What motivates each of us is different, it is very clear to see what drives the titans of the Gunpowder Valley Conservancy , Tiiu Mayer and Charlie Conklin who were elbow deep in the removal of invasive and suffocating vines at NeighborSpace property “Norman Creek” early morning this past April. These two worked side by side with community members of the Cottages of Norman Creek Homeowners Association, our partners for this parcel, providing education on what tree serves what purpose and the destructive qualities invasive vines have to our native forest buffers.

Our collaboration with Gunpowder Valley Conservancy came about from a grant supported by the Chesapeake Bay Trust . Also assisting to increase the health of this forest buffer was Carl Maynard of the Back River Peninsula Community Association Inc, a longtime proponent of the health of the area surrounding Essex.

Connecting people to nature and people to people is the heart of what we do. Creating this opportunity for local residents resonates with Marie Sy who noted that " I'm so glad to be doing this for my communit y. I love this stuff. " 

Former Norman Creek HOA President Melissa Harmon, Patrick Filbert of NeighborSpace, and resident Melissa Sy

This property is a forest buffer directly on the Norman Creek which is a tributary to the Middle River and thus the Chesapeake Bay. Historically this area was used to walk about with horses and the trails that zig zag this property highlight immense trees and their shade canopy. To walk in these woods so close to the glimmering shoreline it is easy to get lost in thought and its history. Working to remove the suffocating invasive vines will be a long battle but its glorious payout will be a lasting and beautiful gem to the community.

Two cleanups were hosted in April and June, if you'd like to learn more about future actions join our mailing list. We look forward to having your help!