About Us
Friends of Stony Run is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the entire Stony Run stream valley. We’re interested in creating cooperation among all stakeholders in the area–neighborhoods, schools, government, people, animals and plants.
We have advocated for state funding for a continuous three mile walking path, organized 100’s of volunteers to remove trash and invasive plants, initiated tree and perennial plantings, lobbied the city to address flooding and downed trees in the Stream Valley and spearheaded development of the Lower Stony Run Strategic Plan to improve accessibility to the parks and walking path for generations to come.
Friends of Stony Run first registered with the State of Maryland as a nonstock corporation on July 22, 2011. In Spring of 2012, we began having regular meetings and organized more than 60 volunteers for our first trash clean ups during Project Clean Stream. We work closely with community organizations and neighborhood institutions and we rely on the knowledge, experience, and dedication of our volunteers.
Parks & People Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, serves as the fiscal agent and mailing address for the Friends of Stony Run.
What We Do
Friends of Stony Run has several active committees that carry our mission forward.
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In part, we are guided by the Upper Stony Run Strategic Plan. The Plan was created after a careful process of community input led by the Roland Park Community Foundation and consultants Mahan Rykiel. It was adopted by the Baltimore Planning Commission in February 2018 and serves as a blueprint for actions along the Stony Run between University Parkway and Northern Parkway.
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Our Resource Development Committee was responsible for the planning behind the continuous walking path and pedestrian bridge projects. This committee continues to consider the need for public and private investment to protect and enhance our walking path and parks through development of the Lower Stony Run Strategic Plan.
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Our Communications & Outreach Committee spreads the word about Friends of Stony Run and organizes our annual Urban Bird Fest, bird and history walks, and other activities to engage the community in enjoyment and protection of our natural resources.
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Our Education Committee promotes the Stony Run as a classroom for environmental education of community members of all ages.
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Our Maintenance Committee and Watershed Awareness Workgroup keeps our eyes on the Stream and Walking Path, bringing issues such as water pollution and downed trees to the attention of appropriate City agency and tracking progress to their resolution.
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Our Planting Advisory and Habitat Restoration Committee organizes weed warrior events, encourages volunteers to plant and care for trees and other plants, so that together we can assure a beautiful shady place of refuge, while also maintaining designated open spaces.
