Can Oysters Save the Bay?

     When the first explorers entered the Chesapeake Bay, they wrote that the waters were crystal clear, and the oyster reefs were hazards to navigation.  Now it is thought that the oyster population in the Bay is only 1% of what it once was.  Accordingly, the health of the Bay has declined exponentially.

     A recent Washington Post article talked of a four year study led by scientists at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science which concluded that oyster reefs are capable of  removing large amounts of nitrogen pollution from the water and serve as a safe haven for other creatures that also filter nitrogen.  Unfortunately, in recent years there has been aggressive and excessive oyster harvesting in our area, which of course seems counterproductive to the health of the Bay.

      These scientists are the only ones who think that oysters are important.  The Chesapeake Bay Foundation recognizes this great benefit as well.  At the recent Earth Water Faith Festival in Annapolis, CBF had a 20 gallon fish tank with dirty Bay water and half a dozen oysters in it.  They claimed that within 2 hours, those oysters would make that tank crystal clear. (while I did not stand there and watch oysters for 2 hours, I would tend to believe their claim)  Because of this benefit, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation has created a Oyster Restoration Program to help reestablish oyster reefs in the Bay.  This program relies heavily on volunteer support and even utilizes those people with waterfront access to start their own oyster garden.

     The oyster population is one key element to the recovery of this most important natural resource.  If the oysters are not helping to filter the water, nitrogen levels will rise out of control and dead zones will start growing, where the health of the water is so bad that no life is sustainable.  WHAT CAN WE DO?  We can start by eliminating runoff of chemicals and fertilizers on our properties. These excessive nutrients are what causes the excessive nitrogen in the water to start with.  Next, we can support the creation of these oyster reefs to help clean the water.  Contact your lawmakers to support state funded oyster replenishment programs, or go volunteer to help establish these reefs in person.  You can make a difference in the health of the Chesapeake Bay.  Please act today.

Washington Post- Oysters Could Clean Chesapeake

CBF- Oyster Restoration Center- Volunteer HERE!!

Climate Declaration

Recently,  33 U.S. and International companies have signed a Climate Declaration stating that they will work together to combat climate change.  Regardless of politics, they have taken a stand to coordinate efforts, in order to become leaders in protecting the environment.

"We cannot risk our kids' futures on the false hope that the vast majority of scientists are wrong."  They plan on "doing this right, by saving money when we use less electricity, by driving more efficient cars, by choosing clean energy, [and] by creating new technologies that other countries buy..."

Does this sound good to you?  Are you already on board with some of these efforts?  You too, as an individual can sign this pledge and show your support for combating climate change.  According to recent studies by scientists and economists, Climate inaction is more expensive than responding to the potential threat now.  The total cost to benefit ratio supports action now to change our activities, and destructive nature.  Check out the recap of the study with supporting information HERE.


Sign the CLIMATE DECLARATION today!!

Plant a FREE Tree!

BGE in collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation has created the BGE Energy-Saving Trees Program.  The purpose of the program is to reduce your energy costs, improve storm water runoff, and improve air quality.  All you have to do is to follow the link below, locate your property on a map, and then look at the recommendations of the best places on your property to plant a tree.  They will even tell you what your estimated energy savings are based on where you place the tree.  The Arbor Day foundation will send you two FREE trees of your choice (and the choices are very numerous) to plant in the locations that you chose.

Go check out this program today, and order your trees--  quantities are limited.

Energy Saving Trees

How Much is Too Much?

Last summer, in a post called "Healthy Soil", we talked about testing your soil to determine the right amount of fertilizers and nutrients needed.  Why is this important?  Runoff of excess nutrients is not good for our waterways, and besides why buy and apply more fertilizer than you really need?

Recently, we ordered a series of soil tests from the University of Delaware.  This service charges a fee for each sample that you send in, but allows you to get up to three recommendations per sample based on what you think you want to grow.  The results show what nutrients your soil is either high or low in, the pH, and a suggested fertilizer program.

We submitted samples from our lawn, our garden, and our flower beds-- all of which we have previously treated differently with different nutrients based on what we thought each needed.  Our reports for the garden came back with "EXCESSIVE" levels of Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, and Calcium.  I guess that compost is working a little too well.  In the future, we will dial back the amount of nutrients that we add to those areas so that the excess is not part of the runoff into the Bay.  The recommendation that was given was to add Nitrogen, which is required each  year for plant growth.  In the flower beds we were a bit low on Potassium, so the recommendation was to add a certain amount of potash.  

All together results take about 10-15 business days to get back once you have submitted your samples.  There are instructions on the website as to how to take the samples, and they will even send you containers for sending the soil.  Check it out at the website below.  Stop wasting your money on the things you don't need, and protect our watershed at the same time.

University of Delaware Soil Testing Program

 

Earth Day Events

In the previous post, we told you about the Earth-Water-Faith Festival in Annapolis on April 28.  If you did not read about it, go back and check it out.  There are however, plenty of other events surrounding Earth Day in our area.

On April 7, at 7pm the First Presbyterian Church in Annapolis will host a presentation by Rev. Dr. Carol Bechtel called "All Nature Sings: The Psalms and Creation Care".  Rev. Bechtel is a Professor of Old Testament at Western Seminary in Michigan.  The presentation centering around Psalms 96, 104, and 148 with prayers and music, will consider issues relevant to local organizations with perspectives on the care of creation and Celtic spirituality.

This is a free event and questions about the event can be directed to Annapolis Presbyterian at  (410)267-8705.  Annapolis Presbyterian is located at 171 Duke of Gloucester Street in Annapolis.

On April 6, and weekends throughout April, participate in Project Clean Stream.  This is a day of service coordinated by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay to beautify local parks, streams and rivers, while creating awareness about the environment.  You can find a Clean Up project near you by going to Project Clean Stream  .

On May 4th, you can participate in the Run for the Bay 5k at Chesapeake Beach.  Proceeds from this race will go to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Even if you don't run, you can come enjoy some entertainment and support those who are running. You can find the information on registering for the race at Run for the Bay 5K .

There are so many more opportunities for you to participate and learn-- just do an internet search for Maryland Earth Day events.  What will you do this year to show your support for the environment?  How will you educate yourself about the world around you, and the impacts that we have on the Earth?

Earth-Water-Faith Festival

As we move into spring again, we remember that soon it will be Earth Day.  This celebration of the Earth and its resources will occur on Monday April 22-- just a few weeks away!!  Again, as in past years, the Chesapeake Interfaith Environmental Group is having an "Earth-Water-Faith" festival on Sunday April 28 at Annapolis Towne Center in Parole.  The festival will include entertainment, environmental education, and plenty of kids activities sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.  You will also get a chance to see how various faith congregations are caring for the resources that God has provided through interactive activities and displays.

So, who is the Chesapeake Interfaith Environmental Group?  "The Chesapeake Interfaith Environmental Group (CIEG) is an assembly of faith institutions within the Annapolis/Chesapeake Region and The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, whose mission is to celebrate the gifts of God's creation through worship and putting our faith into action for the care of the earth."  The faith institutions include:

 Annapolis Friends Meeting
Ark and Dove Presbyterian Church

Congregation Kol Shalom

First Presbyterian Church of Annapolis

Greater Annapolis Interfaith Network

Islamic Society of Annapolis

Congregation Knesesth Isreal

St Anne's Episcopal Church

St Margaret's Episcopal Church

St Mary's Roman Catholic Church

Temple Beth Shalom

Please plan on attending to show your support for the environment, see how others are implementing their faith, and hopefully learn something new.  We hope to see you there!!

Chesapeake IEG Earth Day Festival 2013

Rain Barrel and Composter sale!

     We just noticed that the True Value Hardware store on Forest Drive in Annapolis is having a sale on Rain Barrels, composters, and recycling cans.   This is a limited pre-order event that will deliver next week.  If you are interested-- act fast.  They also offer information on "greener" products that they offer.

     Equally interesting is the link they provide at the bottom of their announcement about credits that can be received from Anne Arundel county for such improvements.  The credit is meant to offset costs for projects that help reduce rainwater runoff, and improve erosion control.  The projects can include permeable pavers, living roofs, or simply rain barrels.  The credit is for 10% of the project cost and can be collect each year for 5 years on the same project if you re-apply.  The key here is that you must apply for the credit within 45 days of it installation.

    Take a look at the links below, and consider the financial credit that you could receive for helping to improve our environment.

True Value Greener Options

AA County Property Tax credit for Stormwater Management

Lions, LEDs and Solar Panels....

How does efficient technology affect the rest of the world?  Check out the following story-   This 13 year old  African boy who was responsible for taking care of his family's cattle had a problem with lions attacking the herd.  Using the solar panel the family used for their home, an old car battery, and the LEDs from some broken flashlights, he rigged a system to emulate someone walking the property at night.  The lions equate the moving lights with humans and stay away.

This is truly a great innovation using parts that were not even available a few short years ago.  By promoting energy efficient and green technologies ourselves, we increase the demand, and make those technologies more commonplace and cheaper. Through our support of social justice projects, such as low cost solar to developing countries, we create a better life for others and make this type of innovation is possible.

How are you impacting the world?  What ripple effects will you start today by supporting energy efficient technologies?

13-year-old-kenyan-innovator-saves-cattle-from-lions-with-lights

Gallons of Light

With so many possible green energy technologies out there, which one is the best and which one will win out in the end?  We don't know.  There are positive and negative aspects about all forms of energy.  One of the most intriguing ideas, however, is the effort by Tesla motors to partner with Solar City to create a network of  supercharging stations for their new electric car that are powered by the sun.

One individual, Jordan Bloch,  who is a filmmaker and storyteller, thought this idea was pretty exciting as well, but thought Tesla's advertising was rather lacking.  So, he made his own commercial.  In his words-

"It was November 2012, and I had just moved from New York City to Los Angeles. My girlfriend and I were walking down the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, CA, and I noticed the Tesla retail store.

I’d heard about Tesla, but seeing the car in person…I was floored. Beyond the car itself, Tesla was creating a network of free, solar-powered Superchargers in partnership with Solar City. This was the future of transportation.

As I looked around the store, my eyes wandered to plasma screens showing footage of the Model S. Frankly, I wasn’t impressed. Where was the cinematic flair, the story, the emotion? I knew I could do better.

As I stared at the monitors surrounding me, I saw an incredible opportunity: to create a commercial that tied together the Model S and the Superchargers.

I went home and contemplated the challenge I was up against. Where would I get a Model S for my project? A hot commodity, the car was massively back ordered.

The prospect was daunting to say the least…."

I am not telling you to go out and buy a Tesla (even if you could), or that this is the answer to everything. I just thought this concept and commercial are both pretty spectacular, and wanted to share....

Tread Lightly for Lent

As we go through the Lenten season, examining our lives and actions, take some time to think about your relationship with the creation God has given us.  Please take a few moments to pray for God's creation, our place in it, and the actions we might take to protect it.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Environmental Ministries group has produced a Lenten calendar to guide you through your reflections.  "Environmental Ministries is offering a calendar that encourages Presbyterians to learn about ecojustice issues and take action on the issues of waste, energy, water, consumption and food. Each of the 40 days of Lent has a topic to learn about or a suggested action for individuals and congregations."

You can download the calendar HERE.

Plant a Tree for the Chesapeake!

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and partner organizations need help planting 1,000 trees from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 16 at Sunrise Farm in Gambrills.

At 800-acres, Sunrise is the largest organic farm in Maryland. The planting is part of a restoration master plan for the former Naval Dairy farm. The planting area drains to Towsers Branch in the Patuxent River watershed. Partners include the Maryland Association of Student Councils.\

The event is free, and suitable for adults, families and community groups. Dress for the weather as the event is rain or shine. Equipment and refreshments will provided.

To register visit www.cbf.org/calendar or email Carmera Thomas at MDRestoration@cbf.org.

Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light

Recently we received a letter informing us that Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light was expanding to integrate all of Maryland into their movement.  Are you interested in a religious response to climate change?  Check out what IPL is doing today.

Good morning! Since our founding eight years ago, we have supported religious communities across the DC area in responding to climate change as Greater Washington Interfaith Power & Light. As GWIPL's director, it is already my honor to work every day with over a hundred Maryland congregations and nearly two thousand Marylanders as they study what their scriptures teach about caring for the natural world, undertake energy upgrades and clean energy projects in their buildings, and speak out for policies that advance their vision for a sustainable future and a protected climate. Here's the big news: The time has come to bring the state of Maryland as a whole into the Interfaith Power & Light movement, and we — your neighbor IPL program — have undertaken the sacred work of doing it — together, we hope, with you. Wherever you live in Maryland, if you care about responding as a religious person and in your congregation to the challenge of climate change, we invite you to join us. Over the coming year, we are going to continue our work in the DC area, while undertaking an expansion to serve the rest of the state of Maryland, starting in Baltimore. (Live in or near Baltimore? Save the date for our launch event on Saturday evening November 17th at Notre Dame University.) I'm writing this morning because in order for our grassroots organization to take this leap, we're going to need your help. Can you help us find Maryland's "green sheep"? Sometimes folks feel like the "green sheep" in their communities. Our organization allows them to flock together! If you know a religious person, a religious leader, or an entire congregation somewhere in Maryland who is doing good green work and would welcome some company, please take a moment to forward this email to them, and to share their information with us: program@gwipl.org. Join us to learn. Our Speakers' Bureau brings passionate educators and religious leaders into congregations to offer sermons, discussions, nature walks, and workshops on environmental topics. Many of them regularly speak in Maryland on issues important to you. Which of our diverse speakers would best engage the folks at your congregation? (Suggested honorarium is listed beneath each speaker.) Borrow one of our environmental films to host a screening and discussion at your congregation. If you have a split plate, second collection, or other tithe program through which your congregation supports community organizations, plan to include Interfaith Power & Light on the calendar. We'll be happy to come and share our good work with your community: program@gwipl.org. Join us to go green in your congregation, and at home. Get your community thinking about the connection between religious values and energy use by ordering a set of our light switch reminders — laminated cards which fit over the switch plates in your congregation's building and encourage energy conservation. We have developed versions for ten different faith traditions, and welcome your suggestions for new ones. To order: program@gwipl.org. We can provide personalized consultations with you and with your congregation's environmental committee about how to engage your congregation in learning, going green, and speaking out. Email program@gwipl.org. Join our "Green Leaders Listserv" to share advice, questions, and encouragement with other green team leaders in hundreds of local congregations. Through partnerships with two local energy efficiency organizations — Civic Works' Retrofit Baltimore and Groundswell — we can offer workshops for homeowners in your congregation about saving energy at home, and why it matters. Join us at home energy workshops in Baltimore on October 11th or Bethesda on October 14th, or schedule your own: program@gwipl.org. Join us to speak out. Across Maryland, caring citizens are already speaking out for cleaner air and water. As you may have read in the Washington Post, the faith community was incredibly vocal and active in last year’s effort to bring offshore wind power to Maryland. Over the coming year, you and your congregation will have opportunities to unite with faith communities to win the campaign for clean off-shore wind power in Maryland, and to undertake other critical climate action. I'm grateful for your support of Interfaith Power & Light's work, and am looking forward to working with you in your community! Joelle Novey, Director Interfaith Power & Light (MD.DC.NoVA) P.S. We're looking to hire a Baltimore-based organizer this fall. Know someone who'd be a good fit? Please share this job description with them.