Carroll Environment

09/27/2026

World Rivers Day
World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world’s waterways. It highlights the many values of our rivers, strives to increase public awareness, and encourages the improved stewardship of all rivers around the world. Click the link to find out more.

It highlights the many values of our rivers, strives to increase public awareness, and encourages the improved stewardship of all rivers around the world. Rivers in virtually every country face an array of threats, and only through our active involvement can we ensure their health in the years ahead...

09/24/2026

Tomorrow is the first day of Recycle Awareness Week.
Learning about recycling is not a new topic, but the question always seems to be the same... to BIN or Not to BIN? If you’re still unsure of what can be recycled, check out the County’s recycling website for local information, including an app you can download so you don’t have to ask anymore!

Putting only acceptable items in the bin is the best way to help ensure the materials you recycle today go on to have a useful second life. Learn what should and should not go in the bin.

09/23/2026

The end of summer can be bittersweet as children return to school, vacations come to an end, and warm days grow colder and shorter. While that may all be true, there are wonderful aspects of Fall that should be cherished! So, are you ready to FALL into comfy clothes, sit around bonfires, and admire the beauty of leaves changing colors? So many fun events take place during the Fall, and we can’t wait to share them with you.

09/22/2026

Taneytown Harvest Festival
This Saturday (September 26), celebrate the start of fall at the 15th Annual Taneytown Harvest Festival from 11am to 3pm. Admission is free, and there are a variety of fun activities for the whole family. Be sure to stop by our Water Resources Booth to learn more about your watershed!

09/18/2026

World Water Monitoring Day
Water quality monitoring is performed throughout the County by the Resource Management Division. Monitoring programs consist of monthly and targeted storm sampling for nutrients and bacteria, seasonal collection of aquatic insects, as well as continuous data for flow, temperature, and conductivity utilizing in-stream sensors. Additionally, Resource Management has been undertaking a long-term study on the effects of BMP implementation on channel stability in urban watersheds with the Center for Watershed Protection. The pictures illustrate channel recovery over time through a reduction in the magnitude, duration, and frequency of erosive flow rates.

09/16/2026

The ozone layer is the layer in the stratosphere that protects the Earth from most of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. In the 1970’s, scientists discovered that ozone depleting chemicals used in aerosols and coolants were creating a hole in the ozone layer. World ozone day commemorates decisive action taken in 1985 by world governments to phase out use of ozone depleting chemicals. The efforts made by us, by You may have made a significant impact.

Global action for a cooler planet celebrates the Montreal Protocol and the transformative impact of its Kigali Amendment ten years after adoption. The Montreal Protocol has demonstrated that science based policy, universal participation, strong compliance, dedicated financing, and effective partners...

09/15/2026

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners invites citizens to attend the 19th Annual Aging Your Way, Health and Wellness Expo, taking place on Wednesday, September 23rd, from 9 am – 2 pm in the Shipley Arena of the Carroll County Ag Center, located at 700 Agriculture Center Drive, Westminster, Maryland. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDCARROLL/bulletins/4297817

09/15/2026

Water Resource Element (WRE)
The Water Resources Element (WRE) is a plan required by State law. It must identify drinking water and other water resources needed for existing and future growth. It also must identify suitable receiving waters (where stormwater and treated wastewater can be discharged) and land areas for stormwater management and wastewater treatment. The WRE was first adopted by Carroll County and the municipalities in 2010. Carroll County and its municipalities worked collaboratively to develop one unified WRE document. On July 30, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the Water Resources Element (WRE) of the Master Plan. The Town/City Councils adopted the document between April and August 2026.

Legislation (HB 1141) passed by the 2006 Maryland General Assembly requiring all local jurisdictions to develop and adopt a Water Resources Element (WRE) to their comprehensive plans. 

09/14/2026

EAC Agenda
The next Environmental Advisory Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

09/10/2026

Flutter your way to Bear Branch Nature Center (300 John Ownings Road, Westminster) this Saturday, September 12th to help celebrate Fall and the beautiful Monarch Butterfly! At this event you will learn about their migration to Mexico and learn about tagging then and you can even adopt a Monarch at the event! Also, while your there don’t forget to check out their Butterfly house!

Save the date! Details will be added over the summer. Celebrate the arrival of fall by learning about the amazing annual migration of the Monarch Butterfly! Say goodbye to the butterflies we've been raising as they begin their long journey South to Mexico. Join us for: Monarch Tagging Demonstra