Harford Streams - Green Choices. Healthy Streams.

11/09/2026

Did you know that loons are expert underwater hunters but surprisingly awkward on land? Their bodies are perfectly adapted for swimming and diving, allowing them to chase fish beneath the water's surface. However, those same adaptations make walking on land a challenge!

Each year, 🦆 Common Loons 🦆 can be spotted throughout the Chesapeake Bay region during the fall migration and winter months, where they find abundant open water and food!

Harford County Government
Harford Nature Collaborative

The common loon visits the Chesapeake Bay each fall

11/06/2026

🍂🌿 Take a Break, Don't Rake! 🌿🍂

Did you know that leaves raked into the street can wash into storm drains during rainstorms? Unlike sanitary sewers, storm drains flow directly to local streams and waterways, carrying leaves and other pollutants with them.

As leaves break down in the water, they can reduce oxygen levels and impact aquatic insects, fish, and other wildlife that call our streams home.

Instead of raking leaves to the curb:
✅ Leave them under trees and shrubs as natural mulch
✅ Add them to garden beds to enrich the soil
✅ Compost them for use next spring

Harford County Government
Harford Nature Collaborative

11/06/2026

What a great weekend to get outside and enjoy the peak fall foliage!🍁

Harford Nature Collaborative
Harford County Government

11/03/2026

Happy 🧠Trivia Tuesday🧠

🌟What bird can grow to 5.9 inches in length with an 11.8 inch wingspan and can weigh up to 1.1 ounces?

🌟What bird can be seen migrating through Maryland by the thousands in the late fall?

🌟What bird makes a loud, rapid ticking or twittering of high pitched chip notes about 3 seconds long?

Any guesses?

🥁Drum roll.....
🐦It is the Chimney Swifts (Chaetura pelagic)!🐦
Learn more about our native friend here: https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/pages/plants_wildlife/chimneyswifts.aspx

Harford County Government
Harford Nature Collaborative

11/02/2026

☀Congratulations to our Summer Adventure winners and thank you to everyone that participated this year!☀

Harford County Government

Harford Streams Summer Adventure 2026 Prize Winners Announced

Harford County’s annual Harford Streams Summer Adventure wrapped up another successful season, encouraging residents to explore the county’s scenic waterways, earn prizes and learn about the importance of protecting these valuable natural resources. This year, 248 participants qualified for a free T-shirt, while 19 furry friends earned a bandana for joining in the fun. Two local families also took home additional prizes after completing the adventure and visiting locations throughout the county.

“Congratulations to our winners and thank you to everyone who got out and explored our beautiful county during this year’s Harford Streams Summer Adventure,” County Executive Bob Cassilly said. “We’re proud to offer an award-winning program that brings families together, encourages outdoor recreation and fosters a greater appreciation for our county’s waterways and natural resources.”

Participants who visited at least 15 locations were entered into a grand prize drawing for their choice of a three-night mini-cabin rental for four at Susquehanna State Park or a two-hour paddleboarding or kayaking trip for four at Ultimate Watersports Mariner Point. The Bojo family won the grand prize drawing and selected the three-night mini-cabin rental at Susquehanna State Park.

Those who visited at least 11 locations were eligible for a separate prize drawing, with a choice of a canoe trip for eight at Eden Mill Nature Center or a family membership to Ladew Gardens. The Plucker family won this drawing and selected the family membership to Ladew Gardens.

Developed by Harford County government’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Office, this award-winning program encourages citizens of all ages to take selfies at various locations and write a brief comment about their experiences to earn T-shirts and be eligible for other prizes. An online survey allowed participants to easily upload photos and submit their comments.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Harford Streams Summer Adventure and helped make it another successful season.

Harford County Living
Harford Streams - Green Choices. Healthy Streams.
Harford County Department of Parks and Recreation
Harford Nature Collaborative
Edgewood Family
Jarrettsville Community
Street/Pylesville/north Harford community page
Hello Harford
Maryland Department of Natural Resources

11/02/2026

📅It is that time of year!
Time to drain and disconnect your 🌧rain barrels🌧 to prevent ❄freezing❄ and cracking!

Interested in learning more about rain barrels and how to maintain them?
🔗Visit: https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/3827/Rain-Barrel-Guide

Harford Nature Collaborative
Harford County Government

10/30/2026

Happy 💡Fun Fact💡 Friday!

⛽ Did you know? A small fuel spill at a gas station can wash into storm drains during rainstorms and eventually reach our local streams and waterways. That's why proper fueling practices, spill prevention, and quick cleanup are so important for protecting water quality!

💧 Remember: Storm drains flow directly to local waterways. Only rain belongs down the drain!

Harford County Government
Harford Nature Collaborative

10/26/2026

🍂🌳 Leave the Leaves! 🌳🍂

As the leaves begin to fall, consider letting them stay where they land!

Fallen leaves provide important benefits for both wildlife and water quality. They create habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects, return nutrients to the soil, and act as a natural mulch that helps retain moisture and reduce erosion.

🌱 Around streams and wooded areas, leaves help protect the soil from being washed away during rainstorms. Keeping soil in place helps reduce sediment pollution and supports healthier waterways.

🍁 If leaves accumulate on sidewalks, driveways, or streets, consider moving them to garden beds, around trees, or composting them!

💡 Remember: Leaves aren't litter. They're nature's blanket for healthy soil, wildlife, and cleaner streams!

Harford County Government
Harford Nature Collaborative

10/22/2026

Happy 🌿Transformation Thursday🌿

Today, we want to ✨highlight✨ one our of recently completed 🌊stream restoration projects🌊 at the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center - OPCA !

The purpose of this project is to improve stream health by stabilizing eroding stream banks!

Check out these before and after photos and find additional information here:
https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/3610/Anita-C-Leight-Estuary-Center-Stream-Res

Harford County Government
Harford Nature Collaborative

10/18/2026

💧Happy Anniversary to the Clean Water Act!💧

On October 18, 1972, the Clean Water Act became law, marking a turning point in the protection and restoration of our nation's rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands. Over the past five decades, this landmark legislation has helped reduce water pollution, improve water quality, and protect the natural resources that support our communities, wildlife, and way of life!

🌎 Let's continue working together to keep our waters clean, healthy, and resilient for future generations 🌎

Harford County Government
Harford Nature Collaborative