D. THE OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT

1. Charlestown’s Watershed and Stormwater Management –

a. Protection of the Chesapeake Bay – Charlestown’s location on the Fall Line and its elevation gradient are especially significant in terms of stormwater runoff and its control. This control is required by law and is necessary for the protection of watersheds and ultimately the Bay. The former and improperly named “rain tax” was designed to enhance the protection of the Bay by funding better runoff controls for stormwater. On the Charlestown campus building construction, land contouring, and landscaping comply with regulatory requirements to control stormwater runoff by channeling it off roofs, roads, landscaped areas, and parking lots to infiltration trenches and catchments (with or without holding tanks) and eventually to Lake Charles and the East Branch of Herbert Run. Silt fences to catch eroded sediment are always used, in accordance with code. The purposes of this flow control are to minimize erosion, catch sediments and other contaminants, and protect the Bay.

b. Herbert Run – Charlestown lies in the watershed of the Patapsco River, the primary feeder to Baltimore Harbor. Our campus is near the upper end of the East Branch’s drainage basin, and most of Charlestown’s stormwater flows into this Branch of Herbert Run directly or indirectly via Lake Charles’ acting as a catchment basin before its water flows into the Run. The East Branch originates in the neighborhoods above the Baltimore National Cemetery adjacent to Charlestown. It then flows through drains under the Cemetery, across other land adjacent to our campus, and then through the north side of Charlestown, paralleling the Nature Trail in its own small valley. Below (east of) Charlestown, the Run flows through the town of Arbutus, joining the West Branch of Herbert Run near the MARC station on Route 1. The West Branch drains the Spring Grove State Hospital campus, the UMBC campus, and adjoining neighborhoods . The combined Herbert Run then flows south to the Patapsco River and subsequently to Baltimore Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay. George Brenneman, a Charlestown resident, made video documentaries of the entirety of both the East and West Branches of Herbert Run and its continuation to the Patapsco. Charlestown’s Nature Trail Committee provides an annual cleaning of the portion of Herbert Run which is on the campus. This volunteer work is usually done in conjunction with a community group, such as the Patapsco Heritage Greenway.

c. Lake Charles – The lake area is on the southeast side of the Charlestown campus and was developed in late 1988. The lake was necessary as a stormwater retention basin due to the continuing expansion of Charlestown. The lake is 2.86 acres in size behind an earthen dam on its northeast side, is roughly in the shape of a figure eight, and drains 47 of Charlestown’s 110 acres. When too full, the lake overflows to the East Branch of Herbert Run on its north side via two man-made overflows within the lake and one natural overflow on the north corner of the dam. Most of the remainder of the campus watershed flows directly into the East Branch of Herbert Run via natural or manmade drainage.

d. “Wetlands” Management – Due to Charlestown’s topography and its position on the Fall Line, there are no natural wetlands on the campus. The flood plain of the East Branch of Herbert Run on the northeast side of the property is a low area, but it is well-drained by the Run. Two man-made types of wetlands exist: the large permanent one represented by Lake Charles, and small ephemeral ones in the form of the several planted infiltration trenches and low areas made to assist in the control of stormwater runoff. Even the wooded low area in the middle of the St. Charles main parking lot has a covered drain at its lowest point.

e. Snow and Ice Removal – Winter poses a special challenge to the protection of our aquatic habitats from the campus to the Bay, and also the protection of our landscape. Road salt, sand, and sediments mix with winter runoff, acting as contaminants to downstream areas in the watershed. When improperly used the salts can damage cement, plants and the feet of animals. Minimum amounts of the least environmentally damaging road salts are used on both winter roads and sidewalks, and only when necessary, with special attention to protecting tree roots. Rock salt (Halite, or sodium chloride) is used on roadways. Magic Melt, a patented mixture of magnesium chloride and corn by-products, is used on sidewalks. It is more environmentally friendly than rock salt, in that it is gentler on grass and other plants, less irritating on pet’s paws, less corrosive, lasts longer, and is more biodegradable.

2. Vegetation Management –

a. Trees –
(1) The Benefits of Trees – See Appendix 1 for a discussion of the major benefits. To estimate the short and long-term value of individual trees based on location, species, and size, GooglePaLM is an advanced technology created by Google that help computers understand and generate text. PaLM (Pathways Language Model) is a powerful program that helps computers do complex tasks involving language. It can:
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(2) The Trees of Charlestown – See Appendix 2 for a listing of campus trees by common name, species, and designation as native, introduced, ornamental, and/or invasive. At the time of this writing, Charlestown has 70 different species of trees on its property, with 39 of those being native species. Eastern deciduous forest covers approximately one-third of Charlestown’s acreage, giving it a tree coverage which is both impressive and unique for any retirement community. Most of the Patapsco River watershed was logged at least twice in the past, so few of the trees are “old growth”, although trees more than a century old have been found in difficult-to-access areas on campus, thus having made logging of them less likely in the past . Charlestown’s legacy of native trees gives us a special responsibility to take care of them. This care includes monitoring their health, removal of invasive vines and trees, pest management when necessary, and reforestation where appropriate. As a special note, a sapling from the Wye Oak, formerly the State Tree of Maryland, was obtained in 2017, and will be planted in a prominent place on campus.

Ornamental trees make up 44 of the 70 species on campus as of this writing. These trees are only planted in the developed area of campus as part of appropriate landscaping. A dozen ornamental tree species are also native.
Invasive trees, all introduced, make up 4 of our 70 species. These include Ailanthus, Paulownia, black locust, and callery pear. Invasive trees are most numerous around Lake Charles. This is because ornamental trees were only planted on the southeast side of the lake. Native trees were allowed to remain, especially on the south and west sides of the lake, but invasives were allowed to come into the area of the dam on the northeast side where the greatest amount of work was done in creating the lake. These invasives primarily include black locust and callery pear.

(3) The Tree Working Group (TWG) – The “Twig” was created in 2017 as an advisory committee to the Residents Council and Management. The TWG is composed of residents with professional experience with trees, the Grounds Supervisor, a representative of the Charlestown tree maintenance contractor, a local Catonsville forester, a Grounds Committee representative, and interested residents as guests. The TWG advises on the following aspects of tree management.

(4) Maintenance of Trees – This responsibility is divided into three areas. First, major pruning, maintenance, and treatment of trees is done under contract by local qualified companies. Second, minor pruning, maintenance and treatment is accomplished by Charlestown’s Grounds Department. Third, other low priority minor pruning is done by resident volunteers as part of the Invasive Plants Crew on campus. The reasons for pruning include not only for beautification and health of the trees, but also for safety purposes when limbs could cause property damage or injury. In the past many ornamental trees on campus were mulched too high at the base, but this practice has been discontinued, since it distorts the base of the trunks and damages the trees.

(5) Removal of Trees – This work primarily is done by landscape contractors as part of lot clearing for new construction, or it may be done through standing contracts for a variety of reasons. These reasons include aging trees being too close to buildings, tree roots causing structural/pavement/ utility problems, trees aging well past their prime, compliance with County code (e.g., removal of invasive trees from the Lake Charles earthen dam), and insect damage (Emerald Ash Borer, for example). The Grounds Department may remove smaller problem trees wherever needed. The Invasive Plants Crew will periodically remove invasives from the dam and occasionally girdle Paulownia trees in the forest when their growth impinges too much on native species. If trees pose a hazard near buildings, roads or walkways, they are removed or pruned, as appropriate. Dead trees which do not pose a problem in forested areas are left to serve as food sources, homes, and perches for wildlife. Fallen trees in forested areas are left to return to nature.

(6) Reforestation – When trees are removed as part of a construction project, an equal number of trees, usually ornamentals, are planted as replacements. In 2016 Charlestown began a reforestation program for native trees. Through the Baltimore County reforestation program, approximately 40 oaks of several species and 6 American elms were planted as ornamental trees on the developed part of campus. Five additional American elms were planted in cooperation with Catonsville forester Jim Himel as part of his urban reforestation program. The oaks were planted with the intention of replacing native forest species, helping in the eventual improvement of the Bay’s watershed. The elms also serve this purpose and are a cultivar resistant to Dutch Elm Disease. This will allow residents to see this species again for the first time in over 60 years since the disease decimated American Elms across the country in the 1950s. All of these trees were planted at no cost to the Charlestown community. As they become available, native and ornamental trees are occasionally planted on an individual basis near Lake Charles by Nature Trail Committee members to counter the numerous invasive trees in the area.

b. Ornamental Shrubs and Flowers –
Ornamental shrubs and flowers are planted in the developed area of campus on a seasonal and as-needed basis by either contractors or the Grounds Department. Residents may also plant these, either in gardens by their apartments, in the Community Garden near the ball field, or in the other gardens on campus as discussed in Part 4c.

c. Turf and Ground Covers –
The primary type of turf grass used on campus is tall fescue. Contract mowing is done on a scheduled basis during the growing season at 7-11 day intervals, depending on weather. There are usually 26 mowings per year. Contract aeration and overseeding of turf areas is done in the August- November timeframe. Contract applications of pesticides and fertilizers are done on the following schedule. When applications are made, treated areas are posted to inform residents.

March-April: Pre-emergent herbicide for crabgrass control, with fertilizer
April-June: Selective herbicide for broadleaf weed control, with fertilizer
May-July: Sub-surface insecticide for grub control
June-July: Surface insecticide and selective herbicide for insect and weed control
July-August: Selective herbicides for spot treatment of grassy and broadleaf weeds
August-October: Selective herbicide for broadleaf weed control, with fertilizer
October-December: Winter granular fertilization
Any time of year: Application of dolomitic limestone for soil pH control

The types of ground covers used on campus are Vinca, Liriope, and English Ivy. As with the grasses, they are used for both decorative purposes and to control storm runoff to reduce erosion and protect the Bay.

d. “Green” Roofs –

The major renovations done in 2013 on the Charlestown Square complex and the Edgewood building included the installation of a single large green roof over the enlarged swimming pool and two small green roofs on the north end of the Edgewood building. These green roofs are of the “extensive” type, with shallow soil and low vegetation, primarily sedum. Green roofs are designed and installed with multiple purposes in mind. These include reduction of stormwater runoff, providing insulation, reduction in maintenance, and being more aesthetically pleasing than standard roofs. These benefits can help meet local regulations which require runoff control, contribute to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification points, and assist in insulation.

The new Caton Woods building does not have any true green roofs, but landscaping in large planters has been done on the second floor above the main entrance.

e. Invasive Plants –

Invasive plants on campus come mainly in the form of trees, vines, weeds, and grasses.
The primary invasive trees are (1) Paulownia, a non-native species from east Asia, (2) black locust, a very common but non-native species from states west of Maryland, (3) Callery pear, an introduced ornamental from east Asia, and (4) Ailanthus, another non-native Asian tree. Invasive trees are removed by contractors, Charlestown’s Grounds Department, and especially the resident volunteer Invasive Plants Crew, a group whose earliest work started with resident retired arborist Harper Griswold. A good example of this work is the periodic removal of invasive trees (especially black locust) from the earthen dam which forms Lake Charles. This is done to provide compliance with state and county dam safety requirements.

Charlestown’s large acreage of trees, both native forest and ornamentals, is host to the many native and non-native species of vines which commonly infest trees in this area. The worst offenders are wild grape, English ivy, and Japanese honeysuckle. These vines grow up the trees, distorting them and eventually killing them. The Invasive Plants Crew works Saturday mornings throughout the year, and other work is also done as needed on an irregular basis by a few crewmembers. Removal priorities are caring for ornamental trees and then moving into selected forested areas upon request and as time allows.
Other invasive viney species include wild rose, blackberries, poison ivy, and mile-a-minute vine. These do not pose problems to the trees, but they can make some areas almost impenetrable.
Removal priorities include landscaped areas and then range outward, depending on the amount of human access.

There are many species of invasive weeds, but primary attention is focused on garlic mustard, an introduced species from Europe. This plant can dominate forest edges and openings, crowding out native species. It is a biennial type, i.e., blooming and producing seeds every other year. The Invasive Plants Crew focuses on removal of the blooming second year plants in late spring, before they go to seed in early summer.

Another invasive non-native plant is Lesser Celandine, which appears from small tubers early every spring, especially in low, damp areas, like along the Nature Trail beside Herbert Run. The plants forms a thick expansive mat of green vegetation with yellow flowers, retarding the development of other spring plants, especially wildflowers. No good means of control has been found for Lesser Celandine. To avoid damage to other plants, glyphosate herbicide (Roundup) is used for control of the weed only on the Nature Trail proper.

Lake Charles is the source of two types of invasive aquatic plants: floating algae and rooted vegetation. The runoff of nutrients and fertilizer in stormwater, and the addition of nutrients from waterfowl waste make these plants an annual, but manageable, problem. Periodic selective herbicidal treatments of the lake are done by a contractor throughout the growing season.

f. Composting and Wood Chips –

Composting of leaves is done by the Grounds Department in a work area between the Erickson Management parking lot and the lake. The compost is used on the Community Garden and elsewhere as needed on campus. Felled trees and branches are chipped by contractors and the Grounds Department. The wood chips are regularly used on the Nature Trail and elsewhere as needed on campus.

3. Animal Management –

a. Protected Species – Most larger animals on Charlestown are protected under the Maryland Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act. This includes foxes, bats, beavers, snakes, and many others. At a minimum a permit from the Department of Natural Resources is required to kill or capture these animals. Most birds in Maryland are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This law also includes doves, crows, and vultures.
While Monarch butterflies are not a protected species, their numbers have declined greatly in recent decades. Since Monarch caterpillars feed only on milkweed, Charlestown’s Nature Trail Committee makes an active effort to plant multiple varieties of milkweed in its Butterfly Garden and Wildflower Garden, and it encourages the growth of milkweed elsewhere on campus. Numerous garden areas on campus serve an “Pollinator Gardens” for the adult Monarchs and other insects, and the use of pesticides is discouraged.

b. Mammals – See Appendix 3, The Mammals of Charlestown. Deer are often seen on campus, but they don’t pose many problems, other than damaging young trees by antler rubbing and the eating of some plants. Black bear scat was seen once on campus, but there have been no animal sightings. Racoons are seen on campus occasionally, and they are trapped in accordance with DNR regulations only if they pose a problem. Foxes are sometimes seen on campus, but they do not pose a problem, except in the spring when they follow their instincts and attempt to capture goslings by the lake. The adult geese usually keep the foxes at bay. Insectivorous bats can usually be seen near the lake during the warmer months. They are not harmed unless one enters a building and has to be captured.

c. Birds – See Appendix 4, The Birds of Charlestown, which lists the more than 100 species which have been seen on campus. Lake Charles attracts numerous species of birds, including Canada Geese, Great Blue Herons, ducks, gulls, kingfishers, Tundra Swans, and others. Signs are posted at the lake to discourage residents and guests from feeding the waterfowl, since it is not good for the birds. All the birds are welcome additions to the lake area, but they (especially the geese) are not encouraged to come up to the main campus. In the past a resident fed geese from her patio, and this resulted in unwanted interaction with the birds and a problem with droppings. Such feeding is now not allowed. On the developed part of campus, birdfeeders are numerous, as many residents enjoy the presence of songbirds.

d. Reptiles and amphibians – Snapping turtles, box turtles, and painted turtles may occasionally be seen, especially at the lake. The snakes seen on campus include the Eastern Ratsnake (also known as the Black Ratsnake or simply Black Snake), the Ringnecked Snake, and various Gartersnakes. All of the snakes are beneficial, do not pose hazards, and are protected by state law. No study of amphibians has been done on campus, but in the spring tadpoles are numerous in shallow portions of Lake Charles.

e. Animal and Insect Pests – Charlestown is like a small town, so it has much the same pest problems. These are dealt with in standard ways by contract pest management companies, Grounds Department personnel, and individual residents. Non-chemical techniques are encouraged, and education is provided to residents.

(1) Feral Cats – These animals had been a problem on campus until applicable County Code was enforced by new management policy. Feeding of the animals is strongly discouraged. In the several years since the new policy was made, feral cats have almost disappeared and the number of songbirds on campus has noticeably increased, likely due to the reduction in cat predation.

(2) Rodents – In the fall, a seasonal influx of mice into buildings is seen, so actions are taken to reduce this problem. Mouse-proofing, trapping, and moving bird feeders further from the buildings are among the steps taken. Rats are rarely seen, but when they are found, rat-proofing, trapping and anticoagulant baits are used as preferred controls. Squirrels are numerous on campus, and feeding them is discouraged.

(3) Insects – Local articles in Charlestown’s monthly Sunburst newspaper provide information on seasonal insect problems. These have included the emergence of the 17-year cicada and its associated cicada killer wasp, invasion of buildings by crickets or the brown stink bug, activity of carpenter bees, nests of tent caterpillars or webworms in the trees, the proper use of mosquito repellents, and other issues.

f. Pets – Ownership of pets is allowed at Charlestown, and they are relatively numerous. Most pets other than dogs are kept indoors, so outside environmental issues only occur with dogs. There are two dog parks on the campus, and numerous bag-dispensing clean-up stations. Owners of dogs do a reasonably good job of picking up after their pets, although there are occasional lapses. When these are found, a small “Please clean up after your pet” reminder sign is usually posted by the offending material. A Pet Lovers Club is on campus, and it helps to keep residents informed and enforce the rules.

4. Resident Activity Areas –

a. Lake Charles – The lake has been discussed above in terms of its establishment, its ecology, and its plant and animal life. Residents use the lake area for walking, fishing, sailing miniature boats, wildlife viewing, and simply enjoying its serenity.

b. Trails –
(1) The Nature Trail – Conceived by resident Paul Gaudreau (founder and first Chairman of the Nature Trail Committee) and Charlestown founder John Erickson in 1994, the Trail was opened and dedicated in 1996. It is one-half mile long and follows the course of the East Branch of Herbert Run through the small valley on the north side of campus. Native wildflowers are planted along the Trail, which is maintained by the Nature Trail Committee and the Grounds Department. The Trail has items of historical interest near its mid-point, including remnants of the old seminary swimming pool, the masonry opening of an old spring, and 80 year old initials and dates carved by seminary students into the bark of several large American Beech trees in the area of the former pool. A long-term erosion stabilization project is being pursued on the hillside near the Trail, below the St. Charles building, as well as erosion control under the Trail’s covered bridge. Guided Trail walks are provided annually by the Nature Trail Committee during April’s Wildflower Day, the celebratory spring “opening” of the Trail after winter. Additional guided hikes are provided to families and guests upon request. A video walk of the Trail has been made and is available for showing.

(2) The Lake Trail – Encompassing Lake Charles is a maintenance road which serves a dual purpose as a walking trail. Roughly 3/4 mile in length, the gravel road is scheduled to eventually be improved for easier access and use by residents. A design study for this improvement is planned.

(3) The Old Stone Bridge Trail – This short (150 yards) trail leads off the Lake Trail on the north side of Lake Charles and follows a Baltimore County maintenance track by a series of access covers along the buried sewage line which is beside the East Branch of Herbert Run. As mentioned above, the 1906 bridge over the Run was part of a carriage lane from Wilkens Avenue to the old Beverly mansion on the Watts Estate, looping back to Wilkens Avenue.

(4) The Short Line Trail (adjacent to campus) – This trail is part of the Rails-to-Trails program and lies on the bed of the old Short Line Railroad, whose tracks lay between the Baltimore National Cemetery and the northwest edge of the Charlestown campus until after the railroad stopped operation in 1972. When it was functional, the railroad had a spur to the seminary, delivering coal to the heating furnace which was in the basement of Building 6, then The Powerhouse. The trail is accessible off Maiden Choice Lane just west of the campus. From the northwest side of the campus to Interstate 695, the trail is approximately one mile long.

c. Gardens – Gardens are located around all buildings on campus, as well as around flag poles, in parking lots, etc. The following are special gardens on Charlestown:

(1) The Community Garden – This popular fenced garden is in the southwest part of the campus, and it consists of ninety 10’x10′ plots available at no cost to residents for growing vegetables and flowers. The use of pesticides is strongly discouraged. During the harvest season, excess vegetables are made available to other residents. At the time of this writing, the Garden is supervised by resident volunteers David Pollitt and Pat Kasuda.

(2) The Butterfly Garden – Located at the east end of the Nature Trail, the Butterfly Garden was the brainchild of Sally McBride, a former chairman of Charlestown’s Nature Trail Committee. The Garden was started in 2004 and is composed primarily of native perennials. At the end of the blooming season, seedheads are left on the plants as food for finches and other seed-loving birds. The Garden is primarily cared for by resident Pat Kasuda of the Nature Trail Committee.

(3) The Rock Garden – Proposed and planned by Alex Jerome, a member of the Nature Trail Committee, this small garden sits near the middle of the Nature Trail, under the skywalk between the St. Charles and Herbert’s Run buildings. It is planted with native perennials and is primarily cared for by resident Rose Wolford of the Nature Trail Committee.

(4) The Wildflower Garden – This garden was started in 2014 by residents Bert and Linda Clegern and is cared for by members of the Nature Trail Committee. The garden is located across Erickson Way from the Herbert’s Run building, and it replaced a thicket of brambles which had grown over the perimeter fence onto Charlestown property. Native perennials are grown in the garden, and annuals are seeded in as needed.

d. Other Special Areas –

(1) Memory Walk – Near the Charlestown entrance on the south side of campus, this is a walkway of inscribed bricks, grass, benches, and commemorative trees. It is designed for memories and contemplation. Started in 1996 as Memorial Woods by Charlestown’s Residents Council Grounds Committee, this area evolved into its present setting with the addition of memorial bricks forming the walkway in the trees. A portion of the purchase price for the bricks goes to Charlestown’s Benevolent Care Fund. The Walk has a very low environmental impact, and maintenance requirements are minimal.

(2) Softball Field – In existence since before 1921 in the early days of the seminary, the field has seen almost 100 years of use. In 2013 the grass infield was removed and the entire infield renovated for purposes of better play and safety. Other than slightly greater runoff, the new dirt/sand infield has less environmental impact than grass, due to reduced maintenance, especially in terms of chemical usage. Charlestown’s senior softball team, the Sluggers, continues the tradition of softball at Charlestown.

(3) Putting Green – Located just east of the softball field, the putting green is available for play by residents and guests. The green is an artificial surface, therefore requiring no chemicals and much less other maintenance than the tightly sheared bentgrass used on most greens. During the off season, resident Pat Kasuda has instituted Putterland, a portable 18-hole indoor miniature golf course at Charlestown which has a series of tournaments in February. This course by its nature has no environmental impact, unlike virtually every other golf course. Income from Putterland goes to the Charlestown Benevolent Care Fund.

(4) Picnic Area – This small area by the putting green is nestled in a multi-species grove of evergreen trees and is available to residents and guests for use. There is virtually no environmental impact in its use.

(5) Bocce Ball Court – This single court is located by the picnic area and is available for use by residents and guests. The Court has an artificial surface and therefore requires no chemical treatment or special maintenance.

(6) Shuffleboard Court – The outdoor court is located on the north side of the swimming pool, as part of the Charlestown Square complex. It is available for use by residents and guests. The Court is hard surfaced, thereby producing runoff when it rains, but there are no environmental problems in its maintenance. There is also an indoor court near the Dental Complex off “Main Street” in Maple Terrace (Building 2).

(7) Dog Parks – There are two of these fenced areas on Charlestown. The first was built on the north side of campus on Erickson Way, across from the Grounds and Herbert’s Run Buildings. The second, and newest, was built adjacent to the Community Garden on the south side of campus. Both sites are pet- and environment-friendly, having dog runs, water (at the new one), benches, and doggie poop bags available, with a place for proper disposal. The fences and benches are made of artificial materials, and there is very little environmental impact in the maintenance of the areas, other than cutting of the grass.