Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Jenkins.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Herring Run Nursery was created by the Herring Run Watershed Association, one of the legacy organizations that came together to form Blue Water Baltimore in 2010. The Nursery was initially started to grow plants for restoration work within the Herring Run watershed. As the native plant program of Blue Water Baltimore, the Herring Run Nursery’s focus now is educating customers on the benefits native plants provide to the local watersheds and providing a wide selection of quality plants that are native in Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The Nursery did have some “growing” pains as it transitioned from a restoration focus to a retail focus, however, the past 10 years the Nursery has seen a steady rise in interest in, and sales of, native plants.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Blue Water Baltimore-Herring Run Nursery?
Blue Water Baltimore’s mission is to restore the quality of Baltimore’s rivers, streams and Harbor to foster a healthy environment, a strong economy, and thriving communities. We are a Waterkeeper organization and home to Alice Volpitta, our Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper.
The Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper uses science and the law to hold polluters accountable and to ensure that the government is upholding the Clean Water Act. Our Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper team focuses on protecting and restoring the tidal and non-tidal waterways that flow into the Baltimore Harbor and the Patapsco River, advocating for stronger enforcement of our laws for clean water, both locally in the Baltimore area and statewide. We work hand in hand with our local community to amplify the voice of the people who are directly impacted by the top pollutants plaguing our City: trash, contaminated stormwater runoff, sewage, and toxics.
Blue Water Baltimore’s Restoration Team focuses on two main methods to reduce stormwater and pollution into our waterways: tree plantings and green stormwater infrastructure (GSI)–rain gardens, retention systems, cisterns, impervious removal, and green development. We rely heavily on partnerships with community associations, places of worship, and businesses to revitalize spaces with green solutions. Partners help engage residents for project feedback, provide funding, and volunteer time to develop and install green improvement projects.
Herring Run Nursery, our non-profit native plant program, offers more than 250 local species of trees, shrubs, vines, and wildflowers. Native plants provide a feast for both our eyes and our planet. They contribute to clean water, healthy soils, beautiful landscapes, and so much more. We strive to offer beautiful and durable plants that benefit our local landscapes.
Herring Run Nursery is the only retail nursery in Baltimore to exclusively offer plants that are native to the Chesapeake Watershed. All proceeds from Herring Run Nursery sales support Blue Water Baltimore’s mission for clean water and strong communities.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Herring Run Nursery only has two full time staff, but a group of 50+ volunteers, many of whom have been volunteering for years! Without our volunteers it would be impossible to get done all of the tasks needed to successfully manage our native plant program.
Pricing:
- Wildflowers/Grasses/Sedges/Ferns- $8.50-$12.50
- Shrubs/Vines- $17-$52
- Trees- $17-$150
- Rain Barrels- $110
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bluewaterbaltimore.org/, https://herringrunnursery.bluewaterbaltimore.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueWaterBmore/, https://www.facebook.com/HerringRunNursery
