Environmental Workshops

Patapsco Heritage Greenway offers a diverse range of workshops, guided hikes, family days and lectures. Workshops cover topics such as water quality, invasive species, native plants, vernal pools and sustainable practices.

We partner with schools and scout groups to offer educational environmental workshops and with partner organizations to offer Spanish-translated environmental workshops. If you are interested in partnering with PHG on an event, program, or workshop, learn more here.

Participants at 2022 Family Day along the Trolley Trail observe macroinvertebrate from the stream.

Participant at a Vernal Pool Guided Hike looks into a vernal pool along the Trolley Trail in Ellicott City, Maryland.

Participants at an environmental workshop help to remove invasive plants and place the plants in a trash bag.

Participants at an environmental workshop at Patapsco Valley State Park gather near the sign for Cascade Trail preparing for a guided hike to the waterfall.

Participant at 2023 Family Day along the Trolley Trail uses tweezer to observe a macroinvertebrate on a rock helped by PHG staff.

Participants at a Vernal Pool Guided Hike walk along the Trolley Trail in Ellicott City, Maryland.

Workshop Topics

Water Quality Watchers

During Water Quality Watchers workshops, participants learn how to collect data on the health of waterways within the Patapsco River Watershed. The program trains volunteers on how to properly collect and analyze water quality data, including temperature, pH, and macroinvertebrate identification. Workshop participants are encouraged to collect data twice per year and then fill out the data collection form below.

For more in-depth water quality data collection, check out PHG’s Water Quality Monitoring Program

Vernal Pools

Vernal pools are temporary wetland habitats that play a vital role in supporting aquatic species, such as wood frogs and spotted salamanders. However, these pools are increasingly threatened by human activities and pollution. Because of their temporary nature, vernal pools are an unprotected wetland. To address this issue, PHG is dedicated to safeguarding vernal pools through awareness and action.

In early spring, PHG organizes vernal pool guided hikes where participants can learn how to identify vernal pools in their communities and collect data for conservation purposes.

Vernal Pool Resources:

US EPA: Vernal Pools

Patapsco Short: Vernal Pools

Susquehannock Wildlife Society

Macroinvertebrate Discovery

In this workshop, explore the Patapsco River and its tributaries to discover the world of macroinvertebrates. These small aquatic organisms help us assess the health of the waterways. Some organisms can live in poor water quality, while others can only thrive in healthy waters. If pollution-sensitive organisms are discovered, this indicates that the stream or river has good water quality. Learn how to collect and identify these organisms to gain insights into the health of your local waterways and the critters inhabiting them.

Don't see what you were looking for? Contact Diana to discuss further options for workshop topics.

Data Forms

Water Quality Watchers Data Form

Name(Required)

First Last

Date of Observation(Required)

Water Temperature (°F)(Required)

Water pH (1-14)(Required)

Water Location (GPS Coordinates)(Required)

Observations (Check all that apply)(Required)

Clear

Bubbles

Oil Sheen or Shiny

Foul Smell

Additional Observations

Top 3 Macroinvertebrates Found

CAPTCHA

27109

Join us for an upcoming event!

Each year PHG hosts a variety of programs, events, workshops, and lectures within and surrounding the Patapsco Valley Heritage Area.

View our Event Calendar

Environmental Programs