IBBR Awarded Sustainability Funds for Rehabilitation of Stormwater Retention Pond

UMD’s Facility Management was recently awarded a grant from the University of Maryland’s Sustainability Fund to rehabilitate the stormwater pond on the IBBR campus in Rockville, Maryland. This project was one of 13 projects awarded funding through a competitive selection process managed by UMD’s Office of Sustainability.  Caroline Hooks, Agricultural Technician in IBBR’s Greenhouse was instrumental in putting this grant application together.

The goals of the project are to restore native vegetation around the pond to support wildlife and pollinators and improve water quality, improve pond aeration to reduce algae growth, and create a welcoming space for the IBBR community to gather and enjoy.

“We are very excited to begin work on restoring our pond. It will transform our entranceway into a native riparian landscape with better water quality that is welcoming and that can serve as a meeting place for students and staff,” said Stephen Reid, IBBR’s Assistant Director of Facilities. 

For more information on the grant and other awardees check out the Office of Sustainability’s webpage at https://sustainability.umd.edu/about/grants. Work is scheduled to begin in the fall. Before photos below. Stay tuned for after photos!