What Can I Do?
 Control noxious weeds in your yard and along roadsides. Johnsongrass, shattercane, and four kinds of thistle are officially designated noxious weeds. It's illegal under Maryland law to let them go to seed. Learn to identify them and help prevent their spread. More info...
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Bay Fact
 Oysters are important for Bay restoration. An adult oyster can filter about 50 gallons of water per day in the warm months. Oysters feed on algae and also remove silt particles from the water as they filter it. More oyster facts...
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From the desk of...
Martin O'Malley, Governor of Maryland
 | | Governor O'Malley at the annual Green Schools Summit. |
The O'Malley-Brown Administration is working with the Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature to develop a new, hands-on program that will raise the bar for environmental literacy while giving our young people real-world experience in and responsibility for improving the health of our State's life's blood --- our waterways --- one stream at a time. I recently discussed this concept with students and teachers at our annual Green Schools Summit. Our goal is to have this program in place for the 2013-14 school year, but we need your ideas, expertise and commitment to make it happen. We'll be meeting with educators and administrators in July and afterwards, we hope you will join the larger conversation. Our scientific experts, conservationists, river keepers and watershed groups will all be critical partners as we engage our young people in a truly meaningful stream restoration program that will produce results over the long term. Stay tuned for more information, and we look forward to presenting you with an update on our 2-year milestones next month. Thank you. Sincerely,
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Eyes on the Bay Water Quality Website
Did you know that worldwide, water-borne diseases cause 1.8 million deaths annually, while shark attacks only account for 4? Be safe swimming this summer by visiting our revised Chesapeake and Coastal Bays Swimming & Beach Health page, which provides links to statewide and local information about testing for bacteria and harmful algae. Of course, the latest Bay monitoring information is always available online at eyesonthebay.net.
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Your Government at Work
 Governor, BPW Move Major Oyster Restoration Project ForwardGovernor Martin O'Malley and the state Board of Public Works recently approved a wetlands license to support a landmark oyster restoration project in the Chesapeake Bay. The $31 million project will ultimately restore 371 acres of oyster bars along the bottom of Harris Creek in Talbot County. Learn more...
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 Oyster Population and Reproduction Improving Oyster survival in the Chesapeake Bay last year was the highest since 1985, and oyster abundance was at its highest level since 1999. These are highlights of the good news from scientists who conducted Maryland's 2012 Fall Oyster Survey. While there is still a long way to go, 2012 was the second year in a row of improvement from the annual survey. More details...
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 Governor O'Malley Attends Youth Summit Governor Martin O'Malley spoke with 1,200 students, teachers and administrators at the recent Maryland Green School Youth Summit, an annual event held at Sandy Point State Park that celebrates the State's green schools and showcases hands on environmental learning and restoration activities conducted by students throughout the year. More... |
 The New Bay Game is Here!
The 16th annual Maryland Bay Game - an educational, fun activity book - is available now at libraries and tourism centers across Maryland. Can't wait for a printed copy? Click here!
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 "What is Water Safety?" Video Contest Offers Prizes
A stand-up paddleboard, life vests, and other prizes will be awarded to winners of a contest for the best 2-3 minute video about "What is Water Safety?" The last date to enter is August 12. See contest details...
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 Boating Safety
Maryland law requires that anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, must possess a Certificate of Boating Safety Education in order to operate a mechanically propelled vessel on Maryland waters. Classes are offered in many convenient locations across Maryland and also online. Learn more...
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 Summer Fresh Food is Available Now!
Farmers' markets are opening, bringing fresh food to outdoors markets in every part of Maryland. The most complete directory of locations and hours is available online, courtesy of the Maryland Department of Agriculture. And you'll find locally-made ice cream at eight farms on the Maryland's Best Ice Cream Trail.
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 Chesapeake Bay Plate Heron is named "Wade"
After a public vote, the Great Blue Heron on the Treasure the Chesapeake license plate now has a name: Wade. The announcement was made by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, which uses proceeds from sale of the special license plates for projects that help save the Bay. More info...
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Send us your high tide photos!
Maryland is set experience some of the season's highest tides June 22-25 and July 21-24 and DNR is asking for your help in documenting the tides by taking pictures of high water and flooding around your neighborhoods and submitting them here. King Tides as they are often called, give researchers a potential look at what future sea level rise may look so that they may plan for future conditions including higher waters, increased storm events and surges,
and other coastal hazards. Click here to learn more.
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Celebrate Maryland Outdoors Days, June 8-22