SM staff had the pleasure of visiting the Town of Chesapeake Beach (Calvert County)and the Town of Emmitsburg (Fredrick County) for Green Team trainings in recent weeks.

Chesapeake Beach, which was SM re-certified last year, has several new members this year and lots of projects in the works. Stormwater is high on their agenda in the coming year, with plans afoot to encourage residents to become certified in the Maryland Bay-Wise program ("Better Water Quality Through Smarter Gardening"), installation of buffer gardens near town hall, and a rain barrels workshop. There are also plans for holding more free yoga classes for residents, and hosting a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) drop-off location at town hall. And check out Green Team's swanky new logo!

Emmitsburg Green Team

Emmitsburg was first SM-certified in 2015, and plans to apply for re-certification again this year. Town Mayor Don Briggs has made sustainability a priority, and the town has been recognized for its efforts not only by Sustainable Maryland, but the the Maryland Green Registry Leadership Award. Recent projects include a solar-powered algae control system at the water reservoir, and the completion of a new dog park this spring. Upcoming projects will include a stream buffer planting and "no mow" zones, and the completion of a sidewalk connection program to improve safety and walkability. The town is also considering a composting pilot program and poultry litter storage initiative at their wastewater treatment plant. The town's sustainability efforts are moving full steam ahead!