Charlie Conklin

A Green Passion
Charlie Conklin has been “green” for decades.
Anyone involved with environmental protection efforts in Baltimore County knows Charlie. Charlie joined the Gunpowder Valley Conservancy (GVC) in 1989 working on stream preservation. His passion for the protection of the Chesapeake Bay and the Gunpowder watershed are witnessed in his on-going efforts to leave a positive environmental legacy for future generations.
Increasing population growth and development have led to deforestation, loss of wildlife habitat, excess storm water runoff, pollution, flooding, and erosion. All of these problems impair the ecosystems of the Gunpowder watershed and directly affect the quality of the Baltimore area’s drinking water and the Chesapeake Bay.
But, Charlie’s continuous efforts to help environmental organizations solve these problems and inspire others to take action have had a major impact on the county’s ability to maintain the watershed.
Charlie led efforts to expand the GVC’s land preservation program by 1,300 acres and continues to play an instrumental role in ensuring the lands are properly managed. He oversaw tree plantings in the Gunpowder watershed for 15 years planting more than 17,000 trees on 80 acres of land. Charlie has personally planted and maintained over 5,000 trees.
Despite his monumental efforts, Charlie realizes he cannot do the job alone. Charlie is skilled at making connections and mobilizing people for collaborative projects. He works with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore County Soil Conservation District, Towson Presbyterian Church serving on the Earth Corps committee and the Care of Creation Task Force encouraging Maryland churches’ adoption of environmental stewardship. By educating, motivating and inspiring other people to take action he is able to multiply his efforts.
Charlie’s activities have encompassed all aspects of the GVC’s mission. He works both hands-on and in an administrative capacity having served as the Vice President and the President of the Board. He organizes volunteer groups, obtains materials and funding and motivates volunteers.
He brings a holistic approach to tackling problems integrating scientific, legal, economic and spiritual perspectives. Charlie’s boundless enthusiasm, energy and creativity ensure there will be an environmental legacy to leave to the next generation.