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Chesapeake Bay Trust Blog & News

Sep 13
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Project Highlight: Borough of Chambersburg’s Rhodes Drive Reconstruction and Bioretention Basin

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“

These little projects matter.

Richard L. Alloway IIPennsylvania State Senator

“Green Streets” grant helps Borough upgrade central emergency route while improving water quality

This week the Trust joined the Borough of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, in celebrating the dedication of their Rhodes Drive Reconstruction and Bioretention Basin project, which was funded in part through a Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns grant.

Rhodes Drive is centrally located within the Borough, adjacent to the local library, a senior living facility, and a municipal parking lot. Although it is a one-way street, the Chambersburg Emergency Services Department uses the road to respond to calls on the south side of the Borough, with emergency vehicles traveling the street 15-20 times a day. Therefore, it is crucial that Rhodes Drive remains safe and accessible. It is also an important community asset; when it is not being used as an emergency route, it serves as a staging area for several charity run/walk events, Borough parades, and other events.

Prior to initiating this project, Rhodes Drive was in extremely poor condition—inspections revealed significant heaving (a serious issue for an emergency route) and multiple stormwater inlets that discharged directly into Falling Spring Creek (a noted trout stream), which flows into Conococheague Creek, then on to the Potomac River, and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.

Under the direction of the Borough’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Department, the Borough undertook a comprehensive green and gray infrastructure project to address both the structural and environmental issues associated with Rhodes Drive’s poor condition. The reconstructed roadway was funded with grants through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Franklin County Conservation District.

Funding from the Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns grant program, a partnership between the Trust, U.S. EPA Mid-Atlantic Region, City of Baltimore Office of Sustainability, with support from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, enabled the Borough to enhance the project with a bioretention basin, a stormwater best management practice (BMP) designed to catch and treat the first flush of polluted stormwater, running the full length of the street. The basin is planted with native, pollinator-friendly plants that will help to absorb nutrients before the water runs into the adjacent stream. The Green Streets funding also enabled the Borough to replace the sidewalk with a winding park path of permeable pavers, which removes impervious surface, enhances the adjacent park, and improves access to the green space for the residents of the nearby senior living facility.

Rhodes Drive is now the first official “Green Street” in the Borough, which has plans to continue incorporating green infrastructure into future projects.

According to Borough Manager Jeffrey Stonehill, “the Borough is hoping to set a positive trend and important precedent with the Rhodes Drive infrastructure improvements, as the project was the first MS4 Department storm sewer project to incorporate “green” BMPs. We want to demonstrate how public works projects can be effective and good for the environment.”

Learn more about the Borough of Chambersburg and the Rhodes Drive project here and here.

Learn about the Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns grant program here.

Jun 19
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Meet the Staff Behind the Prince George’s County Rain Check Rebate Program

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BreAnna and JanineI recently had the opportunity to sit down and speak with Prince George’s County Rain Check Rebate program staff, Bre’Anna Brooks and Janina Jones. This program provides homeowners, businesses, and others, the opportunity to receive a reimbursement for installing practices that reduce polluted runoff and keep our rivers clean. The Chesapeake Bay Trust is proud to partner with Prince George’s County on their program.

Bre’Anna Brooks (right in the picture) is a Program Coordinator with the Chesapeake Bay Trust and manages the Rain Check Rebate program.

Janina Jones (left in the picture) joined the Chesapeake Bay Trust as a summer intern and supports the Rain Check Rebate program. She is a native of Prince George’s County and currently attends Coastal Carolina University.

Can you tell us about yourself?

Bre’Anna: I am originally from Colorado. I attended the University of Colorado at Boulder and earned a B.A. in Environmental Studies. After I graduated, I served in the AmeriCorps where I conducted large-scale invasive species removal projects and worked at the accredited Denver Zoo as a camp instructor. In 2016, I moved to Maryland and shortly thereafter, joined the Chesapeake Bay Trust. I was driven to the area due to an interest in making a positive impact on restoring the Chesapeake Bay watershed. At the Trust, I currently manage programs that engage communities in projects to restore our waterways, beautify our communities, and increase awareness about important environmental topics. I also lead the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee and am broadly involved in Diversity, Equity and, Inclusion efforts in the Chesapeake Bay region. I am also certified as a Maryland Master Naturalist.

Janina: I have lived the majority of my life in Prince George’s County. I currently attend Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina and am pursing a B.S. in Marine Science. I plan to attend graduate school and hope to tackle the issue of microplastics found in our waters.

What is your favorite story or project from the Rain Check Rebate program?

Bre’Anna: The stories that stand out are the ones in which residents say, “My project is making a difference!” This difference may be in terms of improving their community through beautification,  in the functionality of a project that improves drainage, or in the larger context of keeping local rivers and the Chesapeake Bay clean.

What do you love most about the Rain Check Rebate program?

Bre’Anna: This program allows us to provide on-site, technical assistance to interested individuals who are unsure which practices make the most sense for their situation. I love that we can provide expertise on the practices (e.g. rain gardens and permeable pavement) to applicants in an understandable way.

Janina: I love that the program helps homeowners not only beautify their property, but also educate them about how their daily lives impact their environment.

Can you tell us a fun or interesting fact about you?

Bre’Anna: During my undergraduate studies, I spent a semester in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. I swam with the Galápagos penguin and sea lion and hiked the Sierra Negra volcano! It was the experience of a lifetime!

Janina: I am fluent in both English and German.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

Bre’Anna: The Rain Check Rebate Program is such a delight to coordinate because of the community interaction. I am fortunate to work with local residents, business owners, and nonprofits to help advance the goals of the Prince George’s County Department of the Environment. This includes improving the quality of life for its communities by promoting green solutions to stormwater runoff.

Janina: I am excited to be a part of the Chesapeake Bay Trust team for the summer. I look forward to providing more assistance to the Rain Check Rebate program.

Thank you Bre’Anna and Janina for sharing with us today! 

To learn more about the Rain Check Rebate program and how you can participate, click here.

Sep 24
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ECO City Farms Helps Improve Water Quality for the Anacostia River

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Urban agriculture enhances food security, improves community relationships, and demonstrates small scale farming that can be replicated by those living in cities and urban centers. It also provides an opportunity for community members to learn about agriculture, farming, and the environment.

ECO City Farms (ECO) is a nonprofit organization in Prince George’s County, Maryland. ECO grows food, farms, and farmers in ways that protect, restore, and sustain the natural environment and the health of local communities. ECO currently has two farms, a 1.5-acre farm in Edmonston and a 3.5-acre farm in Bladensburg, where they cultivate a variety of vegetables, fruits, herbs, honey, and microgreens.  They also work with the local community and educate and train the next generation of urban farmers through their apprenticeship opportunities and SEED2FEED summer youth program.

In 2015, ECO received a grant award through the Prince George’s County Stormwater Stewardship Grant Program to install a stormwater management system at their Edmonston Farm, located next to the Anacostia River. During a rainstorm, runoff around the farm and surrounding areas would flow directly into the river, carrying with it any pollutants such as trash and sediment. The volume of runoff entering the river also contributed to the erosion of the river banks. After the installation of the stormwater management system, however, runoff is now captured and treated onsite, reducing the negative impacts of runoff on the farm and the river.

The stormwater management system is comprised of hoophouse gutters, tile drainage, catch basins, water storage tanks, and a retention pond. All of these components slow down and capture runoff during rainstorms. For example, the hoophouse gutters collect rain water that flows off of the hoophouses, which are a type of greenhouse, and diverts it to the catch basins. Since the installation, ECO experienced major improvements in the site’s drainage with less occurrence of pooling and standing water around growing beds. ECO also installed educational signage and developed brochures in English and Spanish to educate visitors about their stormwater management system.

Amazing work ECO City Farms!

ECO Stormwater System

Click on this image to view a larger version and see how the stormwater system works.

Jul 26
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Pheasant Run Homeowners Association Revitalizes Community and Engages Residents in Clean Water Actions

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Sign in park says Pet Waste Transmits DIsease Leash and clean up after your pet Please keep this area cleanHomeowners Associations (HOA) play an important role in educating residents about our environment and ways to keep our communities healthy and beautiful. Pheasant Run HOA in Prince George’s County, Maryland is one of many HOAs doing their part.

In 2014, the Pheasant Run HOA received a grant award through the Prince George’s Stormwater Stewardship Grant Program for a variety of green and sustainable solutions which included the following installations:

  • Six rain barrels were distributed to residents in the community. Rain barrels collect rain water that would otherwise run off of roofs, carrying pollutants into storm drains and rivers. Residents can reuse the collected water for other purposes such as to water flowering plants and trees.
  • A Little Free Library containing books and educational materials on environmental topics was placed near a bus stop in the community. A Little Free Library is a “take a book, return a book” free book exchange. It aims to inspire reading, build community, and increase access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds.

In addition, the Pheasant Run HOA organized several community events to educate and engage its residents. Residents learned about their impact on the environment and ways they can get involved and improve their communtiy.

Thanks Pheasant Run HOA for bringing together your community to make a positive environmental impact!

Mar 11
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Rain Gardens Beautify Your Home and Benefit the Environment

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Rain gardens have numerous benefits to the environment and communities. They help reduce stormwater runoff and keep pollutants from entering our streams and rivers. In addition, they provide habitat and food sources for a variety of beneficial species like birds and butterflies. Rain gardens also provide homeowners and other property owners with an attractive alternative to traditional lawns and can reduce stormwater problems such as ponding water or erosion.

A rain garden is a planted shallow depression that contains water-tolerant native plants. Rain gardens are designed to capture stormwater runoff that flows across impervious surfaces such as roofs and parking lots. They slow down stormwater runoff and allow it to soak and infiltrate into the ground. This prevents polluted runoff from rushing down the street into storm drains and into our rivers. Though rain gardens capture stormwater runoff, they do not hold water for more than 48 hours and therefore do not breed mosquitoes, which is a common misconception. The native plants in rain gardens are adapted to local soil and climate conditions and require less watering and fertilizing. Butterfly milkweed is an example of a native plant in the Chesapeake Bay region. Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on the leaves of milkweed and as such, milkweed is critical for their survival. Planting milkweed in rain gardens help support monarch populations.

Click on this image to view a larger version and see how rain gardens work below the soil.

You don’t have to have a green thumb to install a rain garden on your property. Anyone can do it! If you are interested in installing a rain garden or other stormwater practices, many organizations and government agencies offer funding and technical assistance to help you get started. Here are some programs in Maryland that offer rebates or reimbursements for the installation of stormwater practices:

Prince George’s County Rain Check Rebate Program

The Chesapeake Bay Trust is proud to partner with the Prince George’s County Department of the Environment on their Rain Check Rebate Program. For homeowners and other property owners in Prince George’s County, rain gardens are one of seven eligible stormwater practices that can be installed to receive reimbursement through this program. For this program, rain gardens should total at least 100 square feet, be placed at least 10 feet away from foundations, and be placed at the bottom of a sloped area where water naturally flows and collects.

Homeowners may also be able to receive a reduction on their Clean Water Act Fee by directing a downspout into the rain garden. By directing the downspout into the rain garden, the runoff that flows off your rooftop will flow directly into the rain garden and be able to soak and filter into the ground, instead of flowing onto the street, into a storm drain, and into our streams.

In addition to rain gardens, other eligible practices include rain barrels, cisterns, urban tree canopy, pavement removal, permeable pavement, and green roofs. Homeowners, businesses, and other eligible applicants can install one or more of these stormwater practices to help reduce stormwater runoff and improve local waterways in the County. These stormwater practices also have the added benefit of beautifying the property.

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

Learn More and Apply
Jan 17
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Chesapeake Conservation Corps Profile: Aubryn Walters & the Patuxent Research Refuge

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Aubryn Walters stands with her poster at the annual Chesapeake Watershed Forum.

Participating in the Chesapeake Conservation Corps is a unique experience. We’re showcasing the individual Conservation Corps members in the 2019-2020 cohort along with information on their host site and descriptions of the incredible work they are doing. 

One of the biggest challenges in the mission to responsibly manage and protect our environment is engaging people and equipping them with the right tools and knowledge. Oftentimes, there is a shortage of people who have had the chance to study and understand the issues at hand, and develop the skills necessary to implement solutions.

The Chesapeake Conservation Corps (Corps) strives to close the gap by connecting young adults to nonprofit or government agencies for one-year terms of service in the Chesapeake Bay region. The 2019-2020 Cohort consists of 35 young adults working with 29 different organizations.

One of these Corps members, Aubryn Walters, is currently placed with the Patuxent Research Refuge in Prince George’s County. Below is Aubryn’s reflection on her experience thus far.

Aubryn Walters, Chesapeake Conservation Corps member, pictured here with Mr. Hoots from Rodney’s Raptors, at the Patuxent Research Refuge.

How are you enjoying your first few months in the program?

I’ve really enjoyed working with the Patuxent Research Refuge. The staff is committed to educating the public, putting in the extra hours, and creating engaging programs for everyone who visits. I have learned so much, from how refuges function, to how to create an effective program.

What is your favorite part about working with the Patuxent Research Refuge?

My favorite part about working with the refuge is interacting with and educating the public to help them create a better environment for themselves and the wildlife living in their community.

What are you excited to work on this year at the Refuge?

I am most excited about working with Montpelier Elementary School. They are putting on a yearlong watershed project, with funding from the Chesapeake Bay Trust. They are creating a rain garden and a bio-retention pond to treat runoff from their school. I am supplementing the learning that goes along with that, by working with the fifth grade to teach them about watersheds. We have been working together for five weeks, learning about what watersheds are, how to map their watershed, how land use affects water, and how to measure water quality. The fifth graders then had the chance to come to Patuxent, where they conducted water quality tests and went on a tram tour themed around the water system we have in place. They are enthusiastic and wonderful students, and I am excited to see them learn and grow throughout the year.

Thank you, Aubryn, for helping to educate the next generation of environmental stewards in Prince George’s County!

Apr 03
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Cheers to the Brews of the Bay and Wines of the Watershed!

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As a part of this year’s Treasure the Chesapeake Celebration, we invited area breweries and wineries to toast us into our event’s 21st year.  Being based in Maryland is the obvious similarity of the group, but dig deeper and you can tell they all share the passion, drive and ingenuity to create; it’s the end result that sets them all apart.

And drink in all those results! Whether the outcome of a quest, a funny thing that happened on the way to the pursuit of another dream, a scientific experiment, or happy accident, we are inspired by the stories they tell, the obstacles they overcame and the ambition they never seem to shake.

Entrepreneurial practices and forward thinking stewards have created a “sip sustainable” trend where everything from product packaging to ingredient purity is poured over and there is just as much thought put into the environmental footprint as there is to the recipe.

So cheers to brews of the Bay and wines of the watershed! Join us on May 2nd to meet and sample selections from:

Flying Dog Brewery: Frederick, Maryland – “More than 30 years ago a group of amateur hikers convened in a Pakistan hotel room after summiting the world’s deadliest mountain”….

Monument City Brewing Company: Baltimore, Maryland – “Six thousand miles separated the founding brothers of Monument City Brewing, but good beer kept them close”…

Boordy Vineyards: Hydes, Maryland – Born from a farming tradition dating back to 1725, and the source of many modern day wines…

DuClaw Brewing Company: Baltimore, Maryland – From a home brewing operation in college to a cherished craft. “Rules be damned”…

Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard: Dickerson, Maryland – “Shale, clay and sand, combined with a unique microclimate at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain, provide an ideal setting for a vineyard,” writes industry reporter, Sally Colby…

Heavy Seas Brewery: Baltimore, Maryland – Founder Hugh stepped into running a new tavern while on his way to becoming a stage actor and director. But that’s just the start of the quest…

Burley Oak Brewing Company: Berlin, Maryland – What do you get when you mix Eastern shore land, a soil scientist, and indigenous plants and grains? Grain to glass and “Home Grown Ales”…

Charm City Meadworks: Baltimore, Maryland – No longer reserved for Renaissance festivals and born from a love of beekeeping, their dry (gluten free) mead is for more than those with dry humor…

Jun 07
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Maryland’s Underserved Urban Communities are About to Receive Much Needed Support for Greening

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Chesapeake Bay Trust LogoFor Immediate Release: June 7, 2021 

Contact: Cynamon Butler, Marketing and Communications Manager at Chesapeake Bay Trust,

(410) 974-2941 ext. 114, cbutler@cbtrust.org.

 

Maryland’s Underserved Urban Communities are About to Receive Much Needed Support for Greening

Annapolis, Maryland – Trees in all communities, but particularly urban communities, have significant benefits to health, climate, the economy, and the environment, yet some of Maryland’s urban communities are lagging on tree canopy goals.  Maryland’s General Assembly passed the Tree Solutions Now Act of 2021 to attempt to remedy this inequity, calling for 5 million trees to be planted over an eight-year period, with 500,000 of them targeted to urban, underserved areas.   The Chesapeake Bay Trust (the Trust) was identified as the administrator of the urban tree component, building on its 35-year history of distributing urban greening resources to communities across Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay watershed.  Ten million dollars per year over 8 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.  This includes urban areas with low median household income levels, high unemployment, and neighborhoods with housing projects or that were historically red-lined.

Original bills including the urban tree program were sponsored by Senator Paul Pinsky in the Senate and Delegates Dana Stein and Tony Bridges in the House, with the final vehicle for the program, a bill sponsored by Delegate Jim Gilchrist and supported by Senator Sarah Elfreth.

“Greening our urban communities and, particularly, long under-served communities is imperative for both their health and, more broadly, the environment.  It is long overdue,” said Senator Pinsky.

“Trees and forests are one of the best solutions we have to the climate crisis.  They sequester lots of carbon dioxide, reduce the heat island effect, and provide many other environmental co-benefits,” added Delegate Dana Stein.

Studies show that urban communities with greater tree cover offer residents lower crime rates, better air quality, better physical and mental human health, and reduced energy costs; offer commercial districts economic advantages; and offer the environment carbon storage to combat climate change and water uptake to filter stormwater.

“This is an exciting time for Maryland as communities who have historically been negatively impacted by less than favorable environmental conditions will be at the forefront of positive environmental change,” said Delegate Bridges.

“This program will lift up so many of Maryland’s communities.  I am happy Maryland is embarking on this adventure,” added Delegate Gilchrist.

“We have a duty to protect the environment for future generations,” according to Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo.  “Protecting the environment in Maryland’s urban communities through the Urban Tree program will help clean our air, manage our storm water, and inspire positive change for generations to come.”

Many sectors and constituents worked together with members of the General Assembly to bring the 5 million tree goal to fruition, including the hard work of climate, environmental, and community groups.

“We need to make sure that everyone has access to the health benefits of green spaces, especially our urban communities,” said Senator Arthur Ellis.

“It is time for environmental concerns in urban communities to be prioritized,” added Delegate Darryl Barnes, Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland.  “I am glad the Urban Tree Program is ensuring that our urban communities will see the benefits of improved water quality and reduced pollution.

“Underserved—and under-treed—urban communities exist in many areas of our State,” said Senator Elfreth. “I am honored to have joined in the many groups across our region who supported this effort to bring trees to so many neighborhoods.”

“Trees are great natural filters of our air and water,” said Chesapeake Bay Foundation Maryland Executive Director Josh Kurtz. “Adding more of them to our cities and towns will help reduce stormwater, urban heat islands, and provide habitat to wildlife. We were pleased when the bill passed and are even more excited to get these trees planted. These 500,000 trees will help clean the Chesapeake Bay and beautify our urban communities.”

Administering funding for tree planting initiatives is not new to the Trust.  Many are most familiar with the Treasure the Chesapeake vehicle license plate, which supplies many of the funds the Trust administers through community-based grant-making for tree planting initiatives.  The Trust additionally administers funds for others who want to engage local not-for-profit groups in greening activities, such as municipalities (e.g., the cities of Salisbury and Gaithersburg), counties (e.g., Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Howard, Harford, and more), state and federal agencies, and corporate and private foundations.  With all the Trust’s partners, the Trust has administered close to 300 tree planting grants in the past five years, 30% of them in urban areas, planting over 140,000 trees (20,000 in urban areas) and engaging over 60,000 community members.

“It is an honor that the Trust was named to administer the funds for the program and we are thankful to everybody who helped to make the Urban Trees Program a reality.” said Jana Davis, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Trust.

Grants through this new program will become available in the summer of 2022, with the time between now and then spent on listening to members of diverse groups from diverse backgrounds to structure the opportunity.  Developing relationships with the communities being impacted and their individuals, organizations, and businesses is imperative to support long-term sustainable tree-planting projects that are well-maintained and welcomed by communities.

 

About the Chesapeake Bay Trust

The Chesapeake Bay Trust (www.cbtrust.org) is a nonprofit grant-making organization established by the Maryland General Assembly dedicated to improving the natural resources of Maryland and the Chesapeake region through environmental education, community engagement, and local watershed restoration. The Trust’s grantees engage hundreds of thousands of individuals annually in projects that have a measurable impact on the waterways and other natural resources of the region. The Trust is supported by the sale of the Treasure the Chesapeake 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.

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Mar 05
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Snapshot of Life in the Chesapeake Conservation Corps

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Corps Members Collaborate on Jug Bay Wetlands Nature Discovery Play Space

Check out this great video from Chesapeake Conservation Corps member Shelby Cross!

In late December, eight Chesapeake Conservation Corps members gathered at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary for a site visit and to assist fellow Corps member Shelby Cross with one phase of her capstone project: building a giant “bird’s nest” for a new nature discovery play space at Jug Bay’s Wayson’s Corner location.

Each year participants in the Chesapeake Conservation Corps complete a capstone project to top off their Corps experience. The capstone project provides Corps members with experience in grant writing (they apply to the Trust for grants to fund their projects) and project planning, management, and implementation.

To build Cross’s giant bird’s nest, Corps members worked together to remove three truckloads of vine, including some invasive oriental bittersweet, for the construction of the nest. The nest will be a key feature in the nature play space, which aims to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and encourage children to grow socially, physically, and cognitively by engaging with nature through play.  The Corps members completed the nest within 4 hours, whereas Cross estimates that it would have taken her over 30 hours to complete by herself.

Describing her Chesapeake Conservation Corps experience, Cross says “This experience so far has been absolutely amazing, and in many instances rewarding. I have taught Anne Arundel County Public School’s second grade classes, and it brightens my day to know I made a child smile for something as simple as sharing my knowledge of turtles. However, there are some days that this position is equally challenging, and requires a lot of mental and physical attention. It has an easy balance between being rewarding and challenging, and it’s hard to find that kind of experience.”

The Chesapeake Conservation Corps is currently accepting applications for 2018-2019 Host Sites until March 9, 2018 at 5:00 pm.

Applications for 2018-2019 Corp members are also open and due by April 13, 2018 at 5:00 pm. To learn more about this life-changing program and to submit an application visit: cbtrust.org/chesapeake-climate-corps.

To learn more about Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, visit their website.

Shelby Cross is a 2017-2018 Chesapeake Conservation Corps member with Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary. She received her B.A. in Environmental Studies from Goucher College.

Aug 17
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2021-2022 Chesapeake Conservation Corps Class Announced

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Jana Davis, 410-974-2941 ext. 100, jdavis@cbtrust.org

(Annapolis, MD) August 17, 2021– Today the Chesapeake Bay Trust, funded by the Maryland Chesapeake vehicle license plate among other sources, introduced the newest class of its Chesapeake Conservation Corps members. This program was created by the late Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., and others in the Maryland General Assembly to invest in the state’s young people, provide valuable job skills training, and promote the green economy in Maryland. The program matches young people ages 18-25 with non-profit and government organizations for one-year stipend-supported terms of service, focused on improving local communities and protecting natural resources. The Chesapeake Bay Trust administers the program.

“We need all hands on deck to protect the Chesapeake Bay and preserve this national treasure for generations to come. The Chesapeake Conservation Corps program, created by my good friend Senate President Mike Miller, is key to launching the next generation of Maryland leaders through environmental workforce development and creating pathways to good-paying green jobs. Today we celebrate this new class of young leaders ready to take action by working to protect our environment. This program is central to our efforts to maintain a healthy Bay and a strong Maryland economy, and I know the work of these leaders will help continue to carry out Mike’s legacy of environmental stewardship,” said Senator Van Hollen.

Since the program began in 2010 with an inaugural class of 16 members, the Corps has increased in size due to its popularity among young people pursing environmental interests and the organizations that host Corps members each year. 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. Close to 300 alums have become both leaders in the environmental movement as well as, just as importantly, engaged individuals bringing a stewardship ethic to non-environmental careers. Many of them are hired by their host organizations following their years of service.

“The Chesapeake Conservation Corps program is such a fantastic way for young people to start their careers,” said Senator Sarah Elfreth, who has been appointed by the Maryland Senate President to serve on the Corps Advisory Board. “We in the General Assembly cannot wait to see what these Corps members accomplish this year and beyond.”

Today, 33 Corps members met virtually their 31 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, sustainable agriculture practices, and a host of other environmentally focused initiatives.

Funds for the program are provided by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. National Park Service, and Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), among others.

“BGE is very proud to support the Chesapeake Conservation Corps Program. Not only does the program prepare our youth with heightened awareness and skills to conserve our natural resources and protect the environment, but it develops our local workforce in a meaningful and unique way. At BGE, we believe that cultivating a talented, diverse workforce that can serve the state’s needs is critical, and this program has successfully prepared hundreds of new members of our workforce over its 12-year history” said Alex Núñez, senior vice president of BGE’s Strategy and Regulatory 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 Trust as well as other service-learning opportunities including grant writing and project management.

“One aspect I love about this program is that not only does it create life-changing experiences for the Corps members, but it can really help the host organizations’ abilities to accomplish their missions,” said Dr. Jana Davis, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. “We have a wide range of not-for-profits who benefit, from small to large, and those with primarily environmental missions as well as those without.”

Of the 33 selected participants, 12 will work in Anne Arundel County, 6 in Baltimore City, 5 in Prince George’s County, 5 in Howard County, 2 in Calvert County; and 1 each in Montgomery County, Worcester County, and Pennsylvania.

About the Chesapeake Bay Trust
The Chesapeake Bay Trust (www.cbtrust.org) is a nonprofit grant-making organization established by the Maryland General Assembly dedicated to improving the natural resources of the Chesapeake region through environmental education, community engagement, and local watershed restoration. The Trust’s grantees engage hundreds of thousands of individuals annually in projects that have a measurable impact on the waterways and other natural resources of the region. The Trust is supported by the sale of the Maryland Treasure the Chesapeake 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 that enable grant-making watershed-wide. 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.

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Chesapeake Conservation Corps 2021-2022 Corps Member Placements

Allyson Bartell, Maryland Department of Natural Resources: Resource Assessment Service

Annapolis, Anne Arundel County

Allyson “Ally” will serve her year at Maryland Department of Natural Resources, where she will assist in measuring stream and storm flow and conducting geomorphological surveys, as well as water quality data collection and analysis. She will also compile stream restoration monitoring data and interpret results which will be shared with many audiences. Ally is a recent graduate from Johns Hopkins University where she earned a B.S. in Environmental Science. Ally’s favorite classes included sustainable food systems, Inca art history, and environmental anthropology; in her free time, you can find her hiking, gardening, and reading.

Jack Beckham, Severn River Association

Annapolis, Anne Arundel County

Jack is coming from Boston College to join the Corps. He recently graduated with a degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in Hispanic Studies. Jack previously interned at Resources Environmental Services and is a big runner and outdoors enthusiast. During his Corps year Jack will assist with weekly water quality monitoring, and an on-the-water Floating Classroom educational program. Jack will also coordinate volunteers on a variety of monitoring activities, develop watershed assessments of the Severn River and obtain a Maryland Boating License.

Clara Brill-Carlat, American Chestnut Land Trust

Prince Frederick, Calvert County

During her placement at American Chestnut Land Trust Clara will focus on science and restoration. She will work with and lead volunteer groups in various land management activities including invasive species removal, meadow establishment, hiking trail maintenance, property monitoring, and forest and wildlife diversity surveys. Clara recently graduated from Smith College with a degree in geology. She is a native Baltimorean and is excited to contribute to the conservation of Maryland’s natural resources. In her free time, she likes to go on long walks and write limericks.

Kathryn Burcham, Prince George’s County Public Schools, William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center

Brandywine, Prince George’s County

Kathryn will serve her year at The Schmidt Center leading students and teachers to implement environmental lessons, conduct field restoration projects, practice animal care, facilitate team building, and assist with professional development opportunities for teachers. Prior to joining the Corps, Kathryn graduated from St. Mary’s College of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. Kathryn is looking forward to building meaningful connections and gaining new experiences through the Corps.

Lucy Burnam, The Community Ecology Institute

Columbia, Howard County

Lucy recently graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in Journalism and a focus on photography, videography, and marketing. Lucy spent the summer in Hawaii on a sustainable coffee farm learning about their process, and how to harvest pineapples, mangos, cacao, and ice cream beans. During her Corps year Lucy will assist at the Institute’s new urban organic farm tending the farm and gardens using regenerative agriculture principles and will be coordinating among the local community organizations.

Selina Cheng, Maryland Department of Natural Resources: Resource Assessment Service

Annapolis, Anne Arundel County

During her year in the Corps Selina will support the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ freshwater mussel restoration project by conducting field surveys, producing and culturing mussels in a hatchery, collecting data, conducting feasibility studies, and developing new outreach material to highlight conservation efforts. Selina will be moving back east from Alaska to join the Corps; in Alaska, she assisted with long-term monitoring of Arctic lakes. Selina attended the University of Virginia where she recently received a dual degree in Environmental Science and English.

Joshua Cohen, Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake

Annapolis, Anne Arundel County

Joshua is a recent graduate from Washington College where he earned a degree in Environmental Science and minored in Chesapeake Regional Studies and Music. He has spent time this year working in Arizona at a nature center, with Habitat for Humanity in North Carolina, and at outdoor conference centers in Kansas, on top of helping with the vaccination effort in Albany. This year he will lead online and in-person educational events and coordinate volunteer involvement in restoration projects for Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake (IPC). Joshua will also help coordinate IPC’s One Water Partnership.

Virginia Davis, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Patuxent Research Refuge

Laurel, Anne Arundel County

Virginia “Genny” grew up in Richmond, Virginia and attended school at Warren Wilson College where she majored in Environmental Studies and minored in Environmental Policy. Genny says that growing up in the Chesapeake Bay watershed has shaped her love of the outdoors and that she is excited to begin to explore Maryland. While at the Patuxent Research Refuge Genny will work on partnership development and environmental education in the urban corridor between Baltimore and Washington, DC. She will also work to foster meaningful adoption by the Refuge of best practices for urban engagement under four Critical Engagement Elements in the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program Strategic Plan (Community-focused, Intentional, Inclusive, Collaborative).

Laura Exar, Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks, Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary

Lothian, Anne Arundel County

Laura will work with Jug Bay in creating a sensory garden, supporting invasive species control efforts, designing and conducting a community science herpetological survey, and promoting outdoor environmental education through classrooms in the field. Laura recently graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park where she studied Environmental Science and Policy with a concentration in Marine and Coastal Management and a minor in Sustainability Studies. She hopes to go on to pursue a Master’s in marine and estuarine science. Prior to the Corps, she worked at the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

Avery Farrell, Howard County Office of Community Sustainability

Ellicott City, Howard County

Avery “Ave”, who majored in Geography and Environmental Science at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, hopes to gain knowledge about climate change mitigation during her time in the Corps. She likes to walk/hike, crochet, create YouTube videos and in the spring and summer watch thunderstorms. While at Howard County’s Office of Community Sustainability for her year with the Corps, Ave will work to engage county employees, businesses, and residents in saving energy, reducing litter, and combatting climate change.

Christy Ferguson, The Community Ecology Institute

Columbia, Howard County

Christy graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with a major in Environmental Science and Geography. Christy spent the summer learning about environmental education programs, restoration monitoring, wildlife surveys, and water quality monitoring with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. This year Christy will support the Institute’s educational programming at the intersections of environment, health, and equity and will coordinate garden installations at several community locations.

Quinae West, Towson University (Center for STEM Excellence)

Baltimore City

Quinae was recently married and is a proud mom. She is currently working on her associate degree from Harford Community College. She has a passion for environmental science and has particular interest in learning about habitat restoration, sustainability, and marine conservation. During her time with Towson University’s Center for STEM Excellence, Quinae will develop activities and facilitate programs designed to foster a sense of stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland’s K-12 students.

Jacob Honn, National Aquarium

Baltimore City

During the course of Jacob’s year, he will assist with the Aquarium’s activities and programs designed to stop plastic pollution, combat climate change, save wildlife, and restore habitats. Jacob graduated from Earlham College in Indiana with a degree in biology and even spent a semester abroad in New Zealand. He spent the last year managing Maryland Environmental Trust’s volunteer easement monitoring program. He has recently gotten into mycology, birding, and gardening and spends a lot of time outdoors.

Mary Hoover, American Chestnut Land Trust

Prince Frederick, Calvert County

Mary will assist with the American Chestnut Land Trust’s one-acre sustainable agriculture farm as farm manager and will support farm-related community outreach. She will also participate in the Maryland Master Naturalist program. Mary was born and raised in Omaha Nebraska and will be joining the Corps following a summer working on an organic strawberry farm in Vermont. She is a recent graduate from Creighton University where she earned a degree in Environmental Science and minored in Sustainability Studies and Spanish. In her free time, Mary likes hiking, thrifting, playing soccer and tennis, and hanging out with her cat.

Kathryn Kavanagh, Maryland Coastal Bays Program

Berlin, Worcester County

Kathryn “Katie” will work with the science and restoration staff on water quality monitoring, oyster gardening, wetland monitoring, anadromous fish sampling, and restoration project construction. She will also work in education designing and leading meaningful educational programs, field excursions, and activities in and around the watershed. Katie graduated from Lafayette College in PA with a dual degree in Environmental Science and International Affairs. She loves working with kids and has a background in environmental education. Mary is working at Schuylkill Center in Philadelphia this summer.

Spencer Kessinger, Robinson Nature Center

Columbia, Howard County

Spencer will serve her year at Robinson Nature Center where she will learn to teach educational programs to people of all ages, take care of a live animal collection, and learn about all the behind the scenes work that makes a large nature center run smoothly. Spencer is a recent graduate from St. Mary’s College of Maryland with a degree in Environmental Studies and minors in Biology and Education. Spencer likes walking/hiking, snuggling with her dogs, kayaking, and learning about pollinators.

James Looper, U.S. National Park Service Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Baltimore City

At the National Park Service James “Jimmy” will be researching Chesapeake Bay climate change data, creating and implementing an interpretative program related to climate change, analyzing Trail GIS data and creating maps; and participating in outreach events. Jimmy graduated from Washington College with a double major in Environmental Studies and Anthropology and has formerly worked at the National Aquarium in Baltimore and with NOAA in the Pacific Northwest.

Amelia Lowe, Chesapeake Conservancy

Annapolis, Anne Arundel County

During her year of service Amelia will be a key member of the Chesapeake Conservation Partnership dedicated to meeting the Bay Program’s land conservation goals and new goals to conserve 30% of lands in the watershed by 2030. She will learn and contribute to many cutting-edge policies and programs. Amelia is a recent graduate from the College of William and Mary where she double majored in Environmental Science & Policy and History. Her career interests include sustainable urban development, science communication, and corporate sustainability. On Sunday mornings you can find her at the Dupont Circle Farmer’s Market.

Lorenzo Mack-Johnson, Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore

Baltimore City

During Lorenzo’s year in the Corps he will learn about local clean water issues, engage diverse public audiences, and conduct field work at the waterfront and in East Baltimore neighborhoods through the Waterfront Partnership’s Healthy Harbors Initiative. Lorenzo is completing his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sustainability from the University of Baltimore. He is working to become a Maryland Master Naturalist and is excited about the community engagement and oyster restoration work he will be involved in.

Declan Murphy, Howard County Conservancy

Woodstock, Howard County

Declan will plan and execute environmental program activities for K-12 school programs, a summer nature camp, and the Conservancy’s brand-new nature preschool. Additionally, he will oversee daily care and educational presentations of nature center animals including the barred owl, eastern black rat snake, terrapin, chickens, and goats. Declan recently graduated from Swarthmore College with a degree in Environmental Studies and Biology. This summer, Declan is collecting data on Philadelphia’s new plastic bag ban.

Julissa Murrieta, The Nature Conservancy

Bethesda, Montgomery County
Julie graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a degree in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Ecology and Evolution and a minor in Sustainability Studies. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, embroidery, puzzling, and snuggling with her cat. For her year with the Corps, Julissa’s work will range from researching forest health and resilience in the Central Appalachians to blue carbon and coastal resiliency on the Eastern Shore. She will even learn how to execute controlled burning.

Christopher Orozco-Fletcher, U.S. National Park Service Chesapeake Bay

Annapolis, Anne Arundel County

During his placement with the National Park Service, Christopher will staff the “Chesapeake Roving Ranger” mobile interpretive vehicle and will develop and conduct interpretive outreach and educational programming to promote the understanding and stewardship of the cultural, natural, recreational, and historic resources of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Christopher is a recent college graduate from Earlham College in Indiana where he studied Environmental Sustainability with a focus in Resource Conservation. Christopher is a proud Eagle Scout and enjoys contra dancing, drawing, hiking, ultimate frisbee, biking, and traveling.

Pamela Pina, Maryland Environmental Service

Millersville, Anne Arundel County

During her year of service Pamela will work with the Geospatial and Engineering Service’s division at Maryland Environmental Service and learn how GIS can be utilized in a multitude of situations for planning, implementing, and evaluating stormwater projects throughout the State. Pamela is a graduate from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with a degree in Environmental Science and Geography. She has previously done work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and enjoys walking and playing with her puppy in her free time.

Andrew Rapp, U.S. Geological Survey: Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

Laurel, Prince George’s County

Andrew will serve his year with the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and will focus on monitoring a variety of avian species on Poplar Island and as well as method development (unmanned aircraft systems and thermal imaging). Andrew recently graduated from the College of William and Mary with a double major in Biology and Environmental Science & Policy. Andrew spent his summer as a first mate on a fishing boat off the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina to learn about seabirds, marine mammals, and fisheries.

Jack Ruszkowski, Accokeek Foundation

Accokeek, Prince George’s County

During his year Jack will work as the Pasture Restoration Specialist with the Accokeek Foundation. Jack will spend time sampling and identifying native and invasive plant species within livestock pastures, mapping plant species sampled using ArcGIS, and developing and implementing an integrated livestock plan for invasive species management and pasture restoration. Jack is a recent graduate from the College of William and Mary with a degree in Anthropology. He has an interest in agriculture and forestry projects, particularly those relating to soil health and sustainable agriculture.

Bethany Sims, Town of Edmonston

Edmonston, Prince George’s County

Bethany will spend her year with the Town of Edmonston where she will focus on community engagement and education programs for the residents of Edmonston. She will also be involved with development of environmental policy for the Town and will work with the urban forestry and energy programs. Bethany has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in Political Studies from Towson University. She is driven by the need to protect vulnerable animals and preserve their habitat. In her free time, Bethany loves painting and drawing scenes.

Caroline Spiccioli, Maryland Department of the Environment

Baltimore City

During her year in the Corps Caroline will work with the Maryland Department of the Environment non-point source watershed planning program to develop or update watershed plans that meet EPA requirements. Caroline has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from The University of Vermont in Burlington Vermont. Caroline is interested in climate resilience and hopes to influence the way urban communities’ function to incorporate climate and environmental justice policies.

Samina Soin-Voshell, Maryland Department of Natural Resources: Chesapeake Bay Natural Estuarine Research Reserve

Annapolis, Anne Arundel County

Working with the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve this year, Samina will build estuarine and environmental literacy through programs with teachers, students, and communities that will connect them to the Bay and move them to take action toward its protection and restoration. Samina graduated from Washington College with a dual degree in Environmental Science and Biology with a minor in Chesapeake Regional Studies.

Shannon Thomas, Chesapeake Conservancy

Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania

Shannon will work with the Chesapeake Conservancy at Susquehanna University during her year with the Corps, where she will grow a new program using the latest innovations in riparian forest buffer science to improve creeks and streams. She will also train students and partners to use geospatial data to identify where restoration will make the biggest water quality impacts. Shannon recently graduated from Washington College with a degree in Environmental Science and minors in Chesapeake Bay Regional Studies and Chemistry.

Devin Valcich, U.S. National Park Service Chesapeake Bay

Annapolis, Anne Arundel County

Devin earned her bachelor’s degree from Washington College in Environmental Studies and a minor in Chesapeake Regional Studies. She was able to study abroad during college in Ireland, Belize, and Guatemala. Throughout the next year Devin will staff the “Chesapeake Roving Ranger” mobile interpretive vehicle and will develop and conduct interpretive outreach and educational programming to promote the understanding and stewardship of the cultural, natural, recreational, and historic resources of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Sally Watanabe, ECO City Farms

Riverdale, Prince George’s County

Sally will spend her year in the Corps with ECO City Farms. She will cultivate sustainably grown food year-round; turn local food waste into rich compost; educate local youth and families about food, health, and the environment; engage in hands-on trainings and permaculture projects on the farm; and be involved in outreach and community organizing for urban farming/environmental restoration. Sally recently graduated from the University of Richmond with a degree in Psychology. She is passionate about sustainability, social justice, and nurturing the relationship between people and nature/animals. Other passions of Sally include music, anything outdoors, yoga, painting, and exploring spirituality.

Lexi Watson, Maryland Department of the Environment

Baltimore City

Lexi recently graduated from Old Dominion University in Norfolk Virginia with a degree in Marine Biology and a minor in Conservation Leadership. Over the summer, Lexi is working with the Kiawah Conservancy in South Carolina. In her free time, she likes hiking/ camping, surfing/ paddle boarding, snorkeling, reading, and dancing. This year with the Maryland Department of the Environment, Lexi will build off a previous Corps Member’s data collection and analysis of living shorelines by compiling the data into a GIS format that can be linked to a GIS data layer (for mapping). She will also expand data collection and analysis of living shoreline projects that impacted submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and evaluate the long-term impacts on SAV. Finally, Lexi will evaluate the impacts of home values related to living shoreline vs. hardened shoreline installation.

Rylee Wernoch, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Edgewater, Anne Arundel County

During her year at The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC), Rylee will work to understand the interests of local stakeholder and community organizations and identify areas of overlap between those needs and SERC’s scientific expertise. Rylee will work with SERC researchers and public engagement staff to plan and develop community-scientist partnerships and will gain experience with public engagement in science, science communication, and project development. Rylee recently graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges with degrees in Biology and Environmental Studies and a minor in Africana Studies. Rylee is interested in scientific communication, environmental justice and marine conservation and is spending the summer as a head instructor of a junior sailing program.

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