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What Can I Do?
Ever think that if you keep the temperature in your refrigerator colder, your food will last longer? Well, if the temperature in your refrigerator is much cooler than 37 degrees you'll just be wasting energy. Likewise, for your freezer: The ideal temperature is between 0 and 5 degrees. Click here for tips about energy efficient usage of your refrigerator and freezer.
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Bay Fact
Eelgrass is the only true 'seagrass' found in the Chesapeake Bay, and provides important habitat for blue crabs, seahorses, pipefish and speckled sea trout. Eelgrass is also important as a food source for geese, widgeon, redhead and black ducks and green sea turtles. More info...
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From the desk of...
Martin O'Malley, Governor of Maryland
 Governor O'Malley and volunteers at the Day of Service Tree Planting at Patapsco State Park Maryland has launched the Stream Restoration Challenge to establish 1,000 acres of forested stream buffers by 2015. Meeting the challenge will help the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay, while providing service learning and environmental literacy activities for students. Local governments, school systems, and non-governmental organizations are invited to participate in the Challenge, and may apply for grants to help cover costs associated with plantings. The Stream Restoration Challenge will provide the tools that are needed for individuals and organizations to make significant improvements to the health of the Bay. We are thankful for our partners at the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the Maryland State Highway Administration, the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund and the Maryland State Department of Education. By working together, we can make a real difference. Proposals must be submitted by October 31 and more information is available online. I hope you or an organization you participate in will join us in this important effort to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Sincerely,
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Eyes on the Bay Water Quality Website
This year, the Chesapeake Bay experienced the smallest dead zone, or volume of low dissolved oxygen, since 1985. While drought conditions likely helped by delivering fewer nutrients to our waterways, this illustrates how we can improve the Bay by implementing nutrient reduction strategies. For the full story visit the Eyes on the Bay publications page. Of course, the latest information is always available online at www.eyesonthebay.net.
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BayStat Update
At its September meeting, the BayStat team reviewed the manner in which we report the status of the Bay and restoration efforts, and discussed ways to make the information provided to the public more timely, transparent and easy to understand.
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Your Government at Work
 October 6-13 is a Great Week to Eat Seafood!
From the Bay, For the Bay Dine Out is happening October 6-13 in restaurants throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Participating restaurants contribute to the Oyster Recovery Partnership for each seafood meal sold during that week. More than 70 restaurants have already signed up for the week-long event. Find a participating restaurant...
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 NRP Acts to Stop Illegal Fishing
Natural Resources Police officers are continuing to step up enforcement to stop commercial and recreational fishermen from illegally catching striped bass, and punishing offenders to the fullest extent of the law. Officers have charged numerous individuals with catching undersize striped bass in the past month. More info...
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 Nominate a Top Clean Marina
Clean Marinas protect the Bay and other natural resources by keeping their facilities clean and providing services that help their boating customers protect the environment. Do you know of a marina that excels in environmental stewardship? Your nominations are welcome to help choose the award-winning 2012 Clean Marina of the Year. Nominations are open until January 4. Learn more...
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 PlanMaryland Progress Report Now Available
PlanMaryland, the State's first comprehensive plan for sustainable growth and development, is an important part of efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay. A report on progress since Governor O'Malley accepted PlanMaryland in December 2011 is now available online. See the report here.
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 Tips Available for Buying Local Apples
October is an apple harvest month, and the Maryland Department of Agriculture has some suggestions to help you choose the best quality apples. To see the tips or find a pick-your-own orchard, click here.
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