Apr 01

Tips for Living Green at Home and in Your Community

By Janelle Kellison Blog No Comments

Tips for Living Green at Home and in Your Community

As both users and admirers of Mother Nature, we have the power to come together and take action that enriches our world’s natural resources while ensuring our local communities are healthy and safe for everyone.

Environmental stewardship is the responsibility of anyone with an environmental impact, to maintain a healthy and sustainable planet while enhancing human well-being. Over a billion people come together to celebrate Earth Day and spread awareness about the significance of safeguarding the environment. The planet faces various threats like pollution and ocean acidification. Therefore, we must become a part of the solution. It is our responsibility to sustain our environment for future generations, and Earth Day serves as a reminder.

Here are some tips for living green at home and in your community:

Ditch Single-Use Plastics

Plastic is convenient for storage, but the material has led to a significant amount of waste. Since the 1980s, the use of plastic has increased six-fold, resulting in the production of about 380 million tons of plastic each year. We can reduce plastic use by opting for alternatives such as beeswax or vegan wraps, environmentally friendly food bags, reusable stretch silicone food lids, or metal water bottles. By doing so, we also reduce our carbon footprint. Less plastic means less oil, energy, and other natural resource consumption.

Challenge Yourself and Your Community to Be Waste-Free

Always remember: “Reduce, reuse, recycle.” Simple actions such as composting your food waste and purchasing products with minimal, or no packaging can help reduce waste and pollution. You can also upcycle your household items. Consider setting up community recycling and compost bins in your neighborhood public spaces as well as educating residents on best practices.

Improve Your Community Conservation Efforts

Engaging your community is essential. Consider organizing group activities such as picking up garbage, cleaning local waterways, and planting trees and shrubs to improve the area and prevent soil erosion. Spreading the word and encouraging others to participate in these efforts can have a positive impact not only in your community, but also in other places of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Get Involved with Environmental Organizations

Numerous environmental organizations operate within communities and beyond. The Chesapeake Bay Trust is dedicated to empowering diverse groups to take action for a healthier Chesapeake Bay region through conservation, education, and community restoration projects. We work with many federal partners to collaboratively support natural resource projects. Here at the Bay Trust, we appreciate all our grantees, federal, state, local, corporate, and funding partners, and our donors, all of whom enable us to expand our reach and make these projects possible. You can support our mission with your much-appreciated gift which empowers your communities to restore nature, ensuring benefits from the world’s natural resources.

Feb 27

Love1

Anne Arundel County Watershed Restoration Grant Program Feature: The City of Annapolis and the Fairwinds Condominium Community

By Megan Sennett Blog No Comments

Anne Arundel County Watershed Restoration Grant Program Feature:

The City of Annapolis and the Fairwinds Condominium Community

The City of Annapolis is proactively cultivating stormwater treatment and management improvements to diminish the impacts of stormwater runoff. The historic city’s unique geographic location provides a diverse terrain of both urban and natural surfaces. “Annapolis has encountered its fair share of stormwater damage and flooding, especially between March and September,” notes Mike Rossberg, Stormwater Engineer for The City of Annapolis. “We’ve seen a notable increase in these occurrences in recent years, and the City has been working to improve municipal and residential systems.” These efforts include investing in projects aimed at managing stormwater through the Anne Arundel County Watershed Restoration Grant Program.

This grant program is a partnership between the Chesapeake Bay Trust (the Bay Trust), the Anne Arundel County Bureau of Watershed Protection and Restoration, and the City of Annapolis. Projects funded in this grant program aim to improve water quality throughout the County and City’s local streams and waterways. These projects can design and implement stormwater management practices that minimize flooding as well as intercept and treat runoff.

What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater is the overflow of rainwater or melted snow streaming over surfaces like roads, parking lots, and lawns. Ordinarily, this water should seep into the ground, get filtered, and naturally replenish aquifers or flow into rivers and streams. However, during heavy rains, increasing impervious areas and saturated soil can lead to excess water running across surfaces, carrying pollutants like debris, chemicals, and bacteria into water bodies, adversely impacting the Chesapeake Bay’s health.

How does stormwater management help?

Stormwater management is vital for mitigating the impacts of runoff. Through the implementation of ‘green infrastructure’ and innovative stormwater design, stormwater is captured and treated, restoring natural landscapes and preserving water quality. The primary objective of stormwater management is to detain and treat stormwater, effectively removing pollutants before discharge. The City of Annapolis is actively implementing municipal stormwater management practices across the City.

“Pervious surfaces and gray infrastructure, such as culverts, gutters, storm sewers, conventional piped drainage, and green infrastructure all work together to protect, restore, or mimic the natural water cycle,” remarks Rossberg, Stormwater Engineer for The City of Annapolis. “It all plays a part in effective stormwater management.”

However, the City can only address public, or municipal lands. Water from private communities with outdated stormwater management systems often runs rapidly into storm drains and drainage ditches. This runoff overflows into streams, rivers, and lakes. On the way, it picks up pesticides, road salts, heavy metals, oils, bacteria, and other harmful pollutants that flush into our natural waterways.

The Fairwinds Condominium Community of Annapolis

The Fairwinds of Annapolis Community was designed and built in the 1970s, well before the research showed how disastrous unmitigated stormwater runoff could be. The designs of the day included large areas of impervious paved surfaces, from parking and playgrounds to picnic areas and tennis courts. Here rainwater flows across hard surfaces before heading into storm drains. When excess water flows rapidly rather than soaking gradually into the earth, it clogs the storm drains and causes flooding, erosion, and infrastructure damage.

Laura Vykol, a former Fairwinds Condominiums resident and board member, witnessed the damage inflicted by flooding in her community. “In 2019, we saw many heavy storms, and residents who never experienced water issues sustained extensive structural damage to their homes.” She started to investigate and found many of the water management systems were grossly outdated. “They were designed and built in the 1970s and did not have climate change in mind and thus were repeatedly overwhelmed by flooding.”

In 2022, Laura led the Fairwinds of Annapolis Community, working with Charles P. Johnson & Associates (CPJ), in receiving a grant to design stormwater management practices through the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Watershed Assistance Grant Program.

Once the design of the stormwater management practices was completed, Laura decided to reach out to the City of Annapolis about the funding opportunities available to implement the practices through the Anne Arundel County Watershed Restoration Grant Program. Mike Rossberg inspected the community’s issues. “Stormwater does not discriminate. After all, water runoff doesn’t follow subdivision or community boundaries,” comments Rossberg.

Garden Girls Landscaping of Annapolis has been contracted to install the stormwater management system. “The practical pieces of the garden are installed underground, but there is no reason for the garden not to be beautiful as well as practical, too,” Gardens Girls Landscaping owner Loni Moyer states. “We care deeply about the health of the Bay, and we are excited about the potential amount of water this system will treat and clean before it enters our local waterways.”

Public Awareness

Stormwater management systems may be misunderstood or even underappreciated by the public. However, they are crucial for maintaining water quality and preventing flooding in urban settings.

An essential aspect of stormwater management involves educating and mobilizing the public. Laura can relate. She was met with some confusion from her fellow Fairwinds Community residents when presenting the stormwater management proposal. “It was challenging to get folks to accept that these plans were for more than just a simple garden,” she recalls. “Residents and board members also at first did not understand the costs, and that a grant from the City could foot the bill.”

However, Laura worked diligently to convince them that the proposed stormwater management actions would significantly prevent future flooding and eliminate resulting property damage. Despite moving from the Fairwinds Community, Laura helped submit the grant proposal, which was awarded in June of 2023. She continues to manage the project which includes the disconnection of rain leaders and redirection of water from flat, concrete roofs towards a submerged gravel wetland and a bioretention pond. Disconnecting downspouts leading to impervious surfaces and redirecting them to stormwater management systems like bioretention ponds can significantly reduce runoff volume.

“The most satisfying part of projects like these is how much residents appreciate the changes once they see a beautiful garden. Further, the use of native plants and flowers enriches the local eco-system by encouraging pollinators and supporting wildlife,” says Moyer.

Moreover, Rossberg stresses how impactful private community projects can be. “The City loves projects like this one in the Fairwinds Community. We can only do so much when it comes to upgrading municipal stormwater management practices. There is so much privately held property in and around Annapolis.”

The harmonization of private and public stormwater systems can significantly reduce excess runoff and improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Rossberg emphasizes, “Continued public awareness and education campaigns can positively sway community behavior. We hope to see more communities, like Fairwinds, apply for funding for stormwater management.”

Click here to view the Fairwinds project design plans.

Click here to learn more about the Anne Arundel County Watershed Restoration Grant Program.

Click here for more information about downspout disconnection.

Jan 16

Love2

Prince George’s County Rain Check Rebate: 2023 Year in Review

By Kathy Somoza Blog No Comments

To improve our communities and the environment, it takes each of us to do our part! Today, we look at the impact of residents of Prince George’s County, Maryland, who are doing their part to keep their communities clean, healthy, and beautiful.

Since 2012, County residents have had the opportunity to receive a rebate, or reimbursement, for installing practices that reduce stormwater runoff, reduce pollution, and improve local river health through the County’s Rain Check Rebate Program. The practices include rain barrels, cisterns, urban tree canopy, rain gardens, pavement removal, permeable pavement, and green roofs. These practices beautify the property and have additional benefits, such as:

installing rain barrels and cisterns reduces water use from the tap and reduces watering costs
planting native plants provide food and habitat for important bird and pollinator species
planting native trees cleans our air and provides shade, as well as food and habitat for birds and pollinators
removing pavement and replacing it with permeable pavement can reduce standing water on the walkway or driveway

Fiscal Year 2023 By The Numbers

269,155

Rebates Awarded

181

Applications Approved

124

Rain Barrel & Cistern Projects

372

Urban Tree Canopy Projects

Rain Garden Projects

Pavement Removal Projects

Permeable Pavement Projects

150,309

Sq. Ft. of Impervious Area Treated

The Prince George’s County Department of the Environment partners with the Chesapeake Bay Trust to administer this program. We are excited to announce that Fiscal Year 2023 (July 2022 to June 2023) for the Rain Check Rebate Program was another successful year with 181 approved applications, representing 571 projects, for a total rebate amount of $269,155. These projects help treat 150,309 square feet of impervious surface, a little over the size of two and a half football fields!

“

The Prince George's County Rain Check Rebate program was super easy to access! I just bought my rain barrel, uploaded my receipts and proof of installation, and I got my rebate! It's a great program and hopefully everyone in the area can collect their rainwater!
Prince George's County Resident

The projects installed through the Rain Check Rebate Program play an important role in keeping our communities and local waterways clean and healthy by tackling the issue of stormwater runoff. Stormwater runoff occurs when rainwater flows across impervious surfaces such as roofs, parking lots, and roads, that do not allow the water to soak into the ground. As it flows across these surfaces, it can pick up harmful pollutants such as bacteria from pet waste and motor oil from cars. This polluted runoff makes its way into nearby rivers and is harmful to aquatic life and can be a health hazard for people. Fast-moving and high volumes of stormwater runoff can also cause erosion of riverbanks.

Since the program’s inception, we’ve had 1,212 approved applications, representing over 2,700 projects, for a total rebate amount of over $1.25 million!

Thank you to everyone that has participated in the Rain Check Rebate Program throughout the years! Your efforts help keep Prince George’s County beautiful and healthy!

The Prince George’s County Rain Check Rebate Program is currently open and accepting applications on a rolling basis.

Learn More and Apply

Jan 25

Love2

Prince George’s County Rain Check Rebate: 2022 Year in Review

By Kathy Somoza Blog No Comments

To improve our communities and the environment, it will take each of us to do our part! Today, we look at the impact of residents of Prince George’s County, Maryland, who are doing their part to keep their communities clean, healthy, and beautiful.

installing rain barrels and cisterns reduces water use from the tap and reduces watering costs
planting native plants provide food and habitat for important bird and pollinator species
planting native trees cleans our air and provides shade, as well as food and habitat for birds and pollinators
removing pavement and replacing it with permeable pavement can reduce standing water on the walkway or driveway

Fiscal Year 2022 By The Numbers

158,912

Rebates Awarded

133

Applications Approved

112

Rain Barrel & Cistern Projects

129

Urban Tree Canopy Projects

Rain Garden Projects

Pavement Removal Projects

Permeable Pavement Projects

69,519

Sq. Ft. of Impervious Area Treated

The Prince George’s County Department of the Environment partners with the Chesapeake Bay Trust to administer this program. We are excited to announce that Fiscal Year 2022 (July 2021 to June 2022) for the Rain Check Rebate Program was another successful year with 133 approved applications, representing 299 projects, for a total rebate amount of $158,912. These projects help treat 69,519 square feet of impervious surface, a little over the size of one football field!

“

Thanks to you and for all of the support of the Rain Check Rebate Program. Not only have the Rain Check Rebate projects helped manage rainwater runoff on my property, but they have also been a great learning experience about native trees, the Chesapeake Bay, and environmental issues more broadly. My yard is also much more beautiful and habitat-friendly now for wildlife, thanks to the projects you've supported. I'm grateful.
Mary, Prince George's County Resident

Since the program’s inception, we’ve had over 1,000 approved applications, representing over 2,200 projects, for a total rebate amount of over $992,000.

Thank you to everyone that has participated in the Rain Check Rebate Program throughout the years! Your efforts help keep Prince George’s County beautiful and healthy!

The Prince George’s County Rain Check Rebate Program is currently open and accepting applications on a rolling basis.

Learn More and Apply

Nov 10

Love0

$7.7 Million Awarded for 36 Tree-Planting Projects in Underserved Areas Throughout Maryland.

By Kayleigh Katzenberger Blog No Comments

On Monday, October 17^th, the Trust celebrated the first of many tree plantings of the Urban Tree Program at a press event that was held at the Harlem and Denison Pocket Park in Baltimore. The Urban Trees program is 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.

Tree Planted at the Harlem and Denison Pocket Park in Baltimore.

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.

The Urban Trees program started with the Maryland General Assembly; it was called on to green communities. To do this the program hopes to enhance the quality of life, human health, community livability, by improving air quality and reducing the urban heat island effect, and mitigating some of the effects of climate change. 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.

Many projects have begun to break ground in the past couple of weeks, and many plan to do so soon. Projects such as Blue Water Baltimore (BWB) and University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) are hosting tree plantings and calling for volunteers to assist.

BWB is planting trees in the Irvington and Violetville Neighborhoods in Baltimore City. They were awarded $342,444 to plant 600 trees across four West Baltimore neighborhoods. The plantings will occur on multiple days and welcome volunteers with any skill level. To volunteer or support any of these events individuals are asked to visit https://bluewaterbaltimore.org/events/ to register. See below for dates and times.

Planting dates and times for Irvington:

11/12/22 9am-12pm
11/15/22 11am-2pm

Planting dates and times for Violetville:

11/17/22 11am-2pm

UMB was awarded $39,289 to plant trees across their campus. They are holding a tree planting event on 11/10 from 10am – 12pm. To sign up to volunteer please visit this website https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=SrzNPUx-e0CA93-2dXGC8guqiWAXukhNgq4ivS31IWBUNDVVOE1JRDhBQVZFQklCTTRKQlQ1WjBPQS4u.

To learn more about the Urban Trees program please visit https://cbtrust.org/grants/urban-trees/.

Oct 17

Love0

Maryland’s Underserved Urban Communities to Receive $7.7 million for Heat Island Effect-Reducing Trees

By Michaela Niles News No Comments

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.

View Full Press Release (includes a list of the 36 awarded projects)

Aug 22

Love2

2022-2023 Chesapeake Conservation Corps Class Announced

By Michaela Niles News No Comments

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.

Jul 19

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Just how much is a hospital green space worth?

By Lindsay Greenwood News No Comments

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.

Jul 13

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Plastic Free July

By Kayleigh Katzenberger Blog No Comments

Plastic Free July is a global movement that challenges people to be an active participant in the solution to plastic pollution. It encourages people to use less single use plastics in their everyday use whether its at home, work, school, or at local shops and cafes.

Here are some easy ways you can participate during July and even ways to change your overall lifestyle to make it plastic free.

BYO Straw

When at a restaurant, café, or anywhere that serves drinks decline the plastic straws provided make a plastic free choice of bringing your own reusable alternative such as metal and silicone straws.

BYO Bag

When shopping, bring your own reusable shopping bag to carry your items instead of using the plastic bags provided. Reusable bags are mainly used for grocery shopping, but they can apply to all shopping trips. There are many different types of reusable bags made from different types of material. Look into the different options to see which would work best for your needs! We have some convenient canvas totes available at shopchesapeakebaytrust.org

Fresh Produce and Meats

Avoid plastic packaging when buying fresh fruits, veggies, meats, and deli items. The best way to do this is to avoid pre-packaged foods. When opting for the loose produce choose to pack it in a reusable produce bag rather than the plastic bags provided by the store. When shopping for meat, fish and deli products opt to shop at a local butcher that offers unpackaged items and bring your own reusable container along with you to package them yourself.

BYO Bottle

Avoid using disposable, single-use, plastic water bottles and instead opt for a reusable one when available. There are many environmentally friendly options such as stainless steel, glass, and safe aluminum. If you forget your bottle at home don’t fret, just refill a plastic bottle as needed and turn it into a multi-use product. Check out some of our stainless steel drinkware HERE!

The Four R’s

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Refuse. Start by reducing what you buy. Before you buy something be sure you really need it or consider if there is a more sustainable alternative such as repurposing a similar item or shopping secondhand. If there is no other alternative to buying a new plastic container or item, try and make the most out of it and use it as many times as possible before properly disposing of it. Learn more about recycling in your area and to be sure to recycle correctly. When the option arises try to purchase products made from recycled materials. Lastly, but certainly not least, REFUSE. If offered, refuse single-use plastic by asking if they have an eco-friendlier option (and if not, that’s why you BYO!).

Going plastic free can seem tough at first but by learning simple ways to get started and finding what works best for you being plastic free can become a lifestyle and not just a yearly month-long challenge.

Read more about what you can do to be plastic free at plasticfreejuly.org

Read about how our own President, Jana Davis, went plastic free in this article from the Capital Gazette.

See what our grantees and friends are doing to go plastic free this July!

Jul 06

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Chesapeake Bay Trust Awards – Fiscal Year 2023

By Lindsay Brubaker News No Comments

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.

View Previous Awards

View Open Grants and Opportunities

February 2024

Anne Arundel County Forestry and Forested Land Protection

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.

Arundel Rivers Federation: for a 1-acre afforestation project and 200 square feet of invasive plant species removal at Shadewater Way in Annapolis, Maryland. $54,500.

Creekside at Osprey Landing HOA, Inc.: for approximately 1-acre of invasive plant species removal and reforestation in a residential community in Glen Burnie, Maryland. $50,650.

Scenic Rivers Land Trust, Inc.: for the permanent protection of 24-acres of land, removal of invasive species across 2.25-acres, and reforestation of 0.33-acre of forest in Pasadena, Maryland. $128,090.

Chesapeake Bay Program Goal Implementation Team Project Support

This program is a partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Chesapeake Bay Trust which 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 more information about this grant program click here.

University of Florida: for completion of Scope #4: Addressing Regional Tree Supply Challenges and Opportunities. $68,761

Clean Water Montgomery

This program 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.

Anacostia Riverkeeper: for a litter removal and education program to engage County residents in sustainable litter reduction practices. $35,000.

Anacostia Riverkeeper: for hands-on community science through water quality sampling and educational community events. $39,791.

Centro de Apoyo Familiar: for a youth-led watershed stewardship outreach program to a network of Spanish-speaking, faith-based organizations. $40,000.

Chinese American Parent Association of Montgomery County: to engage the Chinese American community in plastic recycling and waste reduction efforts. $38,750.

Conservation Montgomery: for a series of classes to train home and business owners on long-term tree maintenance. $9,287.

EcoLatinos, Inc.: for an outreach initiative to engage Latine church members in hands-on watershed stewardship education. $39,000.

Friends of Cabin John Creek: for hands-on community science through water quality sampling and a watershed stewardship outreach program. $39,793.

Izaak Walton League of America (The): to educate and engage County residents in environmentally conscious salt application to roads and other impervious surfaces. $32,882.

Izaak Walton League of America (The): to educate and train County commercial property owners in environmentally conscious salt application to roads and other impervious surfaces. $29,937.

Latin American Youth Center: for a local workforce development program to engage youth of color in litter reduction. $42,453.

Maryland Nonprofits: for an outreach campaign to engage Latine community members at the intersection of environmental and public health. $40,000.

Montgomery Countryside Alliance: an updated scope of work that details how messaging will be tailored to highlight the connection between groundwater and surface water quality and focuses messaging primarily for residents and business owners. $26,599.

Montgomery Parks Foundation: to engage low-income, immigrant youth and families of color in a litter clean-up and education program. $45,000.

National Wildlife Federation: to promote environmental stewardship in faith-based organizations and their individual members through native plant installations. $50,000.

Nature Forward: for hands-on community science through water quality sampling and streamside public education stations. $40,000.

Potomac Riverkeeper Network: for community-led water quality sampling and pollution incident reporting, and expanded engagement of the Latine community. $40,000.

So What Else, inc: for a youth-led litter reduction and education program to include litter upcycling, field trips, and workshops. $40,000.

Community Engagement and Restoration

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.

B&D Environmental Consulting LLC: $14,400.

Catoctin Land Trust: for the outreach and engagement of residents to assess and determine restoration sites in the Monocacy, Catoctin, and Antietam watersheds. $5,000.

Coral Reef Encounter: for a coral reef educational experience. $4,850.

Fairhaven United Methodist Church: to plant 12 native trees to address excessive stormwater runoff on a historical faith-based organization’s grounds. $5,000.

Town of Middletown: for a plaque and educational materials to celebrate the Wye Oak tree. $2,000.

Yieldcamp, LTD: for a series of pop-up litter clean up events. $2,000.

District of Columbia Donation and Reuse: Zero Waste Act

This program is a partnership between the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment which seeks to increase diversion of reusable material, through programs, services, outreach, and education. The goals of this program are to provide funding to projects that reduce needless waste and increase diversion of reusable material, including edible food, from landfills and incineration through donation or reuse. For information about this award program, click here.

A Wider Circle: for a bulk furniture donation program that redistributes donated furniture from hotels and universities to in-need community members. $10,000.

Common Good City Farm: for workshops on food preservation and mending which serve low-income District residents. $10,000.

Dreaming Out Loud Inc.: for a food recovery and food waste education program. $7,550.

Filiblaster LLC dba ReDelicious: for a food rescue program and food preservation workshops. $10,000.

Friends of Anacostia Park: for a series of free reuse market events featuring items refurbished through a workforce development program. $10,000.

The George Washington University Office of Sustainability: for a reuse market to provide second-hand items at no cost to students in need. $8,000.

Washington Area Bicyclist Association: for a community bicycle program that provides workforce development opportunities for underserved communities. $6,980.

District of Columbia Urban Agriculture

A Heart 4 People Farm, LLC: for establishing an urban farm operation at the Theodore Hagans Cultural Center in Ward 5. $10,000.

Blossom Education Solutions Inc. (aka OurFarm DC): for a farmer training program to support the operations of a hydroponic container farm. $8,710.

Catholic University of America: for expanding the production capacity of the community garden. $7,564.

Common Good City Farm: for enhancing greenhouse infrastructure. $9,936.

Dreaming Out Loud Inc.: for the growth and development of The Farm at Kelly Miller and The Farm at Fort Stanton in Ward 7 and 8. $10,000.

The Nicholson Project: for restoration of garden beds and remediation of overgrowth to increase crop production in Ward 7. $8,000.

Three Part Harmony Farm: for replacing the current irrigation system and increasing rainwater catchment. $5,608.

Union Temple Baptist Church: for upgrading and replacing current infrastructure at Nsilo Oure Urban Farm. $10,000.

Environmental Education

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.

Accokeek Foundation: for implementation of a 7th grade Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience in Prince George’s and Charles County Public Schools with a focus on incorporating culturally relevant teaching and indigenous knowledge. $40,000.

Adkins Arboretum: for implementation of a systemic Meaningful Watershed Experience (MWEE) for all seventh graders in Caroline County Public Schools (CCPS). $90,899.

Howard County Conservancy, Inc.: for implementation of the Climate STEPS (sustainability through empowered and proactive solutions) program for all Howard County Public School System 9th grade and GT Earth Science students. $119,559.

ShoreRivers: for support of Green School and Green Center implementation in Dorchester County Public Schools. $39,542.

Prince George’s County Stormwater Stewardship

This program funds 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.

Alice Ferguson Foundation: to continue engaging with businesses and community organizations in the Fort Washington and Accokeek communities in litter reduction efforts. $45,000.

Anacostia Riverkeeper: for an illegal dumping data analysis for Prince George’s County. $49,717.

Capitol Technology University: for the design and installation of two bioretention areas. $115,800.

Carole Highland Neighborhood Association: for outreach and engagement for community members on environmental topics such as litter reduction. $28,200.

City of Greenbelt Department of Public Works: for a pilot study of soil condition mitigation efforts addressing the onset of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. $297,600.

City of Mount Rainier: for the installation of pet waste stations. $10,000.

EcoLatinos, Inc.: for educating and engaging Spanish-speaking congregation members on sustainable practices and the installation of conservation landscaping at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Hyattsville, Maryland. $59,413.

Global Health and Education Projects, Inc.: for the outreach, education and maintenance of tree canopy throughout Prince George’s County, Maryland. $35,900.

National Wildlife Federation: for the installation of native plant gardens at four congregations and the engagement of congregation members on stormwater topics. $60,000.

Nature Forward: for educating and engaging residents on climate change, green infrastructure, and nature-based solutions. $59,161.

Neighborhood Design Center: for the design and installation of pavement removal and replacement with native plantings and a bioretention area at the Frenchman’s Creek community. $143,579.

St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families: for pavement removal and replacement with grass and native plants. $65,687.

Town of Berwyn Heights: for the assessment of tree canopy on private properties and the engagement with residential communities. $69,943.

Town of Brentwood: for the replacement of pavement with permeable pavement and the installation of tree trenches at the Windom Road Historic Barrier Park. $62,560.

Town of Edmonston: for the installation of eight rain gardens on 47th Avenue and five rain gardens on 49th Avenue. $146,580.

Town of Riverdale Park: for the design and installation of rain gardens and a rain water harvesting system. $139,540.

Vista Estates West Homeowners Association (VEWHOA): for the removal of invasive vines and community outreach and education on the benefits of trees. $81,287.

Sponsorship (Programmatic)

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.

Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake (IPC): to support the first Faith and Waters Restoration summit. $500.

Nature Forward: for support of the fifth annual Naturally Latinos conference. $1,000.

ShoreRivers: to support an annual youth environmental action summit. $500.

Urban Trees

The goal of the Urban Tree Grant Program is to green communities; enhance quality of life, human health, and community livability by improving air quality and reducing urban heat island effect; and mitigate some of the effects of climate change in urban, underserved communities. For information about this grant program, click here.

Temple X Schools LLC: For outreach to urban underserved communities who are eligible to apply for the Urban Trees grant program for FY25 $14,850.

Watershed Assistance

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.

Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay: for a site analysis, engineered designs and all required County-level permits for two rain gardens at St. Nicholas Lutheran Church in Huntingtown, MD. $49,331.

Ames United Methodist Church: for the design of various green infrastructure solutions aimed at managing stormwater flow at Ames United Methodist Church (UMC). $100,000.

Arundel Rivers Federation: for stream restoration within Annapolis Waterworks Park located in the South River watershed of Anne Arundel County, Maryland. $125,000.

Baltimore Municipal Golf Corporation: for a Master Plan and preliminary designs to finalize the construction documents, previously designed, for a combination of stream restoration practices and stormwater management ponds at the Forest Park Municipal Golf Course in Baltimore City. $141,950.

Baltimore Oliver Community Association: for a community-wide greening plan that will be developed in conjunction with Baltimore Oliver Community Association’s upcoming strategic plan. $30,350.

Bowie State University Foundation: for transforming an existing dry pond on Bowie State University (BSU)’s campus into a wet pond. $102,497.

Canaan Valley Institute: for costs associated with stream restoration survey, design, and permitting of degraded stream banks on the Elk Branch and Opequon Creek in Berkeley County, West Virginia. $150,000.

Greater Baybrook Alliance: for addressing erosion issues, treat stormwater runoff, and remove impervious surface in the community’s largest and most well trafficked park. $56,344.

GreenTrust Alliance Inc.: for tasks associated with outreach, assessment, survey, design, and permitting to implement headwater channel restoration and multiple upland BMP practices to capture and treat a large coastal area’s stormwater and agricultural runoff to Fisherman Creek i $103,863.

Montgomery County, Maryland: for the design of a bioretention cell, conservation landscape, and pavement removal at Saint Stephen Lutheran Church in White Oak, MD; and the design of a bioretention cell at Temple Emanuel in Kensington, MD. $100,000.

Resilience Authority of Charles County, Maryland, Inc.: for green infrastructure to address stormwater and flooding in the East Waldorf Neighborhood. $85,099.

Resilience Authority of Charles County, Maryland, Inc.: for a design addressing the climate impacts of increasing precipitation and temperatures by removing and replacing unused impervious surface with conservation landscaping designed as a pocket park with a natural play area and a separate seating and picnic $83,801.

Severn River Association, Inc.: for design/permit of two micro-bioretention facilities (M-6) as stormwater best management practice (BMP) retrofits to treat impervious area runoff. $47,299.

ShoreRivers: for the design of a living shoreline restoration that re-creates a vegetated headland to attenuate wave energy, reduce erosion, and support sand accretion. $99,978.

ShoreRivers: for designs restoring the historic coastal plain headwater wetland/stream complex through reconnection of hydrology of floodplain wetlands, groundwater, and the stream channel and hyporheic zone. $149,997.

ShoreRivers: for designs in the restoration of coastal plain headwater stream on the mainstem Sassafras. $122,185.

Sleepy Creek Watershed Association: for the assessment and design a streambank restoration project on the main stem of Sleepy Creek in Morgan County, WV. $65,000.

Town of Romney: for the design of storm water inlet upgrades, BMP integration, permeable paver sidewalks, and tree “bump-outs”. $90,040.

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science: for tidal wetland strategic plan support. $9,000.

Veterans Engagement

The Veteran’s Engagement Mini Grant Program is designed to support veteran’s groups and organizations engaging veteran’s groups as they provide healing and therapeutic services, outdoor recreation, community engagement, and green jobs training. For information about this program, click here.

American Legion Post 217: for children to engage in immersive gardening experiences such as field trips and a sensory garden. $2,580.

September 2023

Chesapeake Bay Program Goal Implementation Team Project Support Funding Program

Center for Innovation, Research and Transformation in Education: for completion of Scope #8: Career and Workforce Programming Landscape Assessment. $74,995.

Chesapeake Conservancy: for completion of Scope #5: Mapping Non-Tidal Vegetated Wetlands in Areas with Outdated Wetland Maps. $89,568.

Chesapeake Conservancy: for completion of Scope #3: Optimizing Riparian Forest Buffer Implementation for Climate Adaptation and Resilience. $62,158.

Chesapeake Environmental Communications: for completion of Scope #12: Community Response to Land Use Changes. $89,974.

Clean Streams LLC: for scope of work #1: Understanding and Addressing the Impacts of Wetland Mowing to Facilitate Meeting the Chesapeake Bay Wetland Enhancement Goals. $74,950.

Local Concepts LLC: for completion of Scope #9: Stewardship Network Study and Asset Mapping. $65,000.

Notre Dame of Maryland University: for completion of Scope #7: Determining Evidence-Based Criteria to Highlight How Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) are Advancing K-12 Student Outcomes. $66,113.

OpinionWorks LLC: for completion of Scope #11: Advancing Social Marketing Through Two Pilot Programs. $75,000.

Stroud Water Research Center, Inc.: for completion of Scope #10: Literature Review- Building Climate Resilience in Stream Restoration Practices. $54,944.

terraPulse, Inc.: for completion of Scope #6: Monitoring Vegetation Condition Throughout the Delmarva Peninsula. $79,996.

Tetra Tech, Inc.: for completion of Scope #2: Protecting Chesapeake Bay Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) Given Changing Hydrologic Conditions- Priority SAV Area Identification and Solutions Development. $84,874.

Chesapeake Conservation Corps Projects

These grants support Chesapeake Conservation Corps Members and can be used to fund a wide range of activities, and are meant to: support the Capstone Project or other project in the work plan that is managed by the Corps Member, and provide the Corps Member with grant-writing experience. For information about this grant program, click here.

C.A. Lester and Associates: for Corps DEIJ Training. $8,000.

Imaginal Cells Collective LLC: to design and facilitate a strengths-based leadership training for 50-55 CCCC members on December 18th-20th, 2023 at the National Conservation Training Center. $19,710.

Postsecondary Strategy Solutions: to provide members of the Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps with six hours of financial literacy coaching. $5,055.

River Network: for the Corps Professional Development Training Series. $7,300.

Community Engagement and Restoration Mini Grant Program

Ashland Community Development Corporation: to aid in the installation of a hydroponic system to increase the growing capacity of a community garden in East Baltimore. $1,459.

Bnos Yisroel of Baltimore: for the installation of a native plant garden. $2,600.

Bolton Street Synagogue: to install native plants to reduce stormwater runoff and provide habitat. $5,000.

Captains Houses Owners Association: to install conservation landscape beds and educational signage. $3,740.

Elevation Ministries, Inc.: $11,000.

Greater Mount Holly Community Development Corporation (GMHCDC): to install a native plant and garden and use this to engage youth in the surrounding community. $4,996.

Homewood Friends Meeting: to install two column cisterns, to install a solid rain-water container, and to host educational workshops on rain barrels and native plant gardens. $5,000.

Islamic Community Center of Potomac: for the creation of a 300 square feet native plant community garden. $5,000.

Patuxent Triangle HOA: to plant fifteen native trees and shrubs. $5,000.

Preservation Trust of Wicomico, Inc: to further develop Hattie’s Trail by installing native plants and adding edging to existing trail-side gardens. $4,105.

Sisterhood Agenda Inc: for a pollinator garden, rain barrel installations, and community education on sustainable food systems. $4,210.

Town of Keedysville: to implement a rain barrel and compost bin effort that will encourage green practices throughout the Town of Keedysville. $4,982.

Other Internal Contract

Qualia Pictures: for the development and production of three additional videos for DC DOEE focusing on the Anacostia. $20,000.

Outdoor Learning Network Initiative

The Outdoor Learning Network Initiative is a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Chesapeake Bay Trust working closely with the Chesapeake Bay Program Education Workgroup. The goal of this initiative is to advance environmental literacy at the district level by establishing local networks comprised of school districts and organizations who are committed to partnering and working collectively to embed environmental education into the school system long-term. For information about this award program, click here.

A Wider Circle: for the redistribution of furniture items that would otherwise go into the waste stream. $8,500.

Common Good City Farm: for preservation and fix-it workshops for D.C. residents. $10,000.

Community Forklift: for an outreach campaign focused on building material waste reduction. $10,000.

Frontline Gig, Inc: for an assessment estimating material reuse and estimating reuse diversion potential. $7,000.

ShopReuse LLC: for the reduction of construction materials in landfills and redistribution of supplies to BIPOC. $9,892.

The Fresh Food FactoryMarket: for the adoption of sustainability practices that will decrease the organization’s contributions to the waste stream. $10,000.

The Salvation Army National Capital Area Command: for increased capacity to store donated food. $2,500.

Three Part Harmony Farm: for the increased capacity of a Ward 5 off the grid farm. $6,371.

Urban Trees

The Urban Trees Grant Program, called for by the Maryland General Assembly as a component of a 5,000,000-tree goal by 2031, supports tree planting projects in urban, underserved communities. The goal of the Urban Tree Grant Program is to green communities; enhance quality of life, human health, and community livability by improving air quality and reducing urban heat island effect; and mitigate some of the effects of climate change. For information about this program, click here.

Baltimore Tree Trust: to plant 3,000 trees throughout Baltimore City by the end of Spring 2024. $243,336.

Broadway East Community Development Corporation: to plant trees in six neighborhoods (Broadway East, Fort Washington, Darley Park, East Baltimore-Midway, Oliver and South Clifton Park). $70,400.

Druid Heights Community Development Corporation: to plant trees in the community. $11,450.

Midtown Community Benefits District: to plant trees in the Mount Vernon-Belvedere and Charles North Neighborhoods of Baltimore City. $8,500.

Midtown Community Benefits District: to plant 350+ street trees within the Baltimore city neighborhoods of Madison Park, Mount Vernon-Belvedere, Charles North, and Bolton Hill from Spring 2024 to Fall 2025. $70,400.

The 6th Branch: to plant 300 new trees in and around the greenspaces of four East Baltimore neighborhoods in 2023-24. $9,610.

The New Greenmount West Community Association, Inc.: to plant 75 new street trees in Baltimore’s Greenmount West Neighborhood. $685.

Upton Planning Committee: to plant trees in the Upton community. $2,525.

Urban Trees Mini Grant Program

Many communities benefit from having green spaces and trees to promote outdoor recreation, access to shaded areas, improved air quality, improved mental and physical health, and livability. Ultimately, this initiative will empower communities that have felt disenfranchised to take ownership with the tools needed to improve access to natural resources that connect their neighborhoods to a healthy, greener environment for current and future generations. For information about this program, click here.

Chartley Homeowners Association, Inc.: to plant 15 native trees in the Chartley neighborhood in Reisterstown, MD. $5,000.

Filbert Street Garden: to plant 20 native trees for Filbert Street Gardens in Baltimore, MD. $2,561.

First Baptist Church of Highland Park: to plant 15 native trees at the First Baptist Church of Highland Park, MD. $4,725.

Patapsco Heritage Greenway, Inc.: to plant 15 native trees in Patapsco Valley State Park. $4,984.

Shady Grove Village HOA: to plant 12 native trees for the Shady Grove Village neighborhood in Gaithersburg, MD. $5,000.

Veterans Engagement Mini Grant Program

Live Water Foundation: for an adaptive paddling program for 80 physically and mentally disabled Veterans and their families. $2,200.

Nature Forward: To provide Nature walk experiences for veterans and their families as a form of healing. $5,000.

Youth Environmental Education

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.

Belvedere Elementary School: for a MWEE investigation for 129 fifth graders focused on the health of their local watershed and the Chesapeake Bay. $4,890.

Bishop McNamara High School: for construction of an outdoor classroom. $5,434.

Blue Sky Fund: for MWEE investigations for 2,000 elementary school students from Richmond Public Schools. $5,000.

Bnos Yisroel of Baltimore: for construction of an outdoor classroom for preschool and elementary students. $5,000.

Catonsville Elementary School: for a field experience on the Patapsco River focused on the health of the local ecosystem. $2,411.

Conservation Nation: for a year-long afterschool environmental science club at The Washington School for Girls in Washington, D.C.’s Ward 8. $10,000.

Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center: for MWEE investigations for 150 high school students in Leonardtown, Maryland. $4,999.

Henrico Education Foundation: for MWEE investigations for middle school students and their teachers from Henrico County Public Schools. $5,000.

James River Association: for MWEE field trips for Hampton City School 8th graders. $4,168.

Live It Learn It: for MWEE investigations for 100 third grade students from Title I schools in the District of Columbia. $5,000.

Massanutten Regional Governor’s School for Environmental Science and Technology: for a construction of an outdoor classroom at Mountain View High School. $9,975.

Payne Elementary School PTSA: for 320 elementary school students to participate in MWEE field trips and investigations. $5,000.

Petersburg City Public Schools: for a systemic MWEE investigation for 318 fifth graders from all four Petersburg’s elementary schools. $5,000.

Ramalingam International Mission: for construction of a community garden for community youth in Fort Washington, MD. $6,000.

Rivanna Conservation Alliance: for a comprehensive MWEE project for all 180 sixth grade students at Jackson P. Burley Middle School. $4,245.

So What Else, inc: for construction of a community garden in the Carrollton Ridge neighborhood in Baltimore, MD. $10,000.

Summit School, Anne Arundel County: for a MWEE investigation on the Chester River for 27 middle school students. $1,844.

Swan Creek School: for 70 students to participate in a MWEE investigation focused on the impacts of litter and pollution to the health of their local watershed. $5,000.

Towson University: for MWEE investigations for high school students in South Baltimore. $10,000.

Upcycled Inc.: for the development and implementation of an educational program focused on recycling for high school students in Howard County. $5,000.

Virginia Living Museum: for a two-day professional development training for Museum environmental educators focused on the MWEE framework. $5,000.

Wicomico Day School: for restoration of an outdoor classroom and native wildlife habitat. $7,500.

November 2023

Anne Arundel County Community Tree Planting

This program provides small community-based grants to help communities and organizations increase the number trees and tree canopy in neighborhoods, parks, and communities. For information about this grant program, click here.

East Pendennis Mount Community Association, Inc.: for tree planting and educational signage at the park within the East Pendennis Mount community in Annapolis, Maryland. $5,000.

Park Retreat Home Owners Association: for invasive species removal and native tree planting in the Park Retreat community in Millersville, MD. The award amount was increased by $200 to include the installation of educational signage at the project site. $1,327.

Rev Samuel Green Sr Foundation: for removal of invasive species from large and small trees and shrubs at Annapolis Gardens in Annapolis, MD. The award amount was increased by $2,500 to include the removal of invasive species from small trees and shrubs as proposed in proposal 22637, whose scope of work was incorporated into this award. $5,000.

Charles County Forestry

This program aims to implement cost-effective reforestation projects in the County to increase tree canopy and as a result create forest habitat and improve water quality in the county’s local watersheds and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. For information about this grant program, click here.

Resilience Authority of Charles County, Maryland, Inc.: establishment of urban native tree canopy on the school grounds of underserved communities in Charles County and green job training for youth to ensure climate resilience in the face of Climate Change. $14,839.

Chesapeake Conservation Corps Projects

Marnie Oakes Kenefick: to provide individual and small group support and career coaching for the Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps. $7,500.

Chesapeake Oyster Innovation

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.

Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park: for the participation of three new middle schools in a year-long Oyster Education Program. $10,000.

Arundel Rivers Federation: for student-led design, development, and use of a submersible robot for oyster monitoring. $9,999.

Baywater Seafood, LLC: for the development of a self-contained oyster broodstock conditioning system. $10,000.

Black In Marine Science: for the development of oyster and aquaculture-related videos to engage underrepresented audiences. $10,000.

Blue Oyster Environmental: for testing the efficacy of a clay-based substrate for oyster restoration and aquaculture. $10,000.

Coastal Conservation Association Maryland: for the development of educational videos about artificial reefs and oysters in English and Spanish. $9,981.

Eastport Yacht Club: for development of video and photo documentation of an oyster-seeded wave wall for educational and monitoring purposes. $4,000.

Minorities In Aquaculture: for paid internships and mentorship for historically underrepresented groups and women of color in aquaculture. $10,000.

Oyster Girl Oysters: for the development of an innovative technique to automatically flip oyster cages using a specially designed boat ramp. $6,400.

Oyster Seed Holdings: for oyster hatchery tours. $8,000.

Portsmouth Public Schools Oyster Project: for engaging Portsmouth Public School students in an oyster focused Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE). $9,996.

Severn River Association, Inc.: for testing the efficacy of direct setting of oyster larvae onto hard substrates for oyster restoration. $9,995.

ShoreRivers: for the development of oyster-related workshops and educational materials and experiential field trips for volunteers. $9,989.

St. Mary’s River Watershed Association: for quality assurance for low-cost remote water quality monitoring devices and public communication of the data. $10,000.

Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, Inc.: for a youth-focused oyster gardening program, oyster monitoring, and water quality monitoring. $10,000.

Community Engagement and Restoration

Al Rahmah School at Islamic Society of Baltimore: for the installation of a native pollinator garden, educational presentations, and a nature walk. $5,000.

Baltimore City Department of Public Works: for the hosting of educational pop-ups and workshops that will cover a variety of environmental topics. $5,000.

Baltimore Star Project: for a community clean-up of Jones Falls Trail with educational workshops on various environmental topics. $4,951.

EcoSWIFT: to establish a tennis ball recycling program and hold educational workshops. $4,446.

IMAAM, Inc.: for a series of environmental education events centered on educating youth and their families about the environment, climate justice, the watershed, and native plants. $4,990.

Pennsylvania Avenue Neighborhood Association: for a series of educational workshops, stormwater drain stenciling, and other restoration activities. $5,000.

Southwest Partnership, Inc.: for interviews and engagement with local business owners and the installation of micro-gardens in tree pits. $5,000.

St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church: for the creation of a pollinator garden. $2,800.

Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns

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. For information about this grant program, click here.

Chesapeake Environmental Communications: to provide technical assistance to the George Washington Regional Commission to identify priority areas for green infrastructure. $20,000.

Designgreen LLC: to provide technical assistance to the Warm Springs Run Watershed Association to develop a comprehensive reforestation plan for the Warm Springs Run watershed in West Virginia. $20,000.

Karla Schweitzer Farrell & Associates, LLC: to provide technical assistance to Jonestown Borough to develop a conceptual plan that incorporates green infrastructure along Market Street and to transform a grass lot into a community park. $19,988.

Outreach and Restoration

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.

Adkins Arboretum: for educating Homeowners Associations (HOAs) about landscaping best practices. $40,960.

Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay: for the construction of two bioretention areas with conservation landscaping and engaging church members and preschool students and their families in educational outreach events. $61,392.

Arundel Rivers Federation: for a new submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) turbulator, to restore 20 acres of native SAV, and to increase awareness of SAV benefits and best practices. $52,115.

Asbury Foundation: for conversion of 1.65 acres of lawn to native meadow along with community engagement and informational signage. $70,870.

Baltimore Green Space: for the removal of invasive species and introduction of new native plants on one acre of Springfield Woods and engaging community members in education and hands-on restoration. $124,986.

Baltimore Underground Science Space: for community science data collection and research centered on the biodiversity of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. $36,800.

Blue Water Baltimore: for educational and hands-on activities to engage East Baltimore communities in water quality and climate change issues. $50,000.

Clean Water Fund: for continuing education and demonstration of Natural Landscaping for Septic System Drainfields, and installing two additional gardens. $20,000.

Greater Grace World Outreach, Inc.: for Phase II of the Green Infrastructure Master Plan which includes a multi-cell bioretention and three rain gardens. $100,000.

Grow Home Inc: for a community greening track to be added to the Climate Crew workforce development program. $69,083.

Gunpowder Valley Conservancy: for restoration of riparian buffers and upland forests by planting 925 new trees and maintaining 1,100 previously planted trees, as well as recruiting private landowners to have trees planted on their properties. $66,416.

Harford Land Trust, Inc.: for developing a behavior change plan for the Grow Wild program to increase the number of landowners converting lawn to more natural spaces that benefit pollinators. $68,004.

Havre de Grace Green Team: for two pollinator beds near the shoreline and engagement activities for students and adults. $45,445.

Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake (IPC): for a pilot program to improve native plant habitats and rain gardens by reducing congregations’ use of salt and assisting with maintenance of their gardens. $15,034.

Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake (IPC): for holding the Faithful Green Leaders Training and recruit new green teams at congregations in Rockville as well as creating 6-8 new Action Kits. $21,154.

Izaak Walton League of America (The): for distribution of 500 Salt Watch test kits, collection of Salt Watch readings from residents, and trainings to businesses, City staff, and winter maintenance professionals. $32,643.

Maryland Onsite Wastewater Professionals Association (MOWPA): for the development of septic system demonstration displays and associated hands-on experiential learning. $40,000.

Montgomery County Public Schools: for a demonstration Resilience, Education, Action, Climate, and Habitat (REACH) living schoolyard which will manage stormwater runoff while providing an outdoor learning space. $94,153.

Mount Saint Joseph High School: for installation of three beehive boxes on Mount Sant Joseph’s campus to restore the bee population and provide learning opportunities for students. $10,937.

Nanticoke Watershed Alliance: for installing a raingarden, native pollinator meadow, trees, cistern and chemical free orchard and vegetable garden to reduce stormwater runoff pollution, as well as four workshops and events to engage the community in environmental stewardship. $107,233.

National Aquarium: for a community-based wetland restoration event where 50 volunteers will plant 59,375 native plants followed by educational events and demonstration for visitors to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. $123,068.

National Wildlife Federation: for a cohort of Sacred Grounds congregations who will engage in reducing stormwater runoff and increasing wildlife habitat by changing how they manage their grounds and home yards. $75,000.

Patapsco Heritage Greenway, Inc.: for educational programs that use hands-on stewardship and restoration activities to increase knowledge of conductivity as it relates to water quality. $45,000.

Pearlstone Conference & Retreat Center: for a bioretention rain garden. $79,799.

ShoreRivers: for knowledge and capacity for Best Management Practice (BMP) maintenance among landowners who have BMPs on their properties. $42,779.

Southern Maryland Resource Conservation & Development, (Inc.): for developing a network of watershed groups and local partners in Southern Maryland to expand capacity and facilitate collaboration, information sharing and implementation of water quality projects. $34,004.

Southern Maryland Resource Conservation & Development, (Inc.): for developing a conservation toolkit for landowners with information on land conservation and restoration programs, along with workshops. $9,587.

The 6th Branch: for educational workshops with a focus on sustainable and ecological living for community members. $50,000.

The Community Ecology Institute: for installation of accessible stormwater and woodland restoration activities completed with the active engagement of community members who will learn transferable knowledge and skills about residential-scale restoration best practices $93,041.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Prince of Peace: for installation of cisterns, rain gardens, pollinator gardens, trees, and bioswale. $114,478.

University of Maryland: for phase 5.0 of the SM Residential Action Framework, which will establish three new HOA Green Teams, and support previous Green Teams in designing pollinator gardens. $30,955.

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science: for climate resiliency assessments in two coastal communities, and a program to train climate resiliency advocates from the community to participate in climate resiliency planning. $49,435.

University of Maryland College Park: for phase three of the Increasing Capacity to Maintain Residential Stormwater BMPs project in Charles County. $43,816.

Sponsorship (Programmatic)

Maryland Association of Floodplain and Stormwater Managers: for an annual conference that brings professionals together on stormwater management $500.

Sultana Education Foundation: for an educational native animal exhibit at the annual Sultana Downrigging Festival. $500.

Urban Trees Mini Grant

City of Bowie: to plant 6 native trees in the City of Bowie. $1,200.

February 2023

Chesapeake Oyster Innovation

Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission: for fabricating Diamond and X Reefs. $10,000.

Annapolis Aquaculture: for evaluating equipment and process improvements to current bottom cage oyster aquaculture methods. $10,000.

Barretts Neck Seafood LLC: for an outdoor living classroom. $10,000.

Black Girls Dive Foundation, Inc.: for an underwater drone. $4,200.

Friends of the Rappahannock: for creating and piloting an oyster-based science curriculum. $3,438.

Long Creek Oyster Company LLC: for an oyster sorter. $10,000.

Orchard Point Oyster Co.: for creating a proof of concept for a synthetic oyster shell. $10,000.

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center: for capacity building efforts for oyster monitoring initiatives. $8,060.

Portsmouth Public Schools: for engaging Portsmouth Public School students in an oyster focused Meaning Watershed Educational Experience, (MWEE). $10,000.

Shored Up LLC: for public educational experiences highlighting the importance of oysters in the Chesapeake Bay. $9,999.

ShoreRivers: for updating outreach materials to help better tell the story of oyster restoration to the general public. $10,000.

Solar Oysters LLC: for building and testing a solar powered semiautomatic spray wash bar system. $9,760.

St. Mary’s River Watershed Association: for expanding limited water quality monitoring supporting oyster restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. $10,000.

Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, Inc.: for the engagement of underserved communities in the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay’s native oyster population. $10,000.

Clean Water Montgomery

The Clean Water Montgomery 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.

Anacostia Riverkeeper: for a series of litter cleanup events to engage geographically and ethnically diverse audiences in the Anacostia watershed. $43,934.

Anacostia Riverkeeper: for water quality monitoring, educational field trips, and bilingual outreach events to engage the Latine community. $40,000.

Arts on the Block: for youth and community engagement in litter cleanups and an environmentally themed mosaic. $40,000.

Centro de Apoyo Familiar: for engagement of Latine faith-based organizations in environmental health and stormwater topics through a train-the-trainer model. $30,000.

Defensores de la Cuenca: to build knowledge and skills among the Latine community in native tree species identification, planting, and maintenance. $50,000.

Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake (IPC): for green team trainings and development of action kits to support congregation-led stewardship building. $26,326.

Islamic Community Center of Potomac: for a series of educational workshops, listening sessions, and focused conversations to advance knowledge and implementation of food waste reduction practices. $19,690.

Izaak Walton League of America (The): for expansion of the Salt Watch program to engage local businesses and winter maintenance professionals in environmentally-conscious salting practices. $27,455.

Izaak Walton League of America (The): for the expansion of the Salt Watch program to educate and engage County residents in environmentally-conscious road salt application. $37,957.

Nature Forward: for the expansion of a community science water quality monitoring program to build stream health knowledge and inspire stream stewardship among diverse communities. $38,965.

Potomac Conservancy: for targeted river and trash cleanups, and community seed collections to engage Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ) audiences. $43,341.

Potomac Riverkeeper Network: for the expansion of water quality monitoring work with a focus on Latine engagement. $21,000.

Vietnamese American Services: for a series of workshops to promote environmental literacy within the Vietnamese community. $69,500.

Community Engagement and Restoration Mini Grants

The Community Engagement and Restoration Mini Grant Program is designed to engage Maryland residents in activities that enhance communities, engage residents, and improve natural resources. This program funds small-scale activities such as tree plantings, rain gardens, stream cleanups, and storm drain stenciling, among others.

Clay Street Community Development Corporation: to address food insecurity by installing elevated garden boxes in family yards for participants to build, manage and use. $4,741.

Greenbelt Homes, Inc.: to install conservation landscaping that will reduce erosion and provide education to the community. Funded by Prince George’s County. $4,041.

Maryland Troopers Association: to install pollinator gardens, to install educational signage, and to implement trainings that educate visitors and Troopers and to address runoff issues. $3,083.

Symphony Village at Centreville HOA: to convert turf into native vegetation to capture runoff and provide habitat for pollinators. $3,828.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Silver Spring: to replace invasive plants with native plants to slow runoff, and serve as an educational tool $4,840.

Washington College: to research Redhead grass survival rates in support of submerged aquatic vegetation restoration in the Chester River. $2,501.

District of Columbia Ditch the Disposables

This program is a partnership between the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, and the Chesapeake Bay Trust. This program seeks to support food serving entities, School Food Authorities, and Community Based Organizations that support schools in the District to reduce food packaging and food waste, in an effort to support a long-term transition to reusables.

Axis bar and grill llc DBA Sudhouse: for the transition to reusable foodware at a bar/restaurant. $25,000.

B.Lin Catering: for the expansion of a reusable food program for a catering business. $11,000.

FishScale Inc: for the expansion of reusable foodware, establishment of reusable catering dishware, and launch of a reusable to-go container program for a seafood restaurant. $20,000.

Masenphil llc: for the establishment of a reusable to-go mug and to-go container program for an Ethiopian coffeehouse. $23,169.

Metropolitan AME Church: for the installation of a commercial dishwashing system and development of a resuable foodware program at a historic DC church. $24,945.

OCNC, INC: for the expansion of reusable foodware usage for in-house dining and the establishment of a reusable to-go mug program at a cafe. $25,000.

RASA: for the expansion of a reusable foodware program for in-house dining at an Indian restaurant. $14,729.

The Fresh Food FactoryMarket: for the installation of a commercial dishwashing system and development of a resuable foodware program for on-site and takeout dining at an eatery and food business incubator. $25,000.

To Go Green: for the establishment of a third-party reusable foodware service. $25,000.

District of Columbia Donation and Reuse

The District of Columbia Donation and Reuse Award program is a partnership between the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment. The goals of this program are to increase diversion of reusable material, through programs, services, outreach, and education. This program seeks to provide funding to projects that reduce needless waste and increase diversion of reusable material, including edible food, from landfills and incineration through donation or reuse.

Common Good City Farm: for workshops on food preservation and mending which serve low-income District residents. $10,000.

Community Forklift: for a two-fold marketing campaign, aimed at low-income District residents to increase awareness of Community Forklift’s services and at higher-income residents encouraging donation. $10,000.

Food Rescue US: for the recruitment of new food rescue volunteers. $7,500.

Swap Universe: for the expansion of swap programming into District after-school programs and installation of donation bins at partner sites. $7,174.

The George Washington University Office of Sustainability: for a reuse market to provide second-hand items at no cost to students in need. $5,000.

The Outrage: to support a Mutual Aid Hub which collects and redistributes donations of food and clothing. $10,000.

The Salvation Army National Capital Area Command: for a walk-in refrigerator to divert food from the waste stream to District residents in need. $10,000.

District of Columbia Urban Agriculture

Columbia Department of Energy and Environment Office of Urban Agriculture and the Chesapeake Bay Trust. The goals of this program are to support increased operations of food production and distribution at urban farms and to advance strategies to support the success of agriculture businesses for socially disadvantaged farmers.

Blackland Farms: for producing educational content focused on growing crops year-round on a micro-sized urban farm in Ward 5, Washington, DC. $14,964.

Building Bridges Across the River: for increasing nutritious food access east of the Anacostia River and providing educational workshops at an urban farm in Ward 8, Washington, DC. $14,320.

Dreaming Out Loud Inc.: for increasing the amount of farm fresh produce grown and distributed throughout Wards 7 and 8 in Washington, DC. $14,814.

Three Part Harmony Farm: for increasing the amount of healthy salad greens grown in Northeast, Washington, DC. $14,581.

Up Top Acres: for an E-bike to upgrade distribution capacity at an urban farm in Ward 8, Washington, DC. $7,401.

Environmental Education

Alice Ferguson Foundation: for support of outdoor field experiences for the Charles County 3rd grade MWEE. $40,000.

Anacostia Watershed Society: for year 1 of the Prince George’s County Public Schools Mussel Power MWEE. $40,000.

Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park: for support of the Box of Rain program. $10,000.

Dance Exchange: for implementation of a systemic arts-integrated MWEE for kindergarteners in Prince George’s County Public Schools. $120,000.

Environmental Justice Journalism Intiative: for engagement of more than 20 students in a summer Middle Branch Marina Urban Environmental Education Program. $40,000.

ShoreRivers: for the Eastern Shore Environmental Literacy Leadership Pilot Network. $40,000.

Prince George's County Stormwater Stewardship

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.

Alice Ferguson Foundation: to develop a strategy for illegal dumping and litter reduction in Prince George’s County. $45,000.

Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay: to develop and deliver a pilot project for installation of community resilient practices in priority areas of Prince George’s County, Maryland. $490,464.

Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay: to convert 1,265 square feet of turf to conservation landscaping and engage with faculty, staff, and students at Bowie State University. $25,000.

City of Hyattsville: to conduct outreach, education, and training on invasive species and removal in Hyattsville, Maryland. $32,172.

ECO City Farms: for the installation of two rain gardens at the ECO City Farms Urban Farm Incubator in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. $134,888.

EcoLatinos, Inc.: to promote the Rain Check Rebate program and educate residents about cisterns, trees, and conservation landscaping practices. $41,817.

Global Health and Education Projects, Inc.: to conduct outreach and education on the benefits of trees and identify tree planting locations in priority areas with low tree canopy in Prince George’s County. $50,000.

The Low Impact Development Center, Inc.: to develop and deliver a pilot project for installation of low to no cost community resilient practices in priority areas of Prince George’s County, Maryland. $490,464.

Town of Eagle Harbor Inc.: to conduct six workshops on climate change impacts and actions individuals and communities can take to address these impacts at the Town of Eagle Harbor, Maryland. $10,018.

Town of Edmonston: to create a green street that includes eight rain gardens in Edmonston, Maryland. $179,360.

University of Maryland College Park: to develop and deliver a pilot Climate Wise Academy that educates and engages community members with the Prince George’s County Climate Action Plan. $110,000.

Urban Trees

Abby Farm: For growing 2,000 2-inches caliper trees to support the Trust’s Urban Tree Program. $272,571.

Clear Ridge Nursery, Inc.: For growing 1,500 1-inch caliper trees to support the Trust’s Urban Tree Program. $80,925.

Ecotone, LLC: For growing 1,000 1-inch caliper trees to support the Trust’s Urban Tree Program. $65,000.

Green Landing Nursery, LLC: For growing 2,000 1-inch caliper trees to support the Trust’s Urban Tree Program. $175,110.

Schott Nurseries LLC: For growing 3,500 1-inch caliper trees to support the Trust’s Urban Tree Program. $267,013.

May 2023

Anne Arundel Community Tree Planting Mini Grant

Carrollton Manor Improvement Association: for tree planting to address erosion at Carrollton Manor’s community beach in Severna Park, Maryland. Funding is for native plants, tree shelters, and educational signage. $2,000.

Anne Arundel County Forestry and Forested Land Protection

Anne Arundel County Government and the Chesapeake Bay Trust announce a partnership to provide funds for forestry projects and land protection in Anne Arundel County. 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.

Bay Ridge Civic Association: for invasive species removal and reforestation in Bay Ridge neighborhood’s community forest in Annapolis, Maryland. $20,772.

Colchester on the Severn Neighborhood Association Inc.: for invasive species removal and planting native trees in Severna Park, Maryland. $15,000.

Creekside at Osprey Landing HOA, Inc.: for three-acres of invasive species removal and reforestation in the Creekside at Osprey Landing community in Glen Burnie, Maryland. $133,450. For information about this grant program, click here.

Scenic Rivers Land Trust, Inc.: for the permanent protection of 40-acres of land and afforestation of 0.6 acres in Crownsville, Maryland. $280,110.

Scenic Rivers Land Trust, Inc.: for permanent protection of 65-acres of forest in Davidsonville, Maryland. $246,055.

Anne Arundel County Watershed Restoration

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 information about this grant program, click here.

Arundel Rivers Federation: for implementation of the Preserve at Broad Creek Phase II restoration project, that includes approximately 350 linear feet of bank stabilization as well as the creation and enhancement of forested wetland habitat near Annapolis, MD. $168,742.

Arundel Rivers Federation: for the permitting and construction of a coastal resilience shoreline stabilization project approximately 1,800 feet long at Long Point peninsula of South River Farms Park in Edgewater, MD. $348,185.

Chesapeake Rivers Association: for the restoration of approximately 365 linear feet of a gully, including adjacent wetland restoration to improve water quality and protect infrastructure from erosion at the Belvoir Scott Plantation in Crownsville, MD. $299,732.

Fairwinds of Annapolis Condominium Council of Unit Owners: for implementation of downspout disconnections and a submerged gravel wetland and bioretention pond project at the Fairwinds of Annapolis Condominiums in Annapolis, MD. $146,250.

Girl Scouts of Central Maryland: for the restoration of approximately 630 linear feet of shoreline, reforestation, riparian habitat restoration, and the removal of impervious surfaces to improve local habitat at Camp Whippoorwill in Pasadena, MD. $300,000.

Kingsport Community Association, Inc.: for the design and permitting of a restoration project at the Kingsport Community along the pier on Crab Cove and Child’s Point Road in Annapolis, MD. $95,000.

Severn River Association, Inc.: for the design and permitting of four stormwater best management practices within the Georgetown East community located along Georgetown Road in Annapolis, MD. $35,000.

Spa Creek Conservancy (SCC): for the design and permitting of stormwater best management practices in the Truxtun Cove communities located in the Annapolis, MD. $130,000.

Capacity Building Initiative

The Capacity Building Initiative (CBI) is a joint initiative of the Chesapeake Bay Trust and Chesapeake Bay Funders Network. The Capacity Building Grant Program is designed to increase the effectiveness of organizations that work at the nexus of natural resource and community health issues, within the Chesapeake Bay, Coastal Bays, and Youghiogheny River watersheds by addressing organizational capacity needs. For information about this grant program, click here.

AfriThrive: for personnel and contractual support for the development of a fundraising plan. $25,000.

Akiima Price Consulting: $103,250.

Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance: for improved spatial data management for the Conservation Hub. $25,000.

Arundel Rivers Federation: for third-party evaluation and training of the board, staff, and executive leadership. $25,000.

Baltimore Green Justice Workers Cooperative/Project Millions More Movement Baltimore, Inc.: for contractual support for the development of a strategic plan, leadership plan, and governance structure. $25,000.

Blue Water Baltimore: for a new strategic plan, $20,000.

Canaan Valley Institute: for the development of a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice plan. $16,800.

Central Kenilworth Avenue Revitalization Community Development Corporation, Inc.: for board governance training and the development of solicitation strategies for a major gifts program that will increase environmental programming and outcomes long-term. $30,000.

Chesapeake Natives Inc.: $30,000.

Citizens For Pennsylvania’s Future: for a new strategic plan. $25,000.

EcoLatinos, Inc.: for hardware and software upgrades and related staff and board training. $25,000.

Environmental Justice Journalism Intiative: for contractual support for the development of a strategic plan, partnership analysis strategies, and board development work. $25,000.

Friends of Anacostia Park: $99,500.

Friends of Anacostia Park: $173,250.

Friends of the Rappahannock: for software updates to enhance internal and external data collection and management. $14,281.

Housing Options & Planning Enterprises, Inc.: for the development of outreach and marketing materials and technology and software subscriptions to improve program management and outcome evaluation. Work should focus on communicating about environmental hazards and improving access to safe drinking wa $20,000.

National Wildlife Federation: for increased communications capacity to directly support coalition members. $23,406.

National Wildlife Federation: for the Young Professionals of Color Mentorship Program. $30,000.

Nature Forward: for an Accessibility Audit and Training. $25,808.

Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy: for board member development training. $5,350.

River Network: for a peer learning cohort for new and seasoned Executive Directors. $30,000.

ShoreRivers: for contractual services to support the development of a strategic plan. The awardee is encouraged to focus on better integrating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice in their strategic planning process and final product. $22,438.

Vietnamese American Services: for staff training and the development of a fundraising plan. $25,000.

Virginia Association for Environmental Education: for board development training. $15,000.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University: for evaluation and expansion of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition. $25,000.

Watershed Alliance of York (WAY), Inc.: for contractual support to assess organizational processes and policies and develop updated standards of practice to ensure organizational efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and effective regulatory compliance. $20,000.

West Virginia Rivers Coalition: for the development of an equitable and transparent compensation policy and inform a five-year compensation fundraising strategy. $12,000.

Chesapeake Conservation Corps Projects

American Chestnut Land Trust: for land stewardship through hands-on work experiences at ACLT in Calvert County, Maryland All Hands on Deck Event with the Chesapeake Conservation Corps 2023 cohort. $1,500.

American Chestnut Land Trust: for increasing the efficiency of farming at American Chestnut Land Trust’s Double Oak Farm. $1,222.

American Chestnut Land Trust: for invasive plant management at American Chestnut Land Trust. $1,250.

Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park: for creating a habitat for local and migratory pollinators at Annapolis Maritime Museum Park in Anne Arundel County, Maryland All Hands on Deck Event with the Chesapeake Conservation Corps 2023 cohort. $1,500.

Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park: for creating a native pollinator garden at Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park. $1,010.

Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park: for oyster focused programming at Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park. $1,250.

Anne Arundel Community College: for determining the optimal conditions for the Horseshoe Crabs in an aquaculture environment. $1,250.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Inc.: for infrastructure enhancements and maintenance at Clagett Farm. $1,202.

ECO City Farms: for increasing access and awareness for residents of the Parkway Condominium at Emerson Street to dispose of their food waste in a more environmentally responsible manner. $1,250.

Friends of Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary: for restoring and upgrading the Nature Discovery Area at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary Anne Arundel County, Maryland All Hands on Deck Event with the Chesapeake Conservation Corps 2023 cohort. $997.

Lower Shore Land Trust: for planting eight White Oak Trees at Blind Industries & Services of Maryland (BISM) in Salisbury, Maryland. $1,250.

Lower Shore Land Trust: for an engaging community event focused on the Assateague State Park pollinator garden restoration and education. $1,248.

MD DNR Chesapeake and Coastal Service Unit: for two stewardship events focused on engaging the Spanish speaking community. $1,017.

National Aquarium: for a community science observation event at Patterson Park, in Baltimore City. $1,250.

National Wildlife Federation: for engaging twenty-five early elementary school students in East Baltimore in environmental education and stewardship. $1,250.

Nature Forward: for creating a self-guided tour around Nature Forward’s headquarters, Woodend Sanctuary. $1,250.

ShoreRivers: for a bacterium monitoring study to determine the temporal relationship between bacterial abundance and tide on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. $1,176.

ShoreRivers: for removing invasive water chestnut from the Sassafras River along Turner’s Creek in Kent County, Maryland All Hands on Deck Event with the Chesapeake Conservation Corps 2023 cohort. $752.

The Nature Conservancy: for developing land acknowledgement signs at four of The Nature Conservancy’s preserves. $1,245.

University of Maryland: for facilitating community access to the information and means to build sustainable and resilient wastewater treatment systems. $1,210.

Washington College Center for Environment & Society: for an educational celebration of migratory birds at Washington College. $1,162.

Community Engagement and Restoration Mini Grants

Church of the Ascension Gaithersburg: to plant a model native plant garden to educate the community on stormwater runoff. $5,000.

Council of Unit Owners of Shipley’s Grant Condominium: to remove non-native plants from 10 garden beds and to plant native pollinator plants. $4,330.

Filbert Street Garden: to support a Steward Master Gardener for urban habitat restoration. $2,500.

Friends of Baker Park, Inc.: to eradicate three invasive species threatening the natural habitat of a forested area of Baker Park and replant the area with native plants. $1,010.

Nature Forward: to create a wheelchair-accessible sensory garden to provide a quiet and calming area for students with disabilities $3,725.

Salisbury University’s Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement: to remediate impervious surfaces and improve the issue of runoff in Salisbury neighborhoods. $4,998.

Southern Maryland Sierra Club: to build food gardens for local communities fighting food insecurity, and donating to food pantries $1,123.

Town of Greensboro/ Greensboro Connects Initiative: to create a native plant and produce garden to educate, engage and provide nutritional support to all community members. $3,300.

District of Columbia Urban Agriculture

The District of Columbia Urban Agriculture Small Grants Program is a partnership between the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment Office of Urban Agriculture and the Chesapeake Bay Trust. The goals of this program are to support increased operations of food production and distribution at urban farms and to advance strategies to support the success of agriculture businesses for socially disadvantaged farmers. Food and nutrition education remains an integral component of an informed farm operation and contributes to healthy communities. 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. For information about this grant program, click here.

Love & Carrots: $23,500.

Seans Veggie Garden: for advancing urban sustainability efforts in Ward 4, Washington, DC, by providing materials and technical support for residents to cultivate crops at their homes. $23,500.

Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns

Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay: for the removal and replacement of impervious surface with permeable pavement at St. Catherine Labouré Catholic Church in Wheaton, MD. $185,110.

Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay: for engineered designs for green infrastructure practices at Blackwell Playground in Richmond, VA. $60,000.

Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay: for conceptual plan that incorporates green infrastructure with a focus on accessibility for students at Amelia Street School in Richmond, VA. $15,000.

Amethyst Foundation, Inc.: for a master plan that incorporates green infrastructure. $25,000.

Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park: for a conceptual plan that includes green infrastructure. $15,000.

Bethesda Green: for engineered designs for five rain gardens along Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda, MD. $30,000.

Capital Area Greenbelt Association: for engineered designs for green infrastructure practices along the Paxtang Parkway Trail in Harrisburg, PA. $45,500.

City of Charles Town, WV: for the installation of bioretention areas, permeable pavement, and native plantings along Liberty Street in Charles Town, WV. $172,445.

Corporation of Shepherdstown: for conceptual plan the includes green infrastructure at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Shepherdstown, WV. $22,500.

Gallaudet University: for the installation of an urban farm and development of an urban farm training program. $50,000.

George Washington Regional Commission: for technical assistance to conduct a charrette to identify priority areas for green infrastructure. $0.

Greater Remington Improvement Association: for the installation of 100 native trees, 100 native plants, and the reduction of 3400 sq.ft. of impervious pavement in the Remington neighborhood in Baltimore City, MD. $50,340.

Gunpowder Valley Conservancy: for a conceptual plan for the integration of green infrastructure and nature-informed therapy at the Chesapeake Mental Health Collaborative headquarters in Towson, MD. $14,996.

Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority: for the installation of urban community gardens in concert with stormwater management practices in Harrisburg, PA. $36,893.

Islamic Society of Baltimore: for removal and replacement of impervious surface with permeable pavement and installation of conservation landscaping, micro-bioretention areas, and native trees. $150,000.

Jones Gardens: for the transformation of a vacant lot into a vegetable and pollinator garden in Staunton, VA. $15,273.

Jonestown Borough: for technical assistance to conduct a charrette to develop a conceptual plan that incorporates green infrastructure along Market Street and to transform a grass lot into a community park in the Borough of Jonestown, PA. $0.

Mamie D. Lee Garden Association: for the installation of native pollinator gardens and enhancement of green space on 1.5 acres of historical gardens in Fort Totten. $49,949.

MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital: for a conceptual plan that includes green infrastructure and creates a green space on campus. $14,744.

Mount Olive United Methodist Church: for engineered designs for two micro-bioretention areas, a grass swale, and pavement removal at the Church. $30,175.

Oxford Borough: for engineered designs for three bioretention areas along East Mount Vernon Street. $22,000.

Payne Elementary School PTSA: for the installation of cisterns, pollinator gardens, vegetable gardens, native trees, and pavement removal. $50,000.

Prince George’s County Government: for pavement removal and installation of bioretention areas and bioswales in the Glendale Heights Subdivision. $150,000.

ShoreRivers: for engineered designs for bioretention areas, tree plantings, and conservation landscaping at St. Mary’s Refuge of Sinners Catholic Church in Cambridge, MD. $26,210.

ShoreRivers: for the conversion of turf grass into native, pollinator-friendly meadows at three different communities in Preston, Oxford and Chestertown, MD. $47,706.

St. Luke’s Youth Center: for engineered designs for two rain gardens at the Youth Center. $22,510.

Sustainability Matters: for the conversion of turf grass into a native pollinator meadow in Winchester, VA. $50,000.

The Charles Town General Hospital dba Jefferson Medical Center: for engineered designs for green infrastructure practices at the Jefferson Medical Center in Charles Town, WV. $30,000.

Town of Ashland: for the installation of a vegetated grass channel along Frontage Road in Ashland, VA. $104,120.

Town of Bath: for the installation of stormwater management practices to revitalize an abandoned rail yard into a usable community green space. $55,440.

Town of Bridgewater: for the removal and replacement of impervious surface with permeable pavement in Bridgewater, VA. $127,079.

Town of Colmar Manor: for the installation of permeable pavement and a bioswale along Newark Road. $80,450.

Town of Romney: for engineered designs for green infrastructure practices along South Marsham Street in Romney, WV. $28,250.

Town of Romney: for the installation of 65 native trees in the Town of Romney, WV. $43,886.

Virginia Community Voice: for the installation of vegetable gardens and a rainwater harvesting system at the Oak Grove playground and Hickory Hill Community Center in Richmond, VA. $30,000.

Warm Springs Run Watershed Association: for technical assistance to develop a comprehensive reforestation plan for the Warm Springs Run watershed in West Virginia. $0.

Other Internal Contract

Qualia Pictures: $54,000.

Pooled Monitoring Initiative

Delaware Center for the Inland Bays: for reforestation restoration success research to measure early forest development after land disturbance. $54,693.

The Pennsylvania State University: to assess the feasibility of assisted macroinvertebrate colonization in achieving ecological uplift in restored streams. $313,194.

The Pennsylvania State University: for research on the impacts of urban soil compaction on stormwater runoff volumes and best management practice sizing. $149,322.

University of Delaware: for research on soil health tradeoffs with stream and floodplain restorations. $214,838.

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science: to assess the effectiveness of green stormwater infrastructure for addressing stormwater management goals at the watershed scale. $254,014.

Prince George's County Stormwater Stewardship

University Christian Church: to remove impervious pavement and install of permeable pavement at the University Christian Church property in Hyattsville, Maryland. $50,000.

Sponsorship

Broadneck High School: to hold The Broadneck Film Festival. With support from professional filmmakers, students are invited to create films to compete in both a General Category, and an Environmental Category. $600.

Center for Watershed Protection, Inc.: for a Conference that will provide a forum for watershed and stormwater professionals to learn how to increase the resiliency of our communities in response to emerging and persistent threats to our water resources. $500.

Center for Watershed Protection, Inc.: for watershed and resource conservation professionals to discuss and learn about the role agriculture can play in improving watershed health and water quality $500.

End Time Harvest Ministries: to sponsor the End Time Harvest Ministries’ Port Towns Youth Council & Pathways to Career Success Program 2023 Graduation Scholarship Banquet. $1,000.

Anne Arundel Watershed Stewards Academy: for a conference to engage residents, government representatives, and restoration professionals in networking, learning the latest watershed restoration techniques, and exploring community engagement methods. $1,200.

Maryland Natural History Society: to host World Turtle day to educate on the history of turtles in Maryland and their ecological importance. $500.

Urban Trees

ShoreRivers: to host a free conference for local youth with community building activities, workshops/speaker sessions led by local environmental figures and excursions that teach students about environmental issues and solutions. $500.

3200 Carlisle Block Association, Inc.: to plant 80 trees and clear invasive vines from trees along the Gwynns Run in Hanlon Park, Hilton Elementary School, and throughout the Hanlon Community. $10,409.

Baltimore Tree Trust: to plant 3,000 trees throughout Baltimore City by the end of Spring 2024. $2,194,956.

Blue Water Baltimore: to plant 1,100 trees in six Baltimore City neighborhoods – Howard Park, Belair-Edison, Morrell Park, Coldstream/Homestead/Montebello, Johnston Square, and Oldtown over 2 years. $694,918.

Carole Highland Neighborhood Association: to plant 100 to 300 trees in public rights of way, homeowners private property (with written permission), our Elementary School, Turner Memorial Church, as well as some open areas to support the Prince George’s County trees. $48,750.

City of Hagerstown: to plant street trees and trees in parks at various eligible locations around the City. $60,000.

City of Rockville, Department of Recreation and Parks: to plant up to 10,000 trees and shrubs over multiple years in Redgate Park, in Rockville, Maryland. $199,930.

Eastern Community Church: to plant an additional 90-125 tree on the property of Eastern Community Church adjacent to Landover Road. $82,100.

Franklin Square Community Association: to plant 20 total new trees in Franklin Square. $9,490.

Global Health and Education Projects, Inc.: to plant 305 native trees across Prince George’s County. $199,737.

Howard County Government: to plant 300 native street trees over the course of 2 years in two of Howard County’s most climate vulnerable communities, Columbia and North Laurel. $145,885.

Howard EcoWorks: to plant 500 native understory and canopy trees in urban under-served areas in the Baltimore region. $76,146.

Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake (IPC): to plant 455 total trees at faith-based institutions throughout Maryland. $317,701.

Joe’s Movement Emporium/World Arts Focus: to plant 325 trees in Mount Rainier, Suitland, Cheverly (Boyd Park), and Colmar Manor. $150,000.

Let’s Thrive Baltimore F.K.A. No One Left Unhelped Inc: to plant 100 trees in honor of victims of gun violence and human trafficking. $45,000.

MedStar Harbor Hospital: to replace/plant 20 trees in Harbor Park West of the MedStar Harbor Hospital, located on the Patapsco River in Baltimore’s Cherry Hill neighborhood. $14,000.

Montgomery County Maryland Department of Environmental Protection: to plant 1,348 urban shade trees at 41 Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). $813,710.

Parks & People Foundation: to plant 1026 trees in west and southwest Baltimore. $899,415.

Preservation Trust of Wicomico, Inc: to plant 15 trees on the Buffalo Soldier Living History Site LLC property in Allen, Maryland. $15,000.

Prince George’s County Department of Public Works & Transportation: to plant approximately ~4,000 additional street and residential tree plantings to benefit residents in underserved, economically and socially disadvantaged communities in Prince George’s County. $1,000,000.

ShoreRivers: to plant 1,000 urban trees across all of the four priority urban areas on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. $758,947.

Takoma Park Mobilization: to plant/establish a food forest on the grounds of Takoma Park Elementary School. $16,740.

The 6th Branch: to plant 300 new trees in and around the greenspaces of four East Baltimore neighborhoods in 2023-24. $103,155.

The New Greenmount West Community Association, Inc.: to plant 75 new street trees in Baltimore’s Greenmount West Neighborhood. $51,900.

University of Maryland Medical System: to plant 500 trees across the University of Maryland – Baltimore campus. $39,502.

University of Maryland, Baltimore County: to build upon the already existing green spaces that have potential to lower heat island effect, reduce noise pollution, reduce soil erosion, and promote community health and wellbeing. $329,916.

Upton Planning Committee: to plant and maintain an additional 315 trees in the Upton Community. $192,170.

Waldorf School of Baltimore: to remove invasive tree species and replace the dead Ash trees with native ones on the Waldorf School of Baltimore campus. $30,855.

Urban Trees Mini Grant Program

Delaware Maryland Synod ELCA: to plant 15 trees on congregation properties and provide volunteers from congregation hands-on opportunities to plant trees in this urban area. $4,859.

Quail Valley Homeowners Association: for planting 10 trees and to conduct outreach through a “Tree Planting Day” event. $4,579.

Veteran's Engagement Mini Grant Program

Camp Ritchie Museum, Inc.: for the creation of a reflective outdoor space. $5,000.

God’s Outdoor Angels Foundation: for a total of four outdoor excursions with veterans. $5,000.

Nature Worx, Inc.: for weekly immersive hikes with veterans at VA Perry Point Medical Center. $4,920.

Warrior Canine Connection: for a Tough Mudder event hosted for 50 veterans and their service dogs. $4,977.

Watershed Assistance Grant Program

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 grant program click here.

University of Maryland College Park: for development of a stormwater master plan for the Timberbrook Condominium community in Gaithersburg, MD. $29,615.

Youth Environmental Education Grant Program

Al Rahmah School at Islamic Society of Baltimore: for MWEE investigations for students in grades K-8. $5,000.

Anacostia Watershed Society: for engaging DC students in authentic, hands-on restoration of DC’s official state fish in our local Anacostia River. $5,000.

Baltimore Lab School: for MWEE investigations for Baltimore City students in grades 1-12. $5,000.

Bridges Public Charter School: for expanding a community-based pollinator garden. $5,216.

Experience Learning: for MWEE professional development for K-12 educators from three counties in the eastern panhandle in West Virginia. $5,000.

Lacawac Sanctuary: for a MWEE investigation focused on evaluating the water quality of local water sources. $4,942.

Maryland Coastal Bays Program: for a science-based, experiential professional development engaging formal educators of the Worcester County Public School system. $5,000.

Maryland Environmental Service: for a week-long immersive program for South Baltimore youth to investigate the correlation between climate change and their local bird populations. $10,000.

Smithsonian Institution/Smithsonian Affiliations: for a year-long, after school club for high school students focused on environmental literacy in Maryland. $7,500.

Sojourner Truth Public Charter School: for an outdoor classroom. $8,000.

Sustainability Matters: for science-based field experiences for high school girls from underserved communities. $5,000.

The Belair-Edison School Brendan Avenue (Afya Baltimore): for a MWEE investigation for students in Baltimore City. $4,953.

The SNAC Garden Foundation formerly known as The Delmarva Community Wellnet Foundation: for a wheelchair accessible outdoor classroom at the Howard T. Ennis school. $6,000.

Urban Learning and Teaching Center: for two, week-long, MWEE adventures for D.C. students to investigate the health of the Anacostia River. $8,500.

Viers Mills Elementary School: for students to continue to learn the primary sources of poor water quality in the Chesapeake Bay through MWEE investigation. $5,000.

Wilderness Leadership & Learning, Inc. (WILL): for out-of-school MWEE investigations over Spring Break 2023. $7,500.

Chesapeake Bay Trust Blog & News

Tips for Living Green at Home and in Your Community

Here are some tips for living green at home and in your community:

Ditch Single-Use Plastics

Challenge Yourself and Your Community to Be Waste-Free

Improve Your Community Conservation Efforts

Get Involved with Environmental Organizations

Anne Arundel County Watershed Restoration Grant Program Feature:

The City of Annapolis and the Fairwinds Condominium Community

What is stormwater runoff?

How does stormwater management help?

The Fairwinds Condominium Community of Annapolis

Public Awareness

Fiscal Year 2023 By The Numbers

Fiscal Year 2022 By The Numbers

Tree Planted at the Harlem and Denison Pocket Park in Baltimore.

2022-2023 Chesapeake Conservation Corps Class Announced

About the Chesapeake Bay Trust

Chesapeake Conservations Corps 2022-2023 Corps Member Placements

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