishment. Over the course of the next few years, two stream restoration projects were undertaken along Rock Creek, and several reforestation efforts were completed along Carroll Creek, with most projects taking place on county or city land.

Since initial planting, several of the riparian areas failed because of poor planting stock, inadequate weed control, and damage from meadow voles.

The PWP Solution

Aerial photo showing greenways in Frederick.

In recent years new areas were planted and older areas were re-planted using local volunteers, with a focus on Carroll Creek. Community Commons, a local non-profit, has been instrumental in acquiring funds for planting stock and organizing volunteers. The Potomac Watershed Partnership has provided funds for tree tubes, stakes, herbicide treatment, and staff for planning and supervision. The Frederick City Department of Public Works has agreed to mow the sites once a year until established.

Looking Ahead

Future projects will further expand and enhance the greenway. Plans are under way to do a multi-faceted restoration of the county land behind the Frederick County Cooperative Extension building. Key partners for this project include the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Potomac Valley Fly Fishers Association, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Watershed Restoration Division, and the Maryland DNR - Forest Service.

The project will include stream bank restoration, wetland restoration, and riparian establishment, and will be the eventual site of an educational eco-park.