The Chesapeake Rivers Association
$15,000 / 2007 / Environment
Two grants in support of the Severn Riverkeeper Program’s efforts to protect, preserve, and restore the Severn River. Through daily shoreline and river monitoring, the Riverkeeper program protects vulnerable waterways by providing effective legal representation to stop inappropriate development and promotes enforcement by local and state authorities. By providing scientific evidence and effective legal representation to stop inappropriate shoreline development, the association was influential in the Maryland Critical Areas Commission decision to increase penalties for non-compliance and infractions from $500 to $10,000. Ongoing efforts are being made to install living shoreline in place of traditional riprap for erosion control.
The Chester River Association
$5,000 / 2007 / Environment
Toward a planning grant to serve as a catalyst for systemic change in the way environmental organizations address farming issues. The overall goal is to increase cooperation with farmers in the watershed and implement best management practices.
West/Rhode Riverkeeper, Inc.
$5,000 / 2007 / Environment
For continued support of outreach activities in efforts to protect, preserve, and restore the West River, the Rhode River, surrounding tributaries, and watershed. The group plans to enhance preservation and restoration efforts by operating a waste-water pump-out boat on the rivers, and expanding water quality monitoring and bacteria testing efforts to 12 sites. It will continue to advocate for greater enforcement of the Critical Area Act.
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.