Back in April, at the Faith & Waters Restoration Forum, we kicked off the One Water Partnership's Hub Gatherings for the different regions covered by this program. These gatherings are a chance for people of faith to come together, share local environmental concerns, and identify practical actions we can take to protect and restore our shared waterways.

At the Forum, about 40 people attended the Howard County breakout session. The conversation was rich with ideas—from ways to reduce stormwater runoff, to strengthening connections between congregations, to identifying key restoration priorities. We also learned about resources available in our area, including technical support, funding opportunities, and upcoming volunteer events. April's gathering planted the seeds for action, and we knew the next step would be to keep that momentum going.

Fast forward to June 22nd our next Howard County Hub Gathering took place right after IPC’s Interfaith Juneteenth Solstice Stormwater Walk in the Oakland Mills community. And yes, it was a scorcher! But even the heat couldn’t stop our group from learning. Thanks to the expertise and hospitality of Hans Plugge, Oakland Mills Interfaith Center ("The Meeting House") Green Team Leader, and members Sheila Robinson, Wendy Hall, and Abbey Ershow, we explored the stormwater system in the neighborhood, learned how runoff affects our local streams, and saw firsthand where restoration efforts can make a real difference.

After the walk, ten people gathered indoors for the Hub meeting. We took time to introduce ourselves, share why we came, and talk about the environmental priorities most important to us. Reflecting on both the April Forum and the June discussions, and taking into consideration of all the input gathered, the overall priority of the group, based on the Howard IPC's Howard County Menu for Action landed on:

1. Clean up trash at a local waterway, park, or neighborhood – Our waterways can’t thrive if they’re choked with litter. This action resonated with everyone as a tangible, community-building way to make an impact.

2. Organize and participate in a tree planting – Trees do so much for our watersheds, from filtering pollution to providing shade and habitat. Many participants were excited to see more tree cover in our county.

Both of these priorities are well within IPC’s capacity to support, and we’ll be working with local congregations and community partners to make them happen. Stay tuned for details on dates and locations—this is a great opportunity to get involved and meet other people who care about creation care as much as you do!

If you missed the Howard County gatherings, don’t worry, there are more opportunities to connect! Our next regional Hub Gathering will be in Montgomery County at the Cabin John Creek on September 28th. This will be another inspiring evening of relationship-building, sharing resources, and identifying actionable steps to protect our shared waterways. All are welcome to lend your time and talent to this faith-led effort to protect, restore, and act justly in our shared watershed. This is a family-friendly event.

📅 Learn more and RSVP today!

By attending your local hub gathering, you’re not only helping your own neighborhood but you’re also part of a larger, interconnected network of congregations working for a cleaner, healthier Chesapeake Bay. IPC is here to help every step of the way, providing resources, guidance, and connections to make your vision a reality.

Stay tuned to see when and where you and your congregation can get involved, and consider joining a gathering in your area. Whether you’ve been part of IPC events for years or you’re brand new to the One Water Partnership, your voice matters. Together, we can turn shared concern into meaningful action—one hub gathering, one restoration project, and one community connection at a time.