Thirty-six underserved urban communities across Maryland are about to plant 40,000 new trees, thanks to a new effort created by the Maryland General Assembly’s Tree Solutions Now Act of 2021 and state resources provided through the Chesapeake Bay Trust (the Trust). The Act calls for five million trees to be planted across Maryland by 2031, with 500,000 of them targeted to urban, underserved areas. The Trust, the distributer of funds from the Chesapeake vehicle license plate program and other sources, has long empowered local urban communities through grant-making and was tapped in the Act to serve as the administrator of the urban component.
Urban trees have significant benefits to human health, climate, the economy, and the environment. Yet some urban communities are severely lacking in greening, contributing to heat island effect,
exacerbating asthma and other health issues, and reducing quality of life. Providing resources through ground-up, community-based grants empowers people to own this piece of community improvement, leading to sustainability.
“This urban greening effort will help address both global climate change as well as environmental justice including inequities in historically disenfranchised communities,” said Senator Paul Pinsky, a sponsor of the legislation. “This work will create lasting green improvements and help to mitigate the harmful effects of climate change with every tree planted.”
Ninety million dollars per year over nine years will be distributed by the Trust to communities, neighborhoods, civic groups, schools, and others who commit to planting trees in underserved regions as defined in the legislation. Funding is reserved for urban census tracts with low median household income levels, with high unemployment, or were historically red-lined or for public housing projects.
“We are thrilled to have been able to provide the resources for this work,” said Delegate Dana Stein, another key sponsor of the legislation. “All communities deserve to have green spaces and trees to help improve quality of life.”
Studies show that trees planted in urban communities improve the physical and mental health of people within their proximity, and that increasing urban canopy can reduce asthma and respiratory-related emergencies during heat wave-related events in under-treed areas. For these reasons, many urban communities have adopted urban tree canopy goals, including Baltimore City, which has set a goal of 40% canopy by 2037.
Communities will begin planting trees this fall, concentrating on areas such as vacant lots or streets
where native trees and resources are scarce. These trees will help to reduce the urban heat island effect, filter polluted stormwater, mitigate the effect of carbon emissions, reduce energy consumption and therefore energy bills, and improve air quality. Increasing tree quantity and quality in urban areas is a cost-effective way to strengthen the health of the Chesapeake Bay, provide urban wildlife habitat, help mitigate flooding issues, and stimulate local green jobs markets enabling families to work where they live and play.
“Witnessing the work of these communities and organizations as they restore and protect their neighborhoods is a perfect reminder of the symbiotic relationship between the health of our local neighborhoods and the health of our environment and waterways.” said Jana Davis, president of the Chesapeake Bay Trust.
2022-2023 Chesapeake Conservation Corps Class Announced
(Annapolis, MD) August 16,2022–The Chesapeake Bay Trust, with the support of the Maryland Chesapeake Bay license plate as well as other sources, proudly introduces a new class of Chesapeake Conservation Corps members. The Chesapeake Conservation Corps was created with the purpose of fostering onsite training and educational opportunities for young adults interested in exploring their environmental passions in a professional space. During their time in the Conservation Corps, members are matched with both non-profit and government host organizations and receive hands-on guidance aimed at improving local communities and protecting natural resources. Members of the Corps are given a one-year-stipend and other support by the Chesapeake Bay Trust during their time in the Corps.
“For more than a decade, the Chesapeake Conservation Corps has given young people the knowledge and skills they need to be the conservation leaders of tomorrow,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Congress has just taken a bold step to confront the accelerating harm of climate change and we are counting on graduates of the Corps to play a key role in implementing the provisions of this bill to better protect the Chesapeake Bay, our environment, and our planet. I want to congratulate this year’s graduates and the incoming class, and I look forward to seeing what they accomplish.”
The Corps has become a premier launching pad for green careers and a reliable resource for environmentally focused organizations who are recruiting the next generation of environmental professionals. Over 300 alums have become leaders in the environmental movement as well as engaged individuals bringing a stewardship ethic to non-environmental careers. Many of them are hired by their host organizations following their years of service.
“We applaud these young people embarking on this incredible journey today,” said Senator Sarah Elfreth, who has been appointed by the Maryland Senate President to serve on the Corps Advisory Board. “Their passion for protecting and restoring our region’s natural resources will affect so many communities and bring measurable improvements in our environment and neighborhoods.”
Today, 33 Corps members met their host organizations to learn more about their job responsibilities for the upcoming year. During their year of service, Corps members will gain valuable on-the-job experience as they work to advance environmental conservation, K-12 education, energy efficiency programs and other climate resiliency goals, sustainable agriculture practices, and a host of other environmentally focused initiatives.
“I am so honored to serve on the Corps Advisory Board with Senator Elfreth. I have been fortunate to see this program grow over time, and the legislature continue to invest in it, including just this last session,” said Delegate Anne Healey, referring to the expansion of the Corps to further focus on climate and environmental justice via the Climate Solutions Act of 2022.
Funds for the program are provided by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, which is supported by the Chesapeake Bay vehicular license plate program (the “bay plate”) and other sources; the Maryland Department of Natural Resources; the U.S. National Park Service; and Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE); among others.
“The Chesapeake Conservation Corps program is an important investment for us with our Chesapeake Gateways funding, helping accomplish our Chesapeake awareness, engagement, and access goals” said Wendy O’Sullivan, Superintendent of the National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office. “The Corps members hard work and enthusiasm is a tremendous asset for our Chesapeake Gateways partner host sites.”
“BGE is committed to investing strategically to develop the workforce in our region. Successful and innovative programs like the Corps prepare our youth for meaningful jobs in many different sectors in ways that add long-term value for the participants, our communities, and companies like ours” said Alex Núñez, Senior Vice President of BGE’s Governmental, Regulatory, and External Affairs and Chesapeake Bay Trust Trustee.
During the year, Corps participants work directly with their host organizations while also receiving extensive job trainings hosted by the Chesapeake Bay Trust as well as other service-learning opportunities including grant writing and project management.
“We believe in ripple effects here at the Trust,” said Dr. Jana Davis, president of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. “These amazing Corps members will insert themselves in communities across our region, bringing awareness of natural resources and on-the-ground work that affect layers and layers of people, improving not just the environment, but local economies, neighborhoods, and even human health as people benefit from using the outdoors.”
The 33 selected participants will work in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Talbot, Worcester Counties and Baltimore City.
About the Chesapeake Bay Trust
The Chesapeake Bay Trust (www.cbtrust.org) envisions a restored and protected Chesapeake Bay watershed and other natural resources in our area, from the Coastal Bays to the Chesapeake to the Youghiogheny River. We uniquely empower local community-based groups on the ground with the resources they need to take on a meaningful and measurable role in restoring forests, streams, rivers, bays, wildlife, and more in their own communities. Every year, the Trust empowers about 400 groups by providing grants and technical assistance to accomplish environmental education, community outreach, and local watershed restoration projects. The Trust is supported by the sale of the Chesapeake Bay license plate; donations to the Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund on the Maryland State income tax form; donations made by hunters, fishers, and boaters in the Maryland online natural resource licensing system; donations from individuals and corporations; and partnerships with private foundations and federal, state, and local governments. The Trust has received the highest rating from Charity Navigator for over two decades. On average, 90% of the Trust’s expenditures are directed to its restoration and education programs.
Chesapeake Conservations Corps 2022-2023 Corps Member Placements
Ashley Barnes, ECO City Farms Riverdale, Prince George’s County
Ashley will serve her year at ECO City Farms where she will cultivate sustainably grown food; educate local youth and families about food, health, and the environment; and engage in hands‐on trainings and permaculture projects on the farm. Ashley has a degree in Environmental Studies from Winthrop University. She wants to help serve underrepresented communities and advocate for environmental experiences in these communities. Ashley is also interested in sustainable food, nutrition, and food diversity practices and their impacts on minority communities.
Jack Bayne, National Park Service Fort McHenry Baltimore City
Jack graduated from McDaniel College with a degree in Environmental Studies. He is passionate about researching the effects of biodiversity loss in our ecosystems. He finds great pride in creating and restoring habitats for wildlife in his local area. During his placement at Fort McHenry, Jack will be assisting in energy conscious restoration and renovation, practicing organic lawncare and landscaping, and planning a 25‐ acre meadow restoration at the Hampton National Historic site.
Margaret “Maggie” Bennett, NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office Annapolis, Anne Arundel County
During her placement at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Chesapeake Bay Office, Maggie will support efforts in K‐12 education and early career development to develop and implement comprehensive environmental literacy programs. She will be curating career-oriented programming that provides students with an awareness of career opportunities, career training and the articulation of that programming into green jobs. Maggie brings her experience in providing youth environmental education through summer camp leadership experiences. She also has an interest in GIS mapping and has created an interactive mushroom map as one of her projects.
Eva Blockstein, Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary Lothian, Anne Arundel County
Eva graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a degree in Zoology and a minor in Environmental Studies. Eva is a natural nature lover and aspires to have a career as a naturalist. She has conducted ecological field work in Alaska, where she gained a new perspective and adapted new ways to reduce her environmental footprint. During her year with Jug Bay Wetlands, Eva will be planning, coordinating, and implementing projects to further their outdoor education and stewardship goals. Eva will also develop programs to address climate change.
Michael Bonnell, Chesapeake Conservancy Annapolis, Anne Arundel County
Michael first developed a love for nature as a kid doing frequent camping trips. Since then, Michael has nurtured his passion for biology and the natural world through his studies at Rowan University. His desire for service shines through him becoming an Eagle Scout and serving his local community. Michael will be with the Chesapeake Conservancy this year, serving the Chesapeake Conservation Partnership. He will contribute to many cutting-edge policies and programs to attract investments in environmental restoration and address historic needs to provide various types of open space in disadvantaged communities.
Julia Boswell, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Annapolis, Anne Arundel County
Julia will be spending her service year at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. She will be working in habitat restoration, regenerative agriculture, environmental education, and oyster restoration. Last year, Julia took a week-long trip to the Florida Everglades with a conservation field research expedition. She fell in love with fieldwork and immersing herself in nature. The inspiration provided on this expedition lead her to fully pursue a career in conservation.
Mollie Boyd, National Aquarium in Baltimore Baltimore City
Mollie grew up in Elkridge, MD and attended school at UNC Wilmington where she majored in Marine Biology and Environmental Science. Mollie says that growing up in the Chesapeake Bay watershed has shaped her love of the outdoors. She brings her experience working in youth environmental education and is also a certified diving instructor. While at the National Aquarium, Mollie will participate in Aquarium conservation efforts including habitat restoration, data collection on urban biodiversity and water quality of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, community engagement and stewardship activities, and youth education.
Chakya Browning, Towson University Center for STEM Excellence Baltimore City
Chakya will be working at Towson University Center for STEM Excellence supporting a variety of environmental education initiatives by developing activities and facilitating programs designed to foster a sense of stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland’s K‐12 students. Chakya is very passionate about recycling and mitigating the problem that is single-use plastics. She plans to continue to explore environmental stewardship opportunities through her service year with the Corps.
Morgan Buchanan, Shorerivers Easton, Talbot County
Morgan grew up in Florida, where she became passionate about water, water quality, and science. Those passions led her to John Hopkins University where she studied Environmental Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology. Morgan’s connection with the Chesapeake Bay strengthened her desire to become a Corps Member. Now with ShoreRivers, she will be doing SAV and water quality monitoring along the Eastern Shore and supporting environmental education programs.
Natalie Buscemi, Howard County Office of Community Sustainability Ellicott City, Howard County
Natalie will be working with the Howard County Office of Sustainability to develop new ideas, programs, and strategies to advance climate action and energy conservation. She will be conducting outreach and engaging the public at events and workshops. Natalie enjoys working with communities to improve environmental impacts and influence behavioral change. She is also keen on biodiversity and how its loss impacts our ecosystem. Natalie holds a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries from Frostburg State University.
Madeline Daugherty, Howard County Office of Community Sustainability Ellicott City, Howard County
Madeline came into environmental studies more than halfway through her college career. Even still, she instantly knew this was the best choice for her. Madeline has interests in stormwater management, green infrastructure, and urban greening. She deeply believes in the influence our environment has on our lives and health. Madeline will be at the Howard County Office of Community Sustainability working on innovative options and solutions for stormwater management in vulnerable communities.
Wanita David, Maryland Environmental Service Millersville,Anne Arundel County
Wanita has had a broad and diverse range of experiences in environmental sustainability including research, urban gardening, and solar energy. Ultimately, it was the topic of water pollution that had the deepest impact and sparked her interest in the environment at an early age. Wanita now holds a degree in Biological Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University. She will be working with the Maryland Environmental Service this year, focusing on projects associated with stormwater planning, design, and compliance.
Laura Dennison, Audubon Naturalist Society Chevy Chase, Montgomery County
Laura was born in Australia and moved to the Eastern Shore of Maryland at an early age. Laura said being a child of two marine scientist led to her love of nature and traveling. She has a degree in Environmental Studies from St Mary’s College of Maryland. Laura hopes that the Corps will help channel her broad environmental interests into a focused career. While working with the Audubon Naturalist Society Laura will be supporting restoration efforts, conducting habitat surveys, and wildlife monitoring. She will also be engaging the public on issues of conservation and environmental quality in the region.
Caroline Emeric, National Park Service Fort McHenry Baltimore City
Caroline will be spending her service year working with the National Park Service at Fort McHenry. She will be implementing climate change education, developing interpretative signage, and experimenting with mapping and GIS. Caroline is an avid outdoorswoman with extensive experience hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing. She studied Biology at College of William and Mary and frequently draws inspiration from the rich local habitat and diversity of species in the Chesapeake Bay region.
Peter Fath, The Community Ecology Institute Columbia, Howard County
Peter holds degrees in Geographical Sciences from University of Maryland College Park. While in school, Peter took classes focused on the Chesapeake Bay’s ecosystem where he learned about the interactions between science and public policy. This experience brought him closer to his passion to work in outreach and education programming, specifically, food and waste behavior. Peter will be serving at The Community Ecology Institute. Here he will support community-based programs that weave together educational, health, equity, and environmental practices and outcomes. He will also be engaging the public through community garden and restoration initiatives.
Johanna Guardadoo, Maryland Department of Natural Resources: Chesapeake & Coastal Service Annapolis, Anne Arundel County
Johanna graduated from Roger Williams University with a degree in International Relations. Being a first-generation student and college graduate led her to think about environmental issues on a global scale. As a result, Johanna developed a passion for studying the impacts of climate change on ice caps and glaciers and that influence on rising sea levels across the world. This year she will be working with Maryland DNR to support science communication, engagement, and outreach. She will also be involved in direct community engagement on complex issues supporting environmental education and climate communications.
Sushanth Gupta, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Annapolis, Anne Arundel County
Sushanth found a passion for sustainable agriculture volunteering at the University of Maryland Terp Farm after changing his major to Agricultural and Resource Economics. Since his studies, Sushanth has decided to focus his efforts on helping to execute local change. He believes small scale work can be very impactful and often easier to implement and make a difference. Sushanth will be serving with Maryland DNR assisting with mussel restoration initiatives. He will conduct field surveys, collect data, help with the operation of hatchery facilities, and develop new outreach material to highlight conservation efforts for stakeholders.
Owen Keys, Anne Arundel Community College Annapolis, Anne Arundel County
Owen will be completing his service year at Anne Arundel Community College working at the Environmental Center. He will be conducting water quality monitoring; participating in field and laboratory work measuring bacteria and nutrient levels; and conducting horseshoe crab surveys and molecular studies. Owen traces his passion for the natural world to his early childhood interests in crabs, oysters, fishes, and jellyfishes. These early immersions carried Owen to Stevenson University where he studied Environmental Science and Chesapeake Bay Ecology.
Kacie Larsen, Lower Shore Land Trust Snow Hill, Worcester County
During her placement at Lower Shore Land Trust, Kacie will serve as an Outreach Coordinator and support education, outreach and communications for restoration and land protection activities. She will participate in various restoration activities, including pollinator meadows and rain barrel workshops. Kacie holds a degree in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from University of Utah. She is particularly interested in marine conservation and has spent time in Greece conducting marine mammal research. Kacie is also a certified open water SCUBA instructor.
James Oliver Lee, University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center College Park, Prince George’s County
James is a well-traveled individual who loves backpacking. Throughout his youth he has spent time in Bulgaria, Switzerland, Colombia, and France. He holds a degree in Political Science and Anthropology from University College Utrecht in the Netherlands. At the University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center, James will work with communities on actions that will contribute to their increased sustainability. He will also develop online course materials and real-world case studies.
Imani Makell, Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center Millersville, Anne Arundel County
Imani will be working at Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center where she will be teaching students and adults about the environment, developing activities and materials to support curriculum, and engaging in ongoing restoration projects while networking with other environmental organizations. Imani is a strong believer in community engagement and its impact on youth. She also has interest in watershed restoration projects.
Grace Mayer, American Chestnut Land Trust Prince Frederick, Calvert County
Grace holds two degrees in Dance and Geographic Science from James Madison University. During her time in college, Grace was able to find ways to combine her love for creativity with her love for the environment when she involved herself in GIS and cartography. She will spend her year with American Chestnut Land Trust leading volunteer groups in various land management activities including invasive species removal, meadow establishment, hiking trail maintenance, property monitoring, and forest and wildlife diversity surveys.
Emily O’Connell, Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center Millersville, Anne Arundel County
Emily grew up with nature in the mountains of North Carolina. After moving near Baltimore, Emily gained a new perspective on the ecosystem and the effects of human development, climate change, and habitat loss. This perspective led her to pursue a career in wildlife rehabilitation and restoration. During her time at Arlington Echo, she will be teaching students and adults about the environment, developing activities and materials to support curriculum, and engaging in ongoing restoration projects while networking with other environmental organizations.
Kassandra Patrick, American Chestnut Land Trust Prince Frederick, Calvert County
During her year Kassandra will manage the daily operations of a one‐acre sustainable agriculture farm and support farm‐related community outreach at the American Chestnut Land Trust. She will also help organize community conservation action groups. Kassandra grew up in rural Pennsylvania, where she developed an early love for the outdoor recreation. She studied Environmental and Sustainability at Cornell University. Kassandra recalls witnessing a catastrophic oil spill on the news and using that experience to drive her into getting involved in water quality research and water pollution mitigation.
Rachel Pitsenberger, The Nature Conservancy Bethesda, Montgomery County
Rachel’s passion for the environment culminated at Georgetown University, where she received her degree in Biology and minored in Environmental Studies and welcomed the opportunity to explore
classes in ecology, plant biology, and conservation biology. Rachel is also an advocate for equitable access to clean, healthy, and safe environments and outdoor spaces for underserved communities. She will be serving her year at The Nature Conservancy, helping with native plantings, invasive species control, trail maintenance, forest management, and ecological restoration.
Simon Sauvageau, The Community Ecology Institute Columbia, Howard County
During his year in the Corps Simon will work with The Community Ecology to develop community‐based programs that weave together educational, health, equity, and environmental practices and outcomes. He will also help to support community gardening initiatives. Simon is interested in urban ecology and studied Environmental Science at Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania. Simon served in a leadership role in his sustainable housing community where he learned sustainability reaches far beyond just environmental considerations and must intersect with social and emotional aspects of life to be successful.
Juliana Schifferes, Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. Riverdale, Prince George’s County
Working with the Global Health and Education Projects this year, Juliana will serve as the Digital Environment Fellow. She will be responsible for digitalizing the outreach, engagement, and education of residents through digital story telling engaging a cross‐generation of signature program participants. Juliana is especially interested in community engagement work within environmental restoration practices. She studied Political Science at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. She hopes the Corps experience will help to propel her into a future Master of Public Administration.
Fana Scott, Washington College Center for Environment & Society Chestertown, Kent County
Fana grew her passion for adventure and the outdoors by joining the Student Conservation Association in high school and has since been to several locations across the U.S., involving herself in conservation field work. She expanded on this in college, earning a bachelor’s in Biology and Environmental Studies. Fana is also a certified EMT. During her time at Washington College Center for the Environment & Society, she will be conducting migratory bird field studies and planning environmental education programs for students and local community members.
Morgan Shippy, Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park Annapolis, Anne Arundel County
Morgan earned her bachelor’s degree from Bowie State University in Biology. During her time in college, Morgan learned about how important wetlands are to our local ecosystem in Maryland. This knowledge fuels her passion to preserve wetlands and mitigate destruction of this habitat. She will spend her year with Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park supporting the environmental education department. She will deliver programs to local school-aged youth to establish a sense of stewardship an encourage environmental literacy.
Matthew Swanton, Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park Annapolis, Anne Arundel County
Matthew will spend his year in the Corps with Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park. He will be involved in grade school classroom visits, environmental education curricula development, and work with a suite of hands‐on, experiential programs. Matthew earned his degree in Environmental Studies at Washington College. He is passionate about combating litter and completed his Senior Capstone Experience project on the impact of microplastics on soil ecosystems.
Brady Waters,Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works Annapolis, Anne Arundel County
Brady grew up near the Chesapeake Bay in Deal, Maryland and learned to value and appreciate the natural resources presented to him at an early age. This early appreciation propelled him into an Environmental Studies degree from St. Mary’s College and pursuit of a career in preservation and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland’s natural resources. Brady started a fishing club in college furthering his interest in water quality. He will be working with Anne Arundel County Public Works on Education & Outreach, and participate in grants management, restoration project development, water quality monitoring, and watershed modeling and analysis.
Danielle Wendt, National Wildlife Federation Annapolis, Anne Arundel County
During her year at the National Wildlife Federation, Danielle will help develop and execute new and existing nature‐based projects through a combination of environmental restoration, climate resiliency, community engagement and education work—all with an equity lens. Danielle is a graduate of McDaniel College and earned degrees in English and Environmental Studies. She has found ways to combine the two interests through environmental storytelling and community engagement. Danielle sees her skillset as one that can help her uplift underrepresented voices.
Katerina Whitman, Lower Shore Land Trust Annapolis, Anne Arundel County
Katerina studied Environmental and Natural Resources with a concentration in Conservation Biology at Clemson University. She is particularly passionate about climate change and its impact on wildlife behavior and habitats. While at Lower Shore Land Trust this year, Katerina will serve as the Restoration Coordinator. She will work on habitat and water quality projects ranging from residential scale, congregation lands, and larger landscape-scale projects. She will also be involved in tree planting and coordinating maintenance and management activities of current LSLT projects.
NEWS PROVIDED BY Nature Sacred First of its kind calculator shows financial impact of nature spaces in mitigating burnout-related costs in hospitals
ANNAPOLIS, MD — In the midst of a quest for measures to address the epidemic of burnout among nurses and physicians, and at the same time, improve patient care, new evidence of the impact of hospital green spaces has emerged. A newly-published paper authored by Sean M. Murphy, PhD, health economist and Associate Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College, reports on the development of a first ever means to calculate the financial impact of usable on-campus green spaces.
The paper was published by Nature Sacred, an organization that supports the creation of contemplative green spaces, with funding support from the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
“While the scientific evidence of nature’s influence on various aspects of health and wellbeing on an individual and community level is well-documented and growing, until now, no one had measured the implications in terms of dollars and cents,” Nature Sacred CEO Alden Stoner said. “This is something many C Suite health care executives have been asking for; now, we have an answer.”
“In short, we knew nature spaces had an outsized impact on individual and community health, now there is evidence that they have an outsized impact on improving the bottom line for healthcare campuses.”
A dynamic companion calculator built using the budget impact tool described in the paper is openly available for any hospital to use. It requires a few key inputs related to nurse and physician employment figures and an estimated budget (figure) for creating and maintaining a green space. The resulting calculation is an estimate of how much the hospital could potentially offset in burnout-related expenses. Two sample scenarios included in the paper illustrate the applicability of the calculator in both a small and large hospital setting.
According to Dr. Murphy, there were three areas where cost-offsets associated with a biophilic intervention would potentially be the greatest: in mitigating turnover, absences and errors among nurses and physicians.
“The science on the value of green spaces to physical and mental human health is clear,” said Jana Davis, president of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. “This work is key in taking this science to the next step: Evaluating the economic implications of that health impact. The analysis will encourage institutions to weave green spaces into their campus designs at great return on investment.”
Adam Ortiz, Regional Administrator for EPA Mid-Atlantic Region, too, recognizes the potential impact of the paper and calculator. “Now more than ever, we know just how valuable our hospital and healthcare workers are,” said Ortiz. “Identifying ways to implement accessible green spaces for them is vital – to alleviate burnout and aiding in their own health and wellness as they continue to care for their patients. This tool will have far-reaching benefits to the hospital community.”
About Nature Sacred
Nature Sacred exists to inspire, inform and guide communities in the creation of public green spaces—called Sacred Places—designed to improve mental health, unify communities and engender peace. For over 25 years, Nature Sacred has partnered with more than 100 communities across the country to infuse nearby nature into places where healing is often needed most: distressed urban neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, prisons and more. Through a collaborative, community-led process and an evidence-based design model, each Sacred Place is bonded together by a common goal: to reconnect people with nature in ways that foster mindful reflection, restore mental health and strengthen communities. As each community imagines its own space, the design becomes a unique reflection of the community’s culture, story and place—making it inherently sacred to them. Learn about our model, our approach and our Sacred Places:naturesacred.org
About the Chesapeake Bay Trust
The Chesapeake Bay Trust (www.cbtrust.org) envisions a restored and protected Chesapeake Bay watershed and other natural resources. We empower local community-based groups on the ground with the resources they need to take on a meaningful and measurable role in restoring forests, streams, rivers, bays, wildlife, and more in their own communities. Every year, the Trust empowers about 400 groups by providing grants and technical assistance to accomplish environmental education, community outreach, and local watershed restoration projects. The Trust is supported by the sale of the Chesapeake Bay license plate; donations to the Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund on the Maryland State income tax form; donations made by hunters, fishers, and boaters in the Maryland online natural resource licensing system; donations from individuals and corporations; and partnerships with private foundations and federal, state, and local governments. The Trust has received the highest rating from Charity Navigator for over two decades. On average, 90% of the Trust’s expenditures are directed to its restoration and education programs.
Borough of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania – The Chesapeake Bay Trust, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection announce that $1,058,720 in funding has been awarded to 13 projects across Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia as part of the Chesapeake Bay Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns Grant Program. These awards help communities develop and implement plans that reduce stormwater runoff; increase the amount of green spaces in urban areas; improve the health of local rivers, streams, the Chesapeake Bay and the human populations within the communities; create “green jobs;” reduce energy use; and enhance livability in cities and communities.
“We congratulate all grantees for putting forth projects that will support clean water and strong neighborhoods,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “This program helps communities reinvigorate gray and green infrastructure projects that reduce stormwater runoff and pollution to local waters and the Chesapeake Bay, while improving their economy, quality of life and community beautification.”
This green infrastructure program is designed to facilitate and encourage communities implementing traditional “gray” infrastructure projects, such as repaving roads or reconfiguring intersections, to add green elements at little additional cost. These green elements then offer cost-effective savings on stormwater treatment, flooding abatement, and other community benefits.
“The projects announced today show the value of adding green stormwater elements when other infrastructure improvements are planned,” said Alana Hartman, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Potomac Basin Coordinator. “These projects, led by communities and local organizations, will serve as a model for the entire region while helping to protect, preserve and enhance the quality of our water resources in the South Branch of the Potomac and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.”
The Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns Initiative was started in 2011, led by water experts at EPA and then expanded into the program it is today. To date, 245 projects have received funding and $14.4 million has been invested into greening communities.
Greening local communities has been shown to have multiple human benefits, from savings on energy costs that hit the wallet via provision of shade to reduction of illnesses to reduction in crime. Studies show that time spent outdoors in green spaces leads to improved mental health, reduced absenteeism in employees, improved heart health, and more.
“Green infrastructure projects are one of those rare win-win-win scenarios: They improve communities in various ways, they improve human health, and they also benefit our waterways,” said Dr. Jana Davis, president of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. “This program lets us take advantage of projects that communities want to do for themselves that just also happen to benefit the larger natural system way downstream.”
Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns Grant Program Awardees
Borough of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania – $150,000 A project that will directly reduce stormwater runoff into the Conococheague Creek, reduce associated flooding in the immediate area, address bank stabilization, and implement green infrastructure components. Major enhancements to the area include the reduction of Hood Street flooding; the installation of sub-surface infiltration beds to manage stormwater; the planting of pollinator gardens; and the removal of invasive species and planting native riparian buffers.
City Neighbors Foundation, Baltimore, Maryland – $148,883 A complete green renovation of the City Neighbors Charter parking lot, located in NE Baltimore City. Installations include 1270 sq. ft. of micro-bioretention, 1679 sq. ft. of pervious paving, and a 105 sq. ft. rain garden, all of which will be open for exploration by students, their families, and the general public.
City of Romney, West Virginia – $118,555
A water filtration project to be located in Romney, West Virginia that will be funded through new program partner, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. The project will retrofit a large parking lot and adjoining streets with water filtering bioswales. Runoff will be filtered from 3.3 acres of drainage area, 0.85 acres of which is impervious. The filtration system will address the issue of unfiltered runoff into a nearby stream which flows less than one mile into the South Branch of the Potomac River.
Druid Heights Community Development Corporation, Baltimore, Maryland – $29,998
An engineering design to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff going into the Jones Falls watershed and the Chesapeake Bay. The design will create a community-envisioned greening plan that will incorporate trees, bioswales, and other stormwater management facilities. The design will be created with the residents as part of their overall vision for the West Baltimore neighborhood.
James River Association, Petersburg, Virginia – $118,146 The implementation of a critical component of green and gray infrastructure for the Lakemont community which will better manage stormwater and improve local water quality. The proposed Nash Street Grassy Swale project represents a continued commitment to implement infrastructure improvements for Lakemont which will enhance existing conditions, reduce the volume of stormwater runoff, and treat water quality.
Joe’s Movement Emporium/World Arts Focus, Mount Rainier, Maryland – $150,000
The implementation of stormwater management practices at Joe’s arts center, as part of “Story of Water and Art.” Stormwater management features – green roof, vertical rain gardens, and green roof demonstration unit – will resolve flooding issues around the urban property, and be integrated with native plants, educational signage, a mural, and outdoor program space.
ShoreRivers, Preston, Maryland – $24,122 A design of conservation improvements to the James T. Wright Memorial Park, adding bioswales to alleviate overly-saturated conditions, tree canopy to beautify and cool community gathering areas, and conservation meadows to enhance the beauty of the park and increase pollinator habitat.
The Community Ecology Institute, Columbia, Maryland – $108,650
The implementation of the engineered plans associated with Atholton high school, which will provide highly visible demonstrations of best management practices, achieve health benefits for the Middle Patuxent Watershed, address chronic neighborhood stormwater flooding, and provide an outdoor education space for the school community.
Town of Emmitsburg, Maryland – $121,400
The installation of a forebay and micropool with pilot channels and wetland area within the existing dry extended detention pond footprint to provide water quality controls for the 7.96-acres of impervious area while also providing water quantity controls for the 22.22-acre drainage area without increasing discharge flow rates.
Town of Galena, Maryland – $30,000
An engineered design plan that identifies potential solutions to address stormwater runoff that causes localized flooding in the area of Division Street and a parking area behind a local grocery store and delicatessen. Along with using green infrastructure practices such as bioretention, green infrastructure will be utilized to help improve the flow of traffic in and through the area as well to screen adjoining properties.
Town of Glen Echo, Maryland – $28,271
The design of two stormwater remediation projects, a rain garden at Town Hall and a swale in the right of way, that will address town flooding issues.
Town of Millington, Maryland – $9,995
A concept plan to treat stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces, environmental restoration, and pervious parking enhancements, while improving public access and opportunities via a kayak launch and shoreline improvements to the properties owned by the Town along the Chester River.
Watershed Alliance of York, York and Lancaster Counties, Pennsylvania – $20,700
A two-part workshop and repeatable workshop template that will focus on the responsibilities of Homeowner Associations (HOAs) in York and Lancaster counties for their stormwater management infrastructure. One important deliverable will be a template that groups such as watershed organizations can use to easily plan and conduct this workshop/charrette in counties throughout the Bay watershed.
The Anacostia Riverkeeper, the Montgomery County Department of the Environment, and the Chesapeake Bay Trust announced the installation of the County’s first “litter trap” that will catch trash flowing down a stream or river. The trap will float in the Lockridge Drive Tributary and capture litter. Using the stream current, it will guide debris into the trap and prevent it from flowing downstream to the Anacostia River and into the Chesapeake Bay.
“Plastic bottles make up 60 percent of all the trash that is found floating on the Anacostia River, and while the best way to reduce trash in our waterways is not to litter at all, this litter trap is another way to make sure that we are not leaving environmentally harmful trash behind,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I want to thank the Chesapeake Bay Trust and Anacostia Riverkeeper, our partners in finding innovative ways to clean up our streams and creeks. We are proud to support funding for projects such as the litter trap and to work with these local groups committed to cleaning their communities. These programs provide jobs, create awareness, and build community support for protecting our environment.”
Anacostia Riverkeeper is working with the Montgomery County Conservation Corps for maintenance, monitoring and data collection as the litter is collected and sorted.
“Anacostia Riverkeeper is thrilled to celebrate the installation of this first Bandalong Litter Trap in Montgomery County, making a total of eight in the watershed,” said Riverkeeper Trey Sherard of Anacostia Riverkeeper. “Trash, especially plastic, is such an enormous problem in the Anacostia and worldwide that we hope this is the first of many trash traps coming to the County as we continue to partner with the Department of Environmental Protection, Chesapeake Bay Trust, and Montgomery County Conservation Corps. What a wonderfully appropriate way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act.”
This trash trap project was funded via the Montgomery County Watershed Restoration and Outreach Grant Program. It is a partnership between the County and the Chesapeake Bay Trust that funds public outreach and stewardship projects, community-based restoration water quality implementation projects and litter-reduction projects throughout the County. The grants are funded entirely through the Montgomery County Water Quality Protection Charge and are administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, a regional grant-maker specializing in engaging nonprofit entities in restoration and outreach work.
“Our successful partnership with Montgomery County makes it possible to support diverse groups taking actions that both enrich their local communities and positively impact our natural resources,” said Jana Davis, president of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. “Innovative grantee projects, such as the litter trap, help improve healthy streams and rivers for all to enjoy.”
Since January, over $560,000 in grant funding was awarded to 15 projects throughout Montgomery County and since the program’s inception in 2014, over $3.4 million has been awarded through the grant program.
Projects have included public outreach; stewardship and community-based restoration efforts such as planting native plants and trees, promoting, and implementing green infrastructure practices, community training programs, and removing impervious surfaces; and trash reduction in the Anacostia River Watershed through litter trap maintenance and monitoring.
Outdoor Learning Network Initiative Welcomes Two New Networks
The Chesapeake Bay Trust, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, is pleased to welcome Baltimore City Public Schools and the Southeastern Virginia Environmental Education (SEVEE) Consortium to the Outdoor Learning Network Initiative (OLNI).
OLNI is a capacity building opportunity designed to advance environmental literacy goals by establishing local networks comprised of school districts and organizations who are committed to partnering and working collectively to embed environmental education into school system curriculum long-term. The Initiative provides training, technical assistance, and ongoing support from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Local Concepts, as well as direct funding from the Chesapeake Bay Trust and NOAA over a two-year period.
“Meaningful environmental education lays the foundation for future restoration and protection of our local natural resources, said Dr. Jana Davis, president of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. “This program creates long-lasting networks and partnerships for the school system to ensure that environmental literacy is not just a focus but becomes an integral part of the curriculum as a whole.”
OLNI offers the training and support to establish a local environmental literacy leadership team, develop an environmental literacy plan for the school district, establish new partnerships, provide teacher professional development training, and design and implement a systemic Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience program. Baltimore City Public Schools will partner with Baltimore City Recreation & Parks and Living Classrooms Foundation to build their collaborative network. The Center for Educational Partnerships at Old Dominion University will work with Hampton City Schools, Newport News Public Schools, Norfolk Public Schools, Portsmouth Public Schools, Suffolk Public Schools, Williamsburg City Public Schools, and to build the collaborative SEVEE network.
“The OLNI partnerships strive to ensure that every student in the district graduates with a comprehensive understanding of the environment, their community’s connections to it, and the responsibility we all share in protecting it,” said Tom Ackerman, Vice President for Education for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
It has been demonstrated in the Mid-Atlantic region that integrating environmental education programs into the curriculum has benefits for environmental literacy, academic achievement, and building an environmental stewardship ethic. Yet data of systemic environmental literacy programs in the region shows geographic gaps. In 2015, the Chesapeake Bay Program working with the State Departments of Education developed an environmental literacy survey to assess school districts capacities and needs. The results of the survey showed the degree of support needed to advance the implementation of environmental education programming regionally. As a result, OLNI was designed to address the identified gaps in high-need school districts on a regional scale.
“The education of all students should include a strong environmental component,” said Manager of Environmental Literacy and Partnerships for NOAA’s Chesapeake Bay Office, Shannon Sprague. “By filling the gaps and creating lasting programs with meaningful environmental experiences for our students, we ensure the future advancement of research and restoration in the Chesapeake Bay region.”
The Chesapeake Bay Trust (Trust) has awarded over $130 million through more than 14,000 awards to ensure cleaner, greener, healthier Chesapeake, Coastal Bays, and Youghiogheny watersheds since 1985. The Trust has a rigorous grant review process: every proposal submitted over $5,000 is sent to members of a Technical Review Committee (TRC) and is reviewed and scored quantitatively by at least three external individuals who are experts in their fields. The Board of Trustees meets 4 times per year to review and approve all TRC recommended proposals. Proposals for $5,000 or less are reviewed by two or more technical experts on the Chesapeake Bay Trust program team. The award list will be updated after each board meeting. Reach out to the designated program officer for more details.
The goal of this program is to implement cost-effective reforestation and greening projects and increase the number of acres of protected forested land in the County. For information about this grant program click here.
Scenic Rivers Land Trust: for the protection of 27 acres of existing forest with a permanent conservation easement and the reforestation and protection of 1.5 acres on Bodkin Creek property in Pasadena, Maryland. $175,296.
This program is designed to engage Maryland residents in activities that enhance communities, engage residents, and improve natural resources by funding small-scale activities such as tree plantings, rain gardens, and community cleanups, among others. For information about this grant program click here.
Blue Water Baltimore: for the creation of a short video regarding green infrastructure and how residents can participate in reducing stormwater runoff in their communities. $5,000.
Christian Liberty Church: for a community clean-up event and installation of a mural connecting faith, clean water, and environmental stewardship. $5,000.
Gwynn Oak United Methodist Church: for the installation of a native plant garden, a native tree, and three rain barrels and a workshop regarding the importance of native plants and water harvesting for capturing and treating stormwater. $5,000.
Project Bright Future: for a series of workshops about community health and ways to reduce stormwater runoff and four community clean-up events. $4,985.
Saint Elizabeth School, Inc.: for the installation of two cisterns and pumps to control runoff from horticultural building and hands-on learning experiences. $3,807.
Saint Matthias Catholic Church: for a series of lectures on the importance of trees and their connection to watershed health and for a park clean-up and field trip to Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary with congregation members. $5,000.
Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church: for a native plant and shrub planting, community garden installation, and educational activities on the topics of natural resource and water quality challenges. $4,977.
Stillmeadow Community Fellowship: for the installation of four 150-gallon cisterns to capture stormwater runoff from the church roof and for educational workshops regarding stormwater impacts to local waterways and how communities can install and maintain individual, residential rain barrels. $4,999.
Tilghman on Chesapeake Community Association: for the installation of 21 native trees on a 2-acre non-tidal wetland site and educational activities regarding watershed health and water quality topics. $3,969.
This program is designed to increase student awareness and involvement in the restoration and protection of our region’s natural resources by increasing access to programs that provide Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs). For information about this grant program click here.
Alice Ferguson Foundation: for 25 third through eighth grade teachers in Prince George’s, Charles, and Allegany Counties to participate in a professional development training focused on Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences. $5,000.
Bethesda Green: for 12 eleventh and twelfth grade students from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Walt Whitman High School and Walter Johnson High School to participate in an Environmental Leadership Program. $5,000.
Dance Exchange: for 15 kindergarten through fifth grade teachers to participate in a professional development training focused on MWEEs and arts integration. $5,000.
Eastport Elementary PTA: for the installation of an outdoor classroom at Eastport Elementary School. $4,938.
Fenix Youth Project: for 25 students in Salisbury, Maryland to participate in an outdoor investigation and install a mural. $4,998.
Graceland Park O’Donnell Heights Elementary/ Middle School: for 240 fourth through eighth grade students to participate in a field experience and complete an action project in their community. $4,570.
Grasonville Elementary School: for 88 fourth grade students to research, design, and plant a rain garden on the school grounds. $4,462.
Howard County Conservancy, Inc.: for 9th graders from Howard County Public Schools to participate in the Watershed Report Card MWEE. $4,989.
Immaculate Conception School: for 108 fourth and fifth grade students to investigate local issues that impact the Jones Falls watershed and its tributaries through classroom research and field trips to local tributaries and to participate in an action project which reduces pollution entering the local watershed. $5,000.
Lesley and Evelyn Holmes Foundation: for 5 students in nineth through twelfth grade to participate in a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience. $1,162.
Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE): for 60 teachers to participate in a professional development training focused on outdoor classroom use. $5,000.
One Montgomery Green: for 40 high school students to participate in the Clean Headwaters Program. $5,000.
Ridge Elementary School: for 112 third through fifth grade students to participate in the installation of an outdoor classroom. $5,000.
Talbot County Public Schools: for 354 sixth grade students to participate in an investigation focused on water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and to complete a planting at Pickering Creek. $5,000.
This program is designed to engage Maryland residents in activities that enhance communities, engage residents, and improve natural resources by funding small-scale activities such as tree plantings, rain gardens, and community cleanups, among others. For information about this grant program click here.
Havre de Grace Green Team: for the expansion of the Todd Park Food Forest and for a workshop to build knowledge on environmentally sustainable food-growing practices. $4,967.
Quail Meadow community Association, Inc.: for the installation of native plantings along the edge of the Quail Meadow community pond in Carroll County, Maryland. $4,971.
Tanglewood Homeowners Association: for the replacement of four Bradford Pear trees with 12 native trees in the Tanglewood community of Columbia and the engagement of the community in the planting and knowledge building on the ecological importance of native plants. $4,682.
4STEPS Therapeutic Riding Program: for ten special needs, at-risk teenagers and young adults to participate in a horseback reptile surveying project that includes watershed and ecological health education. $5,000.
This funding opportunity arose out of the urgent need to provide financial assistance to nonprofit environmental education providers throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed during the COVID-19 pandemic, as their operations pivoted from place-based environmental education to virtual platforms and physically distanced schoolyard programs. For information about this program click here.
Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park: to support the adaptations and implementation of the Box of Rain and School In Nature programs. $20,000.
Blue Sky Fund: to support the adaptations and implementation of the Explorers program for third, fourth, and fifth grade students at Richmond Public Schools. $20,000.
Boxerwood Education Association: to support the NEST program for students in Rockbridge County, VA. $19,990.
ECO City Farms: to support transitioning educational offerings to virtual and into at-home kits for 3,000 Prince George’s County students. $20,000.
Friends of Peirce Mill: for support of an online program for third graders in the District of Columbia including live lessons and a virtual field trip. $7,200.
Friends of the National Arboretum: to support distribution of Grow-at-Home kits for 2,000 students and 6 safely distanced Arboretum Family Days in the U.S. National Arboretum for high-needs school communities. $19,985.
Living Classrooms Foundation: to support the adaptations and implementation of a virtual SLURRP (School Leadership in Urban Runoff Reduction Project) program for fourth and fifth grade students in South Baltimore. $19,998.
Stroud Water Research Center: to support the adaptation and implementation of virtual Environmental Education programs, and the creation of a Pennsylvania Watershed Literacy and Resources website. $14,442.
Ward Foundation: to enable the Ward Museum to continue serving regional children and teachers via new socially distanced, virtual, and hybrid programs. $17,785.
This program encourages outreach and community engagement activities that increase stewardship ethic of natural resources and on-the-ground restoration activities that demonstrate restoration techniques and engage Maryland citizens in the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers. For information about this grant program click here.
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay: for an 11-acre reforestation project in Harford County, Maryland. $49,958.
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay: for the conversion of agricultural land into meadow at Serenity Farm and associated outreach efforts for the development and planning of future meadow projects in Charles County. $41,777.
Anacostia Riverkeeper: for outreach to Latinx faith-based organizations to raise awareness on the health risks of local fish consumption and other relationships between environmental and human health. $25,963.
Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park: for the creation and installation of educational signage for Chesapeake Bay watershed learning stations at Annapolis Maritime Museum’s two waterfront campuses and for an eight-part series of adult programs that connect adults with the history, health, and future of the watershed. $29,209.
Asbury Foundation: for the engagement of Asbury Methodist Village residents in tree plantings and workshops designed to increase understanding of watershed health. $30,000.
Audubon Naturalist Society of the Central Atlantic States, Inc.: for support of the Plant it Forward program to train community members and landscape professionals about conservation landscaping and benefits of native plants in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. $30,000.
Audubon Naturalist Society of the Central Atlantic States, Inc.: for 80 Montgomery county community members to participate in a bilingual Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience. $20,836.
Audubon Naturalist Society of the Central Atlantic States, Inc.: for experiences in nature for veterans through community environmental education programs along a wheelchair-accessible, streamside nature trail at 40-acre Woodend Nature Sanctuary. $10,126.
Baltimore City Department of Planning: for planting 32 trees in the Boyd-Booth community in Baltimore City, Maryland. $21,472.
Baltimore Green Space: for invasive species removal at Springfield Woods. $49,420.
Blue Water Baltimore: for planting 150 trees and associated outreach efforts in the Cherry Hill neighborhood in Baltimore, Maryland. $49,999.
Blue Water Baltimore: for a pilot campaign to educate Belair-Edison and Cherry Hill residents on the causes of sewage backups, the impacts to water quality, and the resources that exist to address the issue. $30,000.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation: for wetland restoration in Kent County, Maryland. $46,068.
Civic Works, Inc.: for a certification-based stormwater management training for 12 Baltimore City residents from historically excluded communities. $30,000.
The Community Ecology Institute: for the installation of best management practices and associated outreach efforts at Freetown Farm. $75,000.
Corner Team, Inc.: for the installation and maintenance of a pollinator garden with assistance from residents and members of Corner Team Boxing & Fitness Center. $5,757.
Defensores de la Cuenca: for outreach and engagement efforts to promote environmental stewardship within the Latinx community in Charles County. $21,391.
Ducks Unlimited, Inc.: for targeted outreach and education of agricultural landowners and producers on Maryland’s eastern shore. $29,691.
Friends of the Patapsco Valley Heritage Greenway, Inc.: for outreach and engagement efforts to promote environmental stewardship within the Latinx and Korean communities in Ellicott City, Maryland. $25,000.
Friends of the Patapsco Valley State Park Ltd: for support for Spanish speaking staff to lead Spanish educational programming for Latinx visitors focused on watershed and natural resource topics. $16,000.
Gunpowder Riverkeeper: for support for the Clear Choices Clean Water Harford program. $15,000.
Howard County Conservancy, Inc.: for the planting of a soft edge habitat with native trees and shrubs to support greater wildlife diversity and further protect the watershed along the border of the Howard County Conservancy and the historic Mt. Pleasant Farmstead in Woodstock, Maryland. $25,130.
Howard EcoWorks: for the engagement of individual property owners and communities in restoration projects to enhance ecosystem services and strengthen the resiliency of the communities. $22,000.
Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake (IPC): for the training of individuals to develop green teams and produce an Action Plan for faith-based organizations located in Baltimore City, Maryland. $13,124.
Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake (IPC): for the development of green teams at faith-based organizations in Gaithersburg, Maryland. $12,973.
Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake (IPC): for the continued support of the Interfaith Green Leaders Training in Howard County. $12,000.
Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake (IPC): for continued Green Team Leader support of Harford County faith-based communities. $11,673.
Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake (IPC): for support of the Green Team Leadership Development Program to educate residents about watershed restoration and train congregation members with the goal of developing green teams in the City of Salisbury. $6,892.
Izaak Walton League of America (The): for support of the Winter Salt Watch program in Gaithersburg, Maryland. $30,923.
McDaniel College: for a forest and wetland restoration and the installation of a student-focused educational signage project at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. $35,000.
Mid-shore Community Foundation: for members of three disenfranchised communities in the Choptank watershed to participate in community meetings and site visits to identify natural resource concerns and develop community restoration plans to address issues. $16,126.
The Nature Conservancy: for field days and coaching sessions with Harford County farmers to identify and implement practices to improve their operations with advanced nutrient management and precision agriculture technologies. $29,953.
NeighborSpace of Baltimore County, Inc.: for impervious surface removal, native plantings, and rain garden installation at Flannery Lane Park in Towson, Maryland. $35,000.
Oyster Recovery Partnership, Inc.: for the Marylanders Grow Oysters program through the Oyster Recovery Partnership and its community-based partners to recruit waterfront communities and homeowners near Maryland tributaries to donate their time, effort, and dock to care for cages of juvenile oysters until they mature. $49,999.
Patterson Park Audubon Center: for the growth of the Baltimore Bird Ambassador project to reach 400 Latinx community members. $29,700.
Pearlstone Conference & Retreat Center: for a bioretention and water stewardship outreach project at the Pearlstone Conference & Retreat Center in Reisterstown, Maryland. $30,602.
Pickering Creek Audubon Center: for a residential native plant outreach and awareness project in Talbot and Dorchester Counties. $29,726.
Potomac Conservancy: for support of the Volunteer Leadership Team to recruit and train volunteer leaders to organize and lead native seed collection events in neighborhoods and public lands in Montgomery and Frederick Counties. $29,262.
ReBUILD Metro, Inc.: for the creation of the East Preston Pocket Park and to train 30 local green team leaders and volunteers in greenspace stewardship and maintenance techniques $36,775.
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church: for the removal of impervious surface and replacement with permeable pavement, installation of native plantings, and associated outreach efforts at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. $64,358.
ShoreRivers: for establishing a partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Anne Arundel Community College, and Washington College to restore 24 acres of submerged aquatic vegetation and to provide new hands-on volunteer opportunities to improve water quality and clarity, increase of aquatic habitat, and to help meet the Chesapeake Bay Agreement habitat restoration goal. $63,446.
ShoreRivers: for the engagement of two Eastern Shore communities in the implementation of conservation planting projects, two River-Friendly Yards workshops, and one bus tour. $31,859.
Susquehannock Wildlife Society, Inc.: for an outreach program and the development and installation of interpretive signage focused on demonstration projects and how residents can create similar elements such as pollinator meadows, rain gardens, vernal pool, and stream restoration. $5,000.
University of Maryland, College Park: for the collection and testing of harvested rainwater and an educational program for urban growers and residents focused on water quality and water conservation topics. $29,985.
University of Maryland: Environmental Finance Center: for support of the Stormwater Management Residential Action Framework and Outreach 2.0 Campaign. $29,999.
This program aims to support events that will increase awareness or knowledge on issues pertaining to restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay region natural resources and/or promote the Trust’s major sources of revenue. For information about this program click here.
Audubon Naturalist Society of the Central Atlantic States, Inc.: for support of the third Naturally Latinos and fourth Taking Nature Black virtual conferences. $2,500.
Harford Land Trust, Inc.: for an awareness campaign to increase support for farmland preservation and to strengthen the local food supply chain in Harford County. This effort will also create a video featuring farmers and the importance of protecting the environment. $1,000.
Maryland Association of Floodplain and Stormwater Managers: for support of the 2020 Maryland Association of Floodplain and Stormwater Managers virtual conference. $1,000.
The Chesapeake Bay Trust, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and the Maryland Department of the Environment welcome requests from local governments and non-profit organizations for assistance with the earliest phases of watershed restoration projects. This program will support watershed restoration project design assistance, watershed planning, and programmatic development associated with protection and restoration programs and projects that lead to improved water quality in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the Maryland portion of the Youghiogheny watershed, and the Maryland Coastal Bays. For information about this program click here.
Arundel Rivers Federation: for design of stormwater management practices at St. Mark United Methodist Church., $16,521.00.
Center for Watershed Protection, Inc.: for design of the FC Frederick stream restoration project., $173,926.00.
Central Baltimore Partnership: for design of the Union Craft wetland project., $48,127.00.
Chesapeake Rivers Association, Inc.: for design of the Lindamoor outfall and living shoreline restoration project., $74,837.00.
Churchville Presbyterian Congregation: for the design of two stormwater management practices., $13,400.00.
County Commissioners of Caroline County: for design of rain gardens and conservation plantings at the Jonestown Community Park., $2,850.00.
John Carroll School: for development of a campus greening plan and design of stormwater management practices., $92,840.00.
Maryland Coastal Bays Program: for development of a watershed action plan for the Newport, Sinepuxent, and Chincoteague Bays sub-watersheds., $73,070.00.
ShoreRivers: for development of the Poor House Run assessment and plan., $52,956.00.
ShoreRivers: for design and permitting of the Sears Farm stream restoration project., $81,896.00.
ShoreRivers: for development of the Bayside Creeks watershed management plan., $49,903.00.
ShoreRivers: for the development of dairy conservation action plans for five Maryland Eastern Shore dairy operations., $52,238.00.ShoreRivers: for the design and permitting of the Turners Creek stream restoration project., $110,000.00.
ShoreRivers: for design of bioswale facilities at the Community Park in Galena., $17,996.00.
Spa Creek Conservancy (SCC): for engagement of residents at the Housing Authority of City of Annapolis (HACA) to develop a community plan for Hawkins Cove., $60,000.00.
The Low Impact Development Center, Inc.: for development of a stormwater master plan for the Town of Cheverly, Maryland., $50,000.00.
Town of Emmitsburg: for design and permitting of the Silo Hill detention basin restoration project., $34,000.00.
Towson Presbyterian Church: for design of two rain gardens and a cistern system at the Church., $35,509.00.
Trout Unlimited Inc.: for design of the Sand Spring Run stream restoration project., $114,411.00.
University of Maryland College Park: for design of the Campus Creek restoration and Pond Retrofit projects., $180,000.00.
The Capacity Building Initiative (CBI) is a joint initiative from the Chesapeake Bay Trust and Chesapeake Bay Funders Network. CBI seeks to build the organizational capacity of natural resource focused nonprofit organizations working in the Chesapeake, Coastal Bays, and Youghiogheny watersheds. This program funds key capacity building strategies vital to establishing a strong base, including (but not limited to) the development of robust financial plans to modify or diversify organizational revenue sources and collaboration among organizations. For information about this grant program click here.
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay: for contractual support to develop a fundraising plan that will diversify revenue sources. $30,000.
Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley: for diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice training and capacity building. $29,950.
Anacostia Watershed Society: for contractual services to support assessment and development of an organizational diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice plan. $30,000.
Anne Arundel Watershed Stewards Academy: for contractual services for a diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice assessment and plan. $30,000.
Capital Region Land Conservancy: for contractual assessment, training, and planning to build diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice capacity. $30,000.
Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council: for the development of a new strategic plan and adaptation of the certificate course. $10,681.
Citizens For Pennsylvania’s Future: for a diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice plan. $29,732.
Conservation Foundation of Lancaster County: for collaborative capacity building and survey work. $26,250.
EcoLatinos, Inc.: for a fundraising plan and board education to support fundraising efforts. $29,980.
Friends of the Rappahannock: for the creation of a fundraising plan, updates to the customer relationship management system, and staff training. $10,247.
Harford Land Trust, Inc.: for a group of urban and rural land trusts to learn together and increase fundraising capacity. $30,000.
Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake (IPC): for an adaptive capacity building project to create a spatial data set of faith-owned properties in Maryland and Lancaster Pennsylvania. $29,934.
Lancaster Farmland Trust: for analysis of technology needs and implementation of technology upgrades to enhance engagement programs. $27,780.
National Wildlife Federation: for four leadership and management trainings for the Young Professionals of Color mentorship program. $30,000.
Northern Virginia Conservation Trust: for the development of a strategic conservation plan. $17,249.
Otter Point Creek Alliance: for website design and re-branding. $24,250.
Oyster Recovery Partnership, Inc.: for contractual services for a diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice assessment and plan and an updated constituent relationship management system. $30,000.
Potomac Conservancy: for anti-racism training for board members and integration of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice strategies into the strategic plan and organization processes. $30,000.
Potomac Riverkeeper Network: for contractual services for a diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice assessment and training. $29,998.
Scenic Rivers Land Trust, Inc.: for executive leadership training. $15,000.
West Virginia Rivers Coalition: for improved social media and virtual communications. $12,480.
The Chesapeake Oyster Innovation Award Program is a partnership between the Chesapeake Oyster Alliance and the Chesapeake Bay Trust that funds projects that meet any of the following three goals: increase knowledge about oyster fisheries or oyster aquaculture, advance in small-scale technologies for either increasing oyster population or oyster aquaculture, and increase in oyster fishery or aquaculture measurement/monitoring techniques or activities. For information about this grant program click here.
Friends of the Rappahannock: for an educational program, to increase knowledge about oyster aquaculture and health among landowners and local stakeholders within the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula of Virginia. $4,715.
Hoopers Island Oyster Company: for a setting trailer prototype to allow oyster production to begin earlier in the season and in a ‘bio-safe’ environment that reduces risk of disease. $4,997.
James River Association: for an educational program for K-12 students in the Newport News public school system. $4,969.
Morgan State University – Patuxent Environmental and Aquatic Research Laboratory: for the development of a series of educational videos about oysters. $4,810.
Nansemond Indian Tribal Association: for the development of educational materials for K-12 students in the Hampton Roads area. $5,000.
Severn River Association, Inc.: for the creation of the Oyster Reef Dive Program to enhance reef monitoring. $5,000.
Virginia Institute of Marine Science: for the expansion of a post-settlement oyster monitoring program. $5,000.
Washington College: for the creation of an oyster focused curriculum for 9-12th grade students. $4,487.
This program is designed to engage Maryland residents in activities that enhance communities, engage residents, and improve natural resources by funding small-scale activities such as tree plantings, rain gardens, and community cleanups, among others. For information about this grant program click here.
City of Frederick: for the installation of six raised garden beds and one rain barrel to promote community wellness through sustainable, local food supplies and water conservation practices. $3,800.
College of Southern Maryland: for support of a pilot Butterflies for a Better Bay program, which will involve the creation of five native gardens and outreach and education events to engage families in the fostering of Monarch butterflies. $4,998.
Cottage City: for enhancement of the Cottage City Community Garden through the installation of rain barrels, a pergola, and a green house. $2,500.
Delaware Maryland Synod ELCA: for planting 80 trees on congregation properties throughout Maryland, with a focus on the intersection of the environmental and spiritual values of stewardship. $4,984.
Southern Maryland Audubon Society: for the creation of two community gardens at the Dorchester Community center and workshops to demonstrate the importance of native plants. $5,000.
The High 5 Initiative, Inc.: for six community cleanup events focused on the Susquehanna, North East and Elk Rivers in Cecil County, Maryland. $5,000.
Tilghman on Chesapeake Community Association: for the implementation of phase 2 of the Island Club Preserve non-tidal wetland restoration project, to plant 10 additional native trees and 116 native shrubs on community property. $3,814.
Town of Thurmont: for a residential rain barrel distribution program and a workshop to educate residents on water quality topics and strategies for stormwater management to reduce runoff. $1,250.
Tuscany Lombardy Community: for the removal of invasive species and replacement with native trees and plants on the historic Tuscany Lombardy Community property and the creation of a video to promote this project by local students. $4,500.
The Environmental Education Grant Program funds initiatives and programs that advance environmental literacy and result in students gaining the knowledge, skills, and appreciation for nature to take responsible actions to protect and restore their local environment. For information about this grant program click here.
Adkins Arboretum: for a sustainable partnership with ShoreRivers that will advance organizational capacity to provide environmental literacy programs and teacher professional development. $29,889.
Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park: for an outdoor classroom at Back Creek Nature Park. $13,000.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center: for an environmental literacy program focused on the Severn River for all 9th graders in the Environmental Science course. $73,620.
Backyard Basecamp, Inc.: for an outdoor classroom at BLISS Meadows. $13,850.
Dance Exchange: for an arts-integrated environmental literacy pilot for kindergarten students in Prince George’s County Public Schools. $30,319.
ShoreRivers: for an environmental literacy program for all 4th and 9th graders at Kent County Public Schools. $119,915.
ShoreRivers: for an outdoor classroom at New Directions Learning Academy. $20,000.
Washington County Public Schools: for the integration of Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) in 2nd and 6th grade at Washington County Public Schools. $39,952.
Worcester County Public Schools: for a district-wide environmental literacy plan and program for all 9th and 10th graders. $109,455.
The Montgomery County Watershed Restoration and Outreach Grant Program is a partnership between the Montgomery County Government and the Chesapeake Bay Trust that funds public outreach and stewardship projects, community-based restoration water quality implementation projects, and litter reduction projects in the Anacostia River Watershed through trash trap maintenance and monitoring. For information about this grant program click here.
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay: for green infrastructure practices and a watershed outreach project. $90,000.
Anacostia Riverkeeper: for green infrastructure practices at two sites in the Anacostia Watershed. $62,000.
Anacostia Riverkeeper: for Sligo Creek water quality monitoring. $30,242.
Anacostia Riverkeeper: for trash trap maintenance and monitoring. $50,000.
Audubon Naturalist Society of the Central Atlantic States, Inc.: for a conservation landscape training program for LatinX residents. $29,983.
Audubon Naturalist Society of the Central Atlantic States, Inc.: for a watershed stewardship engagement project for the LatinX community. $20,836.
Bannockburn Community Club: for an impervious surface removal and green infrastructure project. $50,000.
Casey Trees: for a street tree project. $75,000.
Friends of Sligo Creek: for green infrastructure practices at the Carolyn Condominium. $60,061.
Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake (IPC): for a virtual watershed restoration training program. $9,571.
Little Falls Watershed Alliance: for an innovative water quality monitoring project using autonomous environmental robots. $30,000.
Little Falls Watershed Alliance: for a permeable paver project in the Overlook Community. $32,635.
National Wildlife Federation: for al native plant outreach project for the faith-based community. $49,953.
Potomac Riverkeeper Network: for delivery of a watershed stewardship and pollution awareness campaign. $29,998.
University System of Maryland Foundation, Inc.: for a green infrastructure design plan for the Glenwood Recreation Club. $20,000.
The Prince George’s County Stormwater Stewardship Grant Program is a partnership between the Prince George’s County Government and the Chesapeake Bay Trust to fund on-the-ground restoration activities that improve neighborhoods, improve water quality, and engage Prince George’s County residents in the restoration and protection of the local rivers and streams of Prince George’s County. For information about this grant program click here.
Central Kenilworth Avenue Revitalization Community Development Corporation, Inc.: for planting 300 trees on residential properties and a community event on the importance of tree planting. $133,736.
Centro de Apoyo Familiar: for a stewardship-building community engagement program on stormwater runoff issues and the Rain Check Rebate program. $15,000.
City of Hyattsville: for a green alleyway design that uses permeable pavers and serves as a pilot project that can be replicated. $36,702.
City of Mount Rainier: for the installation of 16 rain gardens along 30th Avenue and 33rd Avenue rights-of-way. $142,441.
Defensores de la Cuenca: for the plan to develop a future “Academia de Defensores de Cuencas” that will train Spanish-speaking residents on watershed-health issues and restoration projects. $15,000.
EcoLatinos, Inc.: for the promotion of the Prince George’s County Rain Check Rebate Program to Spanish-speaking residents. $29,748.
Mount Rainier Elementary School PTO: for removal of impervious surface. $5,000.
National Wildlife Federation: for a multi-faith effort to promote stormwater management resources through a faith based “Caring for Creation” approach. $29,999.
Neighborhood Design Center: for a virtual, maintenance-focused program aimed at youth and fostering green career-building connections. $30,000.
Town of Edmonston: for the installation of 10 rain gardens on Gallatin Street. $142,803.
Washington Area Bicyclist Association: for planning bilingual litter cleanups and bike rides to increase awareness of local natural resources and to promote stewardship. $5,000.
This program aims to support events that will increase awareness or knowledge on issues pertaining to restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay region natural resources and/or promote the Trust’s major sources of revenue. For information about this program click here.
Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE): for support of the 36th annual Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education conference. $1,000.
The Anne Arundel County Watershed Restoration Grant Program is a partnership between the Anne Arundel County Bureau of Watershed Protection and Restoration, the City of Annapolis, and the Chesapeake Bay Trust. This program funds projects to reduce pollutants through the implementation of watershed restoration practices. Projects must accomplish on-the-ground restoration that treats rainwater runoff from impervious surfaces or demonstrates the accomplishment of another metric that will help the County and City meet local water quality and runoff reduction improvement goals. For more information about this grant program, click here.
Arundel Rivers Federation: for the implementation of water quality improvement practice that includes daylighting a 252-foot storm drainpipe and replacement with a riparian floodplain and pilot channel to provide water quality treatment, new pollinator habitat, and flood control. $298,665.
Arundel Rivers Federation: for the restoration of approximately 1,000 linear feet of stream in Caffrey Run, a tributary to Harness Creek in the South River Watershed and located in Quiet Waters Park. $221,960.
Arundel Rivers Federation: for the restoration of 1,686 linear feet of stream in Broad Creek within the South River through Regenerative Stream Conveyance and valley restoration to reconnect the stream to its floodplain, increase flood attenuation, reduce nutrient and sediment outputs, and enhance wetland habitat. $302,569.
Cedar Ridge Homes Association: for the implementation of the Green Alley 2 project to control flooding and degradation issues within the alley, reduce runoff to Chesapeake Bay, beautify the common area, and to educate neighbors on taking steps in their own backyards to help further mitigate stormwater issues. $55,476.
Chesapeake Rivers Association, Inc.: for the design and permitting of the Back Creek Headwaters Restoration Project, which includes both the Phase I Annapolis Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) design project and the Phase II Mariner’s Point Community Association design project. $169,969.
Chesapeake Rivers Association, Inc.: for implementation of a Regenerative Stream Channel (RSC) to provide greater nutrient processing and improved connection to the floodplains/ wetlands, decommission the existing dam, and removal of the riser and pipe to replace the failing piped technology with current best management restoration practices. $274,880.
The Tecumseh Condominium: for the development of a Stormwater Management Design Plan for the Tecumseh Condominium community. $32,250.
The Chesapeake Conservation Corps is a partnership between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, BGE an Exelon Company, the National Park Service, and the Chesapeake Bay Trust. The Corps is a leadership program that provides young adults (ages 18-25) with hands-on environmental and leadership experience through placements with nonprofit or government agencies for one-year terms of service in the Chesapeake Bay region. To learn more about this program, click here.
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay: for a community engagement project focused on native pollinators. $1,031.
Amazing Grace Lutheran Church: for the restoration of green space at Amazing Port Street Commons. $1,101.
American Chestnut Land Trust: for the creation of educational materials and a monitoring program about native amphibians. $1,249.
American Chestnut Land Trust: for invasive species removal and trail maintenance at an All Hands on Deck Event for the Chesapeake Conservation Corps 2021 cohort. $1,500.
Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center: to provide students access to an “outdoor window” during virtual learning and severe weather events. $1,250.
Audubon Naturalist Society of the Central Atlantic States, Inc.: for the removal of invasive pachysandra and planting of native trees. $1,240.
Baltimore Tree Trust: for the implementation of a transgender memorial tree planting project. $1,250.
Camp Puh’tok for Boys and Girls, Inc.: for a MWEE focused All Hands on Deck Event with the Chesapeake Conservation Corps 2021 cohort. $1,468.
Camp Puh’tok for Boys and Girls, Inc.: for wetland and pond restoration educational signage. $1,250.
Friends of Gwynns Falls / Leakin Park: for a mural and outdoor educational signage. $1,215.
The Izaak Walton League of America: for water quality monitoring at Muddy Branch stream. $459.
Lower Shore Land Trust: for the restoration of Olive Lippoldt Tidal Wetland Garden. $1,250.
Maryland Coastal Bays Program: for the creation of educational materials focused on a new terrapin nesting site. $1,250.
Maryland Coastal Bays Program: for the creation of terrapin nesting sites at an All Hands on Deck Event with the Chesapeake Conservation Corps 2021 cohort. $1,500.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR): for the creation of a mussel monitoring and restoration program. $1,119.
National Aquarium: for the Jonestown Marine Debris Initiative, a plastics and litter community evaluation. $1,250.
National Wildlife Federation: for the creation of a nature play space. $1,250.
Patapsco Heritage Greenway, Inc: for the creation of a water quality map, and the identification of gaps in data and new monitoring sites. $1,250.
Severn River Association, Inc.: for the creation of an oyster reef monitoring program. $902.
Severn River Association, Inc.: for a land survey education All Hands on Deck Event with the Chesapeake Conservation Corps 2021 cohort. $1,496.
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center: for the public engagement about, and monitoring of, the river otter. $1,250.
Sultana Education Foundation: for the creation of a hydroponics and aquaponics exhibit. $1,250.
The Nature Conservancy: for a study of pyrogenic carbon in soils at the Nassawango Creek Preserve. $1,250.
This program is designed to engage Maryland residents in activities that enhance communities, engage residents, and improve natural resources by funding small-scale activities such as tree plantings, rain gardens, and community cleanups, among others. For information about this grant program click here.
3200 Carlisle Block Association, Inc.: for planting 30 street trees to raise awareness and to reduce stormwater runoff. $5,000.
Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church: for the installation of two cisterns and conservation landscaping. $4,990.
C.A.R.E. Community Association: for the transformation of a vacant lot into a pollinator garden. $4,821.
Laurel For the Patuxent, Inc.: for a pollinator garden at Sweitzer Park and a campaign to promote residential conservation landscaping. $4,671.
Magothy Meadows Homeowners Association: to plant 18 native trees and 10 shrubs. $2,945.
Nature Worx, Inc.: for nature-based group sessions to promote well-being and environmental stewardship amongst Brooklyn residents. $4,900.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: for listening sessions and guided tours to gain residential input on the Baltimore Greenway. $5,000.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church: for the enhancement of an existing native conservation landscaping and information sessions on the importance of native plants. $2,992.
Townhomes at the Pointe I: for a 2,000 square foot rain garden and native tree installation to treat stormwater runoff. $4,553.
The District of Columbia Urban Agriculture Small Grants Program is a partnership between the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the District of Columbia Department of Energy and EnvironmentOffice of Urban Agriculture. This grant program seeks to provide funding to building capacity for crop production and distribution, and to increase knowledge within farmers and District residents through agricultural education experiences. To learn more about this grant program, click here.
Designgreen LLC: for utility and topographic surveys to further develop a community green space concept plan, production of a mini documentary including resident interviews, and support for student internship projects as connected to the original Takoma Community Collaborative project. $4,960.
National Wildlife Federation: for the creation of a cohort of three churches, development of a planting plan, and an additional workshop for Ward 7 and 8 congregations on the RiverSmart Communities Program as connected to the original Sacred Grounds project. $4,893.
Near Southeast Community Partners: for the addition of educational sessions,one field trip, and one online training video for participants of a stormwater management workforce training as connected to the original Green Career Training for DC Latinos project. $3,600.
The Green Scheme: for an educational video and increased outreach to residents living near Oxon Run as connected to the original Ward 8 Water Watchers project. $5,000.
Urban Learning and Teaching Center: for the addition of outdoor programming for Cleveland Elementary School’s fourth and fifth grade students as connected ot the original Waterway Guardians in Shaw project. $5,005.
Ward 8 Woods Conservancy: for increased activity days involving litter clean up and invasive species removal by park stewards as conencted to the original Restore Fort Stanton Park project. $4,994.
This program is designed to increase student awareness and involvement in the restoration and protection of our region’s natural resources by increasing access to programs that provide Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs). For information about this grant program click here.
Achilles Elementary School: for 380 pre-k through twelfth graders to learn about healthy ecosystems and waterways. $2,685.
Anacostia Watershed Society: for 200 elementary students to learn about stormwater runoff and watershed health. $4,876.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center: for arts and environmental education professional development for 30 teachers. $5,000.
Arlington Elementary Middle School #234: for 350 students to investigate the importance of soil health and impacts of stormwater. $5,000.
Blue Sky Fund: for 925 fourth graders to investigate the water quality in the James River watershed. $5,000.
Crow’s Nest Research Center: for environmental education professional development for 12 teachers. $5,000.
Eastern Shore Land Conservancy’s Sassafras Environmental Education Center: for 435 tenth and eleventh graders to conduct water quality investigations on Turners Creek. $5,000.
Fairfax County Park Foundation Inc.,: for 2,250 fourth and fifth graders to learn about watershed health and plant native plants. $5,000.
Friends of Richmond Community High School: for 75 ninth and tenth graders to investigate climate change impacts on the health of local waterways. $5,000.
Garrett Heights Elementary Middle School: for 326 pre-k through eighth graders to install an outdoor classroom and paint storm drains. $5,000.
Irvine Nature Center: for 30 students to learn about local biodiversity. $4,780.
James River Association: for 200 fifth graders in Henrico County Public Schools to study stormwater pollution and paint storm drains. $5,000.
James River Association: for 10th through 12th graders from Newport News Public Schools to learn about oysters and micro-plastics. $4,999.
James River Association: for 300 students to study stormwater pollution and 25 teachers to receive environmental education professional development training. $5,000.
Lacawac Sanctuary: for third through fifth graders in Wayne County to investigate the health of and human impacts on the Lacawac River. $5,000.
Live It Learn It: for 200 fifth graders to investigate and reduce plastic pollution in the Anacostia River. $5,000.
Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE): for outdoor education professional development for 25 middle school teachers. $4,995.
One Montgomery Green: for 25 students to learn how to reduce plastic waste. $5,000.
Severn River Association, Inc.: for 100 students to learn about local watershed health. $4,957.
Skyline High School: for students to learn about sustainable agriculture and plant a pollinator garden. $5,000.
St. Martins-in the-Field Episcopal School: for 227 students to learn about the impact of food systems and install a garden. $5,000.
St. Peter’s Episcopal School: for the installation of an outdoor classroom. $4,750.
The Banner School, Inc.: for 155 kindergarten through eighth graders to install native plants to decrease stormwater pollution. $3,154.
The Springwell School, Inc.: for 15 students to learn about composting and sustainable agriculture. $5,000.
Thomas Johnson Elementary/Middle School: for 70 eighth graders to study marine debris issues. $5,000.
Thomas Johnson Elementary/Middle School: for 60 seventh graders to study marine debris issues. $5,000.
Thomas Johnson Elementary/Middle School: for 50 sixth graders to study marine debris issues. $5,000.
The EPA Goal Implementation Team Project Support Program is a partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Chesapeake Bay Trust. This program is designed to invite entities experienced in various aspects of fisheries, watershed science and policy, watershed stewardship, outreach and training, climate resilience, submerged aquatic vegetation (sav), and other watershed issues to submit proposals to advance specific outcomes of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. For information about this program click here.
Center for Watershed Protection, Inc.: for Scope 5- management approaches to reduce stressors of stream health. $47,500.
Center for Watershed Protection, Inc.: for Scope 3- maintaining forests in stream corridor restoration and sharing lessons learned. $90,000.
Chesapeake Conservancy: for Scope 11- cultivating and strengthening partnerships with underrepresented stakeholders. $65,000.
Eastern Research Group, Inc.: for Scope 4- planning for clean water- local government workshops. $69,983.
OpinionWorks LLC: for Scope 1- public access research. $74,692.
Skeo Solutions, Inc.: for Scope 10- developing standards and metrics to target the conservation of “green spaces” in underrepresented and low-income urban and rural communities. $69,943.
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES): for Scope 2- a social science road map for advancing Chesapeake Bay Program partnership goals. $74,990.
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES): for Scope 12- cost effective denitrification measurement in oyster reefs. $80,000.
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES): for Scope 7- forage indicator development- using environmental drivers to assess forage status. $60,000.
Virginia Institute of Marine Science, School of Marine Science, College of William & Mary: for Scope 8- synthesis of shoreline, sea level rise, and marsh migration data for wetland restoration targeting. $72,418.
Virginia Institute of Marine Science, School of Marine Science, College of William & Mary: for Scope 6- modeling climate impacts on submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in the Chesapeake Bay. $75,000.
The Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns Grant Program is a partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and the Chesapeake Bay Trust. This program is designed to help communities develop and implement plans that reduce stormwater runoff, increase the number and amount of green spaces in urban areas, improve the health of local streams and the Chesapeake Bay, and enhance quality of life and community livability. To learn more about this grant program, click here.
Backyard Basecamp, Inc.: for green infrastructure practices at BLISS Meadows in Baltimore, Maryland. $45,465.
Bolton Hill Community Association: for a green streets concept plan for the Bolton Hill and Madison Park communities in Baltimore City. $15,000.
Bon Secours Unity Properties: for a community greening project in Baltimore, Maryland. $34,065.
Capon Bridge Revitalization Group, Inc.: for green infrastructure practices in Capon Bridge, West Virginia. $78,500.
Center for Watershed Protection, Inc.: for a stormwater retrofit pollution load reduction calculator. $16,365.
City of Annapolis: for green infrastructure design and implementation in Annapolis, Maryland. $65,000.
City of Frederick: for a green infrastructure master plan in Frederick, Maryland. $15,000.
City of Hyattsville: for a green streets concept plan in Hyattsville, Maryland. $15,000.
City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania: for green infrastructure practices in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. $151,251.
City of Salisbury: for green infrastructure practices in Salisbury, Maryland. $100,000.
Civic Works, Inc.: for a vacant lot greening project in South Clifton Park. $16,500.
Commissioners of Ridgely: for a green streets concept plan for the Town of Ridgely, Maryland. $14,940.
International City County Management Association: for a white paper on local government resrouces for financing green infrastructure practices. $19,750.
Maryland State Fair & Agricultural Society, Inc.: for a green infrastructure master plan for the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Maryland. $30,000.
Nanticoke Watershed Alliance: for green infrastructure practices in Seaford, Delaware. $100,000.
Nature Sacred: for a white paper on the health-economics-based case for incorporating nature and green infrastructure into hospitals and other health-facility grounds. $20,000.
Neighborhood Design Center: for a green infrastructure community culture analysis in Prince Georges County, Maryland. $15,000.
Oxford Borough: for a green infrastructure concept plan for Oxford, Pennsylvania. $14,847.
Prince George’s County, Maryland: for a green infrastructure design and community greening project in Mt. Rainier, Maryland. $80,000.
ReBUILD Metro, Inc. (f/k/a TRF Development Partners, Inc.): for a green infrastructure master plan for Greenmount Park in Baltimore City. $15,000.
Ridge to Reefs: for green infrastructure practices in Park Heights, Maryland. $50,000.
Seton Hill Association, Inc.: for a tree planting project in the Seton Hill Community in Baltimore City. $15,283.
ShoreRivers: for a green infrastructure concept plan for Saint Mary Refuge of Sinners and Star of the Sea Parish in Cambridge, Maryland. $12,432.
ShoreRivers: for green infrastructure practices at Washington College, in Chestertown, Maryland. $89,802.
The 6th Branch: for a tree nursery and youth workforce training program in Baltimore, Maryland. $47,500.
The Community Ecology Institute: for a green infrastructure engineered design for Atholton High School in Columbia, Maryland. $30,000.
Town of Bath: for green infrastructure practices in Bath, West Virginia. $30,000.
Town of Bel Air: for a green infrastructure concept plan for Bel Air, Maryland. $14,850.
Town of Galena: for a green infrastructure concept plan for Galena, Maryland. $16,750.
Town of Glen Echo: for a green streets concept plan for Glen Echo, Maryland. $14,700.
Town of Laurel: for green infrastructure practices at the Dunbar Building in Laurel, Delaware. $99,000.
University of Maryland College Park: for a green street engineered design in Prince George’s County, Maryland. $20,000.
The Chesapeake Bay Trust, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration, the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, and other partners announce a Request for Proposals for its Restoration Research award program. The goal of this research program is to answer several key restoration questions that are a barrier to watershed restoration project implementation. To learn more about this grant program, click here.
Ecosystem Planning and Restoration: to research if stream restoration can be done without diverting the stream around the construction site during construction. $354,576.
Tetra Tech, Inc.: to consider future climate change impacts to rainfall patterns and use this to update stormwater designs. $228,436.
The Pennsylvania State University: to assess how well stormwater practices work when too much road salt enters them and what solutions can be used to keep practices working well. $196,183.
University of Maryland Baltimore County: to measure how stormwater management facilities protect aquatic life from hot temperatures. $201,774.
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES): to use a novel method that detects genetic material to assess stream health and restoration success. $193,772.
This program aims to support events that will increase awareness or knowledge on issues pertaining to restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay region natural resources and/or promote the Trust’s major sources of revenue. For information about this program click here.
Arundel Rivers Federation: for support of the 2021 Half Shell event, to present the State of the Rivers report card. $250.
Center for Watershed Protection, Inc.: for support of the 2021 National Watershed and Stormwater Conference. $1,000.
End Time Harvest Ministries: for the 2021 Port Towns Youth Council (PTYC) and Pathways to Career Success (PTCS) Program virtual graduation scholarship. $1,000.
Anne Arundel Watershed Stewards Academy: for support of the 10th annual Watershed Stewards Academy conference. $1,000.
Forever Maryland Foundation: for support of the 2021 Maryland Land Conservation Conference. $1,000.
Harford Land Trust, Inc.: for a month-long, self-guided event designed to increase awareness and appreciation of local natural resources. $1,000.
Lower Shore Land Trust: for support of events to promote native plants, conservation landscaping, and small-scale practices such as rain barrels and rain gardens. $500.
Neighborhood Creative Arts Center: for support of the 2021 NatureFest. $983.
This program supports watershed restoration project design assistance, watershed planning, and programmatic development associated with protection and restoration programs and projects that lead to improved water quality in the Maryland region. For information about this grant program click here.
Gaiacene Services LLC: for technical assistance services for the Community-Based Organization Capacity Building Initiative. $145,000.
On August 17, 2021, the Chesapeake Bay Trust welcomed the newest cohort of Chesapeake Conservation Corps members and celebrated graduating members. The Chesapeake Conservation Corps program aims to invest in young people, provide valuable job skills training, and promote a green economy. The program matches young people ages 18-25 with non-profit and government organizations for one-year stipend-supported terms of service, focused on improving local communities and protecting natural resources.
This year, 33 new Corps members were placed with 31 host organizations throughout the state of Maryland, as well as a host site in Pennsylvania. During their year of service, Corps members will work with their host organizations to gain valuable on-the-job experience as they work to advance environmental conservation, K-12 education, energy efficiency programs, sustainable agriculture practices, and a host of other environmentally focused initiatives.
Five of the incoming Corps members will be working with Prince George’s County-based organizations located in Accokeek, Brandywine, Edmonston, Laurel, and Riverdale. Learn more below about the exciting work the Corps members will take on in the coming year!
Kathryn Burcham, Prince George’s County Public Schools, William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center Brandywine Kathryn will serve her year at The Schmidt Center leading students and teachers to implement environmental lessons, conduct field restoration projects, practice animal care, facilitate team building, and assist with professional development opportunities for teachers. Prior to joining the Corps, Kathryn graduated from St. Mary’s College of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. Kathryn is looking forward to building meaningful connections and gaining new experiences through the Corps.
Andrew Rapp, U.S. Geological Survey: Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Laurel Andrew will serve his year with the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and will focus on monitoring a variety of avian species on Poplar Island and as well as method development (unmanned aircraft systems and thermal imaging). Andrew recently graduated from the College of William and Mary with a double major in Biology and Environmental Science & Policy. Andrew spent his summer as a first mate on a fishing boat off the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina to learn about seabirds, marine mammals, and fisheries.
Jack Ruszkowski, Accokeek Foundation Accokeek During his year Jack will work as the Pasture Restoration Specialist with the Accokeek Foundation. Jack will spend time sampling and identifying native and invasive plant species within livestock pastures, mapping plant species sampled using ArcGIS, and developing and implementing an integrated livestock plan for invasive species management and pasture restoration. Jack is a recent graduate from the College of William and Mary with a degree in Anthropology. He has an interest in agriculture and forestry projects, particularly those relating to soil health and sustainable agriculture.
Bethany Sims, Town of Edmonston Edmonston Bethany will spend her year with the Town of Edmonston where she will focus on community engagement and education programs for the residents of Edmonston. She will also be involved with development of environmental policy for the Town and will work with the urban forestry and energy programs. Bethany has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in Political Studies from Towson University. She is driven by the need to protect vulnerable animals and preserve their habitat. In her free time, Bethany loves painting and drawing scenes.
Sally Watanabe, ECO City Farms Riverdale Sally will spend her year in the Corps with ECO City Farms. She will cultivate sustainably grown food year-round; turn local food waste into rich compost; educate local youth and families about food, health, and the environment; engage in hands-on trainings and permaculture projects on the farm; and be involved in outreach and community organizing for urban farming/environmental restoration. Sally recently graduated from the University of Richmond with a degree in Psychology. She is passionate about sustainability, social justice, and nurturing the relationship between people and nature/animals. Other passions of Sally include music, anything outdoors, yoga, painting, and exploring spirituality.
Congratulations to the incoming 2021-2022 cohort and the graduated alumni! Learn more about this year’s full cohort here.
In 2015, the Maryland League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, working through their Chispa Maryland (Chispa) program, received an award through the Prince George’s County Stormwater Stewardship Grant Program to engage members of Prince George’s County Latino community in educational experiences designed to improve local water quality and the health of the community. Through this project, Chispa Maryland also sought to establish strong, longstanding leadership within the community to carry the efforts of this project forward.
Chispa Maryland was launched by the Maryland League of Conservation Voters Education Fund in 2014. This group works with Latino families, community groups, faith-based organizations, and elected officials to identify and address environmental issues. Chispa seeks to empower the Latino community to take action to protect natural resources and build healthy neighborhoods.
This project focused on working with Latino community members predominantly from the Transforming Neighborhoods Initiative (TNI) designated area of Langley Park. The TNI is a county effort that aims at uplifting neighborhoods with significant needs. Chispa began by consulting with several Latino community leaders, Prince George’s County agencies, and other Latino-serving organizations to develop a curriculum and delivery plan that best served the needs of the community. The resulting curriculum comprised of both in-class and hands-on learning experiences. The in-class learning consisted of an introduction to the water cycle, the impact of stormwater runoff on the environment, and the actions that can be taken to manage stormwater runoff. The classroom session stressed the interconnectedness of individual actions and the cumulative impact these actions have on natural resources. Chispa also illuminated the relation between local water quality and the health and quality of life of the community.
The outdoor active learning sessions were designed to allow participants to experience firsthand and put into practice some of the concepts covered during the in-class session. A partnership with Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) brought Latino families and individuals out onto the Anacostia River through boat trips. AWS lead conversations on the biodiversity and water quality of the Anacostia River, as well as the impact of stormwater runoff on the Anacostia and surrounding streams and rivers. The boat trip sessions concluded with participants identifying the various ways their actions impacted natural resources, to change behaviors with negative impacts. Participants also had the chance to implement low impact development projects at the Langley Park Community Center. Participants created a 1,000 sq. ft. native plants garden and installed six rain barrels throughout the community center.
After the completion of both the in-class and hands-on activities, Chispa conducted leadership training with a group of participants that demonstrated a commitment to improving their natural resources and build resilient communities. Six instructional sessions were held and a total of 13 participants completed the training and were graduated as promotores (trained individuals who take on an educational role). The training of promotores enhances the sustainability of this project, as these leaders are empowered to lead and coordinate projects in their communities that promote environmental education and increase community participation in environmental activities.
Congratulations to Chispa Maryland on a successful and engaging project!
From Baltimore City to the Eastern Shore, our Treasure the Chesapeake’s silent auction offers chances to cherish treasures of the Bay throughout Maryland. We are thrilled to have so many local businesses supporting our event and our mission. There is something for everyone so be sure to attend the event on August 20th and bid to take home a Treasure of the Chesapeake for your very own!
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The Chesapeake Bay Trust (Trust) has awarded over $130 million through more than 14,000 awards to ensure cleaner, greener, healthier Chesapeake, Coastal Bays, and Youghiogheny watersheds since 1985. The Trust has a rigorous grant review process: every proposal submitted over $5,000 is sent to members of a Technical Review Committee (TRC) and is reviewed and scored quantitatively by at least three external individuals who are experts in their fields. The Board of Trustees meets 4 times per year to review and approve all TRC recommended proposals. Proposals for $5,000 or less are reviewed by two or more technical experts on the Chesapeake Bay Trust program team. The award list will be updated after each board meeting. Reach out to the designated program officer for more details.
On August 17, 2021, the Chesapeake Bay Trust welcomed the newest cohort of 
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This project focused on working with Latino community members predominantly from the Transforming Neighborhoods Initiative (TNI) designated area of Langley Park. The TNI is a county effort that aims at uplifting neighborhoods with significant needs. Chispa began by consulting with several Latino community leaders, Prince George’s County agencies, and other Latino-serving organizations to develop a curriculum and delivery plan that best served the needs of the community. The resulting curriculum comprised of both in-class and hands-on learning experiences. The in-class learning consisted of an introduction to the 
The outdoor active learning sessions were designed to allow participants to experience firsthand and put into practice some of the concepts covered during the in-class session. A partnership with 
