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Bike Maryland's Bike Friendly Maryland Program

Bike Maryland partners with the League of American Bicyclists to promote a Bike Friendly Maryland. The Bike Friendly Maryland program provides incentives, hands-on assistance, and award recognition for communities, universities and businesses that actively support bicycling. Learn more about the program and Maryland's businesses, universities and communities that have received recognition for their bike friendly initiatives here.
The next Bike Friendly Program workshop will be held in Salisbury, Maryland in early June. Please contact Anna Kelso to register for the Salisbury workshop or to schedule a Bike Friendly workshop at your location.

Annapolis City Dock Master Plan

A Facebook page has been established to disseminate information about the master plan. Have a look: https://www.facebook.com/CityDockMasterPlan

Playground or Parking?

Update: The School Board nixed the plan.

A note from Bevin Buchheister: Can we garner support in the green community to save our City playground at Annapolis Elementary School from developers who want to build a parking garage on top of it? I hope the green's can support open space and playgrounds for kids and communities. We need lots of e-mails to the school board urging them to vote "no" to entering into an MOU with the City. 

Somehow they took what Fred Kent said when he came to town: "... you need to get the cars off City Dock" as a green-light to plop a parking garage on top of one of our precious outdoor spaces - the community playground that the school also uses. (Does anyone have a tape of his presentation?)

The school board meeting is this Wednewday, May 2nd and a "no" vote from them will stop this whole project. Just cut and paste the addresses below. 

Patricia.Nalley@aacps.org Andrew.Pruski@aacps.org teresa.birge@aacps.org amalie.brandenburg@aacps.org Kevin.Jackson@aacps.org Eugene.Peterson@aacps.org

Deborah.Ritchie@aacps.org Deborah.Ritchie@aacps.org Solon.Webb@aacps.org Jillian.Buck@aacps.org mconnolly@aacps.org

And for good measure also send this to key members on our City Council members.
aldpaone@annapolis.gov 
aldsilverman@annapolis.gov 
aldpfeiffer@annapolis.gov 

Galway Bay is Maryland's First Green Travel Restaurant Partner

Galway Bay Irish Pub has been approved as a Maryland Green Travel Partner ... the very first restaurant in the state to obtain that designation. Galway Bay and the other restaurants in the Irish Restaurant Company group have some of the greenest practices in town ... and now state! They are not only Irish Green but Sustainable Green. Read their "Live Green Eat Irish" mission statement and practices. Congratulations to Fenton and Michael Galway and Anthony Clarke for the Maryland Green Travel designation! You'll be able to sample that sustainable Irish fare at our Green Drinks event in May.

True Blue Crabs

Soon you'll be able to tell if the crab soup, cake, or dip you order in a restaurant is made of real Maryland crab, and not from imported crab, just by looking for the True Blue logo. Read the story in the Capital.

Connect with Maryland’s Public & Private School Communities
in Environmental Education

The Youth Summit's purpose is to introduce school populations to organizations and programs available for environmental education, to showcase actions that schools have taken to reduce their environmental footprint,  and to celebrate schools that achieve Maryland Green School Certification in 2012. In a nod to this year's summer Olympics, this year's theme is: Green, Greener, Greenest Maryland Schools, Go for the Green! Attendance of 5000 students, teachers, principals, parents from all over Maryland is expected. For details, click here.

2012 National River Management Symposium

Registration is now open for the 2012 National River Management Symposium, sponsored by the River Management Society and RiverLink. From intimate creeks to the infinite sea, conservation professionals can explore the Tar Heel state, national river issues and take back valuable lessons that may be applied to your own river. Click the link below to learn more and reserve your spot, click here.

Request for Proposals: Habitat Restoration and Water Quality

Deadline: May 16. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals to restore the habitats and water quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams. The Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund will award over $10 million in grants and technical assistance in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Program. Major funding for the Stewardship Fund comes from the Environmental Protection Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Forest Service and Altria. Through this Request for Proposals, NFWF will award at least $8.5 million in Implementation Grants, and will award technical assistance valued at approximately $1.5 million through a new Local Government Green Infrastructure Initiative. Applications must be submitted through NFWF's online Easygrants system by Wednesday, May 16, 2012. NFWF will host a webinar for potential applicants on Friday, March 30. To learn more, and to register for the webinar, visit www.nfwf.org/chesapeake.

Patuxent Riverkeeper Fred Tutman speaks on this important issue:
Building a Larger, Inclusive Environmental Bandwagon

Sunday, April 1, 10:30 a.m. - noon
Baltimore Ethical Society, 306 W Franklin St, Suite 102, Baltimore

In the movement that deals with environmental causes, critical opportunities for inclusion and diversity can be missed. Cultural background, sense of place and social identity cause people to view the “environment” subjectively and to view environmental problems very differently depending on their experiences, access, privilege, and social perspective.Grassroots needs and concerns may not be reached and served if the funded environmental community, which thrives off “messaging campaigns,” loses its connection or cultural competency. Such a loss creates an inadvertently segregated environmental movement increasingly divided by factors such as class, ethnicity and world view. This talk will examine what might be done to make these divisions less severe and how to create a more inclusive moment.

Fred Tutman, born and raised along the Patuxent River as were seven generations of his ancestors, in 2004 founded Patuxent Riverkeeper — a nonprofit watershed advocacy organization affiliated with the Waterkeepers Alliance in New York. Prior to that he operated a business providing professional media and mass communication services internationally. In his current position, he works to protect the Patuxent and the natural environment of his watershed. Just a few of the various boards, task forces, and commissions Tutman has served on are the Environmental Integrity Project Board, Scenic Rivers Land Trust, The Anne Arundel Community College Foundation, the State’s Patuxent River Commission, and the international Waterkeepers Alliance Board. As an adjunct instructor at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, he teaches an upper-level course in environmental law and policy. An avid kayaker and backpacker, in his spare time, he also helps to maintain trails on the Appalachian Trail.

For more information please call 410 581-2322. www.bmorethical.org

What's New With Maryland Green Travel?

Maryland Green Travel has spent the past nine months redesigning the online, self-certification application making it more user friendly. The new comprehensive, all-inclusive self-certification application for Accommodations, Restaurants and Attractions should be live on the Maryland Green Travel website by the end of March with an official announcement/launch in April. 

During the redesign process, Maryland Green Travel continued to welcome new lodging partners and now has 36 Lodging Partners who are all doing wonderful things. Visit the website at www.visitmaryland.org/green/Pages/LodgingPartners.aspx to see the full list of Maryland Green Travel Lodging Partners. 

In addition, Maryland Green Travel launched a partnership with DNR’s Clean Marina Program to welcome Clean Marina members as Maryland Green Travel Partners. There are currently 45 Maryland Clean Marinas recognized on the VisitMaryland.org website. Visit the website at www.visitmaryland.org/green/Pages/DNRCleanMarinas.aspx to see the full list of Maryland Green Travel Clean Marina Partners.

Maryland Green Travel also welcomed 19 destination marketing organizations and other associations as Supporting Partners of the Maryland Green Travel program. Supporting Partners pledge to support and promote the ideals of the Maryland Green Travel program, help to recruit new members and attempt to hold green meetings, conferences and events.

Maryland Green Travel also launched its Green Event guidance and provides a great checklist of ideas to green your next meeting, conference or event. The checklist can be downloaded from the website at www.visitmaryland.org/green/Pages/GreenEvents.aspx.

Galway Bay to be Featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on Feb. 20

The Food Network Channel’s Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives will feature Galway Bay in Annapolis on its Monday, February 20 show, airing at 10:00 PM. EST. Galway and the other properties in the Irish Restaurant Group are some of the Greenest establishments in town. In honor of the occasion, the 61-63 Maryland Avenue restaurant will host a celebration that all are invited to attend. Beginning at 8:00 p.m., festivities will include door prizes, a charity raffle, a special Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives-themed menu, and more.

Anthony Clarke, co-owner of Galway Bay, says he’s grateful to the Food Network and Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri for choosing Galway Bay. “Galway Bay has long been recognized for providing quality food and excellent service. Receiving the stamp of approval from the Food Network’s most popular show could well inspire a host of inquisitive food lovers from across the county to head our way.”

The Galway Bay segment was taped in November when Mr. Fieri interviewed restaurant patrons on-site in Annapolis. The restaurant’s Food Network debut will be matched by another history making event for Galway Bay. February 20 marks the first time that televisions will be hooked up at the restaurant since it opened in 1998. They will be removed promptly the following day!

Help the Environment with Just a Checkmark on Your Tax Return

Donations made to the Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund through Maryland’s income tax check-off program support education, community stewardship, and Bay restoration efforts. With the April 18 tax deadline fast approaching, Marylanders are encouraged to “Check Line 37” on their Maryland state income tax form and contribute to the Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund, a voluntary mechanism created to support Bay restoration and education programs and to protect Maryland’s endangered species. The fund, which is split evenly between the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, allows Marylanders to donate through their state income tax return to help the Bay and conserve Maryland’s native wildlife and endangered species. Read more on the Chesapeake Bay Trust website and Check Line 37!

Bounty of the Bay

On Tuesday, Feb, 28, DNR and the Boatyard Bar & Grill are sponsoring a feast to highlight local seafood sourced to local tables and restaurants with the Bounty of the Bay dinner. Your $49 ticket entitles you to a raw bar and five-course meal featuring Maryland oysters, crabmeat, striped bass, and yellow perch. It is limited to 125 people. The ticket includes all food, tax, and gratuity. It is sure to sell out so buy tickets early. Information and to buy tickets: Call the Boatyard Bar & Grill, 410 216-6206 | flyer

Yellow perch is highlighted. Historically, most of what was caught commercially went to the Great Lakes region to supplement their catches and satiate the palate of folks in that region who viewed that as one of their local foods. By shifting the awareness to our local restaurants, we lower the carbon footprint of transport costs and connect people to a local, high quality product. It's pretty green!

Police Explorers Collecting Empty Toner and Ink Cartridges

The Annapolis Police Explorers Post 199 are collecting empty toner and ink cartridges to recycle and raise money to benefit the Explorer program. The brands accepted are Apple, Brother, Canon, Compaq, Dell, Hewlett Packard, and Lexmark. Please put the used toner and ink cartridges in a Ziploc bag and bring them to the Annapolis Police Department. The toner cartridges should be given to Officer Card or Patty Norris.

Severn Watershed News

On Jan. 18, the Severn River Association unveil its new, proactive program to help fight stormwater pollution that threatens the Severn River watershed. The SRA Watershed Audit program will document widespread stormwater pollution violations and seek amiable and quick resolutions to the runoff problems. SRA President Duane Wilding and Richard Klein of Community & Environmental Defense Services explained SRA's goals to enlist and train citizen volunteers to help educate the public on proper maintenance of stormwater control techniques. Information about CEDS recently completed Severn River Preliminary Watershed Audit which does not bode well for efforts to restore the Severn River. Read more.

CBT Grant Opportunities

The Chesapeake Bay Trust announces four grant opportunities with due dates in February and March 2012. Please visit www.cbtrust.org and click on grants for additional information and the full Requests for Proposals, and visit www.cbtrustgrants.org to apply.

Call for Vendors – 2012 Howard County GreenFest

The Howard County GreenFest team announces vendor applications for our Fifth Annual GreenFest 2012 “Saving the Environment One Yard at a Time” are now available online at www.hcgreenfest.org. They are looking for local businesses and non-profits that provide sustainable products, educate about natural resources, and/or have sustainable business practices. With this year’s theme/focus in on Bay-friendly backyards, habitat gardening, native plants, and  exploring our natural resources at home. They also welcome vendors with other green themes such as energy and water conservation, recycling, sustainable home goods, organic food and farming, etc. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for $25 for non-profit and $35 for-profit businesses, but after January 13, 2012, the price increases. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Check out the “GreenFest 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011” section at www.hcgreenfest.org for photos and highlights from past events.

Report: Water Works - Rebuilding Infrastructure, Creating Jobs, Greening the Environment

A 57-page report released in October 2011 says that spending $188 billion on green infrastructure would generate billions more in economic activity and create almost two million jobs nationwide. The report, produced by Green For All, in partnership with American Rivers, Pacific Institute, and the Economic Policy Institute, sets out the problem facing cities throughout the United States: Aging infrastructure surrounding drinking water, waste water and stormwater. Read the report.

RainScaping Education Station and Rain Garden Installation at Quiet Waters Park

As part of the RainScaping Campaign, Quiet Waters Park, the Chesapeake Ecology Center, and the South River Federation pooled resources for the installation of a RainScaping Education Station and Rain Garden at the 340-acre Quiet Waters Park. The project was completed in early December.

  

Take Action: Support the Stormwater Bill

Update: Stormwater Legislation Action Report

About 30 people turned out on Monday night [Dec. 5] to testify in favor of Bill 79-11, Stormwater Restoration Fund legislation introduced by Anne Arundel County Council members Chris Trumbauer and Dick Ladd. Watershed Stewards, the local Homebuilders Association, commercial builders, persons who have gotten sick from contact with the water, and watershed groups all supported passage of a $35 a year fee to create a dedicated fund to restore our waterways. The Council voted to hold the bill until the next session after several questions were raised about State plans to raise the "flush fee" and what impact that increase might have on businesses and individuals.

There will not be a hearing on December 19th, but if the bill is amended there will be another hearing in January. Keaghan Muller, the South Riverkeeper's young son, got the Council's attention when he said, "I would like to proclaim that it is not fair that the stormwater runoff is destroying our resources like in the South River. We have dirty water and cancerous catfish. We must pay our share so that future kids can have clean water."

Kincey Potter, Board Vice Chairman
Anne Arundel Watershed Stewards Academy
H 410 280-6254 C 443-223-6392

Last month [November 2011] Anne Arundel County Councilmen Dick Ladd and Chris Trumbauer introduced a County Ordinance Entitled "Stormwater Management and Restoration Fund and Stormwater Management Charge."

Stormwater runoff is the biggest polluter of the streams, rivers and Bay in Anne Arundel County. The bill will establish a dedicated fund especially for stormwater management and restoration. For most residential homeowners, the charge would be only $25-$35 PER YEAR. That's a small amount to pay for restoration of our waterways. Image right, courtesy Magothy River Association, shows an eroded, polluted stream.

As stated in a recent message from the Magothy River Association, "This is a modest fee, with a waiver available for low-income residents, and will not solve every problem. However, in a protected fund that is managed carefully and responsibly, with yearly public review, the money raised by this bill can be used to attack problems in a strategic manner and will likely earn key federal or state matching funds."

You can read the bill for yourself by clicking here.

There will be a public hearing on this bill on Monday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. at the Arundel Center.

What can you do? Send an email to every member of the Council and to the County Executive urging support of the bill. And if you can, attend the hearing to show your support. For your convenience, here are the email addresses. Just click on each to send your message.

Daryl Jones - daryl.jones@aacounty.org
John Grasso - john.grasso@aacounty.org
Derek Fink - derek.fink@aacounty.org
James Benoit - james.benoit@aacounty.org
Dick Ladd - dladd@aacounty.org
Chris Trumbauer - ctrumbauer@aacounty.org
Jerry Walker - jerry.walker@aacounty.org
John Leopold - jleopold@aacounty.org

Take action. This is something YOU CAN DO to improve our water quality and bring the Bay back to life.

Read the story about the Watershed Stewards in Bay Journal.

Sail Aid to Haiti

Our boat show partners, TransMarine Pro, who founded Sailors Without Borders, have a new video online about their sailing aid project for the children of Haiti. Have a look at this moving video, open your heart and donate to this great cause.

Annapolis Green Team Launches Initiative
to Move Special Events Toward Sustainability

Wow, have we been busy! Annapolis Green is coming into its own as a sustainability force in the area.

Here's what we've been up to in the past few weeks since we've partnered with WasteStrategies on our "Festival Greening" initiative. We've helped to provide "eco-stations" for recycling/trash with easy-to-follow signage at:

• Annapolis Race Week tent parties
• Maryland Seafood Festival
• Hospice Cup Shore Party
• Selected sites in and around the US Sailboat Show in partnership with Yacht2BeGreen
• Boat Show Bash at EYC
• New Market House Dining Area
• Market House Community Area in partnership with the City's Environmental Commission

Most significant is the waste audit being performed by WasteStrategies of the boat shows that will guide us in the future. If you attend this weekend, check out our eco-stations and remind visitors and vendors alike to be kind to our town and Bay.

On Thursday, Oct. 13, did our thing for the US Powerboat Show's VIP Party hosted by the Annapolis Economic Development Corporation at Historic Annapolis' William Paca House and Garden with eco-stations and signage.

We are taking the lead in guiding the hosts and venue toward sustainability by encouraging the use of reusable china, glassware, linens and water containers, providing electric transportation via the eCruisers, providing reusable name tags and encouraging the serving of wine from sustainably managed vineyards. Of course the location is as green as could be -- a historic home. "The greenest building is the one already built." - Carl Elefante. Read more     

As we move toward our launch -- or splash -- as a non-profit, we will be doing more of this type of work -- partnering, encouraging, consulting, and celebrating greening at big, visible public events.  

Annapolis Green is now moving our public engagement beyond our signature Green Drinks networking events to more visibly promote sustainable living in the Annapolis area.

The Annapolis Environmental Commission, since October 3 and through October 16 has installed a Green Marine Eco-center in the community corner of the Market House, having gathered info, service supplies and small pieces of green equipment from exhibitors at the Boat Shows and local eco groups.

October 31-November 14 the Commission will be showcasing efforts, achievements, challenges in making the City of Annapolis Green City USA and will have demos, eco-meets and more.

Maryland Smart Green & Growing

The new Smart, Green & Growing website at www.green.maryland.gov. will help citizens, businesses and local governments more easily find their way to an increasing number of sustainable programs, services and ideas. Consider becoming a partner.

The SGG team has put together great green programs from multiple state agencies in one place where you can access some really useful stuff that can save you money, get you statewide recognition for the green things you are doing and give you the upper hand in keeping up with innovations from Maryland's businesses.

• Sign up to be a Smart, Green & Growing Partner on the website. The initiative is also actively recruiting new Smart, Green & Growing partners, that, by sharing their own green successes and initiatives, can gain a reputation for being environmentally responsible and inspiring others to take action.
• Send SGG your success stories so they can highlight them statewide. Each week they will feature a new story from three partners that will show how they are making a difference.
• Add the Smart, Green & Growing link to your website and give your customers and employees easy access to great state programs, information and resources.
• Deposit a green idea into the Smart, Green & Growing Idea Bank. The more user-friendly and interactive format also encourages regular input from the public. The Idea Bank is a new, ongoing forum in which local governments, businesses and citizens can share green ideas.

Governor O'Malley launched the Smart, Green and Growing Initiative in 2008 to engage every Marylander in the State's efforts to create a more sustainable future - one that recognizes the inherent connection between our quality of life, our economy and our environment.

SGG brings together state agencies, local governments, businesses and citizens to create more livable communities, improve transportation options, reduce the state's carbon footprint, support resource based industry, invest in green technologies, preserve valuable resource lands and restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay. It is by working together to make these choices that we are creating a stronger economy, a healthier environment and a greener, more sustainable future for all Maryland families.

Open House at the Show

TransMarine Pro and its Yacht2BeGreen eco-marine group hosted an open house on H Dock Friday, Oct. 7, at the Sailboat Show to bring awareness about the next mission of the non-for-profit Endangered Planet Foundation (endangeredplanetfoundation.org) and Sailors without Borders (sailorswithoutborders.com) Sail AID to Haiti 3 this fall. The voyage’s mission is to deliver computers to the children of La Gonâve, Haiti, for a better future through the communication of technology and visual arts.

It's a Big Weekend for us!

Annapolis Green Team Launching Initiative
to Move Special Events Toward Sustainability

Look for our "eco-stations" in and around the boat shows!

Local events over the next two weekends will take on a decidedly Green tone as we continue to make effective recycling a reality at special events and locations surrounding the boat shows in Annapolis.

Annapolis Green is now moving our public engagement beyond our signature Green Drinks networking events to more visibly promote sustainable living in the Annapolis area.

We've partnered with WasteStrategies, a local environmental management firm headquartered in Annapolis, to form the Annapolis Green Team and conduct recycling activities, supply trash/recycle bin “eco-stations,” and promote successful recycling campaigns at prominent events such as regatta parties and large festivals.

We had great success with three recent events: the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Association (CBYRA)’s Race Week tent parties, the Maryland Seafood Festival, and the Hospice Cup party last month. The ratio of recycling to trash was unprecedented. This shows that people will do the right thing if it’s made clear and easy for them.

The eco-stations developed by WasteStrategies are colorful—green for recycling and brown for trash—and have highly visible signage overhead that tells event goers just where to put what.

As Annapolis moves into boat show weekends, our Green Team has placed its signature green and brown eco-stations in select locations to encourage recycling on the part of visitors and locals alike.

WasteStrategies experts will audit the waste stream inside the United States Sailboat Show this weekend and present recommendations to the United States Yacht Shows management about actions that could be taken next year.

At the same time, the Green Team will place eco-stations inside the booths of two environmentally enthusiastic sailboat show vendors: Womanship and Trans Marine Pro/MISEA Group.

In addition, boat show vendor Weems and Plath will feature the eco-stations at its concurrent Tent Sale at its Eastern Avenue headquarters in Eastport.

Eastport Yacht Club’s Boat Show Bash on Saturday, October 8, also will benefit from the Annapolis Green Team as a number of waste stations will be placed at the big party. This makes environmental and economic sense for the yacht club, makes disposal easier for volunteers, and sets a great example for the community.

TransMarine Pro and its Yacht2BeGreen eco-marine group will host an open house on H Dock Friday, Oct. 7, from 6 - 7 p.m. to bring awareness about the next mission of the non-for-profit Endangered Planet Foundation (endangeredplanetfoundation.org) and Sailors without Borders (sailorswithoutborders.com) Sail AID to Haiti 3 this fall. The voyage’s mission is to deliver computers to the children of La Gonâve, Haiti, for a better future through the communication of technology and visual arts.

The Green Team’s recycling effort will expand to the United States Powerboat Show's VIP party hosted by the Annapolis Economic Development Corporation at Historic Annapolis' William Paca House and Gardens on Thursday, October 13.

Nominations Sought for Chesapeake Bay Trust Awards

Each year, the Chesapeake Bay Trust recognizes outstanding achievements by educators, students, and individuals who work to engage Marylanders in efforts to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay and local waters. The Trust is accepting applications for the five awards outlined below. Applications and/or nominations are due by December 16 at 5 p.m. Address questions to Molly Alton Mullins at 410-974-2941, ext 107 or at mmullins@cbtrust.org or click here for more information.

• Teacher of the Year
  This award is given annually to a teacher who motivates and inspires students by promoting environmental awareness and stewardship. The winning applicant will receive a $2,500 award to go toward funding Trust-approved environmental field trips and/or outdoor education work at their school or organization.
• Student of the Year Scholarship
  This award provides a $5,000 scholarship to a Maryland high school or college student who has shown an outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship, Chesapeake Bay restoration and community involvement.
• Honorable Arthur Dorman Scholarship
  This award provides a $5,000 scholarship to a Maryland high school or college student who demonstrates a commitment to improving the health of the environment and the Chesapeake Bay and who, as a student of color, exhibits exemplary leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion in his/her school and broader community.
• Ellen Fraites Wagner Award
  This award, for the outstanding Steward of the Year, recognizes an individual who has shown exceptional commitment to the Chesapeake Bay and leadership in the Bay community.
• Melanie Teems Award
  This award recognizes an exemplary project funded by the Chesapeake Bay Trust that engages Maryland students or citizens in Bay education or restoration work.

CBYRA, WasteStrategies and Annapolis Green
Made Annapolis Race Week More Green and Bay Friendly

We helped the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Association and our partner, WasteStrategies, to make it Green!

When the 1200+ sailors (from all over the country) came off the water and headed for the tent parties at Susan C. Campbell Park on City Dock, they found colorfully marked trash and recycling bins, specially designed and provided by WasteStrategies.

The bins were clearly marked with big signs to educate patrons about what to put in each one. For this event, recycling will consisted of metal, plastic and glass – everything else will go in the trash container.

We knew sailors are good stewards of the environment, especially the Bay, and that they would feel good about keeping many pounds of trash out of the landfill. But we never expected such a great response! Stay tuned for more about the results, coming soon.

Concurrently with picking up the trash and recycling, WasteStrategies is conducting an audit in order to give CBYRA, and the public, good data on exactly how much trash was diverted to recycling and kept out of the landfill. This is not only good for the environment, it makes economic sense too! We’ll let you know how the numbers turn out.

And in case you wondering why paper was not being recycled as it is normally comingled with metal, plastic and glass in Anne Arundel County, for sustainability purposes, this recovered material is going directly to a recycler. At next year’s event, WasteStrategies will implement a comprehensive waste reduction plan based on the date gathered from this year’s waste audit.

WasteStrategies, by the way, is a local company that “provides turnkey environmental management solutions of multiple waste streams at multiple levels in a way that reduces costs, increases the amount of waste that is recycled, and focuses on an end result of zero waste.”

We congratulate CBYRA for taking this step toward sustainability! And we’re glad to help spread the word! This is the first of several upcoming special events for which Annapolis Green will encourage sustainability practices and help to spread the word.

Environmental Award

U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen will receive the John V. Kabler Award from the Maryland League of Conservation Voters in November. The League honors an advocate who is dedicated to improving Maryland's environment on an annual basis. An Environmental Leadership Award will be awarded to Chuck Fox, former Chesapeake Bay program "czar" with the EPA. See our calendar for information about the awards ceremony.

New Head of Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay

The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay has a new executie director, Albert H. Todd. A veteran Bay policy maker, Todd begins his new job in September. Read more.

MARC Green Workforce Study and Green Jobs Portal Marry Research With Real-Time Technology to Support Green Economy

Environmental Groups sign letter to Governor regarding high-voltage transmission cables

A dozen regional, statewide and local Chesapeake Bay advocacy groups wrote to Governor O'Malley in March asking that an independent panel of leading Bay scientists be convened to determine if high voltage transmission lines could be safely buried beneath the Chesapeake Bay. "We are concerned that a proposal to place two extra-high voltage transmission cables beneath 39 miles of the Chesapeake Bay and Choptank River may impede restoration effects." Read the letter. | More information

Exposed Soil = Pollution: a new approach for substantially improving construction site erosion control compliance

From Richard Klein of Community & Environmental Defense Services: The goal of this approach is to create a widespread public perception that exposed soil on a construction is not only illegal but means that a nearby waterway will be polluted come the next rain. I’m deeply concerned that unless we can find a way to improve compliance, the Chesapeake Bay sediment TMDL will not be met, at least in the developing portions of the Bay watershed. Who knows; maybe we can even make exposed construction site soil as politically incorrect as junk cars on the lawn, burning leaves, and cell phone use in public places. The approach could also dramatically increase the number of people actively participating in the effort to reduce sediment pollution.  Unlike past citizen sediment control monitoring efforts, ES=P requires very little time, no training, no trespass, and no contractor-enforcement agency confrontations. Instead, participants simply use an online form to report exposed soil when they find it on a construction site.  Legitimate reports are then forwarded to the appropriate enforcement agency.  It is my hope that online reporting will allow us to compile a database for use in identifying those areas where compliance is poor and greater public support is needed so enforcement agencies can get the resources essential to improved compliance. If this approach does take off then I’d be delighted to forward reports from whatever part of Maryland you wish.  In the meantime, I’d deeply appreciate any thoughts you have on how ES=P can be improved.

City of Annapolis: Gott's Court Environmental Design Lauded by Landscape Architects

The recently completed Gott's Court surface parking lot has attracted the national attention of landscape architects.

An article in the American Society of Landscape Architects (LAND) publication highlights this one-of-a-kind environmentally sustainable project created to handle heavy rainfall.

The Gott's project was designed to fit in with the character of the Historic District while providing parking for cars, bikes and scooters. It includes solar power pay and display as well as unique landscaping and engineering to handle heavy rainfall.

The project's sustainable elements also include on-site stormwater management, 10,000 square feet of permeable brick pavers six rain gardens, native plants, recycled glass, refurbished street lights, solar bollards and recycled corrugated flexible rain pipes.

The article references the lot's ability to drain runoff from a historic storm that dropped more than 9 inches of rain on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. To read LAND's article, go to http://bit.ly/eJKK07.

Irish Restaurants Go 100% Green Powered

The Irish Restaurant Company is greener than just the green of an Irish Shamrock.

Anthony Clarke, Partner and CFO, announces, “We are challenging ourselves to go 40 shades of green in all of our three locations in Anne Arundel County, Md.” And yes, you guessed it, spinning off Johnny Cash’s hit song 40 Shades of Green written about his visit to Ireland. “We believe this green endeavor will not only continue to protect and enhance our bottom line but it is also the right thing to do.”

“With the love and respect for our home country of Ireland and growing up with its beautiful 40 shades of green we all agreed, as responsible business owners in the communities in which our families live, work and play, that it is important to become environmental stewards by reducing our carbon footprint in each of our three locations,” says Clarke. Galway Bay, Annapolis, MD; Brian Boru, Severna Park, Md.; and Killarney House, Davidsonville, Md.; are all making strides to reduce their carbon footprint through, recycling, rain barrels, Earth friendly serving products, re-using materials for renovation work, turning used fry oil into bio-fuels, eliminating plastic, using environmentally friendly cleaning products, minimizing water usage, encouraging environmentally friendly transportation with by partnering with e-cruisers, and promoting environmental organizations and community events. | read more

Environmental Lecture Series: March - August

The Friends of Quiet Waters Park is pleased to announce its Environmental Lecture Series, beginning its inaugural season in March 2011. Twice per month, the Park will host panel discussions and keynote speakers exploring everything from where we will put our trash to how we should generate energy in the 21st century.

This year’s participants include representatives from Chesapeake Climate Action Network, NASA, the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, the Environmental Protection Agency, Physicians for Social Responsibility, the South River Federation, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and the Solar Decathlon Project.

more about the series & speakers

Lectures will be held on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Blue Heron Center in Quiet Waters Park. Each will be a night of reflection and engagement around issues affecting our communities from the local to the global. Space is limited. Reserve your seat now. Read more and register. For additional information, contact Quiet Waters Park 410 222-1777.

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Free Trees for the Free State

You can help raise funds for tree planting in Maryland Parks -- it will take about two minutes and is free to you.

Click on the image. That will take you to the Odwalla Maryland website.

Questions: Contact Gene Deems at DNR.

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Got an iPhone? You can carry the Chesapeake's critters with you!

Created by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, this interactive field guide includes all the wild animals and plants of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. Read more at the iTunes store.

PlanetGreen.com recommends seven mobile phone apps to aid you in living the Green life. Click here.

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CBF Launches Buy Fresh Buy Local Chesapeake website

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Sustainable Annapolis

  

 

See the City's Community Action Plan for sustainability and its 2010 Scorecard. There are lots of ideas in both documents on how you can live a sustainable life too.

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Spa Creek Stewardship Program Partners with Annapolis Hyundai and Rich Morton Lincoln Mercury Automobile Dealerships to Reduce Stormwater Runoff

The Spa Creek Stewardship Program, Annapolis Hyundai and Rich Morton Lincoln Mercury automobile dealerships have joined forces to reduce stormwater runoff and improve the health of Spa Creek. Annapolis Hyundai and Rich Morton Lincoln Mercury are located adjacent to one another on West Street in Annapolis. This major initiative represents over $175,000 in materials and labor, and is funded by grants awarded to the Spa Creek Conservancy by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.  The dealerships are also providing cash match to the grants.

Spa Creek Conservancy launched the Spa Creek Stewardship Program in 2009 with funding support from the Chesapeake Bay Trust and in partnership with the Center for Watershed Protection. The program is for businesses and organizations to positively influence the water quality of Spa Creek and College Creek and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.  Read more...

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EPA Announces Public Meetings on Draft Chesapeake Bay TMDL

EPA Website on Chesapeake Bay's Total Maximum Daily Load - aka the Pollution Diet

This is why it's important: The Bay TMDL will set binding limits on nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution throughout the 64,000-square-mile watershed to meet clean water standards for the Bay and its tidal tributaries and help restore local rivers and streams.

The Phase I Plan documents are available for review at www.epa.gov/chesapeakebaytmdl/

Watershed states are Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia and New York, and the District of Columbia. See map at right.

It's YOUR Bay. Get informed and get involved. Information is at www.epa.gov/chesapeakebaytmdl. Information about Maryland's WIP is on the Department of Environment website.

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Wanted: Oyster Gardeners in the Magothy and the South Rivers

The Magothy River Association and the South River Federation, in conjunction with the state sponsored "Marylanders Grow Oysters" program, is recruiting oyster gardeners for the 2010-2011 season. If you have access to a pier on the Magothy or South Rivers, and can spare a few minutes every week or so, you can do this. The MGO program is free to all participants. Magothy Info | South River Information

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Team DNR

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking interested adults to become TEAM (Teaching Environmental Awareness in Maryland) volunteers. The volunteers’ mission is to educate students about the Chesapeake Bay and other Maryland environmental issues. Volunteers should have an out-going personality and a strong desire to protect the Chesapeake Bay. No prior teaching experience is necessary. Currently, TEAM offers schools-free classroom programs on the following topics: Chesapeake Bay Watershed, Streams, Oyster Reefs, Horseshoe Crabs, and Chesapeake Watermen. For information contact Amy Henry at410-260-8828 or ahenry@dnr.state.md.us. Website: www.dnr.maryland.gov/education/teamdnr.

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Commercial Recycling Program Begins in Annapolis

The long-awaited program is underway. Read all about it.

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Got Phragmites?

Researchers have found that the invasive species spreads in several different ways. Read more.

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Recycle your Ink Cartridges

Office Depot will give you $3 in Rewards per recycled cartridge if you are a member of its Worklife Rewards program. Information

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Herrington on the Bay Eco-Lifestyle Events is now the first Chesapeake Bay Green Caterer

Herrington on the Bay Eco-Lifestyle Events is now the first Chesapeake Bay Caterer in Maryland to achieve Green Certification as awarded by the nation's Green Restaurant Association.

The Green Restaurant Association of the United States has been certifying restaurants and caterers in their operations and business practices since 1990. This first level of certification sets a milestone for Herrington on the Bay. But, Anna Chaney Willman, Herrington on the Bay's founder and operator is not stopping here!

A leader in environmentally sensitive business practices, Herrington on the Bay sets the standard for caterers in Maryland. In 2009, Herrington on the Bay signed a five year contract with the Green Restaurant Association (GRA). This allows the GRA to monitor and require Herrington's continuous advancement in green and sustainable operations. Herrington on the Bay's next goal is to achieve the second level of certification with the GRA by 2014. By 2020, Herrington on the Bay expects to attain the highest level of certification, the  Four Star Green Certification. 

Kara Sergeant of the Green Restaurant Association noted that Herrington on the Bay has done exceptionally well in the Energy and Chemical Reduction categories. To attain certification, an entity must earn points in a variety of categories totaling a minimum of 100 points. Then, for each level thereafter, additional points must be earned with the top level requiring 300+ points. Ms. Sergeant commented that Herrington's 2003 investment in a tankless water heater 2002 investment in energy efficient ice makers, motion sensored lights, and aerated water faucets are just some of Herrington's more aggressive initiatives. She also noted that Herrington is dedicated to using re-manufactured ink cartridges, Bay Safe Cleaners, 100% post consumer recycled paper supplies, and promotes their recycling program to their clients as well as their staff.   

To learn more about Herrington on the Bay and the Green Restaurant Association's certification requirements, go to DineGreen.org and search keyword "herrington." 

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Who are Sustainable Annapolis' Certified Environmental Stewards?
The categories are auto, lodging, office/retail, and restaurants.

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Scholarships at Anne Arundel Community College
The Magothy River Association has endowed two scholarship funds at Anne Arundel Community College. They are for residents of the County who are students in good standing in an environmental science program. The scholarships are available to all qualified students, including incoming first year students. Applications are available during September and January of each year. For more information contact the Science Division at AACC (410) 777-2260 or president@magothyriver.org.

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Anne Arundel County Facilities to Stop Using High-Phosphate Fertilizer
Move will decrease harmful nutrients washing into waterways

Annapolis (October 13, 2009) - County Executive John R. Leopold today announced that County agencies will no longer use high-phosphorus fertilizer in an effort to decrease the amount of nutrients entering waterways.

Phosphates are a source of pollution in creeks, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay, County Executive Leopold said. We must do everything we can to reduce our use of this nutrient and also set an example to our residents that we need to change our behavior in order to fix our broken waterways.

High-phosphorus fertilizer is normally used as a starter fertilizer to grow grass. In 2008 over a six-month period, for example, the Department of Recreation and Parks purchased 95,000 pounds of fertilizer with a phosphorous content of 19 percent. All future purchases will contain less than five percent phosphorous. The County's move to low-phosphorous products is consistent with the goals in the state's Chesapeake Bay Phosphorus Reduction Act of 2009, which bans sales of high-phosphorus products for certain uses as of April 2011.

Equally important with this issue is the proper application of fertilizer to reduce runoff, County Executive Leopold said. The lawn should be lightly watered after application, and any fertilizer spilled on impervious surfaces should be promptly cleaned up. We can all make a difference in the health of our waterways. 

More information: David Abrams, Anne Arundel County Office of Public Information, 410 222-1288, 410 693-0672

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City of Annapolis is Collecting Wine Corks for Recycling

A number of Annapolis' restaurants, wine bars and package stores will participate in the recycling effort by collecting corks from wine sold or served to their customers. Boatyard Bar & Grill, the Breeze Restaurant in Loews Hotel, Café Normandie, Galway Bay, Lewnes Steakhouse and The Rockfish will all take part in the recycling effort.

Residents can recycle too by collecting corks from their homes, or making it a community effort and collect corks from the neighborhood.

Just drop off the corks in the wooden wine barrel available in the lobby of City Hall or at Bay Ridge Wine & Spirits, B. B. Bistro, Eastport Liquors, Leeward Market or Mills Fine Wine. The corks will be collected for recycling through the end of October.      

The corks will be recycled by TerraCycle, an eco-friendly innovator who will be "upcycling" the used corks, both natural and synthetic, into bulletin boards. It is estimated that 15 billion wine corks are thrown out each year in the United States, enough to circle the earth 16 times. Last year Annapolitans collected an estimated 15,000 corks. For additional information please contact Maria Broadbent, Environmental Coordinator at 410-263-7946.

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Annapolis architect Scott L. Rand and his client have achieved a platinum LEED rating on a corporate headquarters building at 217 International Circle, in Hunt Valley. More info: 410 263-5860.

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Calling Magothy River Fans

Volunteers are needed to confirm and track sightings of Dark False Mussels. These are the mysterious small animals that cleared up Magothy River water a few years ago. The Magothy River Association is seeking help in placing "spat plates" to which these critters (and oysters) can attach. To participate or for more information contact Magothy River Association president Paul Spadaro. To learn more about the Dark False Mussels in the Magothy River check out MRA’s Community Science Dark False Mussel survey at this link. This eight-minute video was produced by MRA Dive Coordinator Dick Carey.

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Julie is "Scooping" Her Way to Better Water Quality.

Our friend Julie Winters was featured in a story in The Capital recently about her project to install pet waste stations to make it easier for dog owners to pickup and dispose of "doggie poop" in a safe way so it doesn't make its way into our waterways. Read the story about Julie and her project. Photo courtesy Joshua McKerrow, The Capital

 

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Waypoint Signs Point Residents to Environmental Locations

Annapolis launched new educational signage highlighting various educational environmental locations. The waypoints are sets of coordinates, enabling anyone to enter the data in their GPS and get the directions to the environmental location by car, motor scooter, or bicycle. The Waypoint Signs include a Main Sign located at Annapolis' City Dock on the Harbor Master building.  Smaller remote signs are at each featured location. The Main Sign shows the individual sites, GPS coordinates for each location, a brief description of the technologies highlighted, and a legend listing the technologies. The technologies refer to environmental "best practices" such as green roofs, pervious surfaces, rain barrels, LEED buildings, etc in use at each location. An educational brochure on the Waypoint Sign Initiative is available at the Annapolis Visitors kiosk at City Dock, the Visitors Center on West Street, at City Hall, and available on  the City's website at www.annapolis.gov. 

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Wind Energy at Greenbury Point

State Delegate Ron George (R, District 30, Annapolis) proposed last year that Greenbury Point, where the radio towers are in Annapolis Harbor, be the site of a wind energy farm. Since that time he has been working with Navy officials to move this idea along. Read his update.

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Support Local Watermen

Steamed hard crabs by the dozen or bushel, crab cake sandwiches, steamed shrimp and more is available in the Maritime Republic of Eastport, Annapolis at Wild Country Seafood, 124 Bay Shore Drive (just off Second Street, near Back Creek). Support this local family, running the last workboat out of Back Creek.

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Lynne & Elvia Meet Ed Begley, Jr.

Actor and environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr., introduced as a "star of the planet" spoke at an event hosted by the Historic Annapolis Foundation on April 6, 2009, sharing his insights on environmentally responsible living. He characterized his talk as one of hope for the future. An entertaining speaker, Ed (he is such a nice and unassuming guy, you just have to call him Ed) he cited the many environmental problems we face, from air and water pollution to the ozone hole, to the loss of amphibians and fish, but he said that we can all make a difference and turn things around. He spoke of the changes he began to make in his own life on the first Earth Day back in the 1970s and stressed that living sustainably is a good economic decision. Ed advised people to go Green as they can afford it. He stressed recycling and reusing. "We can't just throw things away anymore," he said, discussing how landfills are filling up. "Where is away?" he asked. "If you're not buying recycled, then you're not really recycling." To learn more about Ed's environmental work, his book and TV show, Living with Ed, visit his website.
Photo: Lynne and Elvia with Ed Begley, Jr. He's a lot taller than we are