BGE volunteers, in partnership with the City of Baltimore Department of Recreation and Parks, brought enthusiasm, muscle and machine to clean up urban green space and practice hands-on environmental stewardship in Druid Hill Park last December. One of Baltimore’s most unique parks, Druid Hill is the third oldest urban park in the country, home to the Baltimore Zoo, and a 493,000 gallon reservoir of city drinking water.
 
“This is really important, and it is just an awesome experience for employees to come together with other resources to benefit the community,” remarked Kenny Gostomski, senior construction inspector, who coordinated the project (part of a United Way initiative).

In addition to enhancing the community recreation area, the conservation effort also helped to preserve 200-year old rare oak trees. Due to years of neglect and lack of resources, the park area had become overgrown with invasive species of plants, shrubs and vines, which could harm and even kill the trees. Because BGE removed the vines, stumps and debris, the City will now be able to mow and maintain the area--to continue its transformation into a picnic and recreation area in the spring.

That day, nothing in that corner of the park was untouched—especially the feelings of Anne Draddy, Jones Falls Trail Manager for the City of Baltimore. “This city/business partnership is fantastic—all of the people and equipment here today are making a huge difference.  I had no idea BGE employees volunteered for projects like this.  It’s very exciting.”