Posted by chris on November 7, 2011
The short answer of course is that there was a lot of rain and a lot wind. But there is another factor. More trees fell on the eastern side of the county, from Wildewood to the Patuxent River, and this area has a particular soil type that is especially vulnerable to rain events.
On Wednesday November 16 the Potomac River Association will explore the instability of the soils along the Patuxent River side of the county and implications of runoff for property owners and the Patuxent River. Fred Tutman, Patuxent Riverkeeper, will talk about the relationship between the land and the health of the river. Fred is a brilliant and passionate advocate for the environment. Lifelong county resident Robert Willey will give a short talk and show his photographs about ugly runoff events of the Myrtle Point area. There will be a question and answer period with soil and tree experts.
The event is free and open to the public. Wednesday, November 16th, 7PM, at The Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, 44219 Airport Road, California, Maryland.
For more information call 301-769-3840 – Download the Flyer
Posted by chris on November 11, 2010
Activists Mobilize to Ban Arsenic in Maryland Poultry Production
New Food & Water Watch Report Warns of Public Health and Environmental Risks of Chemical
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of a movement to ban the use of arsenic in poultry production in Maryland, the consumer advocacy group Food & Water Watch today partnered with community leaders throughout the state to educate the public about the environmental and public health problems associated with the chemical.
A known poison, arsenic is often added to chicken feed in the form of the compound roxarsone to control the common intestinal disease coccidiosis, to promote growth and as a cosmetic additive. Chronic exposure to arsenic has also been shown to increase the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurological deficits and other health problems.
“The FDA approved this drug in 1944 when FDR was president. Since then, science has shown it’s a dangerous, unnecessary contaminant in our food supply,” said Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Watch. “Maryland has an opportunity to demonstrate true leadership on this issue by banning the use of arsenic in its poultry facilities.”
The seventh largest broiler-producing state in the U.S., according the 2007 U.S. Census of Agriculture, Maryland sold nearly 300 million broiler chickens that year. On the Delmarva Peninsula alone, 1,700 chicken operations raise 11 million chickens per week. Researchers estimate that between 20 and 50 metric tons of roxarsone are applied to crops there every year via poultry waste. Groundwater tests on both sides of the Chesapeake Bay’s Coastal Plains found arsenic in some household wells reaching up to 13 times the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) tolerance limit. Arsenic in chicken litter can convert to more dangerous forms of arsenic than those originally used in feed. This is why a bill to ban arsenic in chicken feed was introduced earlier this year in the Maryland House of Delegates.
“A week ago today, Maryland’s conservation-minded voters turned out in force to send a message that protecting the health of our air, land, water, and residents is an important priority,” said Jen Brock-Cancellieri, deputy director of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters. “We hope that after reading this report, Maryland’s legislators will continue to speak up for their constituents and support legislation to ban the unnecessary use of arsenic by the poultry industry.”
These concerns are reinforced by a new report on the poultry industry’s use of arsenic also released today by Food & Water Watch. Poison-Free Poultry: Why Arsenic Doesn’t Belong in Chicken Feed exposes the dangerous, widespread use of arsenic in the poultry industry and calls on Congress and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take action to update antiquated rules and protect consumers.
“We should be able to eat chicken without consuming harmful additives, but Marylanders are inadvertently exposing themselves and their loved ones to a known carcinogen hidden in a seemingly nutritious meal,” said Jenny Levin, an advocate for Maryland PIRG. “As a proud poultry production state, Maryland should ban the use of arsenic in chicken feed immediately, thereby protecting a valuable industry and the health and trust of its citizens.”
Dr. Keeve Nachman, Director of Farming for the Future Program at the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future notes that “approval of roxarsone for use in poultry and swine production is based on sorely outdated science that ignores both our present-day understanding of arsenic’s toxicity and the potential for arsenic to contaminate soils, water and crops where animal waste is spread.”
Although approved for use in the chicken industry by the FDA over six decades ago, the average American’s annual chicken consumption has since tripled from less than 20 pounds in the 1940s to nearly 60 pounds in 2008. Yet the FDA hasn’t revised its allowed levels for arsenic residues in poultry since 1951.
Additionally, new studies show that arsenic residues may be higher in chicken meat than previously known. USDA data suggests that the typical American is eating between 2.13 and 8.07 micrograms of total arsenic per day through consumption of chicken meat.
“The science shows the use of arsenic in chicken feed is dangerous and that viable alternatives to arsenic exist,“ said Hauter. “The FDA needs to stand up to the big chicken companies and make public health its priority.”
The report outlines the shared responsibility by the FDA, USDA and EPA for fixing a fragmented, antiquated system to regulate arsenic. It concludes with recommendations to these agencies to mitigate the damage already caused by arsenic in livestock feed and calls for a ban on future use of arsenic for livestock production.
“One of the main reasons why we have found such strong demand for the chickens grown on our pasture is that we don’t use arsenic to raise them,” said Ted Wycall, owner of Greenbranch Farm, located on the Eastern Shore. “Consumers are smart; they don’t want to eat food containing arsenic. Pasture-raised poultry is in big demand locally and nationally. Farmers should consider this a tremendous business opportunity; we need more of us doing this.”
The full report can be downloaded here: http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/food/report/poison-free-poultry
Food & Water Watch works to ensure the food, water and fish we consume is safe, accessible and sustainable. So we can all enjoy and trust in what we eat and drink, we help people take charge of where their food comes from, keep clean, affordable, public tap water flowing freely to our homes, protect the environmental quality of oceans, force government to do its job protecting citizens, and educate about the importance of keeping shared resources under public control.
Posted by chris on
NOVEMBER 4, 2010—St. Mary’s River is one of more than thirty waterways in the Chesapeake region that will benefit in the current round of EPA grants. Administered through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the $134,000 Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grant will provide funding for watershed planning and for several small restoration projects within the St. Mary’s River drainage area.
“This funding could not have come at a better time,” said Bob Lewis, executive director of the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association. “We have worked on a planning process for the past three years and due to a lack of funding we have been unable to complete a watershed plan for the St. Mary’s. This grant will allow us to complete the planning process and plan, identify restoration projects, calculate the potential reduction in pollution loads, and install several demonstration storm water bioretention projects.”
The one-year grant project will be led by four partners, and buttressed by several more. The St. Mary’s River Watershed Association (SMRWA) will organize the local planning effort and bring stakeholders together to develop the EPA-required WIP, or Watershed Implementation Plan, for the St. Mary’s River. The Center for Watershed Protection will provide the technical and engineering support for the WIP and demonstration projects. St. Mary’s College of Maryland is providing the science component including baseline monitoring data; and Maryland Sea Grant Extension will provide oversight for the demonstration projects.
Other key partners in the project, that are not named in the grant proposal, will be St. Mary’s County government departments and agencies, St. Mary’s County public schools, Master Gardeners, and local developers.
“We are excited to be a recipient of this award,” said SMRWA president Joe Anderson. “St. Mary’s River is one of the most important rivers in Maryland’s history and for centuries this river has provided a living for our watermen. Unfortunately, the river no longer supports thriving fisheries. Our watermen have to travel farther or seek alternatives to fishing in order to make ends meet.”
St. Mary’s River is contained entirely within St. Mary’s County. Local experts say that it is an embarrassment that we have idly stood by and allowed the river to become so degraded.
“Shame on us for not taking care of this beautiful river,” said Lewis. “Most of our pollution comes from run off from roads, parking lots, buildings, agriculture, and lawns. Every one of us contributes to the rivers decline. We all have to step up. What happens on the land ends up in our river.”
“From planting more trees in urban areas to improving wildlife habitat and minimizing stormwater runoff, these grants result in partnerships that help restore and protect the Bay,” said Maryland Senator Ben Cardin, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee.
Since 2000, more than $27 million in Small Watershed Grants has supported 626 projects around the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These projects have leveraged close to $90 million in local matching funds for a total on-the-ground restoration investment of more than $115 million.
The current award represents the second time the St. Mary’s River has benefited from a Chesapeake Small Watershed Grant. In 2002, St. Mary’s College of Maryland and the Sustainability Development Institute were awarded a grant to develop a watershed plan for the Hilton Run, a subwatershed of the St. Mary’s River. That effort led to the founding of the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association in 2004. The Hilton Run Plan is available for download from the Association’s Web site, www.SMRWA.org.
Posted by chris on November 8, 2010
Food & Water Watch is going to be nationally releasing a brand new poison in poultry report on November 9th. Super exciting! For the release, we will be synchronizing 5 media events all over the state, including here in St. Mary’s County.
Please join me on Tuesday, November 9th at 11am in front of DB McMillan’s Restaurant (23415 Three Notch Rd, California – Wildewood Shopping Center) to hear speakers Christina Allen, local homestead farmer and artist, and Bob Lewis, Executive Director of St. Mary’s River Watershed Association, describe the environmental and public health effects of factory farming and arsenic in chicken feed.
Posted by chris on October 19, 2010
Sponsored by Potomac River Association, Sierra Club, Friends of Myrtle Point and Patuxent RiverKeeper
The questions below were sent to candidates for county commissioner in St. Mary’s County. Beneath each question is a range of possible answers indicating the strength of the respondents feelings about the issue.
A. Do you think Maryland’s Critical Area Regulations should be made more strict or made less strict?
More Strict–1–2–3–4–5–Less Strict
B. Do you think human activities contribute to global climate change through the emission of greenhouse gases?
Yes –1–2–3–4–5–No
C. Do you think the county needs to improve inspection and enforcement of stormwater control measures or that current inspection and enforcement is adequate?
Needs Improvement –1–2–3–4–5–Currently adequate
D. Do you think the Board of Appeals needs to be more strict or less strict about the granting of variances?
More Strict –1–2–3–4–5–Less Strict
E. Governor O’Malley’s oyster restoration plan involves setting aside some areas of rivers as oyster sanctuaries and closing those areas to commercial harvesting. Do you think is a good idea or a bad idea?
Good Idea –1–2–3–4–5–Bad idea
F. Do you think that development projects along Indian Bridge Road should be delayed or prevented by the presence of the rare toad that is said to live in the vicinity?
Yes—1–2–3–4–5–No
G. When do you think the rights of an endangered insect or plant take precedence over the rights of an individual property owner?
Always–1–2–3–4–5–Never
H. All buildings constructed in St. Mary’s County using public money should be built to the highest environmental standards, like Evergreen Elementary.
Yes–1–2–3–4–5–No
The table below summarizes the candidates’ responses. The letters across the top of the grid correspond to the questions A through H above. The numbers indicate where the candidate places his or her response on the scale accompanying each question.
The candidates were also invited to send in written responses amplifying their answers or describing their environmental policies or beliefs more generally. The extended remarks of the candidates can be viewed at the Green Southern Maryland website (http://www.greensomd.com/candidates-county-commissioner/).
| Candidate |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
District/Party Affiliation |
| Thomas McKay |
2 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
Comm. President/Rep |
| Jack Russell |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
Comm. President/Dem. |
| Cindy Jones |
NR |
NR |
NR |
NR |
NR |
NR |
NR |
NR |
District 1/Rep. |
| Elfreda Mathis |
2 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
District 1/Dem. |
| Dan Morris |
NR |
NR |
NR |
NR |
NR |
NR |
NR |
NR |
District 2/Rep. |
| Arthur Shepherd |
3 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
District 2/Dem. |
| Larry Jarboe |
4 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
District 3/Rep. |
| Bill Mattingly |
3 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
NR |
3 |
1 |
District 3/Dem. |
| Todd Morgan |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
District 4/Rep. |
| Mary Washington |
3 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
District 4/Dem |
The sponsors of the survey wish to commend the respondents for their willingness to help the voters of St. Mary’s County make informed decisions on Election Day, November 2.
Posted by chris on
The statements below were submitted by candidates for county commissioner in St. Mary’s County in response to an invitation from the Potomac River Association. Commissioner
On Critical Areas regulation:
“The Critical Area Regulations should be reviewed periodically to protect the Bay wildlife and tributaries. As conditions change then regulations should be made more strict or less strict.”
–Mary Washington
On Global Climate Change:
“Deforestation, agriculture and industrial practices contribute to global changes.”
–Mary Washington
On control inspection and enforcement of stormwater controls:
“According to 4-206 of the Environment Article, ACM, this program should be reviewed every three years. Citizen input and public hearing.”
–Mary Washington
“Additional staff may be required to adequately support inspection and enforcement of storm water control measures either from the state and/or county.”
–Elfreda Mathis
“Stormwater run off has received attention recently with the new state regulations. I will look to grow in the development districts….minimizing sprawl and allowing for pedestrian and bicycle routes. New ways of “going up instead of out” may be in our future.”
–Arthur Shepherd
On the Board of Appeals and the granting of variances:
“Variance may be granted under 77.6 if there are exceptional conditions/circumstances. I do not have the data on how many variances have been granted but would be willing to investigate.”
–Mary Washington
“We must accept the fact that we live on a peninsula with a high water table. Development and variance decisions must consider our fragile environment and the productive livability of people in certain areas. Variances should be considered on a case by case basis to be guided by the topography of the land and the composition of the soil. “
–Elfreda Mathis
“The Board of Appeals makes decisions on a “case by case” basis. I’m sure some cases reflect an adversarial position to environmental protection. Guidelines, regulations, and laws should direct their decision. Not too well informed of their history. Good people I’m sure.”
–Arthur Shepherd
On Governor O’Malley’s oyster restoration program:
“We need to rebuild our oyster population and have a public fishery that is scientifically based.”
–Mary Washington
“The restoration plan started under Gov. Erlich and identified all parts of the St. Mary’s River as a sanctuary. The plan was modified under Gov. O’ Malley. Oysters are natural filters for the bay and rivers. Due to the current health of the rivers it is necessary to have a period of time for restoration It may be about a period of 3 years or more to document the evidence of restoration. This will in the long term impact the healthy production of oysters in other areas. I know that watermen support a healthy bay and rivers. We also need sustainable efforts to reduce pollution. Healthy conditions are necessary for the productive viability of the water from which we get our food sources. I am concerned about the impact to family watermen who will lose income while the restoration efforts take effect. I would support some level of state compensation during the restoration period for those affected watermen.”
–Elfreda Mathis
On the delay or prevention of development plans due to the presence of endangered species:
“If we follow St. Mary’s County Comprehensive Plan then we must adhere to chapter 5.”
–Mary Washington
We must do everything in our power to protect and conserve wildlife so they will not become extinct.”
–Mary Washington
“Nature has determined an ecological balance. Clear evidence of anything that would disturb the ecological balance must be offered. Part of Indian Bridge Road continues to be most suitable for farmland. While other parts on higher ground may be suitable for small development. The problem is informing homeowners about potential hazards when living in low lying areas such as: flooding, mold, and mildew, etc. There are always problem/solution opportunities when decisions affect the natural order of the food chain and the livability of people and animals together.”
–Elfreda Mathis
“It is the goal of man to live in harmony with each other and our environment. The rights of individual property owners must always be respected in a democracy. Informed decisions of property owners must be based on knowledge of environmentally sensitive areas, environmental conflicts, regulations and issues affecting the livability in the area and the possibility of unintended consequences.”
–Elfreda Mathis
On green building standards:
“We must become more proactive in building green, environmentally-friendly structures.”
–Mary Washington
“When possible I believe new facilities should be designed towards green standards.”
–Arthur Shepherd
On environmental issues generally:
“Undoubtedly we are witnessing a changing environment that is being argued by scientists and laymen worldwide. As a County Commissioner candidate I think it is a requirement to enhance and protect our rural landscape from overdevelopment, yet simultaneously balance the needs of our community.
AS A CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION, SIERRA CLUB, AND ST. MARY’S RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION MEMBER, AND POTENTIAL FUTURE COMMISSIONER, I HAVE MANY GOALS TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY’S CHARACTER AS RURAL AS WE CAN; YET, I UNDERSTAND THAT WE CAN’T STOP THE CONTINUUM OF GROWTH. GROWTH NEEDS TO BE BALANCED AND I WILL NOT BE AN ADVOCATE FOR GROWTH PURELY FOR GROWTH’S SAKE.
One of my major concerns is the development of the Lexington Park development district and its effects on the St. Mary’s River watershed. This watershed is the only drainage basin we can truly call our own and one that we have the ability to protect.
There is much we can do to support environmental initiatives without having to create layers of competing bureaucracies that conflict and contradict each other in interpretation and implementation. Our citizens are penalized by such actions, yet they pay the bills.
IF ELECTED, SOME OF MY EARLY PRIORITIES WOULD INCLUDE ATTEMPTING TO FIND MORE WAYS TO ENCOURAGE RECYCLING. TO ME, IT IS THE SIMPLEST MOST COST-EFFECTIVE FIRST STEP THAT WE CAN ALL DO AS CITIZENS OF ST. MARY’S COUNTY TO PRESERVE THE ENVIRONMENT LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY. I WOULD BE A PROPONENT OF INDIVIDUALS WHO WOULD USE RENEWABLE ENERGY ALTERNATIVES SUCH AS SOLAR OR WIND, AND POSSIBLY TRY TO GET ENERGY TAX CREDITS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL FOR ITS USE. FINALLY, I AM A STRONG PROPONENT OF LEED CERTIFIED CONSTRUCTION AND WOULD ENCOURAGE THIS FOR NOT ONLY PUBLICALLY FUNDED PROJECTS, BUT I ALSO ENCOURAGE IT FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS AS WELL. WITHIN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY, I HAVE BEEN AN ADVOCATE OF A PRIVATE, NEW CONSTRUCTION FACILITY THAT WILL MEET THE LEED SILVER CERTIFICATION STANDARDS.”
–Todd Morgan
“The number one choice for cleaning up the Bay is restoring the oyster population. Much of the environmental regulations are inconsequential if we cannot naturally filter the water.
The debate on Global Warming is a smokescreen for dividing what could be a unified citizenry regarding clean efficient electric vehicles. The technology exists today for 300 mile per charge high performance EVs. Both sides of Congress are determined to keep this technology on the shelf to assist the fossil fuel industry.
Presently, economic survival is superceding environmental concerns. It makes nosense to have a nice to live if you cannot afford to live there.”
–Larry Jarboe
“Our local environment should be protected. By protecting nature we most often are protecting people and securing our future.
Environmental issues quite often are better managed when citizens are educated on the results of their actions….positive or environmentally damaging. If elected I will lead by example and use my leadership to educate at a consistent and rapid rate. Individuals need to know what they can and should not do to enhance and protect the environment such as: Recycle, utilize re-usable bags (minimizing trash), develop rain gardens, walk and bike, minimize watering lawns and fertilizing, minimize green house emissions
The Chesapeake Bay is our treasure. It must be protected. I also know that our builders and developers need to be positioned to create jobs and claim the most from their property assets. I will seek the best options… with my eye on the Chesapeake Bay.”
–Arthur Shepherd
Posted by chris on September 12, 2010
Close your eyes and imagine stepping away, just for a weekend, from the swirling pace of a hectic lifestyle, from stamped-out fast food, crowded stores and another afternoon staring at an electronic screen.
Imagine slipping into an excursion focused on simplicity and authenticity. Perhaps you take the kids to a farm where they can dash through a sorghum maze or gaze at animals that aren’t animated. Or maybe you’ll browse a potter’s private studio looking for a handmade treasure. You could savor good food grown just down the road, chat with the vintner as you experience a new wine and wind down your evening in a cozy B&B.
Well, the newest Southern Maryland Trails: Earth, Art, Imagination is your guidebook for just such an adventure. The fourth edition of this 128-page publication, released Sept. 7, is available free from partner sites, designated pickup sites and visitor centers in Maryland (listed on the website at www.somdtrails.com). Touted as “your guide to all things handmade, homegrown, locally harvested and authentically Southern Maryland,” the book details the region’s best art, food, wine, lodgings and farms in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties.
Created by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), the Trails program highlights the area’s natural beauty, culture and agricultural heritage. The intent is to showcase the area’s destination farms, including corn mazes and cut-your-own Christmas tree farms, alongside similar locally owned businesses, parks and cultural destinations in a travel package that’s convenient and attractive to tourists and locals alike. Site descriptions in the book are augmented with contact info, site hours and driving directions and are arranged geographically so users can easily plan a day or weekend “Trails Trip.” Detailed maps, abundant photos and lively sidebar stories give the reader colorful insights into the spirit of the area.
“I’m very excited about being included in the Southern Maryland Trails Guidebook this year,” said Misti Dayton of Treadles Studio in Leonardtown, one of the new sites in this edition. Her studio offers classes in spinning and weaving, and her own fiber art pieces are available in the adjacent gallery, the Craft Guild Shop, also a new addition to the Trails. “It’s a wonderful feeling to be included with so many talented artists, great galleries and terrific farms.”
“The Trails program has become a very strong presence in the region,” said Dr. Christine Bergmark, executive director of SMADC. “I think it owes some of its success to the fact that visitors feel really good about shopping and dining at these places owned by local farmers and artists.
“They feel like they are supporting their community,” Bergmark said. “Plus, I think they generally have a really good time and get to enjoy quality food and custom made art. That’s a win-win scenario all around.”
What’s New on the Trails?
The new book features 30 new sites including four farms, four artist studios, eight eateries and a new winery. The Park at Williford Farms, a new site along the Heron’s Flight (the trail centered mainly in Charles County), offers pony rides, a party barn, a woodland trail and an animal park with pot-bellied pigs, alpacas and a miniature donkey.
Hess House, a bed and breakfast just added on the Barnwood and Beach Glass Loop (primarily in St. Mary’s County) is a restored 1915 Piney Point beach house filled with fascinating local memorabilia gathered through the years by owner J. Whitson Rogers. And also new to this Trail is the recently launched Port of Leonardtown Winery run by a cooperative of Southern Maryland wine growers.
The Turnbuckle Hop (the Trail centered mainly in Prince George’s/Anne Arundel counties) features several new eateries, from the casual and quirky bb Bistro (“make love, not processed food!”) to the upscale and elegant Sam’s on the Waterfront.
And new to the Calvert County Trail, called the Fossils and Farmscapes Ramble, is Water’s Edge Studio, run by painter and jewelry artist Joan Humphreys, whose custom jewelry creations often feature recycled materials and intricate beadwork.
In this edition, the Trails began incorporating lively arts venues into the mix of Trails sites, including a summer concert series paired with a weekly farmers’ market at O’Donnell Lake in Waldorf and The Colonial Players, a local theater troupe in Annapolis.
The book also includes a detailed calendar listing of the area’s most popular annual events and festivals and an Imaginative Itineraries chapter with themed Trails trips. These center around specific interests, for example The Great Girlfriend Gallery Hop Getaway features a cluster of local galleries and elegant eateries arranged as an easy, daylong outing and the Golden Gourmet and Gardens Tour highlights a series of sites suitable for senior citizens or those whose mobility is impaired.
October is Trails Month
The new edition of the guidebook will be released just in time for the annual October is Trails Month promotion. October was designated Trails Month because there is already an abundance of festivals, events and activities (many hosted by partner sites) set against the region’s lovely foliage and comfortable weather. Agritourism farms are in full swing also, offering mazes, hayrides, crafts and other family fun. Many partner sites offer incentives throughout the month, including discounts and free gifts, to those that mention the Trails.
To get a free copy of the new Southern Maryland Trails guidebook, visit a participating partner site or pickup site. See a listing at www.somdtrails.com
Posted by chris on August 29, 2010
http://www.odwalla.com/plantatree/_MD.jsp
On the site people go and plant a virtual trees in the state of their choice which then translates into $5 for every vote. These funds, which are donated by Odwalla, then go to plant native trees in state parks. Maryland is currently in 4th place Nation wide with over $13,400 in pledged funds.
Posted by chris on July 13, 2010
CALL FOR ENTRIES
JANSSON PRIZE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL WRITING
Sponsored by
The Potomac River Association
and
The Center for the Study of Democracy
The Potomac River Association (PRA) in conjunction with the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD) at St. Mary’s College of Maryland is pleased to hold the first annual competition for the Jansson Prize for Environmental Writing. Dedicated to the memory of Holger, Mary and Eric Jansson and their contributions to the betterment of the environment and culture of St. Mary’s County, the prize will be awarded each year to the best essay on important topics related to the environment and environmental affairs.
The 2010 topic asks for essays reflecting on the relationship between property rights and Maryland’s critical areas regulations.
Download Full Details from potomacriverassociation.org
Posted by chris on July 12, 2010
HEALTHY PLATE, HEALTHY PLANET!
Take the Buy Local Challenge July 17 – 25, 2010
What if you could make one simple change every day for a week that would have a positive impact on your health, your local economy and the health of the planet? Join the thousands across Maryland who will take the Buy Local Challenge (“I pledge to eat at least one item from a local farm every day during Buy Local Week”) from July 17 – 25 and enjoy food that’s fresh and nutritious while you support local farmers.
The Buy Local Challenge (always the last full week in July) will celebrate its fourth anniversary in 2010. One of several SMADC programs geared to boost the local farm economy the Challenge was designed to highlight the environmental, health and economic benefits farms provide. Participants are encouraged to shop at farms, farm stands, farmers’ markets and grocers that offer locally grown food and wine, and dine at restaurants that include local farm food and wine in their menus.
“The Buy Local Challenge is gaining incredible momentum,” said Christine Bergmark, executive director of the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC). “It’s easy for anyone to make this simple commitment; individuals, families, even businesses and institutions”, she commented. “But our goal is also to remind people that local farms need consumer support to thrive and ensure they survive for future generations. We see this Buy Local Challenge concept spreading beyond Maryland and continuing to fuel the growing trend toward healthy choices for ourselves and our planet.”
The Buy Local Challenge Web site www.buy-local-challenge.com includes an interactive feature that allows participants to make a more official commitment to ‘take the challenge and be counted’ by adding their name to the up-to-the-minute tally of people who have pledged to eat local during the 2010 Buy Local Week. Those who take the official pledge receive a personalized, downloadable certificate.
There are many ways to get involved in the Buy Local Challenge beyond taking the pledge and shopping for locally grown food during Buy Local Week. Many restaurants and stores are featuring ‘local’ menus and locally grown foods and wines, and businesses and organizations are encouraging members to take the challenge as a group. Close to one third of Maryland’s hospitals participated in the 2009 Buy Local Challenge offering locally grown food in their cafeterias and hosting farmers’ markets on their premises during Buy Local Week.
The Buy Local Challenge Web site also incorporates a separate, interactive sub-site (the BLC Online Community) designed to host user-generated content. This site allows users from anywhere in the nation to upload information about BLC events, submit photos, tips or recipes, to chat or generally interact with other users across the country. Participants can also download free resource material including official BLC logo files, fliers and generic press releases. This sets the stage for a cohesive nationwide annual observance of Buy Local Challenge Week throughout the U.S.
The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) was established to promote diverse, market-driven agricultural enterprises, which coupled with agricultural land preservation, will preserve Southern Maryland’s environmental resources and rural character while keeping the region’s farmland productive and the agricultural economy vibrant. To learn more about additional programs and resources, contact SMADC, P. O. Box 745, Hughesville, MD 20637; phone: 301-274-1922; fax: 301-274-1924; email cbergmark@smadc.com; or visit www.smadc.com.
