One name comes immediately to mind for the title 'hero.' It's a name rarely seen or heard in our community. He's a man who gladly relegates the limelight to others. He's a man passionate about improving the environment throughout our local watershed so that others will enjoy it as he wished he could have done when he grew up in the area... as he wants his sons to enjoy now.

This is an amazing story of how one man's passion makes a difference to millions of people on many different levels – family, business, and government (local, state and federal). His enthusiasm, leadership and knowledge has made, and will continue to make, a difference for decades. His vision and willingness to make a major sacrifice for the good of all is no less than inspiring. 

Growing up

Brian Schilpp grew up in the Essex area of Baltimore County, Maryland. He enjoyed being in a waterfront community. However due to increasing pollution, he could not thoroughly enjoy activities like swimming, boating and fishing close to his home. As the decades passed, water quality dwindled to where people were even more afraid to swim or go boating due to increased pollution. The local river, Back River, became synonymous with cesspool.

Brian graduated from college and became a Baltimore County Public School teacher. Contrary to popular belief, he is not a science teacher – but he could be. Working in the same neighborhood where he grew up, he took note of the continuing decline of the local waterways. He also continued to visit his family that still resides in the area. He realized his sons could not enjoy the water, a similar problem to what he had encountered as a child. He also realized this was true for many other local children, including the students he was teaching. He vowed to make a change!

Taking a pay cut

His decision made, he convinced his wife that his passion for his mission would greatly impact the family finances. Together they developed a budget that would allow Brian to move forward with his plan of action reversing years of neglect throughout, not just the local river, but the entire Back River Watershed.

For a year, the family saved, living on an extremely frugal budget. As Brian and his wife both taught school, they prepared for a year when Brian's pay would take a 75% cut. In June 2010, Brian's year of sabbatical leave from Baltimore County Public Schools began, and the family continued to live frugally. Brian's full-time job was to work without pay for the Back River Restoration Committee (BRRC), a local volunteer group whose mission is to make Back River a clean watershed.

Making a difference

With this show of dedication, Brian's efforts to attract donations and grants moved the BRRC to new heights. Grants were written, obtained and initiated under Brian's direction. Throughout the summer of 2010 a five-member summer crew was hired thanks to Brian's vision and leadership. His passion for his mission to clean up Back River was moving forward.

Dedicating his full time efforts to the cause, Brian developed relationships and connections with government agencies, other local volunteer organizations along with businessmen and local residents. His connections within the school system provided inroads to a greater involvement of students and teachers. He inspired hundreds of volunteers to pitch in to make a difference. His passion for a cleaner Back River was contagious.

Throughout the summer of 2011, a time wrought with heavy rains, an earthquake, a hurricane followed by a tropical storm, Brian spent hours working alongside his second college-bound summer crew. Being dirty, sweating and getting wet was part of the daily field work required as project manager for BRRC.

With the help of a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors willing to follow Brian's vision, the BRRC has now hired a full-time, paid project manager.

Through the efforts of this local American Hero, the BRRC is secure in its ability to continue the mission Brian put into place, fulfilling his desire for a clean watershed that will also improve the conditions within the Chesapeake Bay. Brian has established a formula to be duplicated throughout the Bay's watershed that will have a lasting impact for generations to come. He has shown the community it can be done. He has instilled the mission in the minds and hearts of young students, college students, and adults of all ages. His drive and dedication has brought businesses and residents together to make a difference in our community.

Returning to the classroom

After two long years of planning and working on a strict family budget, Brian has returned to the classroom where he can share his passion for the environment. However, his passion and dedication for a cleaner, healthier waterway is coming to fruition through the ongoing efforts of the Back River Restoration Committee that is now on solid ground for making Brian's dream a reality!

A dream fulfilled

One man can and has made a huge difference environmentally in the social and economic life in the Back River Watershed. There are many residents and visitors along with the members of the Back River Restoration Committee who will attest to the fact that Brian Schilpp has shown, and is still showing, that change can happen through one man's dedication and passion!