2025 Ann Jackson Steward of the Year: Gary Gakenheimer
HOA President & watershed steward
As both a Watershed Steward and the President of his HOA, Gary serves an important role connecting his community to environmental restoration initiatives.
His steady leadership and dedication have been the driving force behind a massive, multi-phase shoreline restoration project in his community, Chestnut Hill Cove in Pasadena.
Gary first became involved in 2018 when BGE identified his community’s shoreline as the ideal site for a tidal wetland mitigation project to offset the environmental impact of installation towers from the Key Crossing Construction project. The site, which had suffered from severe erosion and slope failures, is now home to over 20,000 square feet of new tidal wetlands with more than 17,000 native plants. Invasive Phragmites have been replaced by native marsh grasses, and the restored area is now thriving with fish and wildlife.
But Gary’s commitment didn’t stop there. As the initial project neared completion, he was approached again—this time by Ken Penysl, who wanted to address a major erosion issue caused by new buildings along Solley Road. The area had eroded 10 feet down, posing a serious threat to the main sewer lines. This led to Phase 2, an emergency project completed between December 2021 and January 2022.
Still, Gary’s work wasn’t done. A severely eroded tributary stream needed restoration to prevent sediment from overwhelming the newly created wetland. Now in the final planning stages, this last phase of the project is set for completion this year.
Despite his remarkable efforts, Gary humbly credits his success to being "in the right place at the right time" and acknowledges WSA’s role in bringing together experts, funders, grants, and community leaders to make these projects possible.
Gary Gakenheimer exemplifies the profound impact a Watershed Steward can have—surpassing even the boldest expectations when WSA first began. Since becoming a Steward just five years ago, his leadership has driven a multi-million-dollar restoration project, funded by partners including CBT, DNR, NFWF, and BGE, significantly improving local waterways while enhancing the beauty and biodiversity of his community.
Beyond this monumental project, Gary serves on the Cox Creek Citizens Oversight Committee, overseeing the implementation of the Cox Creek Dredged Material Containment Facility in Anne Arundel County, MD. He is also a dedicated Steward, always ready to step up when WSA needs a representative in North County or when fellow Stewards seek guidance and support.
Join us at the 15th Annual Conference to celebrate Gary’s achievements and forge your own connections—you never know where they might lead!