Category: Planet

Since 1993, the Potomac Conservancy has worked to protect the health, beauty, and enjoyment of the Potomac River and its tributaries. Its primary focus is the protection of the Potomac’s water quality through land protection and sound land use practices. In addition, they work to preserve and restore the Potomac’s scenic landscapes and enhance river-based recreational activities. The Conservancy works with landowners to provide practical conservation options, with services ranging from hiring a contractor to plant trees to referring interested landowners to federal and state conservation programs. Recent and ongoing projects include forest conservation law revisions, enforcement issues with illegal tree cuttings and conservation area violations, and a C&O Canal setback rule and funding. Visit their website to learn more about the Conservancy’s programs, events, and how you can help.

Since 1989, Trees for the Future has been helping communities around the world plant trees, through seed distribution, agroforestry training, and country programs. Focusing on developing countries, they equip rural communities with the knowledge and materials necessary to turn degraded lands and farms into sustainable production. Since their inception a decade ago, they’ve planted around 50 million trees in Central America, Africa, and Asia. For a list of projects, resources, or information on how to get involved, visit their website.

The mission of Casey Trees is to restore, enhance, and protect the tree canopy of Washington, DC. Recognizing that trees provide both community and environmental benefits, Casey Trees plants trees, engage thousands of volunteers in tree plantings and care, teach school children about trees, monitor the District’s tree canopy, and design better planting spaces so trees can thrive in the city. They also run a “Citizen Forester” program that trains volunteers to utilize resources from the city and nonprofit organizations to improve the health of trees, increase tree cover, and promote and protect the city’s green infrastructure. Visit their website to find out how you can get involved!

Verde Landscape Design is located in Baltimore and specializes in native plant landscaping. They’ll tell you what’s best to help shape your property and better support the surrounding ecosystem. They are a small and independently owned. Joyce Kelly owner and designer is focused on providing “creative sustainable and environmentally conscious landscaping.” They currently do not have a website but feel free to email or call them at 443.631.4001 or enelverde@gmail.com.

Maryland Master Gardeners aims to educate the community on sustainable gardening practices that enhance local landscapes and communities. Begun in 1978 and affiliated with the University of Maryland, the Master Gardeners Program utilizes University of Maryland professionals expertise in teaching students sustainable gardening. These students agree to then go on and teach local residents how to cultivate beautiful and productive garden spaces and manage local landscapes. Learn how to cultivate more useful soil and eradicate pesticides from your local landscapes by learning about local Master Gardener programs.

Tree-Mendous Maryland:Planting Trees for Healthy Communities and a Cleaner Chesapeake Bay. Whether you’re a home-owner, a county or municipal government, school or environmental group you can help donate, plant or dedicate a non-invasive tree to an organization of your choice. Buy a native tree for yourself, Tree-Mendous will give you great tips on planting, mulching and watering. Although it’s not mentioned they advocate non-toxic fertilizer we as consumers can offer a remedy. Mention it the next time you buy any tree or plant.

Maryland Animal Advocate is an all volunteer, non-profit foundation working to resue homeless and abandoned cats and dogs from the suburbs of Baltimore County to Annapolis. There program practices safe veterinary care to maintain the health and happiness of the feral and non-feral animal population. Started by several animal protection activists in 1994 MAA wishes to embrace an “egalitarian spirit” among people and animals alike.