Town of Smithsburg

06/19/2026

Stormwater Management Highlight: Bioswales🍃

Those shallow, planted areas along roads and parking lots aren’t just for looks, they’re called bioswales, and they help manage stormwater naturally.🌧

When it rains, water flows into the bioswale where it:
• Slows down instead of rushing into storm drains
• Filters through soil and plants
• Traps pollutants like oil, dirt, and debris

Bioswales are easy to identify. They are typically long, gently sloped, and planted with grasses or native vegetation along roads and parking areas.

By capturing and treating stormwater, bioswales help improve water quality in local streams, reduce flooding and erosion, and add valuable green space to our communities.🌳

Bioswales are a simple, natural way to protect our environment, one rainstorm at a time.💧

Learn more below:👇
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/bioswales-and-open-vegetative-channels/

Photo Credit: Fresh Coast Guardians

06/17/2026

Spring Bulk Cleanup Day is this Saturday, June, 20, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 12:00 pm. at the Smithsburg High School Stadium Parking Area. Attached is a map of the location. See you there!

06/16/2026

Mayor & Council Special Session 6-16-2026

06/12/2026

Species Spotlight: Monarch Butterfly🦋

You may spot Monarch butterflies flying through fields and gardens around Smithsburg, easily recognized by their bright orange and black wings.

Monarchs are an indicator species, meaning their presence reflects healthy pollinator habitat and thriving native plant communities. They rely on specific plants, such as milkweed, and are sensitive to habitat loss and pesticides.

Changes in their population can signal broader environmental changes.🌿

‼️How you help keep them safe:‼️
• Plant native milkweed
• Add pollinator-friendly plants
• Reduce pesticide use

Supporting Monarchs helps protect pollinators and local ecosystems right here in Smithsburg!

Learn more below!👇
https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/pages/plants_wildlife/monarch.aspx

Photo Credit: Maryland Biodiversity Projec

06/04/2026

Before you head out to your favorite creek, river, or swimming hole, take a moment to check the water quality! 💧

Clean water helps keep our community healthy and protects everyone enjoying the outdoors.🌳

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) monitors water quality not only along ocean and Chesapeake Bay shores, but in Western Maryland too. 🌊

Check current conditions here:👇
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/MHB/Pages/Maryland-Healthy-Beaches-Home.aspx

Stay informed and help keep our streams clean!

An official website of the State of Maryland.

06/02/2026

Mayor & Council Regular Meeting 6-2-2026

05/29/2026

Stormwater Management Highlight: Rain Gardens🌦️🌷

Rain gardens are shallow, planted areas filled with native plants, soil, and mulch that help slow down and filter stormwater naturally. They are designed to collect runoff from roofs, driveways, and other hard surfaces to let it soak into the ground instead of rushing into storm drains. 💧

Some of the benefits of installing a rain garden include: ✅
• Reduced flooding and erosion
• Pollution prevention
• Groundwater recharge
• Enhanced wildlife habitat
• Improved aesthetics
• Increased property value

Rain gardens aren’t just for large projects; they are something that homeowners can install on a small scale with the right design and plants!🌿

Visit the link below to learn more and access resources to build your own rain garden: 👇
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/introduction-rain-gardens/

Photo Credit: UMD Extension

05/26/2026

Mayor & Council Special Session 5-26-2026

05/26/2026

Coming this week, the 1st Movie Night of 2026!

05/21/2026

Is it Oil or Iron Floc?🤔

Being able to identify the difference between a naturally occurring sheen and a potentially hazardous discharge can make a big difference!

Iron floc is a loose, rust-colored, jelly-like mass of particles that form when dissolved iron in groundwater reacts with oxygen and changes form in surface water. A microscopic iron bacterium then feeds on the dissolved iron and leaves behind the sticky floc. It can often be mistaken for oil in the water.💧

How can you tell the difference:

Poke the surface of the sheen with a stick or drop a pebble on it.

• If the film breaks apart into jagged, angular pieces and does not immediately pull back together, it is likely iron floc.

• If it quickly flows back together, it could be petroleum and should be reported to Town Hall at (301) 824-7234📲

By working together to recognize and report potential issues, we can help identify illicit discharges and protect our local waterways!🙌

Image of Iron Floc from Southern Piedmont Natural History.