3RD CITY OF GAITHERSBURG

SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT FOR HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS, JAN. 26

Learn more about how your Gaithersburg HOA can organize itself to become a more sustainable community. Hear from Green Teams in the City about their efforts to address stormwater management; become more energy efficient; create safer streets; foster greater community engagement, and more!

Date: Thursday, Jan. 26

Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Location: Zoom

Join us for this FREE event!

REGISTER

UMD-ENVIRONMENTAL FINANCE CENTER IS HIRING A NEW PROGRAM MANAGER

The EFC is hiring a new Program Manager to assist the Center in delivering targeted technical assistance to local governments, states, Tribes, and non-governmental organizations in EPA Region 3 to protect public health, safeguard the environment, and advance environmental justice.

The primary responsibilities of this position will include providing program administration, management, and development; conducting community outreach and education; delivering direct education, training, and technical and financial assistance; performing program and policy analysis; and generally supporting EFC’s overall work plan. This is a five-year grant funded position, with opportunity for extension depending on available funding.

Click here for more information.

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY AUDUBON - WILDLIFE HABITAT PROGRAM

It’s a fact: You can really make a difference. Are you concerned about the loss of habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife? Want to make a difference by creating beneficial and beautiful habitat on your own property? Don’t know much about wildlife gardening? Don’t know how to get started? Help is available—

Introducing a Prince George’s County initiative: The Audubon Wildlife Habitat Program offers County residents the opportunity for a no-cost, on-site, in-person visit with trained Habitat Advisors working to bring positive change to private landscapes. The Advisors volunteer their time and knowledge because they believe that, working yard by yard, we can really make a difference. They might not have all the answers, but they will work together with you to find them. Visits go like this. Volunteer Habitat Advisors typically spend an hour visiting your property or neighborhood site. They will walk the property together with you, discussing your particular questions and circumstances. They will talk with you about native plants and landscape elements that provide food, water, and shelter for birds, pollinators and other wildlife. They will discuss important topics like garden structure, lawn reduction, invasive plant removal, water conservation, and bird protection. Together with the advisors, you will set priorities and make a plan for moving forward. The Habitat Advisors will provide you with a folder of printed materials, write a follow-up report, and make themselves available for further assistance if needed.

CLIMATE PROGRAM PORTAL ASSISTS COMMUNITIES IN NAVIGATING IRA AND IIJA

The Climate Program Portal pulls together crucial summary data, news, requests and updates related to the climate elements in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This Portal was developed by Atlas Public Policy with input from diverse stakeholders. With all this data in one place, users can prepare for and respond to key funding and developments.

Want to learn how to make the most of the Climate Program Portal? Join us for a tour and training on January 24th at 2 pm EST. To attend, create an account on the portal, then click here to register.

GOVERNOR WES MOORE ANNOUNCED NEW CABINET APPOINTMENTS, INCLUDING SEVERAL MD MAYORS

Newly sworn in Governor Wes Moore announced appointments to key cabinet positions this past week, including Serena McIlwain, former undersecretary of the California EPA, as secretary of Environment; Josh Kurtz, former executive director at Chesapeake Bay Foundation, as secretary of Natural Resources, and Kevin Atticks, founder of Grow & Fortify, an organization to support “value-added agriculture” such as wineries, breweries and cheesemakers, as secretary of Agriculture.

Congratulations to Mayor Jake Day of Salisbury, a member of the SM Executive Committee, who was named secretary of the Department of Housing and Community Development. Another Maryland Mayor, Emily Keller of Hagerstown, was appointed special secretary of opioid response. Good luck to this new cabinet!

URBAN TREES PROGRAM

The Urban Trees Program of the Chesapeake Bay Trust is funding tree planting efforts in underserved communities across Maryland. There are two grant opportunities currently open: the Urban Trees Grant Program and the Urban Trees Mini-Grant Program.  An informational webinar will take place on February 3 at 2PM. Registration for the webinar can be accessed here.

START A THRIVING EARTH EXCHANGE PROJECT THIS YEAR

Thriving Earth Exchange encourages communities of any size and type to submit a local priority, issue, and/or project idea related to natural hazards, the environment, or climate change. The program is free of charge for communities, and projects typically do not come with funding: we design projects that make an impact through creative problem-solving and in-kind support. Projects are supported by Community Science Fellows – project managers we train and match with you – and volunteer scientists or technical experts. Click here for more information and to apply for June and October cohorts.

QUOTE

"The rare event now would be to see a really cold year."

-Carlo Buontempo, director of the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, on the news that the eight warmest years on record have now occurred since 2014.