EARTH DAY CELEBRATIONS /
STUDENT SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT HIGHLIGHT /
FARMERS MARKETS OPEN IN APRIL
Our monthly sampling of news, resources, events and other items of interest from across the sustainability spectrum in Maryland.
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GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
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TREE-MENDOUS Maryland
(Maryland DNR)
Deadline: Spring 2017
More info
Maryland Urban & Community Forestry Grants
(Maryland DNR)
Deadline: semi-annual
More info
Charles County Forestry Grant Program
(Chesapeake Bay Trust)
Deadline: Rolling
More info
Community Engagement & Restoration Mini-grants
(Chesapeake Bay Trust)
Deadline: Rolling
More info
Prince Georges County Weatherization Program
Deadline: Rolling
Prince Georges County Raincheck Rebate
(Chesapeake Bay Trust)
Deadline: Rolling
More info
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EVENTS CALENDAR
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Prince George's County Pet Waste Management Summit
Date: April 6
Location: Largo
Link
Bowie Green Expo
Date: April 8
Location: Kenhill Center, Bowie
Link
Chestertown Earth Day Festival
Date: April 22
Location: Chestertown
March for Science
Date: April 22
Location: Washington, DC
Link
Middletown Green Expo
Date: April 29
Location: Memorial Park, Middletown
Link
Peoples Climate Movement
Date: April 29
Location: Washington, DC
Link
National Bike to School Day
Date:
May 10
Locations:
various
Link
Boonsboro Green Fest
Date:
May 13
Link
Greenbelt Green Man Festival
National Bike to Work Week
Dates:
May 15-19
Locations: various
Link
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SUSTAINABLE MARYLAND MUNICIPALITIES IN THE NEWS
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New Market Launches Backyard Composting Program
Link
Indian Head's 21-Year-Old Mayor Looks to Create a Sustainable Community
Link
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UMD STUDENT SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT:
SCENIC VIEW
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In the spring 2016 course - People, Places and Profit: Building Sustainable Places- undergraduate students were encouraged to find ways to make a difference in communities they care about through a semester long blog and video project. Students selected public places that were special to them and developed a plan to make that place more sustainable.
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| Peter Heon |
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This month's student project spotlight, Peter Heon, suggested constructing a
modest two-story observatory at the George Washington Parkway "Scenic View". This observatory would be a popular attraction that allows visitors to view Washington, DC, Rosslyn, VA, and the Potomac River from a flattering angle. The proposed observatory structure would harness solar energy in order to provide necessary heating and cooling to the unit, and will feature a rooftop garden as well as a rainwater collection tank, both used to promote the growth of vegetation and environmental unity. Peter envisions that the sustainable observatory's small admission fee could be used as a catalyst to fund further sustainability projects and improve the surrounding area.
For more information on Peter's development recommendations please check out his
blog
. Or contact Peter directly at
pheon@umd.edu
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EARTH DAY: GREEN TEAMS ORGANIZE GREEN FESTIVALS IN TOWNS AND CITIES ACROSS MARYLAND
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Native plant sale, Boonsboro Green Fest
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The perfect way to celebrate Earth Day (April 22 this year) or the advent of springtime is to hold a local green fair or festival in your community. Green Teams are the perfect vehicle for organizing one of these outreach and education events, and a great way to recruit volunteers and generate goodwill.
Two of the longest running events in Maryland happen in
Boonsboro (
May 13) and
Greenbelt (
May 13-14).
Bowie's Green Expo (
April 8) is in its sixth year, Chestertown's Earth Day Festival (
April 22) is in its ninth year, and a new one on this year's green schedule is in
Middletown (
April 29).
Let us know if you are thinking about hosting a green festival in your community, and we'll put you in touch with Green Teams who are experts in bringing the sustainability message to the people in this fun and informative way!
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LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER! PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY PET WASTE MANAGEMENT SUMMIT, APRIL 6
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Only a few seats are still available for the
Prince George's County Pet Waste Management Summit
on Thursday, April 6 in Largo. This event will offer a unique opportunity for Prince George's County elected officials, municipal staff, Green Teams, and concerned residents to learn more about pet waste management and how they can incorporate pet waste best management practices into their overall sustainability initiatives.
Attendees will hear about the County's new Pet Waste Campaign, share best practices, and access resources to start their own local pet waste management program.
REGISTER NOW!
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QUOTE
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T
he silence sank profound and deep,
The ways of earth were full of sleep;
And the spirit of silence seemed to say,
"What have ye done for the world to-day?"
--
Rennell Rodd, British poet and politician
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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 sponsors include the Town Creek Foundation, US Environmental Protection Agency, and the Maryland Municipal League. For more information about how your municipality can register in the Sustainable Maryland program, plus customized Green Team training and access to student resources that are available to provide consultancy services for municipal planning, please contact 301 405-7956 or mikeh75@umd.edu
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Mike Hunninghake
Program Manager
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