DAYtrip

The Carroll Creek Linear Park, which flows through the heart of downtown Frederick, MD, was formally dedicated in 2006 and cost of approximately $15 million. The park capped a $60 million flood control project built in response to recurrent flooding, including extensive damage from storms in 1972 (Hurricane Agnes) and in 1976. According to the Color on the Creek nonprofit organization, the flood control project and linear park have been successful in bringing economic development and opportunity to downtown Frederick. Unfortunately, water quality issues in the creek, predominantly manifested as recurrent algae blooms throughout the summer months, had detracted from the project. Design elements of the creek leading to slow water flow, excessive nutrients entering and accumulating from the upstream watershed, and full sun exposure had created a “perfect storm” for algae growth. The increasing algae concentration reduced water clarity and had created large, unsightly, and often malodorous masses as the algae floated to the surface and decayed. Color on the Creek, through the introduction of select plant materials, shades the water to achieve the same goal. Waterlilies and lotus plants, which have large floating pads and aerial leaves, were the primary plant varieties used to shade and cool the creek water. More than 40 varieties of plants were employed to create interest and variety, including Thalia, pickerel rush, water irises, cattails, variegated sweet flag, and soft-stemmed bulrush. Color on the Creek has an entirely volunteer staff. The garden is in its 10th year and is currently approximately 3/8 of a mile in length. Anyone can access the public park and stroll along its linear water gardens. There are about 4,000 hardy perennial waterlily and bog plants in containers on specially designed stands within the Carroll Creek Linear Park. In the mid-June, volunteers add about 180 tropical lilies to provide night-blooming interest, These tropicals spend the cold season maturing in cold-frame water tanks. Even though summer is the horticultural highlight of Carroll Creek, winter is still a great time to visit to see the creative boat displays by day or night. Dr. Pete Kremers, chair of Color on the Creek/Sailing Through the Winter Solstice, said, “We started Sailing Through the Winter Solstice, a winter flotilla of ‘lightships,’ which floats above the dormant water garden, to provide additional seasonal interest and fund the water garden as well.” Donations are accepted through their website at coloronthecreek.com. o