a group of people pose for a group photo around a newly-planted tree

Volunteers come together to improve their community by planting urban trees.

In May of 2024, the Alliance received $50k from the Chesapeake Bay Trust to complete a watershed assessment in the Annapolis Overlook community in Maryland, to identify ways to address stormwater issues. The assessment was completed in 2025 and included a list of recommended best management practices (BMPs), including tree plantings, invasive species removal, bioretention areas, and larger-scale projects like stream restoration and the retrofit of a concrete channel.

The Alliance was then awarded additional funding for the design of two bioretention BMPs from the assessment. These two bioretention projects will capture and treat stormwater flows from community open space. Currently, these flows cross sidewalks and parking areas where they pick up pollutants before entering storm drains. In addition to (previously mentioned BMPs), 10 urban trees, including red buds and sweetbay magnolias, were planted in a sloped lawn area next to impervious surface. The tree planting was completed by community volunteers as part of the Alliance’s 2025 Volunteer Tree Planting Relay (Treelay).

a black and brown dog looks at the camera while someone plants a tree

It wasn’t just human residents who showed up to support BMP implementation.

In April 2026, the Alliance used grant funding from the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County to restore two gardens at the entrance to one of the residential buildings in the community. These gardens were planted with native grasses and flowers to capture runoff from the roof of the building. The crew who performed the work are from the Maryland Reentry Resource Center, which provides job training to returning citizens.

a person writes on a clipboard

The planting brought volunteers from the community and the wider Annapolis area.

Thank you to our partners, the Chesapeake Bay Trust, City of Annapolis, Annapolis Overlook Homeowners Association, and community volunteers for their support and commitment to the Chesapeake Bay watershed! This collaborative effort is now helping reduce stormwater runoff and beautify the neighborhood for residents, all while contributing to cleaner water for the Annapolis Overlook community, and beyond.

Learn more about the Alliance’s Green Infrastructure Efforts