St. Mary’s River Watershed Association
$5,000 / 2006 / Environment
Toward the cost of a demonstration project to test the potential of farmed, selectively bred, native oysters. An evaluation of the project will measure the improvement of water quality and biodiversity, and the extent of an increased harvest to help Maryland meet its goal of increasing the oyster biomass tenfold by 2010 from a 1994 baseline.
South River Federation.
$5,000 / 2006 / Environment
For continued support of the Riverkeeper Program. The purpose of the program is to ensure that appropriate laws are being enforced, water quality monitored and tested for dissolved oxygen and bacteria, and county and state advocacy laws strengthened. Through volunteers, the program will undertake restoration projects, including creating oyster reefs and living shorelines.
West/Rhode Riverkeeper, Inc.
$10,000 / 2006 / Environment
For start-up costs for monitoring activities to clean up the West/Rhode River watershed by increasing the number of volunteers and expanding outreach activities. The riverkeeper will meet with state and local leaders to develop cooperative efforts, file complaints with state and county commissioners, testify on pollution issues, commission a study on the effectiveness of the Critical Area Act, and review approved variances.
1000 Friends of Maryland
$35,000 / 2006 / Environment
For continued support of Partners for Open Space and Program Open Space. The Partners will commission a statewide poll to assess the extent of grassroots support for the preservation efforts of Green Print, Rural Legacy, Maryland Preservation Farmland Foundation, and Heritage Conservation Fund as well as Program Open Space. A report, “The High Cost of Conservation Cuts to Counties,” will be released and disseminated to public officials and legislators.
Audubon Maryland-DC
$30,000 / 2006 / Environment
In support of educational services at the Audubon Center in Patterson Park. Working closely in partnership with neighboring schools, Audubon offers curriculum integrating Maryland Content Standards, field trips, and end-of-year service projects for elementary, middle, and high school students.