April 2026 Newsletter

Your monthly SM news & updates

Financial Opportunities

MDOT Urban Tree Grants

Deadline: July 15

More info


Climate Catalytic Capital (C3) Fund

More Info


Rockville RainScapes

More info


Prince George's County Green Energy Loan

More info


Maryland Urban & Community Forestry Grants (MD DNR)

Deadline: semi-annual

More info


Urban Trees Mini Grant -Chesapeake Bay Trust Deadline: Rolling

More info


Charles County Tree Planting - CBT

Deadline: Rolling

More info


Prince George's County Community Garden Mini-Grant - CBT

Deadline: Rolling

More info


Community Engagement & Restoration Mini Grant - CBT

Deadline: Rolling

More info

Events

Montgomery County Energy Summit

Date: April 28-29

Location: Silver Spring

Event Info


National Urban Farm Festival

Date: May 2

Location: Upper Marlboro

Event Info


Better Buildings Summit

Dates: May 11-13 Location: Arlington, VA

Event Info


Choose Clean Water Conference

Dates: May 18-20

Location: Lancaster, PA

Event Info

SM Communities in the News

Frederick adopts climate plan, planning for extreme weather

More


Takoma Park receives nearly $500k energy grants

More

Quote

"It was a no-brainer to keep it going."


-Todd Sims, senior director, National Electrical Manufacturers Association, on the decision by federal lawmakers to keep funding the Energy Star program after threats to scrap it

SM Founding Partner

SM Funders

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Facebook

#SM15yrs

SM 2025 Annual Report

Cover of 2026 Sustainable Maryland Annual Report

2025 saw Sustainable Maryland continue to expand our efforts to convene, connect and inspire. We expanded our community to 94 municipalities; awarded the second year of SM Action Grants; instituted quarterly Happy Hours across the state; and continued our collaboration with the national Sustainable States Network.


For more on SM's year in review, view the Sustainable Maryland 2025 Annual Report, a wrap-up of our annual certifications, events, trainings and more.


2025 by the numbers: 

  • 94 SM-registered municipalities (59% of Maryland's towns and cities) 
  • 51 SM-certified municipalities
  • 14th annual Sustainable Maryland Certified awards
  • SM Action Grants: 8 awardees totaling $100,000
  • 2 SM Happy Hours
  • 3 SM Sustainability Walking/Bus Tours
  • 800 Black-eyed Susan seed packets distributed

Sustainable Maryland

Spring Happy Hour, May 7

Photo of people gathered at a Sustainable Maryland Happy Hour

As we begin to celebrate our 15th anniversary - #SM15yrs - with several events over the course of the year, please join us on Thursday, May 7, from 5:00-7:00pm, at the SM Spring Happy Hour at 5th Company Brewing in Perryville (325 Front Street)



How was your town's Earth Month/Earth Day? Any upcoming Green Team summer events?



SM Happy Hours are an opportunity to:

  • Network with friends old and new.
  • Share your recent projects, current challenges and future plans with a supportive group.
  • Establish meaningful collaborations, which happen most often when we gather around the table.


All are welcome - Green Team members, local elected officials, government staff, state and nonprofit representatives, and engaged citizens.


Note: Cash bar; appetizers provided.


RSVP


We hope you can join us!

Maryland Climate Teach-In

The Maryland Commission on Climate Change (MCCC) invites you and your colleagues to participate in the fourth annual Maryland Climate Teach-In


It is Maryland Climate Education Month!

Governor Wes Moore has proclaimed April as Maryland Climate Education Month. Show your support by registering for the Maryland Climate Teach-In!


What is the Maryland Climate Teach-In?

The Maryland Climate Teach-In is a celebration of statewide climate change literacy and learning throughout all of April. This month-long event encourages and supports climate education activities of all kinds – empowering educators, students, and community members to learn, discuss, and take action to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Prince George's County

Public Preparedness Survey

QR code and image of child

The Prince George's County Office of Homeland Security / Emergency Management is at the forefront of ensuring our community's safety and resilience in the face of potential disasters. Our emergency preparedness, response coordination, recovery activities, and mitigation planning are all pillars of our steadfast commitment to the well-being of County residents and building resilient communities. We are reaching out ask residents to participate in the Public Preparedness Survey, a cornerstone of our commitment to empowering communities and enhancing disaster readiness.


If you live or work in Prince George's County, please fill out the survey here.

Sustainable Maryland is an initiative of the Environmental Finance Center at the University of Maryland. It is a free and voluntary program designed to help Maryland communities choose a direction for their sustainability efforts, improve access to resources needed to implement action, and recognize their accomplishments. Our Founding Partner is the Maryland Municipal League. Our Funders include the State of Maryland, Prince George's County Department of the Environment, and the Chesapeake Bay Trust. Sustainable Maryland is a proud founding member of the national Sustainable States Network.


For more information about how your municipality can register with the Sustainable Maryland program, plus customized Green Team training and access to grants and technical assistance, please contact 301-405-7956 or mikeh75@umd.edu


Mike Hunninghake

Director, Sustainable Maryland