The Herring Run is an 11.1mi tributary of the Back River located in Baltimore, Maryland.GeographyThe 31sqmi watershed has its headwaters in Towson, Maryland, and flows through Baltimore and Baltimore County before discharging into the Back River, which empties into the Chesapeake Bay. The principal tributaries of Herring Run are the Western Branch, Chinquapin Run, Tiffany Run, Armistead Run, Biddison Run, Moores Run and Redhouse Run. The total length of the Herring Run main stem and tributaries is over.Herring Run ParkHerring Run Park is a wooded parkland in northeast Baltimore through which Herring Run flows for. The politician William Smith lived on land now included in the park, which he purchased in 1770.Water pollutionThe Maryland Department of the Environment has listed the Herring Run as an impaired tributary, due to the elevated amounts of fecal coliform bacteria found in it. Nonetheless, efforts continue to improve the stream's water quality.Herring Run Watershed AssociationThe Herring Run Watershed Association was founded in 1978 and is now a fully staffed 501 nonprofit organization dedicated to stewarding the watershed. Its efforts include stream cleanups; stream plantings; rain barrel distribution; resident education; green jobs creation; advocacy, and running a native plant nursery.
