Ponderings of a Scientist

What a novel idea! Baltimore County Maryland, in hopes of
curbing the amount of stormwater runoff into the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, has
initiated an education and coupon campaign to convince homeowners in urbanized
areas to buy and plant trees. Tree help
runoff by 1) slowing rain’s progress to the ground and 2) absorbing lots of
the water (and pollution) in the soil. In
addition trees improve air quality and act as natural air conditioners when
appropriately placed in a yard.

The normal method of decreasing runoff is costly updates to
stormwater infrastructure (at least $150,000 per detention pond), Instead
Baltimore County is going to spend $50,000 in the form of $5 off coupons to
purchase trees (only Native species) in addition to creating educational
brochures aimed at increasing the success of planted trees. For their part neighboring nurseries
contributed another $5, to make the total coupon value $10, that leaves about
$15 per tree in cost to the homeowner.

What a brilliant, innovative approach. Instead of better handling the polluted water
(at a high financial cost), Baltimore County is spending $5 for every $20 contributed
by the private sector to actually remediate water pollution, and improve air
quality, energy usage and esthetics all at the same time.

Check out the program’s website for more information.