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Sustainable Maryland Update
August 2014
Dear Friend

As we head into the dog days of summer, Sustainable Maryland staff are hard at work reviewing the 2014 round of certification applications. The next group of Sustainable Maryland Certified communities will be announced at the Maryland Municipal League Fall Conference in September in Annapolis - stay tuned. In the meantime, it's a great time to get outdoors on your favorite river or trail (you can vote for your favorite one below), and start planning for new projects this Fall.

Check out our regular monthly sampling of news, resources, events and other items from across the sustainability spectrum in Maryland.  
Kayaker at Great Falls
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

CBT Environmental Education Mini-grants

Deadline: August 8 

More info

 

Sustainable Communities Commercial Tax Credit 

Deadline: August 15 

   

Unity Gardens (Anne Arundel County)  

Deadline: August 31 

 More info     

 

Watershed Assistance Grant Program
Deadline: September 5
More info

Charles County Forestry Grant Program
Deadline: Rolling
More info

Community Engagement & Restoration Mini-grants
Deadline: Rolling
More info

Prince Georges County Weatherization Program 

Deadline: Rolling   


Prince Georges County Raincheck Rebate
Deadline: Rolling
More info

EVENTS CALENDAR

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair 
 Dates: August 8-16
Charles County Green Expo
Date: August 9
Link

Active Hope Workshop (Baltimore)
Dates: August 24-25
Urban Farm Volunteer Days (Baltimore)
Dates: August 30
Maryland Municipal League Fall Conference
(incl Municipal Sustainabilty pre-conference workshop and Sustainable Maryland Awards)
Dates: September 10-13
Link

LOOKING AHEAD...

Maryland Native Plant Society Annual Conference
Dates: September 20-21
Link

Eco-Districts Summit (DC)
Dates: September 24-26 
Link

Maryland Tour of Solar & Green Homes
Dates: October 4-5
Link

Maryland Multi-City Environmental Boards and Commissions
Date: October 14
Link

Eastern Shore Planning Conference - "The Future of Eastern Shore Agriculture"
Date: November 20
 Link
SURVEY: Leadership Training Survey
SM will be holding a series of one-day Leadership Training programs across the state this Fall. Please take just 5 minutes fill out this survey in order to help us customize the programs to address local issues and challenges.

CERTIFICATION ACTION IDEA: Residential Energy Efficiency
Promoting energy efficiency is one of the best ways to engage residents to take steps towards a more sustainable community. And no need to re-invent the wheel. Many utility companies offer programs that Green Teams can utilize and promote locally. One option is the Energy Wise Rewards program from Pepco and Delmarva Power. Here's how it works for residential customers: 
  • Customers choose a web programmable thermostat - an $180 value - or an outdoor switch. Pepco or Delmarva Power provide and install these devices at no charge.
  • Customers receive an Installation Credit of up to $80 off their electricity bill after device installation.
  • Residents choose a 50%, 75%, or 100% cycling level, and receive Annual Reward Credits of up to $80 off their June through October energy bills each year of participation.
  • During select summer weekdays, Energy Wise Rewards uses these devices to reduce electricity use by cycling central air conditioners or heat pumps off and on for a short period of time.
There is also a program for business customers.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Green Team Facebook Pages
Social media is a key way for Green Teams to get feedback from their residents, recruit volunteers and promote local initiatives. Check out some examples of those who using social media effectively in their communities:

Frederick
Mount Rainier
Bowie

NEWS: In Forest Heights, tree initiatives take root
Excellent profile of tree-planting crusader Jacqueline Goodall, Mayor of SM-registered Forest Heights in Prince Georges County. Fact: Forest Heights' trees capture more than 1 million gallons of stormwater each year. And Mayor Goodall intends to plant many more! Read more... 
 
VOLUNTEER: Climate Champion Champions Wanted in Maryland!
Climate Champions are Marylanders who are interested in educating their neighbors about efficient energy use, protecting their environment, and reducing the amount of pollutants in the air. Climate Champions create partnerships with community groups, distribute literature, and provide presentations about key programs such as EmPOWER Maryland. Click here for more info about how you can become a Climate Champion!
 
NOMINATE A TRAIL: National Trails Awards Nominations
Nominate your award for Maryland
trails in these categories: lifetime service, community service, advocate, design, media, kids, technology, and more. More info 
 

QUOTE
"What's the use of a fine house if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on?"

-Henry David Thoreau, Familiar Letters

For more information about how your municipality can register in the Sustainable Maryland Certified program, plus customized Green Team training and access to student resources that are available to provide consultancy services for municipal planning, please call 301 405-7956 or email mikeh75@umd.edu 

Mike Hunninghake
Program Manager 
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