The Friends of Patapsco Valley and Heritage Greenway Inc. (FPVHG) is dedicated to preserving, protecting, interpreting and restoring the environment, history and culture of the Valley. We translate this mission into two primary goals:

Presently, while we are neither a property-owning or governmental organization, we try to encourage the positive management of the Patapsco Valley and its visitors. We participate in a wide variety of state and county planning activities. We also are actively involved in developing educational materials about the environment and the history of the Valley.

Our motivation is to ensure that the Patapsco Valley remains pleasant for our generation and for future generations. One of the key elements of our mission is to complete and expand a professionally developed Management Plan. This study is a beginning vision of possible ways to protect and preserve the valley. This will create an official focus and provide a vehicle to help us protect and enhance the Valley.


Rain Barrel Workshop:
Everything You Wanted To Know About Rain Barrels, But Didn’t Know Who To Ask.

Gallons of a valuable commodity run off our roofs and enter storm drains. As part of a "green" lifestyle, learn why and how to harvest rainwater for garden use. This presentation looks at today’s rain barrel, illustrates how to assemble one, and gives advice on using a rain barrel system in the garden, including where to buy them, precautions, and covenant regulations.

September 1st @ Miller Library @ 7 p.m.

Sponsored by Friends of the Patapsco Valley and Heritage Greenway, Howard County Master Gardeners, and Howard County Library

Presenter: Sylvia Huestis, Howard County Master Gardener
Method of Presenting: Power Point and Demo
Miller Branch Library Conference Room, 9421 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042
DATE: Wednesday, Sept 1, Time 7- 8:15

COST: Workshop is free, but registration is required through the Library (website or phone 410-313-1950) or email patapscofriend@gmail.com or call 410-480-0824. Or email online



2010 CALENDAR OF EVENTS (click here)



LOOK WHAT OUR MEMBERS ACCOMPLISHED IN 2009!


Key statistics and initiatives:

  • Over 1,400 volunteers participated in FPVHG-sponsored environmental events
  • Thirty-two (32) river/stream cleanups, removing over 39 tons (79,143 pounds) of trash/junk from Patapsco Valley
  • 106 new trees planted; 56 of those trees created a new American Chestnut Trees Grove; 135 previously planted trees maintained
  • Over a ton (2,119 pounds) of invasive garlic mustard removed from the Patapsco Valley
  • Thirty-eight new members, totaling 238 members
  • 63 stream watch volunteers throughout the Patapsco Valley area
  • New Business Plan developed
  • New part-time Executive Director position

Other new initiatives and programs:

  • Creation of new advisory committees (Management/Financial, Education, Environment, Fundraising, History, Land Use, Membership, Public Relations, Recreation and Events, and Trails
  • New informal history talks (Relay, B&O Railroad Station in Ilchester and Ellicott City
  • New guided kayak ride along the Patapsco River
  • New guided bike ride along the Patapsco Heritage Trail
  • New guided bird-watching hike in Patapsco State Park along the Grist Mill Trail
  • New stream watch training held in spring and fall for stream watch volunteers
  • Rain barrel workshop held in partnership with Howard County Master Gardeners, distributing rain barrels to interested participants
  • Participation in new hands-on educational program in partnership with CCBC Catonsville Campus Biology and GPS Departments, teaching students to analyze stream species and canopy, to determine and track changes in stream water quality
  • New environmental/history scavenger hunt educational program
  • School-age group cleanups (ranging from 80-100 students)
  • Comprehensive stream survey of Coopers Run by Environmental Committee Team
  • New business group cleanups, partners & sponsors


VOLUNTEER! Check out our Event Calendar and Stream Watch Program for volunteer opportunities. To see photos of past volunteers in action, visit http://patapscofriend.myphotoalbum.com. If you would like to join hundreds of other volunteers in cleaning up the Patapsco Valley area, please call 410-480-0824 or e-mail patapscofriend@gmail.com.

Canoeing on Patapsco
In memorium, Teddy Betts, Patapsco River protector. Teddy (board member and our kayak leader) was the creator of the Patapsco Walking Sticks and the rock cairns in various locations along the Patapsco River.

175th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION of the historic THOMAS VIADUCT BRIDGE

Read about this celebration in the
Baltimore Sun (June 20, 2010) and in the Columbia Flyer (July 1, 2010)

See ABC2 news video:
Celebrating local history at Patapsco State Park

See FOX45 news video: 175th Anniversary of Thomas Viaduct

To make a donation, click here


January 2009 newsletter
(2.9 MB pdf)


Our mailing address:
P. O. Box 96
Ellicott City, MD 21041

last update 20Aug2010


Baltimore/Howard County Emergency Contacts Numbers For Watershed Environmental Problems

Become A Member

To see photos of past volunteers in action, visit http://patapscofriend.myphotoalbum.com




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