The Garrett County Public Schools Foundation has received a generous donation thanks to a collaborative effort from Brookfield Renewable U.S., the Deep Creek Lake Property Owners’ Association (POA), and the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation (DCWF).
The contribution, totaling $12,500, will support programs and initiatives that directly benefit students and educators throughout Garrett County Public Schools. The effort is supported by the Garrett County Watershed Coordinator, who will work with teachers and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to organize and support hands-on, experiential learning for middle and high school students tied to their curriculum: programming with a focus on Deep Creek Lake, ecology, and watershed stewardship practices in Garrett County.
Since 2014, the Garrett County Public Schools Foundation has awarded over 100 mini-grants to pre-K–12 educators, and more than one million dollars has been channeled into projects such as athletic field houses, a tree house classroom, and the current science-based field trip initiatives.
Representatives from the donating organizations recently gathered with a Garrett County Public Schools and Garrett County Government Watershed Management representatives for a check presentation and photo to mark the occasion.
“This is a great example of what can happen when organizations come together around a shared commitment to our community,” said Paul Edwards, Director of Secondary Education, Athletics, and Career and Technology Education. “Support like this helps us expand opportunities for students and invest in programs that make a real difference in our schools.”
Brookfield Renewable U.S., the Property Owners Association, and the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation each play an important role in the vitality of Deep Creek Lake and the greater Garrett County community. These organizations serve as key stakeholders and Steering Committee members of the Deep Creek Watershed Management Partnership - a public-private partnership of state and county agencies, local organizations, and community stakeholders working to implement the Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan, adopted in 2016. The plan, found on the County website at https://bit.ly/4b9TSR3, provides the framework for coordinated action to protect the health of Deep Creek Lake.
Brookfield Renewable U.S. is a leading owner, operator and developer of renewable power and operates the Deep Creek Lake dam and prioritizes local community development, education, and watershed stewardship.
“Brookfield is pleased to partner with the Garrett County Public Schools Foundation and community organizations to support educational programs that give students meaningful, hands-on experiences in the natural environment. The Deep Creek Watershed is an important resource, and initiatives like this help strengthen students’ understanding of its value and the importance of protecting it.”
The POA is the oldest and largest organization advocating for the interests of the stakeholders of Deep Creek Lake. The organization supports three primary mission areas: to communicate and provide lake area stakeholders with important news and updates, representation in all decision-making processes related to the lake, and financial contributions for the community and lake-related projects.
“The Deep Creek Lake Property Owners’ Association has once again shown what makes this community extraordinary. Their generous donation ensures that the educational experiences we launched during the lake’s centennial won’t just be a one‑year celebration, but a lasting investment in Garrett County’s young people,” said Chris Nichols, POA Board Member and Chair of the DCL 100 Committee. “This contribution will help to ensure that future generations will learn from—and fall in love with—Deep Creek Lake just as we have.”
The DCWF serves as the fundraising arm for the Deep Creek Watershed Management plan. Turning the goals of the plan into real projects that protect and improve the watershed.
“The Deep Creek Watershed Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to support programs in our schools that promote environmental stewardship and strengthen the protection of natural resources throughout the watershed,” said DCWF Vice President Sandy Bello.
The Garrett County Government Watershed Management Division leads watershed-based planning and coordination efforts to protect and improve water quality across the county, with a focus on reducing pollution and runoff, managing stormwater and erosion, and supporting healthy streams, rivers, and lakes that sustain recreation, tourism, and economic activity.
“What we do in the watershed - from how we take care of our yards to how we recreate in our local streams and lake - can have a positive impact on their long-term health,” said Molly Ramsey, Garrett County Government Watershed Coordinator. “It is exciting to be part of programming that supports teachers and students enjoying these places while learning how to be good watershed stewards.”
To get in touch with the Garrett County Government Watershed Management Division call 301-334-1920 or email watershed@garrettcountymd.gov.
Front Row:
· Mike Stemple, Operating and Maintenance Technician, Brookfield Renewable U.S.
· Sean Fredlock, Operating and Maintenance Technician, Brookfield Renewable U.S.
· Paul Edwards, Director of Secondary Education, Athletics, and Career and Technology Education, Garrett County Public Schools
· Chris Nichols, Deep Creek POA
· Jack McClung, Operations Supervisor, Brookfield Renewable U.S.
· Sandy Bello, Vice President, Deep Creek Watershed Foundation
· Cindy Downton, President, Garrett County Public Schools Foundation
· Bob Sutton, Deep Creek POA
· Tom Carr, Treasurer, Garrett County Public Schools Foundation
Second Row:
· Bruce Michael, Special Projects Coordinator, Garrett County Watershed Management Division
· Nicole Miller, Chief Academic Officer, Garrett County Schools
· Molly Ramsey, Watershed Coordinator, Garrett County Watershed Management Division
· Brenda McCartney, Superintendent, Garrett County Board of Education
