Join Our Newsletter

"*" indicates required fields

Name*

Email*

CAPTCHA

Phone

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Page updated: September 2026

At Severn River Association (SRA) we help communities improve their local environment and restore the Severn River. Good communication is really important. This page will update you about what’s happening with the living shoreline and stormwater treatment project at the community’s property. SRA and Greenacres Improvement Association (GAIA) are partnering together on this project. Please email Ben Fertig, ben@severnriver.org with questions. Click on any picture to make it bigger or to download.

We really want your input and feedback on the project. Right now, while the project is still in its early stages, is the best opportunity to make sure to get it right. Please let SRA know what you think. As we get closer to a finished design, there will be less wiggle room to make changes. Once the design arrives at 60% complete, it will be locked in and we won’t be able to make changes.

SRA is a 501c3 non-profit organization with experience and success at pursuing funding and project management for pollution reduction and environmental restoration. Our vision is a thriving Severn River by 2050, and our mission is to connect the people who live, work, and play on the Severn River to restore and protect it for all of our communities.

Project Origin

The GAIA bulkhead is failing and needs substantial repair or replacement. In the 2010s, a community member identified an opportunity for a living shoreline along the community’s water access to replace the bulkhead. Unfortunately, while an initial design was prepared it did not meet all of the community’s needs. In 2023, your neighbor Amanda Reynolds picked up the idea of a potential living shoreline again and reached out to SRA to discuss the potential for assistance with grant writing and project management. SRA visited Green Acres in November 2023 and provided an outline of a strategy. SRA believes that any plan or design for a living shoreline must meet all of the needs of the entire community. SRA believes there is sufficient space on community property to be able to maintain water access for kayaks and small power craft while also replacing the failing bulkhead with a living shoreline that would protect community property, reduce erosion and pollution, and improve water quality and wildlife habitat. Treating stormwater that currently outfalls directly to Back Creek via the bulkhead will reduce sogginess in the community lawn.

Living Shorelines

Living shorelines create open spaces along a river’s shoreline, mimicking Mother Nature’s natural defenses against erosion. Living shorelines can solve typical erosion problems found on the Severn River. Their design not only protects the shoreline and cliffs from storm and powerboat wave energy, but also rebuilds the natural sandy shoreline that is greatly affected due to storms, rising sea level, and wave energy.

Project Environmental Benefits

Maintain protection of communal gathering space from erosion, boat wakes etc.
Living shorelines can dampen the energy of wave action from storms and powerboat wakes, deflecting it away from the shore.
They collect sandy material as it drifts along the shoreline and deposit it within the area to be protected.
Living shorelines are a natural defense against erosion and a cost effective way to protect it.
Decrease harmful effects of flooding
Decreased nutrient & sediment pollution in the Severn – smaller and fewer ‘dead zones’ (maybe we even get rid of them altogether!)
Native plants will attract pollinators (birds, butterflies, bats and bees)
Increased biodiversity
Stronger, more resilient environment
Provide wildlife habitat

Project Summary

The primary goal of the project is to replace a failing bulkhead with a living shoreline to increase rates of denitrification – a natural pollution reduction process – that occurs in salt marshes and to decrease rates of erosion to help improve water quality in Back Creek and the Severn River. Currently, the Severn River has been declared “impaired” under the federal Clean Water Act for these nitrogen, phosphorus, sediments and other pollutants. A second goal is to increase habitat and native species biodiversity, and create additional spawning and nursery grounds for turtles, fish, oysters, and native pollinators (birds, butterflies, bees and bats). A third critically important goal is to continue protecting communal gathering space, small boat (kayak) water access, a dock, and power craft access and other important community infrastructure. Lastly, the fourth goal is to continue achieving all of the previous three goals in the face of rising sea levels associated with climate change.SRA will work with GAIA to further define project goals and desired outcomes.

SRA solicited input from three contractors—BayLand Consultants and Designers Inc., Hanover Land Services (HLS), and Heinsohn Contracting Inc.—and received concepts from BayLand and HLS. Through an open, competitive Request For Qualifications process in January 2025, SRA pre-qualified both firms for shoreline and stormwater projects. BayLand was selected for this project based on its responsiveness to community needs.

Project Design

SRA wants to make sure that the project is something that the community will enjoy (in addition to all the great environmental benefits). Keep in mind that, as with so many things in life, there are trade-offs to consider. We want to understand what you value so the project will reflect those values. So, right now we want your feedback, especially while the project is still in its early stages. The Green Acres Board notes that any plans for any living shoreline must meet the following requirements:

A shoreline protection option that is more environmentally positive for our neighborhood in order to reduce erosion and runoff into Back Creek and the Chesapeake Bay.
Shoreline protection solution that retains the 5-6 boat slips that currently exist.
Address flood plain and drainage concerns of nearby properties.
Slip water depth of at least 3 feet. Includes the allowance for future silt removal procedures (e.g dredging) to maintain this required boat slip water depth.
A shoreline protection solution that provides a similar level of protection as a traditional bulkhead.
Retain a usable “common area” where all residents can enjoy waterfront activities, such as launching small boats/kayaks, picnicking/hanging out, running dogs, etc.

GAIA, led by Amanda Reynolds, has established a Living Shoreline Design committee.

Here is one concept for the design:

Figure 1. Concept of a living shoreline and rain gardens. This is just an idea to start discussion and to include in the proposal – nothing is set in stone and everything is on the table. Rain gardens would receive water from the storm drain inlets along Janice Drive and will treat stormwater which will make the grassy area less soggy. A kayak/canoe launch can be incorporated.

Figure 2. Map of the drainage area – rain that falls within the dotted areas flows down to the Green Acres common area and into Back Creek. It’s a large area – almost 9 acres! This is why the common area can be soggy or get flooded with a heavy rain.

Project Funding

Projects like these often require multiple sources of funding for the design, permitting, and construction. A financial match from the community makes grant applications much more attractive to funders. It demonstrates ‘skin in the game’ and commitment to the project’s success. Amanda Reynolds has assembled a Living Shoreline Fundraising Committee to raise these matching funds. Get in touch with her if you would like to help or donate to the cause! Matching funds are pledged at the proposal stage, but are ONLY spent IF and WHEN the project is funded. Once a grant for the design is awarded the matching funds will be provided to SRA (and thus are tax deductible).

The community held two fundraising events, a Cornhole Tournament in July 2025, and a Chilli Cookoff in October 2025, raising over $6,500 to match grant funds for the engineering design! A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone involved and all the generous donors!SRA will seek funding for this project through the Chesapeake Bay Trust (CBT) Watershed Assistance Grant Program (WAGP). Likely, an additional grant from another source, e.g. City of Annapolis through CBT’s Anne Arundel County Watershed Restoration (AAWR) may also be needed.

Once the project is shovel-ready, SRA will apply for construction funding, perhaps through the DNR Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund and/or the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Small Watershed Grants. Any grant could be awarded in full, in part, or not at all. If unsuccessful or only partially funded SRA will apply for other grants to arrive at full funding.. A ‘no’ is not forever.

Contractors

SRA has solicited input from three contractors (BayLand Consultants and Designers Inc., Hanover Land Services, and Heinsohn Contracting Inc.) according to required procurement procedures for grant funding. Ultimately, GAIA selected moving forward with BayLand.

Timeline

Figure 3. A timeline put together by community member Julie Gabrielli

October 2023 – SRA met with GAIA for an initial site visit and discuss project potential and funding possibilities and process
November 2023 – SRA met with Amanda Reynolds for an additional site visit and discussed project potential and funding possibilities and process.
January 2024 – Green Acres governing board meeting with SRA
April 2024 – BayLand and HLS conduct site visits to receive a cost estimate.
October 2024 – SRA presented at the GAIA annual meeting to share the project idea with the community and discuss interest level, gather community input, and determine if moving forward with a grant proposal.
January 2025 – SRA and BayLand met with community to discuss project, answer questions, and get further input.
February 2025 – GAIA opened a community survey to receive broader input from the community.
May 2025 – Greenacres compiled results from a community survey into a report with historical and other context, circulated among the community. SRA met with the GAIA board to discuss community survey results. Formal vote to move forward with SRA grant proposals. Formed a Living Shoreline Initiative Design Committee and a Greenacres Fundraising Committee to define and support the project.
July 2025 – GAIA held a cornhole tournament as a community fundraising to raise matching funds for the design grant. Over 50 people showed up! Take a look at the photos in the Google Photo Album below.
October 2025 – SRA met with GAIA, BayLand, Maryland Department of the Environment, MD Department of Natural Resources, the Critical Area Commission, and City of Annapolis on site to discuss the permitting requirements and process. GAIA held a chili cookoff as a second fundraiser, bringing the total raised to over $6,500 in matching community funds! Amazing job, and thank you to all!
November 2025 – SRA submit proposal to CBT for living shoreline design and permitting
March 2026 – Received funding from CBT for design and permitting of shoreline and stormwater project
October2026 – Get community feedback on early design plans
December 2026 – proposal submission for ½ construction funding
March 2027 – proposal submission for ½ construction funding
July 2027 – hear if construction is funded, if so, construction begins
September 2027 – construction completed, SRA responsible for maintenance for 5 years
September 2032 – maintenance responsibility transfers to Green Acres

Ways You Can Help

Community support is critical to a successful grant proposal. Specifically, there are several ways you can choose to support this project. Any and all are appreciated!

Contribute to the community matching funds!
Participate in the GACA Fundraising committee or Design Committee!
Pledge to help volunteer with planting as part of the project’s installation.
Install a rain barrel or rain garden at your property to capture and slow down stormwater coming off your roof.

Other …. There are lots of ways to be involved. If you have an idea or want to discuss, please reach out!If you are interested in participating in any of the ways above, please reach out to SRA’s Restoration Manager, Ben Fertig: ben@severnriver.org

Community Comments, Questions & Concerns

Let SRA know your thoughts about the project. We will update this section with how these will be addressed.

Proposal Phase

What is the economic impact of the project?

The cost of replacing the bulkhead is much much larger than the cost of installing a living shoreline – especially when living shorelines are grant funded

Is there a point in the grant writing process the community needs to decide on money?

The amount of money or monetary value of in-kind support needs to be submitted with the proposal. No matching funds are provided to SRAUNLESS and UNTIL a grant is awarded.
SRA understands that the community doesn’t have much money – 120 houses, 55members, $45/yr. That is important information to mention in the proposal.

Can we all contribute to a fund to build up money over the year?

Yes – you can organize this however you want. Other communities created a committee to help organize this – many hands make light work.
Maybe a Fundraising Committee?

Are the matching funds for the design or for both the design and construction?

Design. If substantial enough, we can usually use matching funds for the design grant as leverage for construction grants. However, if only a nominal amount is available for a design grant, it can make a construction grant proposal more attractive to provide additional matching funds at that time.

Federal grant availability?

We don’t know the future. There are multiple sources of funding, including the State of Maryland, City of Annapolis, etc. While federal activities affect local governments in various ways, we will do what we can, as best we can, as long as we can.

What happens if we don’t get a grant? Do we keep reapplying if they keep getting denied?

Try, try again! We can apply to different grants or reapply to the same grant. We will keep applying until we land a grant. Worst case scenario they say no and we get the feedback, adjust and try again. Perseverance pays off.

You mentioned Back Creek is a priority for the Severn River Action Plan. Are there any other projects on the way?

Top 10 Priority Watersheds:

1) Weems

2) Spa

3) Picture Spring Branch,

4) Severn Run Mainstem 1

5) Severn Run Tributary 2

6) Back Creek

7) Bear Branch

8) Cool Spring Branch

9) Chartwell Branch

10) Severn Run Tributary 5

SRA is working with communities all over the Severn River watershed. The Severn River Action Plan provides a roadmap for how we will reduce pollution by prioritizing areas that impact the Severn River disproportionately.
A list of grant-funded restoration projects SRA is currently working on is available at https://severnriver.org/programs/restore-severn-river/

What kind of problems did West Severna Park have that made them need a living shoreline?

West Severna Park wanted to protect their beach area and needed to repair the bulkhead (it had become cliff-like and the slope to the water was sharp)

Is it competitive to get grants?

Yes, but how competitive depends on the grant.
The idea is to make the proposal highly attractive by having a high level of community engagement, matching funds from the community and perhaps a 2nd grant, clear enthusiasm from the community and board, utilizing this project for demonstration and as a model for other areas, and a high level of stormwater treatment in addition to the living shoreline. There are many factors that get evaluated.
This will be a compelling proposal with a letter from the Green Acres board supporting the project. Matching funds make the proposal more competitive.

What would happen if we tied in recreational aspects to the proposal?

While we want to make sure to address the needs of the community, recreation is not the purpose of these grants and will be a “co-benefit” but cannot be the focus of the project. Each grant has its own goals. Adding anything outside those goals makes the proposal less cost-effective, which decreases its attractiveness.
Ultimately, recreational aspects, including a dock or slips will need separate funding, likely unable to be provided via grants.

What are the next steps?

See the timeline section of this page. The most immediate things to do are:
- Begin fundraising for the match so that we can identify how much can be proposed.
- Provide a Letter of Commitment to SRA that
  - shows enthusiasm for the project
  - discusses the various ways that the community will be engaged in the project including the Design Committee activities
  - identifies the amount of matching funds
  - identifies any in-kind goods/services that will be provided in support of the project
  - states that the project will be maintained over the long term and that the Maintenance Agreement will be executed once required
- Review the concept that has been provided and discuss what you like, don’t like, etc.

Design Phase

Will the number or location of the boat slips be affected by the project?

If we are touching any of the marine infrastructure the design and permitting will have to fit together with the living shoreline. Marina movements need to happen at the same time as the living shoreline. When do you need the matching funds?

Prior to starting work on the proposal for the design, Ben will need a verbal commitment from the community. By the time we submit the proposal, a letter of commitment will be needed from the community agreeing to the project, pledge financial commitments, in-kind services. A pledge will be included in the design proposal. The matching funds are contingent on when we get the grant.

Does the grant include the piers and kayak launch (recreational aspects of the community)?

We will target grant sources that suit the community wants and needs. Permitting costs are covered by the grants. The living shoreline grant will not fund construction of new piers.
We can build around the bulkhead (like West Severna Park). We can also maintain access to the kayaks. We need to know what the community wants so we can communicate that to the engineers, so they are aware of the community needs when designing.

Is the bulkhead removed?

We can do whatever you want. We can remove the bulkhead, or not, or we can make a constructed wetland, etc.

Comment: Worried about the dock, the access to the beach, remove the option of the lawn as a gathering area

SRA and the contractor want to know what is important to the community and incorporate those values into the design to make sure that we are providing something that will be approved by the community.
We will take all input into account.
Knowing this early will make it easier to incorporate – once engineering goes into it it will be harder to accommodate.

How far up will the living shoreline come up into the property? How much of the lawn will be kept?

Depends on what the community wants and the ability to create a gentle slope to the water so that erosion will not occur. This will be determined during the design process.

Will removing the stormwater culvert be added to the project?

Including the stormwater treatment will increase the attractiveness of the proposal.
There are cost efficiencies by designing both the stormwater and the living shoreline at the same time. Again, we want to know what the community wants.

How do we calculate the water quality improvements?

The contractor will do this.

Will we be able to continue dredging the slip areas? Can it remain a dredged area? What about the sedimentation with the silt from the living shoreline?

If it is a historically dredged area, it will remain that way. Sedimentation is substantial and can hinder plant growth. However, we can control this to a large extent with stormwater management.
What can stormwater management look like for the community? Are there opportunities to prevent further sedimentation in the community?

Concerns about new development that hasn’t disturbed dirt yet. The stormwater plans go diagonally across and right into the existing Green Acres Marina. What can Green Acres do about it?

New construction needs to have stormwater management requirements. SRA can assess and report if desired.

Construction Phase

Will construction impact access to the boat slips?
Possibly, but this will be temporary, and can likely be timed during periods of low boating activity (e.g. before Memorial Day, after Labor Day, etc.). We will know and communicate more about specific impacts and their timing once construction sequence is determined during the later stages of design.

What do you predict the construction costs to be?

Not sure. Maybe the total construction cost will be about $300K. However, SRA anticipates that this cost can come from (a) grant(s). The cost to the community will be sum of the matching funds for the design grant and the construction grant (if any). This will ultimately make the living shoreline cheaper for the community than rebuilding a bulkhead would be. Grants are not available for rebuilding bulkheads.

Maintenance Phase

What is the process of maintaining the living shoreline?

The community maintenance will involve picking up trash, making sure the plants are surviving, removing invasive species, and collecting debris. Once the plants are put in, without prior approval, they cannot be switched out (they are looking to encourage growth of ecologically beneficial native plants)
Specifics are laid out in the Maintenance Agreement with the City of Annapolis. This has been provided to the GACA president and board for review. It must be agreed to be executed – as pledged in the Letter of Commitment – prior to SRA submitting a proposal for design funding, and actually executed prior to SRA submitting a proposal for construction funding. SRA cannot work on behalf of the community if this agreement will not be executed.

Can the community team with SRA for the maintenance to “train”

Absolutely! SRA will produce a customized maintenance manual that includes pictures of plants, time of year tasks, etc.
Maintenance is pretty minimal, especially 5 years out. Mostly just trash pickup.

I have seen people not taking care of restoration projects and letting it overgrow. Is that a concern we should be worried about?

SRA is responsible for maintenance for the first 5 years after construction completion. Maintenance will be transferred over to the community after the 5 years. The community will be given a maintenance plan that outlines the details in an easy-to-understand guide. Green Acres can contract with SRA to continue maintaining the project after the initial five years, if desired.

How about the invasive species that end up in the living shoreline?

Yes, this is a part of the maintenance.

Green Acres would like a plan and estimate of costs for the first 5 years (or seasonal).

SRA will maintain the project at NO COST to the community for the first five years. Funding for this will likely come from the construction funds or elsewhere.
Beyond the first five years, maintenance costs are similar to other landscaping endeavors. Plan on $3K-$5K annually or thereabouts. More accurate cost estimates can be provided closer to the time as market rates fluctuate.

What are the consequences of failing to keep the Maintenance Agreement with the City of Annapolis?

After several reminders and strongly worded letters there may be a fine so that the City can undertake the required maintenance. SRA does not recommend letting it reach that point.