“Change of Climate” Less Global-Warming Gas, More · PDF fileChesapeake 1 Summer...

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The adage “you are what you eat!” applies equally wellto the Chesapeake Bay: thousands of tributaries feedthe Bay whatever is served by their watersheds. Henceproper management of local watersheds is key to restor-ing the Bay’s integrity, as is well known. Less obvious isthat a well-managed watershed also reduces the produc-

Well-Managed Watersheds Key to Restoring BayLess Global-Warming Gas, More Quality of Life

tion of the greenhouse gases responsible for global warm-ing.

Because a watershed managed for water qualitynecessarily preserves forest cover, the greenhouse gas CO

2

(carbon dioxide) continues to be sequestered in wood,

as discussed below. Curbing sprawl development is criti-cal for forest preservation and also yields very signifi-cant reductions in CO

2 emissions because of reduced

demand for transportation and for heating and coolingof large houses. Preserving forests also improves qualityof life because of green space, decreased traffic conges-

tion and air pollution, and increased rec-reational opportunities.

To realize these benefits, we mustprovide attractive housing opportunitiesin mass-transit-oriented and pedestrian-friendly communities. The planningcommunity has long understood theadvantages of this shift, as well as theexcess costs of sprawl to the taxpayer.1

Enlightened watershed management re-duces costs, enhances quality of life, and,as current scientific evidence shows,abates global warming and improves thehealth of our aquatic habitats.

MMMMMattawoman Cattawoman Cattawoman Cattawoman Cattawoman Crrrrreek Threek Threek Threek Threek Threatened byeatened byeatened byeatened byeatened bya Sa Sa Sa Sa Sprprprprprawling Gawling Gawling Gawling Gawling GrrrrreenhouseeenhouseeenhouseeenhouseeenhouseA local watershed that serves as a posterchild for the plight of the Chesapeake Bay,

and epitomizes the connection between land use and glo-bal warming, is that of Mattawoman Creek, a 95-square-mile watershed that drains to the lower Potomac River atIndian Head, Maryland, at the frontier of Washington, DC’srapidly expanding urban gradient.

(Continued on page 8)

Tidal portion of Mattawoman Creek. Photo by Jim Long.

By Jan Graham— April 9, 2007, ended a legislative ses-sion that was more productive and less contentious thanlast year’s session. A change of climate (pun intended)both statewide and national, plus Al Gore’s award-win-ning documentary on global warming, An InconvenientTruth, set the stage for progress on environmental is-sues.

How well did Maryland do? Interms of our focus on clean cars, energyefficiency, renewable energy, and Pro-gram Open Space (a state program pro-viding funds for state and local parks andconservation areas), this was a successfulsession.

◆ Governor O’Malley signed the CleanCars Act, adding carbon dioxide, theprimary cause of global warming, to thelist of pollutants covered by vehicle emis-sion standards. The Act also strengthensthe standards for other pollutants andrequires that a percentage of new cars soldin the state each year be advanced tech-nology vehicles, such as hybrids. Mary-land will now join other states in reduc-ing pollutants that contribute to globalwarming, cancer, smog, and to the dead zone in theChesapeake Bay.

◆ Energy efficiency is considered a “low hanging fruit.”(Continued on page 2)

“Change of Climate”Brings Legislative Success

CCCCChesaphesaphesaphesaphesapeakeakeakeakeakeeeee 22222 Summer 2007Summer 2007Summer 2007Summer 2007Summer 2007

Contents

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Public Financing for General AssemblyCampaignsLNG: Community Sustains Effort to HaltUnwanted DevelopmentThe ICC, Impeller of Climate ChangeState Will Purchase Land to Buffer Black-water NWRCalvert Cliffs Nuclear Plant ExpansionExpands RisksDare to Deal with Population GrowthGroup News RoundupClub Urges Passage of Red RockWilderness ActMaryland Lawn Grasses, or “Paulie, YouBroke My Heart”Lighting and Mercury: Facts SupportChoice of CFLsMaryland Chapter LeadersHabitat Restoration and Invasive SpeciesRemoval OutingsCalifornia Seller of Travel LawOutings for Summer, Fall, and EarlyWinterBICO OutingsTrue Cost of Food OutingsA Volunteer Opportunity for Every Person,and Every Personality

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It is easy to get and very satisfying! Starting in 2009,eight additional home products will be added to the listof those covered by minimum efficiency standards man-dated by the state.

◆ Promoting renewable energy were 1) the solar energyprogram, an income tax credit for purchase and instal-lation of solar elements, and 2) a solar energy additionto the renewable portfolio; both passed.

◆ The Governor announced that he will fully fundProgram Open Space. The Maryland budget for nextyear is in for major cuts, so the public should carefullymonitor the funding process.

Other bills were extremely important this year:◆ Storm Water Management Act passed. Passage ofthis major piece took the cooperation and coordinationof all our environmental partners right up to the lastmoment. Considering the intense growth Maryland willbe experiencing in the next few years, controlling run-off from development is vital to the health of the Chesa-peake Bay.

◆ The Global Warming Solutions Act did not pass, inspite of its many sponsors and support from the envi-ronmental community.

◆ Green Building Standards passed. This creates a coun-cil to evaluate high-performance building technologyand make recommendations about state facilities.

◆ Utility Efficiency Program did not pass. It wouldhave restored energy efficient programs for utility cus-tomers by giving tax incentives for heating and coolingequipment.

◆ Oyster Restoration passed. It establishes an advisorycommission on oysters.

◆ Diamondback Terrapin bill passed. It prohibits tak-ing diamondback terrapins for commercial purposes.

◆ Phosphorus dishwashing detergent bill passed. It bansby 2010 detergent containing more than 0.5 percent ofphosphates.

Even though a number of favorable bills passed, thepublic should be involved in seeing them executed, es-pecially since BRAC (the military Base Realignment andClosure process) will be bringing jobs and developmentto the western and northern parts of the state. It will bea challenge to insure that the passed legislation, such asthe Storm Water Management Act, is fully implemented.

The Storm Water Management Act is very specificabout the requirements for handling polluted runofffrom new developments. Now the Maryland Depart-ment of the Environment needs to write the regulationsto implement the law, and the regulations must be asstrong as possible.

The proposed Inter-County Connector (ICC) isan expensive toll road through Montgomery and PrinceGeorge’s Counties that would take money away fromother transportation projects needed to accommodateadditional development spurred by the Base Realign-ment and Closure (BRAC) project. Lt. Governor Brownis heading the committee recently formed by the Gov-ernor to study the implications of BRAC on Marylandinfrastructure, and to present a comprehensive report.We need for citizens to write to the Governor and tellhim that we can’t afford the ICC in light of other statepriorities. (See more on the ICC on page 4.)

Development is the number one issue on the locallevel. Our members should stay involved. Lots of badstuff can happen when politicians think we’re ‘sleeping’during the summer months. Check newspaper noticesfor hearings, and send an email if you see a problem. Itwill always be up to the individual to protect the envi-ronment and one person can make a difference!

Overall, this was a very good year in the Marylandlegislative process. Special thanks to the Governor andall of our senators and delegates who worked so hard topass environmentally sound legislation. The legislationis a start, and now the hard part of implementation be-gins. We, the Sierra Club, must improve and expandour efforts to curb global warming pollutants: carbondioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons,and soot. If we don’t, we cannot hope to reduce theterrible consequences of our lifestyle. ■

Jan Graham is the Legislative Chair for the MarylandChapter.

Legislative ActionLegislative Successes Leave Some “To Dos”

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Legislative and Regulatory Action

By Cliff Terry—“The main reason manypoliticians side with the polluters is theirnever-ending need for campaign cash.Public campaign financing will eliminatethe influence of donors who want toweaken environmental laws, and it willshift power back to voters and volun-teers,” said the Sierra Club’s nationalpresident a few years ago. Little haschanged since.

A bill to provide full public fundingfor campaigns for the Maryland GeneralAssembly passed the Assembly’s House ofDelegates for the first time last year. Thisyear, the Maryland Senate voted on theplan for the first time, and it failed to passby just one vote.

The Baltimore Sun attributed theSenate defeat largely to the opposition ofSenate president Mike Miller, whose rea-sons have been quoted variously as theplan’s cost, presumed voter distaste for it,and his belief that it would be bad forDemocrats.

The Sierra Club’s Maryland Chap-ter has submitted testimony supportingsimilar bills for several years and presum-ably will again next year. Such groups asthe Maryland Conservation Council, theLeague of Women Voters, CommonCause, the NAACP, and the AFL-CIOhave also supported the bills. The hardwork and astute strategizing of Sean Dob-son of Progressive Maryland has been in-dispensable every year in mobilizing sup-port for the bill, and this year, staffers ofa national group, Public Campaign,beefed up the effort. ■

Cliff Terry is the Maryland Chapter’s Cam-paign Finance Reform Chair.

Public Financing for GeneralAssembly Campaigns

By Imani Kazana—Since late 2004, theWashington Gas Company has contin-ued its efforts to gain approval to build aliquefied natural gas (LNG) processingand storage plant in a densely populatedarea of West Hyattsville, located on theedge of Northeast DC. For over twoyears, this utility has been filing applica-tions with county and state agencies insearch of permission for this project,which the community feels is inappro-priate and unsafe. To date, every countyzoning review of the proposed facility hasconsidered the information and argu-ments from the opposition, and deniedthe applications.

In its determination to put profitsand its own corporate interests over theinterests of the community, the gas com-pany took the matter to the Circuit Courtfor Prince George’s County early in 2007.It filed a memorandum with this courtin March, claiming that the county’s zon-ing bodies, including the District Coun-cil (a/k/a County Council), made errorsin its rulings. The company is asking thecourt to overturn the denial, and placethe matter solely in the hands of the state’sPublic Service Commission—an agencythat has demonstrated a bias in favor ofapproving the utility projects it reviews.

Attorneys for both the CountyCouncil and the City of Hyattsville filedmemoranda in opposition in the court atthe end of April in response to Washing-ton Gas Company’s claims. These memo-randa presented considerable case lawsupporting their positions that the deni-als were properly granted, being based onsubstantial evidence; that the DistrictCouncil’s zoning authority was not pre-empted by federal or state law; and thatthe county’s zoning system is properlydifferent from that of MontgomeryCounty.

On June 1, a hearing is scheduled

during which time the court will decidewhether or not to consider this case.

Meanwhile, the community is gear-ing up to seek changes at all levels of gov-ernment (county, state and federal) toestablish improvements in the laws andregulations regarding how LNG facilitieswill be evaluated and approved in the fu-ture.

No community should have to gothrough this confusion and struggle everagain. Clearly there are communitiesfrom coast to coast, including BaltimoreCounty, fighting proposals to bring po-tentially hazardous LNG facilities closeto homes. Laws need to catch up withthe rapidly changing utility industry toensure that new facilities will be placedin remote areas as recommended by theU.S. General Accounting Office in 1979.We must work hard to make our govern-ment move faster on this; the lives andhealth of communities across this coun-try are at stake.

Action Steps You Can TakeBetween now and mid-June, it will beimportant to make every effort to block

the reappointment of Joe Kelliher aschairman of the Federal Energy Regula-tory Commission (FERC). Under hisleadership during the past five years,FERC has exhibited a pro-utility posture,approving nearly every construction pro-posal put before the body. It did not ap-prove proposals to modify proceduresfor establishing larger safety zones (exclu-sion zones), which would provide greaterprotection to the public. A change isneeded; having him as the head of FERCfor another five years would be detrimen-tal for communities.

Each concerned person should urgehis/her U. S. Senator to contact the Sen-ate Energy and Commerce Committeerequesting that Mr. Kelliher’s reappoint-ment be blocked. The contact numbersare: Senator Barbara Mikulski at 202-224-4654 and Senator BenjaminCardin at 202-224-4524. ■

Imani Kazana ([email protected]) isa founding member of the Washington GasWatch Alliance and president of theAvondale/North Woodridge Citizens’ Asso-ciation.

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Sierra Student Coalition

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Fighting Sprawl

By Greg Smith—We are used to think-ing about the Inter-County Connector(ICC), the proposed toll road throughMontgomery and Prince George’s Coun-ties, in terms of stream and forest andneighborhood destruction. We are usedto thinking about fighting global warm-ing in terms of solar power, green build-ings and hybrid cars. In fact, the ICC andglobal warming are intimately linked.

Scientists say we have ten years toturn CO

2 levels in the atmosphere from

rising levels to falling levels. Our approachto transportation and land use will play abig role in determining if we meet thisgoal.

The ICC’s Effect on Global Warm-ing: Like Throwing Gasoline on aRoaring BonfireFour reports released in May should con-vince Governor O’Malley and otherelected officials to drop the ICC now,before wasting millions of tax dollars at-tempting to defend the indefensible incourt and before taking any more homesor land for the ICC.

First, in early May, the WashingtonPost reported that global warming emis-sions from power plants and motor ve-hicles in the Washington region rose by

more than 13 percent between 2001 and2005—twice as fast as the national aver-age. If this is a trend, and if it continues,the region’s power plant and vehicle emis-sions could double by 2025.

Second, in mid-May, the NationalAeronautic and Space Administration re-leased findings that average summer timetemperatures in the eastern United Statesmay soar by 10 degrees Fahrenheit by themid-2080s—several degrees hotter andperhaps decades faster than previouslypredicted.

Third, in late May, the Global Car-bon Project and the U.S. National Acad-emy of Sciences reported that since 2000,worldwide emissions have risen threetimes faster than in the 1990s. If thistrend continues, worldwide emissionscould double in less than 25 years.

Fourth, on May 23, the Washing-ton Council of Governments released pre-liminary findings that, without serious re-duction measures, emissions from motorvehicles in our national capital region willincrease by nearly 50 percent between2002 and 2030.

Building the ICC would be theequivalent of throwing gasoline on thisalready-roaring bonfire, and feeding thefire three billion dollar-bills. Increased

driving stimulated by the ICC likelywould wipe out most of the emissions re-ductions that might be achieved in Mont-gomery County through Maryland’sbrand new Clean Cars Act.

Three major transportation studiesin 10 years have predicted that the ICCwould sharply increase automobile use inthe Washington region. On some roads,such as I-495, it would worsen conges-tion, not ease it. The latest such study,the 2006 Bush-Ehrlich EnvironmentalImpact Study (EIS), predicted that theICC would increase vehicle miles trav-eled in the ICC Study Area (much ofMontgomery County and part of north-western Prince George’s County) by 20percent, or 700 million miles per year—excluding automobile trips generated bythe sprawl that the ICC would help trig-ger in Frederick, Howard, Montgomery,Prince George’s, and perhaps AnneArundel counties. The 2001 Transpor-tation Policy Report, published by theMaryland-National Capital Park andPlanning Commission, and the 1997Draft EIS published by the administra-tions of President Clinton and GovernorGlendening offered similarly disturbingresults.

Concern about global warmingshould persuade the governorto abandon the ICCThe first step to slowing, then stopping,global warming is to kill projects and pro-grams likely to boost global warmingemissions. The second is to implementthe types of energy efficiency and cleanenergy measures called for by the SierraClub and other organizations. Quitesimply, Maryland cannot cut globalwarming emissions rapidly enough if wewaste billions of dollars speeding in thewrong direction.

Concern about global warmingshould persuade Governor O’Malley toabandon the ICC. With our local, stateand federal governments facing massivebudget shortfalls, with the ChesapeakeBay and many of its tributaries decadesbehind in their recovery, with petroleumbecoming increasingly expensive in allterms, and with three major studies in10 years showing that this $3+ billionproject would do little or nothing to re-lieve congestion, the Governor has manyreasons to abandon the ICC project andno good reason to pursue it. ■

The ICC, Inter-County Connector, Impeller of Climate Change

1. Write and call GovernorO’Malley as soon as possible.Urge him to drop the ICC, stoptaking homes and land for theICC, invest in public transit, andput Maryland on the path tosustainability.

Please e-mail him, then writehim via fax or regular mail, thencall.

Take Three Steps to Tell the Governor to Abandon the ICCE-mail: [email protected]: (800) 811-8336Fax: 410- 974-3275Mailing Address:100 State CircleAnnapolis, MD 21401-1925

2. Share this issue of Chesapeakewith friends, neighbors, and localofficials in your community. Factsheets on the cost of the ICC and the

General Assembly Letter can befound at: http://maryland.sierraclub.org/

3. Sign the Sierra Club’s on-linepetition to stop the ICC, and join usto promote climate-friendly,community-friendly alternatives tohighways and sprawl.

Pam Lindstrom also contributed to thisarticle.


Fighting Sprawl

By Lisa M. Mayo—On November 6,2006—one day before the governor’s racewas to be decided at the polls—then-Gov-ernor Robert Ehrlich, Jr. announced thatthe state of Maryland planned to spend$10 million to purchase over 700 acresof the 1,072-acre Blackwater Resort de-velopment land, which sat upstream fromBlackwater National Wildlife Refuge(NWR).

As was reported in the spring 2006issue of Chesapeake, developer DuaneZentgraf had proposed a mega-develop-ment project approximately two milesfrom the nationally renowned Blackwa-ter NWR, near Cambridge, Maryland,which is located in Dorchester Countyon the Eastern Shore. The original planwas for 3,200 single-family and multi-family homes, a 100-room hotel/confer-ence center, a golf course, and a retail cen-ter on what is now farmland. Within theproject zone were over 300 acres of “Criti-cal Area” land near the Little BlackwaterRiver, which flows directly into Blackwa-ter NWR and eventually into the Chesa-peake Bay. The “Critical Area” includeda designated “Resource ConservationArea” and “Habitat Protection Areas,”and was located in a region known forfrequent flooding and poorly drainingsoils.

An Election Eve DealThroughout the Blackwater Resort con-troversy, Gov. Ehrlich’s spokesman hadrepeatedly stated that the governor be-lieved the Blackwater Resort developmentproject was a local matter that did notrequire his intervention. During this sametime, gubernatorial candidate MartinO’Malley had disagreed with Ehrlich,stating that he believed the state shouldoffer to buy a portion of the land, andthis concern eventually took the form ofa letter sent by O’Malley and former

Maryland governor Harry Hughes toEhrlich, urging him to change his mindand strike a deal with the developer tobuy the majority of the land using moneyfrom the state’s Program Open Space pres-ervation fund. O’Malley’s position wassupported by thousands of citizens whohad signed a Chesapeake Bay Foundation(CBF) petition urging the governor toprotect the Refuge and farmland. Callsfor Ehrlich to protect the land appearedto go unheeded, until suddenly on theMonday before Election Day, it was an-

nounced at a hastily arranged press con-ference that a deal had been reached be-tween the state and the developer. TheCBF was not invited to the press event,but local Republican politicians were in-vited, including Eastern Shore State Sena-tor Richard Colburn (R-37), who wasrunning for reelection. He had once ve-hemently opposed any efforts by the stateto intervene, but suddenly appeared toundergo a miraculous “green conversion”as the election neared. One politician whowas conspicuously absent from the stagedevent was Republican CongressmanWayne Gilchrest, who represents the dis-

trict that includes Blackwater Refuge andwho, along with O’Malley, had publiclysupported the campaign to protect theRefuge and farmland.

After the November 2006 elections,Governor O’Malley and Comptroller Pe-ter Franchot joined Treasurer NancyKopp as members of the Maryland Boardof Public Works. On April 18, 2007, thisboard unanimously approved an agree-ment under which the state will buy 728acres of the Blackwater Resort land at acost of $10.3 million, and developer

Zentgraf will retain 328 acres, on whichwill be constructed an adult communityof approximately 675 houses, away fromthe banks of the Little Blackwater Riverand closer to the Cambridge town cen-ter.

Upon passage, Governor O’Malleystated, “The Blackwater National Wild-life Refuge and surrounding lands are anational and a state treasure, and I amproud to be able to protect this criticalland for future generations. This trans-action demonstrates how diverse inter-ests, when determined, can work togetherto preserve and protect our natural re-

sources.”Kim Coble, Maryland Executive

Director of the Chesapeake Bay Founda-tion—which skillfully led the public cam-paign to oppose the project—expressedher approval: “We applaud the O’MalleyAdministration for negotiating a settle-ment that allows for development to oc-cur that is limited in size and scope; farm-ing to continue in a region that has astrong agricultural community; and theenvironment and water quality to be pro-tected. Truly, this is a win-win outcomefor all.”

Plans for Land RestorationAccording to reports from the Mary-

land Department of Natural Resources(DNR), the developer of the acreage onwhich the adult community will be builtwill employ bio-retention and other bestmanagement practices used for stormwater control.

In addition, the developer has agreedto contribute over $1.9 million for a ma-jor restoration project on the 728 acrespurchased by the state. The restorationplan will be devised by the MarylandDNR and the Dorchester County SoilConservation District, and will be re-viewed by a task force comprised of natu-ral resource professionals as well as non-governmental representatives from groupssuch as the Chesapeake Bay Foundationand Ducks Unlimited.

The Maryland DNR stated that,“The restoration will provide for substan-tial water quality improvements throughriparian forest buffer and wetland estab-lishment, creation of diverse wildlife habi-tats, and implementation of state-of-the-art agricultural best management prac-tices.”

According to Kevin Smith of theDNR’s Watershed Services, the purchased

Board of Public Works Approves Major Land Purchase Near Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge“Diverse interests, when determined, can work together to preserve and protect our natural resources.”

Osprey surveying Blackwater Refuge. Photo by David Quinn.



land will be part of the Chesapeake For-est Lands Complex and will be main-tained by revenue generated from landswithin that complex. Smith also reportedthat a segment of the 728 acres will bepreserved as a working farm—an issuethat was important to farmers near Black-water Refuge, concerned about the rapiddisappearance of farmland and the declineof the local farming community. Smithstated that the farmland will be managedwith best man-agement prac-tices and willhave runoffbuffers that willbe maintainedby the DNR.

Local offi-cials and envi-r o n m e n t a lgroups were

(Continued from page 5)

State to Purchase Buffer for Blackwater NWR

Fighting Sprawl

Blackwater NWR. Photo by David Quinn.over whe lm-ingly pleasedwith the outcome of the Blackwater Re-sort land sale, and several citizens closestto the debate stated that they believed itwas the best outcome possible. However,concern remains that Maryland’s environ-mental community will be lulled intothinking that there is no longer a need toadvocate for the Blackwater NWR wa-tershed.

Bill Giese, a Cambridge-area farmerwho has been a long-time member of theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff atBlackwater NWR and is also an officialwith the Dorchester County Soil Con-servation District, says he is afraid thelocal community will lose sight of the bigpicture and think the battle is done. Giesehas been part of the effort to monitor thehealth of the Little Blackwater River andsees that the river has deteriorated overtime. Giese also believes that the imper-vious surfaces from the 675-home adultcommunity could have a detrimental im-

pact on the river — a concern that KevinSmith of DNR shares. Both men wereclear in warning that this preservationproject alone will not save the LittleBlackwater River or Blackwater Refugefrom the impact of a growing Cambridgeeconomy.

New housing projects are coming tothe Cambridge area, and the water thatflows into the Blackwater NWR will haveto be monitored and protected over thelong term. To aid in this effort, there are

currently plansto set up ar i v e r k e e p e rgroup for theLittle Blackwa-ter River, andlocal officialswill continue tocollect data onthe health ofthe river andthe effective-

ness of localstormwater control projects.

Although environmentalists werejustified in celebrating this major victoryof land preservation, the war to protectthe Little Blackwater River and Blackwa-ter NWR from development is notover—it has just entered a new, and po-tentially more challenging, phase. ■

Constellation Energy has proposed ex-panding the Calvert Cliffs nuclear powerplant in Maryland. Building a third reac-tor at Calvert Cliffs would be expensive,threaten public health, and damage theenvironment.

A third reactor at the Calvert Cliffsnuclear power plant increases the risk ofan accident or terrorist attack. An acci-dent or attack at the plant could harmover a million residents in WashingtonDC, Maryland and Virginia.

The new reactor at Calvert Cliffs couldgenerate an estimated 1,250 metric tonsof radioactive waste during its 40 yearsof operation. Much of this waste will bestored, at least temporarily, at the site ofthe reactor, where it would pose an at-tractive target for a potential terrorist at-tack.

The two existing reactors at CalvertCliffs have been fined for safety lapses.The Nuclear Regulatory Commission(NRC) fined the plant $50,000 in 1996for problems with emergency equipmentthat had been identified in 1992 but stillhad not been repaired four years later.

If the federal nuclear waste repositoryat Yucca Mountain is opened, wastefrom Calvert Cliffs will be transportedby rail or truck to Nevada, passing

within five miles of 3.1 million peoplein Maryland.

Radioactive Waste Management Associ-ates, a consulting firm working for thestate of Nevada, has estimated that 100to 450 accidents will occur as nuclearwaste is transported via train and truckto Yucca Mountain. A single serious ac-cident could cause thousands of cancersand cost billions of dollars.

Nationally, 107,500 metric tons of spentnuclear fuel and 22,280 canisters ofhigh-level radioactive waste will bemoved to Yucca Mountain over thecourse of 38 years. The waste would beshipped in casks that would each containas much as 240 times the amount of ra-dioactive material released by theHiroshima bomb.

No long-term solution exists to store thehighly toxic radioactive waste that theplant generates. The United States hasnever had a plan for safe disposal of spentfuel.

Radioactive waste generated atnuclear power plants must be guardedand kept from the environment for tensof thousands of years; what amounts tofinancial eternity. To date, the federal gov-ernment has spent $58 billion trying to

Bring your familyand your whitesneakers for afun-filled day offamily-orientedactivities at the9th Annual LowerPotomac Wade-In.

The Wade-In is an enjoyable, non-technical way of measuring waterclarity.

Participants will wade into

the Lower Potomac, and mark thedepth where they can no longersee their feet. Last year werecorded a depth of 24.5 inches.

This year’s event will beheld on June 24th from 2-5 p.m. onthe grounds of the MirantCorporation’s Morgantown powerplant.

You can also enjoy a raptorshow, learning about oysters andsturgeon, information on our local

watersheds and more. Refreshments will be

provided by Mirant, the site host.Take Route 301 south (past

MD 257) to the last left beforethe Governor Harry Nice Bridge.Turn left into the MorgantownPlant and follow the signs. Formore information, contact MikeBilek at [email protected]. md.us.or 410-260-8988.

It’s the 9th Annual Lower Potomac Wade-In!

Nuclear EnergyCalvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant Expansion Expands Risk



Nuclear Power Plant Expansion Threatens Safety, Budgetwill decline, and require more energy in-tensive (and more costly) processing.Eventually, global warming pollutionfrom nuclear energy may be higher thanthat from natural gas plants.

Producing more life-threateningwaste in exchange for lower warmingemissions is a poor trade-off. Fortunately,it is one we do not have to make.

Energy efficiency and renewableenergy technologies, such as wind, solar,and ocean power, can compete economi-cally with nuclear power without the

negative impacts on the environmentand public health and safety.

HHHHHooooow Yw Yw Yw Yw You Cou Cou Cou Cou Can Han Han Han Han HelpelpelpelpelpE-mail Governor O’Malley([email protected])

and ask him to opposestate subsidies toConstellationand its partnersto help fund thenew nuclear re-

actor.

To join the campaign or for more infor-mation, contact:Frank Fox, Southern Maryland Group,at 301 884-8027 or [email protected].

Maryland PIRG 410-467-9389 orJohanna@ marylandpirg.org. ■

This article adapted from MaryPIRG ma-terials, and submitted by the SouthernMaryland Group.

devise a storage solution for nuclear wastefrom across the country.

The Yucca Mountain site is too smalland will run out of room before it cantake the spent fuel from the power plantsalready operating around the country.Adding a third unit at Calvert Cliffsmeans that more waste will be stored,temporarily or permanently, here inMaryland.

Calvert Countyhas granted $300million in taxbreaks to Constel-lation Energy. Thisis equal to $4,500per taxpayer inCalvert County.The new plantwill add 450full-time jobs inthe county, butat a cost to tax-payers of ap-proximately $750,000 per job.Taxpayersubsidies should not support dangerousforms of energy like nuclear power.

Constellation may seek additional fi-nancing from the state. Constellation alsocould seek to have some of the cost of thenew plant paid for by electricityratepayers, by adding the cost of the plantto the rate base that consumers pay.

Despite claims by the nuclear industry,nuclear power is not an environmentallybenign source of electricity.Mining and processing uranium destroysland and creates toxic and radioactivewaste. While generating electricity fromnuclear power does not directly emit glo-bal warming pollution, the nuclear fuelcycle does. As the world demand fornuclear energy and uranium rises, thequality of uranium that will be available


Nuclear Energy Population

by Cliff Terry—Smart Growth by itselfcannot prevent open space from disap-pearing, and much else of what we valuealong with it. We must also curb growthitself. But we, the environmental move-ment have been far too silent about theissue of population growth.

That was the message of Ed Stennett,former population chair of the Sierra Club’sMaryland Chapter, in a presentation to aFriday Night Forum at the Towson Uni-tarian Universalist Church in October2005. Unfortunately, every bit of his mes-sage is still just as true today. Here is a dras-tically condensed version:

The year I was born the population ofthe U.S. was about 130 million. 56 yearslater when my granddaughter Katie wasborn, the population was 270 million. IfKatie’s first grandchild is also born 56years after her birth, the projected popu-lation will be 425 million. And 56 yearsafter that, the projected population willbe essentially 600 million people. Allow-ing our population to increase this wayabsolutely assures our failure to protectour environment.

Smart Growth programs have miti-gated the damage done by out-of-con-trol growth. But Smart Growth programscannot alone prevent open space fromdisappearing. This is because the amountof developed land varies in proportionto both the population of the region andthe per capita land consumption. Thatis, if either of these two factors increasesby 10%, say, and the other is unchanged,10% more land will be developed.

Thus, any benefit from achievinglower per capita land consumption is onlytemporary. Unless we stabilize our popu-lation, we will eventually lose our openspace even with more frugal per capitaland use. The difference is only that withmore people each using more land, wewould lose open space even faster.

If we examine traffic congestion,

susceptibility to drought, the precariousstate of the Chesapeake Bay, and a num-ber of other environmental concerns, wefind that population growth makes eachproblem worse. But it seems that the morewe grow, the less we want to face reality.

It’s Time to Deal with GrowthItselfWe in the environmental movement needto acknowledge and address the problemsthat US population growth poses so thatwe don’t lead people to falsely concludethat either: a) our population growth isnot a major issue or b) nothing can bedone about it. So do the news media.They need to stop avoiding the popula-tion component in stories about environ-mental problems. We and the media bothneed to reject the two widely held mis-conceptions that:1. Growth is necessary for prosperity, and2. Population growth is too hot a topicto discuss.

We unconsciously accept the“growth is good” myth because it is hu-man nature to believe what we are toldover and over again. Our indoctrinationbegins early with high school history text-books extolling the early expansion of theU.S. But by far the most persistent pro-moters of the story are those who profitfrom growth: newspapers, politicians, andbusiness associations.

A 2002 Brookings Institution studyof the 100 largest metropolitan areas inthe U.S. determined there was negligiblecorrelation between population growthand personal income growth. Obviously,the total economy of a region increaseswith population. But for the typical citi-zen, this does not translate into greaterpersonal prosperity.

As to the second misconception,there is no question that many peopleconsider population growth a hot topic.Negative images pop into people’s minds:images of their procreative freedoms be-

DDDDDararararare e e e e TTTTTo Do Do Do Do Deal eal eal eal eal WWWWWith Pith Pith Pith Pith Population Gopulation Gopulation Gopulation Gopulation Grrrrrooooowthwthwthwthwth



ing abridged, racial issues, and emotionaldebates about immigration. But there wasa time when Americans were comfortablediscussing the need to stabilize U.S. popu-lation. President Nixon spoke of it inspeeches, and the Sierra Club even pro-posed 1990 as the target stabilization date.But today, after increasing our popula-tion by nearly 100 million people in just35 years, environmental organizationsand nearly all Americans tiptoe aroundthis elephant in the kitchen.

Speaking UpEffective environmental lobbying de-pends on public support. Stabilizing theU.S. population is virtually impossible aslong as Americans remain uncomfortablediscussing the issue.

When we read or hear somethingthat promotes population growth or as-serts that population growth is inevitable,our job is to speak up—contradict thefalse assertions. When we see local orga-nizations fighting subsidized growth, ourjob is to lend support by articulating thatgrowth brings a loss in the quality of life.When we observe environmental organi-zations pretending that populationgrowth does not necessarily contribute toadverse environmental impact, our job isto protest – let them know that their pre-tense foretells ultimate failure.

Our society is engaged in a crimeagainst future generations. Most Ameri-cans can plead not guilty by reason of ig-norance, but not environmentalists. ■

Cliff Terry is the Maryland Chapter’s Popu-lation Chair.

Population


Dealing with Growth

Mattawoman is regarded by statefisheries biologists as “the best, most pro-ductive tributary in the Bay.” It is cel-ebrated as the Chesapeake’s most produc-tive nursery for migratory fish; as the cen-ter of the Potomac’s $30 million dollarbass fishery; and for its outstandingbiodiversity. But sprawl development andthe associated loss of forest are primarythreats to its continued health.2 In addi-tion, it has the misfortune of lying in thepath of the Outer Beltway scheme, pres-ently disguised in proposals for the ICCas well as, in Mattawoman’s watershed,the western Waldorf Bypass. The growthfostered by such a bypass, and by CharlesCounty’s proposed Cross County Con-nector extension, would serve as a cheer-leader for a new Potomac River crossingat Chicamuxen, at Mattawoman’s mouth.

Mattawoman exemplifies the con-nection between global warming and landuse because its watershed is being rapidlyconverted from forest, a CO

2 sink, to

sprawl, a CO2 source.

The impact of grThe impact of grThe impact of grThe impact of grThe impact of greenhouse gaseseenhouse gaseseenhouse gaseseenhouse gaseseenhouse gasesWhen distributed in our atmosphere, agreenhouse gas like CO

2 traps heat much

as a pane of glass does in a greenhouse: itis transparent to sunlight but blocksEarth’s radiant heat from escaping intoouter space. In addition to the docu-mented increase in global surface tem-peratures, the price of disturbing our at-mosphere with excess greenhouse gases ispredicted to include altered patterns ofstorm frequency and intensity, new rain-fall distributions with attendant droughtand desertification. In two words: climatechange.

And disturbing the atmosphere weare. The obfuscations of climate changenay-sayers have recently been put to rest.A 2006 report by the National Academyof Sciences (NAS), an independent bodyof top U.S. scientists tasked to evaluate

technical issues for our government,states, “In the judgment of most climatescientists, Earth’s warming in recent de-cades has been caused primarily by hu-man activities that have increased theamount of greenhouse gases in the atmo-sphere.”3 This conclusion was reinforcedthis spring by the IntergovernmentalPanel on Climate Change (IPCC), whichin a politically tempered report stated thatCO

2 has “increased markedly as a result

of human activities since 1750 and nowfar exceeds pre-industrial values deter-mined from ice cores spanning manythousands of years. The global increasesin carbon dioxide concentration are dueprimarily to fossil fuel use and land usechange…” 4

The three most significant green-house gases, in order of importance, arewater vapor, carbon dioxide, and meth-ane.5 Earth is hospitable to life only be-cause these gases assist sunlight in warm-ing the globe. But the balance betweenheat input and the loss mediated by green-house gases is not immutable. Humanactivity is pouring prodigious quantitiesof CO

2 into the atmosphere (see Fig. 1,

page 9), which is leading to global warm-ing. The NAS reports, “The recent rapidrise in both surface temperature and CO

2

is one of the indications that humans areresponsible for some of this unusualwarmth.”6

Exurban sprawl-development is in-creasingly recognized as a significant con-tributor to excess CO

2 emissions, because

it depends so highly on burning fossilfuels for extended vehicle trips and forheating and cooling large houses. For amostly forested watershed like that ofMattawoman, sprawl is a double-edgedsword: we not only lose the natural CO

2

uptake, or sink, afforded by forest, butwe replace it with a CO

2 source, sprawl.

DDDDDeforeforeforeforeforestation = Mestation = Mestation = Mestation = Mestation = Mororororore Ce Ce Ce Ce COOOOO22222

Forest is the best land use for water qual-

ity.7 This is justification enough for thepreservation of woodlands that protect aChesapeake Bay resource as stellar asMattawoman Creek. Protection of waterquality, like soil creation, oxygen and foodproduction, and climate regulation, is oneof the many “ecological services” that na-ture provides us. In fact, per acre, the eco-logical services provided by forests havethe highest value of all dry-land habitattypes.8

With respect to climate change, agrowing forest converts CO

2 in the at-

mosphere to wood through the chemis-try of photosynthesis, and hence acts as a“sink” for CO

2. Thus, the biomass of a

forest sequesters CO2 from the atmo-

sphere. The vast majority of Mattawomanforests, as in the rest of Maryland, are sec-ond growth, meaning they have a cen-

Watersheds and Global Warming


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Figure 1: Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Percent(2000)(Corrected for differences in global warming potential)Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agencywww.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/globalghg.html

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Watersheds and Global Warming

tury or more of growth before CO2 re-

moval from the atmosphere may be bal-anced by CO

2 emissions (due to decay-

ing tree fall, for example).9

Estimates for northern hardwoodforests arrive at sequestration rates in ex-cess of two tons of CO

2 per acre per year.10

Our mid-Atlantic forests, with larger treesand a longer growing season, sequestereven more. So preservation of our forestedland, which helps decelerate the rapidlyincreasing CO

2 levels, is a worthy en-

deavor.The practice in our locale of clear-

cutting for subdivisions and other devel-opment exacerbates CO

2 emissions, be-

cause a substantial fraction of our wood-lands are simply burned. This convertsthe carbon bound in wood and roots backinto CO

2. In addition, vast quantities of

carbon bound in forest soils begins a con-version to CO

2 once the overlying forest

is cleared, and is further degraded duringgrading operations.11

Finally, there is the question of “al-bedo,” which refers to the fraction of in-cident sunlight that is directly scatteredand reflected from Earth back to space.Snow is very reflective (has high albedo),and so has a cooling influence. In con-

trast, asphalt ishighly absorp-tive, contribut-ing a warminginfluence. Theeffects of al-bedo for vari-ous landscapesare presently asubject of sci-entific re-search, but theEarth’s forestsappear to playa significantrole.

W h e ncompared with bare ground or manycroplands, a forest is more absorptive.12

But compared with the urban environ-ment, broadleaf forests such as those inour region appear to be more reflective.13

Therefore, the replacement of forest withmore absorptive urban landscapes poten-tially represents yet another contributionto global warming, in addition to loss offorest sequestration, CO

2 emitted by

burning, and conversion of soil carbonto CO

2.

SSSSSprprprprprawl = Eawl = Eawl = Eawl = Eawl = Evvvvven Men Men Men Men Mororororore Ce Ce Ce Ce COOOOO22222

Exurban development sprawls over thelandscape at a rate that exceeds popula-tion growth, especially in our region.4

Consider, for example, that in the twenty-five years preceding 2020, more land willbe converted to housing in the Chesa-peake Bay region than in the past threeand one-half centuries, according to theMaryland Office of Planning.

New highways through lightlypopulated areas use taxpayer funds tosubsidize development. The ensuingsprawl constitutes a recognized “growthinducing impact” of highways. Andsprawl is recognized as a significant con-tributor to global warming because of itslarge demands for fossil fuels. The burn-

ing of fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, isthe primary source of CO

2 emissions.15

In this mix, houses and cars are not mi-nor players (see Fig. 2 below), and itwould be wise to reduce these contribu-tions. The United States, with 5 percentof the world’s population, accounts for23 percent of the global

CO

2 emissions

from fossil fuel.16

Consider the workday commute ofabout 25 miles (one-way) to Washington,DC by a vehicle from the area that wouldbe opened to development by CharlesCounty’s Cross County Connector exten-sion. Using government data,17 one can

Transportation 33%(Personal vehicles account

for 60%.)

Industrial29%

Commercial17%

Residential21%

Figure 2: U.S. CO2 emissions by sector (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,Ref. 15)

compute that a single average vehicle (witha consumption of 20 miles per gallon)would contribute 6 tons of CO

2 to the

atmosphere every year.An alternative is pedestrian-

friendly housing complexes, as notedearlier. In this scenario, the transporta-tion emissions of CO

2 engendered by

the sprawl model would be significantlycurtailed.

Like transportation emissions, CO2

emissions from electricity production toheat and cool exurbia are also dispropor-tionately large. From 1970 to 1990, housesize increased from a national average of

fewer than 1,500 square feet to greaterthan 2,000, and it continues to climb.18

In Montgomery County, average housesize now exceeds 2,500 square feet.19 Intwo similar domiciles of 1,700 and 2,200square feet, the larger house emits morethan two additional tons of CO

2 annu-

ally.20 Quantitative results vary depend-ing on many details, but it is clear thatlarger houses emit more greenhouse gases.

Electricity is provided primarilyfrom coal-fired power plants. Therefore,additional benefits of reducing electric-ity usage are less mercury emission andpreservation of cherished landscapes like

the Appalachian Mountains.Whole mountaintops arebeing shoved into stream val-leys to reveal coal seams in amining process calledmountaintop removal.

An important step wecan take to turn these de-structive processes around—and at the same time im-prove our quality of life—isstarting locally, and placingwatershed health on the bal-ance scale. Presently, the eth-ics of decision making isgeared to facilitate sprawl,with its attendant contribu-tion to climate change. We

need to add weight to the other side ofthe scale, by recognizing the value andbenefits of protecting our watersheds.How else to save a creek that is feedingthe Chesapeake such a healthy diet thatMaryland’s Department of Natural Re-sources has stated, “Mattawoman repre-sents as near to ideal conditions as can befound in the northern Chesapeake Bay,perhaps unattainable in the other systems,and should be protected from over-de-velopment.” ■Adapted with permission from theMattawoman Watershed Society,www.mattawomanwatershedsociety.org

(Endnotes appear on page 21)

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Group News Roundup

Edited by Mary C. Corddry—Followingis a roundup of activities and issues ofthe nine Sierra Club Groups in Maryland:Anne Arundel County, Catoctin, EasternShore, Greater Baltimore, HowardCounty, Montgomery County, PrinceGeorge’s County, Southern Maryland,and Western Maryland. A link to eachgroup’s webpage appears on the Chapter’ssite, www.maryland.sierraclub.org. If youhave information to contribute to future“Roundups” for Chesapeake, please con-tact Mary Corddry at 410-248-0423, orat [email protected].

The local Groups of the Sierra Clubare active with the Sierra Club’s “CoolCities” initiative, encouraging local gov-ernments and citizens to take action foraddressing global warming. They are in-volved with local land use issues to pro-mote agricultural preservation, retain andexpand the forest canopy, protect water-ways and the Chesapeake Bay, and pro-mote Smart Growth. They lobby andplan for important local environmentalissues by participating at hearings andmeetings, making telephone calls, andwriting e-mails and letters. They volun-teer for service outings to eradicate inva-sive plants, plant native species, maintaintrails, and clean up streams. They mingleand socialize at dinners, picnics, slideshows, movies, and speaker series. Theyenjoy the great outdoors by hiking, bik-ing, kayaking, tubing, camping, andbackpacking. There is something for ev-eryone.

Anne Arundel GroupChair: David Prosten, 410-263-6341,[email protected] David Prosten

- We held our 13th annual Anne ArundelSierra Club Earth Day 5K Run (andWalk) at Quiet Waters Park on April 21,drawing about 150 participants and net-ting $3,000 in this, our major yearly

fundraiser to help support publication ofour bimonthly newsletter and otherprojects. Area merchants purchasedsponsorships printed on the race T-shirtand donated goods and services for prizes.

- The Group held its first juried photog-raphy show on March 31 at MarylandHall in Annapolis. There were 128 en-tries in six categories, judged by two pro-fessional photographers. The top threewinners received cash prizes. A lively re-ception opened an exhibit of the winnersthe following day at the Quiet WatersPark gallery. Deede Miller coordinatedthe show, with assistance from MichaelMurdoch and many other volunteers.

- A New Member Social on April 21brought 30 new members and veteranactivists together for an evening of des-serts and talk. We called and sent lettersto members who had joined the groupduring the preceding few months. Also,we published a notice in our newsletterinviting all new members as well as vet-eran members who wanted to get moreinvolved. Several of those attending havesince become more active in the group.

- We have an active Cool Cities Com-mittee, meeting monthly, led by JoanWilley. They had Cool Cities displaysfor an April 20 Step It Up event in An-napolis and on April 21 for Earth Day.

- The Group was represented at a publichearing in the city of Annapolis on Ad-equate Public Facilities legislation de-signed to control growth in the area.

- Seven group members paddled in theBlackwater Refuge on April 28 for the firstpaddling trip of the season. Many eaglesand a huge eagle nest were spotted. Thegroup is working to revitalize its outingprogram, to attract more participants andleaders.

- Reservations are filling up rapidly forthis year’s Patuxent Sojourn, set for June14-19 on the upper part of the river. TheAnne Arundel Group is one of the spon-sors, along with the Alliance for theChesapeake Bay and a number of otherlocal government and non-governmentorganizations. Call to see if space is stillavailable.

- The group presented the first annualAnne Arundel Sierra Club/Mike RixhamMemorial Award at the county’s publicschools Regional Science and Engineer-ing Fair. The $100 gift card for EasternMountain Sports was the top prize fromthe club, and two Certificate of Meritwinners received $50 EMS gift cards. Tenclub members, coordinated by groupvice-chair Judy Mauriello, helped in thejudging.

Catoctin Group (Carroll,Frederick, and WashingtonCounties)Chair: Chris Hodge, 240-388-6446,[email protected] Kim Stenley

The Sierra Club Catoctin Group has beenworking to raise awareness about plansto build a joint municipal solid waste in-cinerator or two individual facilities inCarroll and Frederick counties. The Si-erra Club opposes these facilities as statedin its municipal solid waste policy: “Ef-fective waste management should bebased on communities, industries, andindividuals taking responsibility for theirown wastes. ... Management plans shouldinclude, in priority order: waste reduc-tion, reuse, recycling, materials recovery,composting and landfilling. Municipalincineration is not considered acceptablebecause of its adverse environmental andhealth effects and the destruction of ma-terials that could be conserved while sav-

ing energy through other managementmethods.”

The Catoctin Group’s Kim Stenleyhas been working with Frederick residentSally Sorbello and Neil Seldman of thenonprofit Institute for Local Self-Reliance(ILSR) to educate people in both coun-ties about the benefits ofdiverting materials from the waste stream.Nearly 75 percent of the municipal solidwaste stream contains recoverable mate-rial that can be reused, recycled, orcomposted. When resources are burnedor buried, materials must be replaced byvirgin material. Studies show that “threeto five times more energy can be saved byrecycling materials than by burning them.For every ton of material destroyed byincineration, many more tons of rawmaterials must be mined, extracted, pro-cessed or distributed to manufacture newproduct to take its place. … The envi-ronmental costs of landfilling and incin-eration become magnified when the en-vironmental costs of extracting virginmaterials and producing goods in the firstplace are taken into account” (ILSR).In May, Kim Stenley presented the Club’sposition to the Carroll County Environ-mental Advisory Council and highlightedcommunities throughout the nation thatenjoy materials recovery rates of over 50percent. It is estimated that CarrollCounty’s residential recycling rate is only15 percent and its commercial rate only17 percent, for a combined 32percent. Kim suggested the county hire afirm to audit the county’s waste streamto help determine the true costs of anywaste management program, includingincineration. A resource managementanalysis would provide information aboutwhat materials are being trashed, what isrecoverable, the most effective way(s) torecover them, and how much those ma-terials are worth. The EAC voted to rec-ommend the Board of Carroll County

From Air Quality to Zoning, Maryland Groups Address Environmental Issues Close to Home




Laurel ImlayMaryland Chapter/Sierra ClubRoom 101A7338 Baltimore Ave.

College Park, MD 20740

�

Commissioners pursue this type of study.The board approved $15,000 for such astudy and moved to issue requests forqualifications/proposals.

For more information or to helpwith this campaign, contact Kim Stenleyat [email protected].

Eastern Shore (Cecil County andEastern Shore counties)Chair: Howard Bedlin, 410-643-3283,[email protected]

Due to the large geographic area coveredby the Group, the meetings are by con-ference call. The Group needs participa-tion by representatives from all areas. TheGroup is looking for a MembershipChair, Outings Chair, and Outings lead-ers.

This fall the Eastern Shore Group willhold an election to chooseindividuals to serve on our executivecommittee.

The Eastern Shore Group consistsof the nine counties east of theChesapeake Bay: Cecil, Kent, QueenAnne’s, Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester,Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester.Members residing in any of these coun-ties are eligible to serve or to nominatecandidates. Interested members shouldcontact Jan Graham at 410-648-5476 ore-mail at [email protected].

Greater Baltimore (Baltimore Cityand County, Harford County)Chair: Ron Henry, 410-838-9119,[email protected]

- The Group is gearing up for involve-ment with Baltimore County’s compre-hensive zoning map process this year incollaboration with the North County In-stitute and other citizens’ organizations.

Existing zoning is being researched toidentify environmentally significant orecologically sensitive areas that are at riskunder current zoning. In June, RichardKlein is holding four workshops for citi-zens and community association leadersto learn about options for preventing ad-verse effects on property and preservingquality of life in neighborhoods. Formore information, call 410-654-3021 orsend an email to [email protected].

- The Group is involved with planningactivities related to the Base Realignmentand Closure (BRAC) process that willhave extensive impacts on the region,particularly in Harford County and thesurrounding area.

- During the past two years, the Grouphas been involved with the GreaterDundalk Alliance LNG Opposition Of-fice and others in public opposition to aproposal for a liquid natural gas off-load-ing terminal and storage tanks at Spar-rows Point in Baltimore County, a pipe-line crossing Baltimore and HarfordCounties into Pennsylvania, and dredg-ing to accommodate the tankers. Nowthe Greater Sparrows Point Peninsulacommunities have retained pro bono at-torneys to represent them in bringing aclass action lawsuit for remediation of theresidents’ alleged ill health effects fromcumulative exposure to an array of pol-lutants and toxins over several genera-tions.

- Several Group members are participat-ing on workgroups providing recommen-dations for a Master Plan for the MiddleBranch of the Patapsco River. The Mas-ter Plan will present land use, publicpolicy, and maintenance recommenda-tions for the area; identify potential fund-ing sources; and specify an implementa-tion strategy and timetable.

- For the “Cool Cities” campaign, signa-tures are being collected to encourage Bal-timore County to sign the U.S. Mayors’Climate Protection Agreement to fightglobal warming. Since Baltimore City hassigned the agreement, the Group and pe-titioners are encouraging the City to takesteps to implement the agreement.- The Group publishes a quarterly news-letter, “The Baltimore Sierran,” which ismailed to members and also is availableon its web site.

- Check the Group’s web site for a sched-ule of outings and other events. TheGroup has numerous hikes of variedlengths and difficulty levels, many ofwhich are suitable for children and aredog-friendly. The Group also has happyhours, kayak outings, tubing trips, camp-ing, hayrides, stream cleanups, invasiveplant removals, and bike rides.

Howard CountyChair: Ken Clark, 301-725-3306,[email protected] Lee Walker Oxenham

What a difference a change in adminis-tration makes! In his first Executive Or-der, County Executive Ken Ulman de-clared Howard County a “Cool County,”and in his second he set up a Commis-sion on the Environment andSustainability – to which he appointedLee Walker Oxenham, ConservationCommittee co-chair of the Sierra Club’sHoward County Group.

The Commission divided intoCommittees, and Lee is chairing theCommittee on Air and Water Quality.This Committee has a broad mandate toidentify new policies and legislation, andis even redrafting subdivision regulations.Please send any ideas/suggestions/com-plaints to Lee at [email protected] June 5 for inclusion in the Committee’swork.

Group News Roundup


Maryland Groups Address Environmental Issues Close to Home


Group News Roundup

Over the last month, our Group par-ticipated in a downtown Ellicott CityStep-It-Up event with Chesapeake Cli-mate Action Network (CCAN) – see thephoto and write-up posted to the Group’swebsite. Earth Day was celebrated atHoward County Community Collegeand by tree planting with HowardCounty Recreation and Parks.

Our ongoing campaigns are focusedon riparian buffers/stream buffer protec-tion and toxics. Our toxics work has paidoff, with Health Commissioner PeterBeilenson taking the lead to ensure com-prehensive chemical testing prior to re-development at the Turf Valley GolfCourse. Our Pesticide Campaign is gain-ing new force in concert with Clean Wa-ter Action, Environment Maryland, andthe Maryland Pesticide Network.

In May the Group hosted a free pro-gram open to the general public on Glo-bal Warming and Transportation Issuesin Central Maryland. The presentationfocused on transportation alternatives, theInterCounty Connector, and the nexusbetween climate change and air qualityissues.

The Howard County Group has avery active outings program, includingfrequent backpacking trips. Check theGroup’s web site for a schedule of out-ings and other events. You can ask to geton an email listing of outings and eventsby contacting Ken Clark.

Montgomery CountyChair: David Hauck, 301-270-5826;[email protected] David Hauck

We have been working hard to increasethe number of active Sierra Club mem-bers in Montgomery County through ta-bling events, a social event at my home,and our Environmental Career Eveningin March. Also, we passed out “Cool

Cities” brochures at one of our member’senergy-efficient home, which was onTakoma Park’s House and Garden Tour.It’s working, and we now have new vol-unteers helping us with strengthening ourpress relations, redesigning our website(July 1 launch planned), and planningnew events for members.

April was a big month for our “CoolCities” campaign. In a letter to CountyCouncil members, we proposed that theCouncil commit to a 25 percent reduc-tion in greenhouse gas emissions from allsources (businesses, residences, transpor-tation, and government) by 2020. OnApril 20, the Montgomery CountyCouncil announced its commitment toachieving that target and is now workingon a package of legislation and incentivesaimed at reducing greenhouse gases.

Members of our Cool Cities TaskForce are researching potential actions thecounty can take to incorporate greaterenergy efficiency into the building code,encourage energy efficient retrofits incommercial and residential buildings, anddirect the county’s future growth into ar-eas with higher density and improved ac-cess to rapid and reliable public transit.

Other members of the Cool CitiesTask Force are planning events to edu-cate individuals and businesses on howthey can reduce their greenhousegas emissions. The events willbuild grassroots support for ac-tions the county will have to taketo achieve its 25 percent reduc-tion target by 2020. For moreinformation on the Cool Citiescampaign or about how you canhelp, contact David Hauck orAnne Ambler [email protected].

Pam Lindstrom, vice-chairof our Ex Com, participated ona May 5 panel of business, de-veloper, and community repre-sentatives discussing proposed

changes to Montgomery County’sGrowth Policy. Although still somewhatnebulous, considerations of sustainabledevelopment are supposed to be incor-porated in the final recommendations.For more information on land use andtransportation planning issues in Mont-gomery County, contact Pam [email protected].

Jim Fary, our Conservation Com-mittee chair, continues his efforts to re-duce storm water runoff into the Bay. Inaddition to being a member of theAnacostia Watershed Citizens AdvisoryCommittee, Jim and other volunteershave flagged several violations of stormwater management procedures at build-ing sites around Montgomery County.Jim can be reached [email protected].

Prince George’s CountyChair: Chip Reilly, 301-218-3920,[email protected]’s office: 301-277-0600 or 301-277-7111By Chip Reilly

Join us to work for the good of thecounty!

This fall the Prince George’s Groupwill hold an election to choose individu-

als to serve on our Executive Commit-tee. We are asking members living in thecounty to consider entering their nameas a candidate in this election. This is anopportunity to work with friendly peopleon one or more activities of your choos-ing, such as outings, newsletters, and or-ganizing around issues. You will be ableto take a leading role in the direction ofthe Group. Please express your interestin serving on the Committee by sendingin your name now to Group Chair ChipReilly at [email protected] or call himat (301) 218-3920.

Southern Maryland (Calvert,Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties)Chair: Frank Fox, 301-884-8027,[email protected]

-Join us for a fun-filled day of family-ori-ented educational activities at the 9th an-nual Lower Potomac Wade In at Mirant’sMorgantown power plant site on June 24,2 – 5 p.m. The Wade In is a unique,non-technical way of measuring waterclarity. Participants wade into thePotomac River and mark the depth whenthey can no longer see their feet. Otheractivities include a raptor show, learningabout oysters and sturgeon, information


Maryland Groups Address Environmental Issues Close to Home



about local watersheds, and refreshmentsprovided by the site host Mirant. Formore information, contact Mike Bilek [email protected]. or 410-260-8988.

-The Group is a co-sponsor of the 14th

annual Potomac River Swim for the En-vironment on June 2. The event takesswimmers from Hull Neck, Virginiaacross the river to Point Lookout StatePark in Maryland, where there will be apicnic hosted by environmental groups.For more information or to volunteer tohelp, contact Cheryl Wagner at 202-387-2361 or [email protected].

-On the first Sunday and the followingSaturday of each month, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.,there is an invasive species removal at an800-acre portion of Chapman Forest(Sunday) and the 200-acre Ruth SwannPark (Saturday). Check outwww.chapmanforest.org or contact MarcImlay at 301-699-6204 or 301-283-0808. For more information about work-days at Hellen Creek Preserve and MyrtlePoint Park, contact Bob Boxwell [email protected] or 410-394-1300. To join the Holly Arboretum Vol-unteer Crew at Warrior’s Rest, contact theAmerican Chestnut Land Trust at 410-586-1570.-The Group publishes a bimonthly news-letter, “News from Southern Maryland.”

-Check the Group’s web site for a sched-ule of outings and other events.

Western Maryland (Allegany andGarrett Counties)Chair: Sam White, 301-264-4162,[email protected] [email protected]

-The Group is donating DVDs of “AnInconvenient Truth” to any high school

Group News Roundup

science teacher willing to show the filmin class.

-The Group has an email discussiongroup/Listserv for its members at [email protected]. Tojoin, go to http://lists.sierraclub.org/ar-chives/MD-WMD-FORUM.html. TheListserv is used to discuss conservationissues pertaining to Western Marylandand to announce Group meetings, out-ings, and other events.

- In the winter 2007, the Group resumedpublication of a quarterly newsletter,“Nature’s Advocate of Western MD.” ■

Get on the Bus for Paddling Adventure

Introducing the River BusTour Area Waterways with Waterkeepers

River Bus Tours Include

Patuxent Riverkeeper and other areaWaterkeepers have teamed up to providefun-packed itineraries on the region’s mostenjoyable waterways. Offering day trips aswell as overnights, the River Bus is fullyequipped to get you to your chosendestination where you can paddle, hike,

sightsee, and relax on a journey of pure adventure with a small group(limited to12 participants per trip). The 2007 River Bus tour season runsMay through October. Visit our website for a schedule of tours and fees. Don’t miss the Bus!

Transportation l Guides l Meals l Equipment l Paddle Instruction l Camp Gear

www.patuxent riverkeeper.org201-249-8200, ext. [email protected]

2007 Tours Include Assateague Island, Choptank, Patuxent, Potomac, Shenandoah,West/Rhode, plus trips to Western Maryland and West Virginia

AAAAAll prll prll prll prll proooooccccceeds suppeeds suppeeds suppeeds suppeeds suppo ro ro ro ro rt the non-prt the non-prt the non-prt the non-prt the non-profit cofit cofit cofit cofit conseronseronseronseronservvvvvaaaaation adtion adtion adtion adtion advvvvvoooooccccca ca ca ca ca cy wy wy wy wy wo ro ro ro ro rk of Rk of Rk of Rk of Rk of Regional egional egional egional egional WWWWWaaaaattttte re re re re rkkkkke e pe e pe e pe e pe e persersersersers.....

Groups Address Environmental Issues Close to Home(Continued from page 12) Passage of “America’s Redrock Wilderness

Act” (ARWA) is one of the Sierra Club’stop wilderness legislative priorities. It willdesignate as wilderness some of the mostspectacular lands in our country, 9.4 mil-lion acres presently under BLM manage-ment stretching from Zion and BryceCanyon Nation park to Arches NationalPark.

These special places, managed by theBureau of Land Management (BLM), in-clude the Great Basin area of westernUtah, the Zion and Mojave Desert regionoutside of Zion National Park, the GrandStaircase-Escalante, the Moab-LaSal can-yons south and east of Arches NationalPark, the Henry Mountains, the GlenCanyon region, the archeological trea-sures in the San Juan-Anasazi area,Canyonlands Basin, the San Rafael Swell,and the remote Book Cliffs and Uinta Ba-sin. They are presently threatened by off-

road vehicles and potential oil and gas ex-ploration. Senator Cardin and Represen-tatives Cummings, Van Hollen, andWynn have agreed to support the legisla-tion.

Please contact the other members ofMaryland’s Congressional delegation tourge that they join their colleagues in sup-porting this legislation. ■

The Maryland Chapter ExecutiveCommittee has an opening forsomeone who has been activewith either the Chapter or theirgroup.

This is an opportunity to work withMaryland’s Sierra Club leaders andhave influence in the setting ofpriorities for our Chapter.

If you are interested please send ashort bio, including your activistactivities, [email protected].

ISO

Wilderness PreservationCCCCClub Ulub Ulub Ulub Ulub Urrrrrges Pges Pges Pges Pges Passage of Rassage of Rassage of Rassage of Rassage of Redredredredredrooooock ck ck ck ck WWWWWilderilderilderilderilderness Aness Aness Aness Aness Acccccttttt

Utah’s spectacular Zion Canyon

http://maryland.sierraclub.org

Fall, 2007Maryland Chapter Jamboree


By Betty Brody—When I lived in NewOrleans, I convinced Paulie (a pseudonym), a RefugeManager at the Bayou Sauvage, NWR, to stopmowing the small lawn at a park in the refuge tendedby my bird club. The lawn quickly became habitat fora myriad of wonderful wild flowers, insects, spiders, rep-tiles, crayfish, and more. However, Paulie was concernedthat visitors to the park might be harmed by “critters”in the taller grass, and the Refuge resumed mowing,destroying the habitat and most plants and animals liv-ing in it.

The May, 2007 issue of Consumer Reports containedan article entitled,“How to Fix theTop 10 Lawn Prob-lems,” with a sub-section, “Growinggreat grass.” The“fixing” and “grow-ing great” that thisarticle advised en-tailed a lot of te-dious physical laborand watering, andapplications of fer-tilizers, herbicides,insecticides, and ro-dent poison. Thenext article, “Mow-ers & Tractors,” recommended a number of gas mowersand electric push mowers ranging from $200-470.

Globally, the consumer lawn and garden industryis an almost $7 billion business. Revenue for ScottsMiracle-Gro Company alone, for its fiscal year endingSeptember 30, 2006, was $2.7 billion. U.S. demandfor lawn and garden products is forecast to be $9.1 bil-lion in 2010.

Lawns displace valuable natural habitats; they alsorequire lots of water and polluting fertilizers, herbicides,and pesticides. And, quart for quart, 2006 gas lawn mowerengines, which have no catalytic converters, contribute 93times more smog-forming emissions than 2006 cars.Electric mowers, though they don’t give off emissions,must be charged with electricity, the creation of which,in Maryland, is mostly from coal and does give off harm-ful emissions.

But wait . . . you needn’t have a lawn at all. Youcan replace your lawn with low maintenance native

bushes, trees, and ground covers. Native plants survivebest because nature has selected them, over ages, to sur-vive in the climate, soil, and plant community wherethey are growing. For in-depth information on reasonsto “go native,” read The Landscaping Revolution: GardenWith Mother Nature, Not Against Her, McGraw-Hill/Contemporary; reprint edition (2002) and BuildingWithin Nature, U. of Minn. (2006), by Andy Wasowskiand Sally Wasowski, authors of nine books about gar-dening and landscaping with native plants.

Begin by learning what plants are native to yourarea and making a garden plan. If you live in Howard,

Prince George’s, orBaltimore County,the National Wild-life Federation (anonprofit conserva-tion organizationprotecting wildlifein America) will,free of charge, senda well-trained vol-unteer to view yourlawn and advise youhow to replace itwith native vegeta-tion. To make anappointment with avolunteer, contact

the N.W.F. Habitat Steward® program [email protected]. Also, the U.S. Fish & Wild-life Service Bayscapes program will soon have informa-tion on its web site, www.fws.gov/chesapeakebay/bayscapes.htm, on how to make a garden plan, and thesite currently has valuable information on native plants.

Further, you can buy native plants, and probablyget planning help, at the nurseries listed by the Mont-gomery County Department of Environmental Protec-tion and the Potomac Conservancy:www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Content/DEP/Rainscapes/nurseries.htm, and at nurseries listed byBayscapes: www.fws.gov/chesapeakebay/BayScapes/bsresources/bs-nurseries.htm#PA.

You might get some native plants free. Many na-tive seeds are already in your lawn, and different seedsmight arrive in the air or in the other ways nature trans-ports seeds. If you set your mower at four inches, youcan mow less, and wild ground cover will take hold. In

Maryland Lawn Grasses, Nonnative and Ubiquitous, or “Paulie, You Broke My Heart”

Living Green

Maryland Pesticide Network, acoalition of organizations includingthe Sierra Club MD chapter, is partici-pating in the National Coalition forPesticide-Free Lawns, and is seekingvolunteers to staff tables and talk toresidents at community events.

This outreach project will educatehomeowners about alternatives tochemical lawn care practices, and thehealth and environmental advan-tages of non- and least-toxic lawncare. Training and resources will beprovided.

Please call Kim Birnbaum at 410-379-1075 for more information.

that wild ground cover, you might also have non-na-tives, which you should remove.

Some non-natives are deemed invasive because theyspread rampantly and overtake native species; examplesare mile-a-minute, multiflora rose, lesser celandine, andEnglish ivy. For a more complete list of invasives, see:www.mdinvasivesp.org/list_terrestrial_plants.html. Ifyou live in a less urban area, you can transform yourlawn into a natural meadow by mowing only once, inlate winter. In no case should you have “noxious weeds,”non-native plants forbidden by the Maryland WeedControl Law, such as plumeless thistle, musk thistle,shatter cane, and johnsongrass.

For more information on replacing lawns with na-tive plants,see www.stolaf.edu/depts/environmental-studies/courses/es-399%20home/es-399-04/Projects/Schwarten_Project/revolution/revolution.html;www.for-wild.org/landscap.html; www.for-wild.org/land/tufts_op.htm.

For information about plants native to Maryland,visit www.mdflora.org/about.html, the Maryland Na-tive Plant Society. ■

LLLLLaaaaawn Cwn Cwn Cwn Cwn Cararararare Ce Ce Ce Ce Campaignampaignampaignampaignampaign


Living Green

By Richard Reis, P.E.— In speaking withother attendees at the recent Takoma ParkGreen Building Conference and othersimilar events, I heard some confusionabout whether using a compact fluores-cent lamp (CFL) is really good for theenvironment, considering that it containsmercury. One person said that a CFL con-tains only 3 micrograms of mercury. Atsome booths, I was told that CFL light-ing was irrelevant, as light-emitting di-ode (LED) lighting is available, more ef-ficient, and cost-effective. Another per-son said that efficiency does not matterbecause solar cells can provide amplepower at lower costs. (Contact the authorfor articles about lighting technology andefficiency versus alternative energy.)

The “back-of-the-envelope” calcu-lations in this article address the question:What are the environmental and costtradeoffs in using lamps that contain mer-cury compared with using conventionallamps that are much less efficient? (I callthese calculations “back of the envelope”because they are based upon limited dataand are approximate.)

Many types of lamps, particularlyefficient lamps, contain mercury. This ar-ticle will focus on CFL lighting.

To assess the impact, consider thefollowing factors:

1. When any lamp is properly dis-posed, the mercury is recovered and notdischarged into the air, land, or water.

2. The electric-generating stationsemit mercury as well as other pollutantsin proportion to power demand.

3. Conventional (incandescent)lamps demand more power than CFLs.

HHHHHooooow does merw does merw does merw does merw does mercurcurcurcurcury hary hary hary hary harm humans?m humans?m humans?m humans?m humans?The National Institutes of Health1 (NIH)state the following: “Elemental (metallic)mercury and all of its compounds aretoxic, exposure to excessive levels can per-manently damage or fatally injure thebrain and kidneys.” This NIH web site

article describes the life cycle throughwhich mercury emitted by burning coalcan accumulate as it travels up the foodchain and becomes part of the food weeat.

HHHHHooooow much merw much merw much merw much merw much mercurcurcurcurcury is emitted pery is emitted pery is emitted pery is emitted pery is emitted perunit of electric enerunit of electric enerunit of electric enerunit of electric enerunit of electric energggggy?y?y?y?y?Wisconsin, like the Mid-Atlantic region,relies most heavily on coal-fired electric-ity generation, except during rare sum-mer peaks. In a report2 for the State ofWisconsin, Table 1-3 shows emissions ofabout 0.05 pounds of mercury per giga-watt hours (GWh) (1,000,000 kilowatthours [kWh]). Using common conver-sion tables, this is equivalent to 0.023milligram (mg) per kWh. This electricalgeneration also produces other pollutionsuch as oxides of sulfur and nitrogen andglobal-warming gases. A coal-fired gen-erating station emits about two poundsof carbon dioxide (CO

2), the most com-

mon global-warming gas, for each kWhof electricity. We can also choose higher-cost electricity produced from alternativeenergy, such as wind.

HHHHHooooow much merw much merw much merw much merw much mercurcurcurcurcury do CFLs andy do CFLs andy do CFLs andy do CFLs andy do CFLs andconvconvconvconvconventional lamps contain?entional lamps contain?entional lamps contain?entional lamps contain?entional lamps contain?In an article entitled “Mercury Use inLighting,”3 Table 2 shows that 66 percentof CFLs contain 0 to 5 mg of mercury,30 percent contain between 5 and 10 mg,and 4 percent contain between 10 and50 mg. Assuming that each lamp in itscluster has the middle level of mercury,the level computes to 5.1 mg of mercury.

The two examples below provide acomparison between a CFL and a con-ventional lamp. (An mg is 1/1000 of agram. A microgram is 1/1000 of an mg.)

Ten 100-watt conventional lampshave a lifetime equal to one CFL.Each conventional incandescent lamplasts 1,000 hours. The 10 lamps then con-sume 1,000 kWh (100w x 10,000 hours)

over their lifetimes. To supply theselamps, power plants will emit about 23mg of mercury and 2,000 pounds of CO

2.

A consumer will spend $5 to buy theselamps (50¢ each) and $100 in energycosts to power them at 10¢ per kWh fora total of $105. The light output is 1,500lumens or about 15 lumens per watt.Note: Conventional bulbs may containlead solder, and lead is a powerful toxinas well.

One 23-watt CFL has the equivalentoutput of a 100-watt incandescentlamp.The lamp lasts 10,000 hours and con-sumes 230 kWh over its lifetime. To sup-ply that lamp, power plants will emitabout 5.2 mg of mercury and about 460pounds of CO

2. Improper disposal of the

lamp (for example, if it is consumed in amunicipal incinerator) will result in 5.1mg of mercury entering the environment.In this case the total emissions will be 10.3mg mercury or about half of the emis-sions using conventional lamps. However,most jurisdictions provide facilities thatallow residents to responsibly dispose ofCFLs and other hazardous waste.

For example, Montgomery Countyresidents can dispose of CFLs at its trans-fer station and at special hazardous wastecollection events. The City of TakomaPark accepts used CFLs at its public worksbuilding on Oswego Avenue during busi-ness hours and in a drop box at othertimes. Ikea stores have recycling stationsthat accept light bulbs, batteries, and plas-tic bags. (You can find out more aboutlamp recycling at Earth911.org andLampRecycle.org.) One can buy theselamps at Home Depot and other placesfor $2.50 each and spend $23 (again at10¢ per kWh) to power them—a totalcost of just $25.50 versus $105 using con-ventional lamps. The light output is 1,500lumens or 65 lumens/ watt.

LED LLED LLED LLED LLED LightingightingightingightingightingLight-emitting diode (LED) lighting hasa bright future, but may not be ready forprime time for most applications. I foundit difficult to obtain comparable data onavailable LED lamps in lumen output.However, Lighting Science sells a flame-tip lamp for $16.95, which emits a warm-white glow of 25 lumens and uses 1.2watts or about 20 lumens per watt. Wewould need 60 lamps to match the light-ing output of a single 100-watt incandes-cent or 23-watt CFL. Reports fromSandia National Laboratories4 and theLighting Research Center5 predict signifi-cant progress in solid-state lighting inlight output and lighting efficiency. It isalso worth noting that LED lamps last 5to 10 times longer than CFLs and 50 to100 times longer than incandescentlamps.

OOOOOther Lther Lther Lther Lther Lighting Righting Righting Righting Righting ResouresouresouresouresourcescescescescesLighting vendors are beginning to addressthe need for sustainable lighting solutions.For example, Philips developed a webpage6 that can help assess a “SustainableLighting Index.”

SSSSSummarummarummarummarummary and Ay and Ay and Ay and Ay and Action Sction Sction Sction Sction StepteptepteptepCFL lighting results in less mercury andother pollution than conventional light-ing even if these lamps are not disposedof correctly. Of course, it is far better toresponsibly dispose of these lamps. Effi-cient lighting is a very cost-effective wayto reduce pollution while saving money.The fact that monetary and environmen-tal costs of electricity far outweigh thecosts of the lamps themselves overrulesthe ethic of not discarding anything thatis working; one should replace conven-tional lamps immediately. ■

Richard Reis, P.E. is a consulting engineer.He can be contacted at 301-384-0540 [email protected].

(Endnotes appear on page 21)

Lighting and Mercury: Facts Support Choice of CFLs


EEEEExxxxxecutivecutivecutivecutivecutive Ce Ce Ce Ce CommitteeommitteeommitteeommitteeommitteeMike Martin, At-Large Del.,[email protected] Henry, Greater Balt. Del.,Vice Chair [email protected] Bick, At-Large [email protected] Johnson, At-Large [email protected] Robinson, At-Large [email protected] Willey, At-Large Del.,Conservation [email protected] Bradley, Anne Arundel Del.,[email protected] Hodge, Catoctin [email protected] Bedlin, Eastern Shore [email protected] McGullum, Alt. Greater Balt.Del., 443-394-8572 [email protected]

Kathleen Sheedy, Howard [email protected] Barnes, Montg. [email protected] Tutman, Prince Geo.’s Del.301-249-8200 ext [email protected] Imlay, Southern MD [email protected] White, Western MD [email protected]

Issues ContactsJoan Willey, Conservation [email protected]

Earl Bradley , ACE, Right Whale,Special Places [email protected] White, Agriculture [email protected] Garlow, Air Quality [email protected] Imlay, Biodiversity, ESA, Inva-sive Species, and Habitat Steward-ship Chair [email protected] Terry, Campaign FinanceReform [email protected] Carney, D.C. Metro RegionChallenge to Sprawl Campaign,Building EnvironmentalCommunities [email protected] O’Leary, Energy [email protected] Bick, Environmental [email protected] Diehl, Forests [email protected] O’Leary, Global Warming/CAFE [email protected] Norling, Groundwater [email protected] Birnbaum, Pesticides [email protected] Terry, Population [email protected] Willey, Public Lands [email protected] Tutman, Stormwater Mgmt.Chair301-249-8200 ext [email protected]

Steve Caflisch, Transportation [email protected] Merrifield, Water Quality [email protected]

Other ContactsKathy Harget , Baltimore YoungSierrans [email protected] Iacovazzi, BICO [email protected] Johnson, Fundraising [email protected] Pepin, Membership [email protected] Soeder, Outings [email protected] Fay, PAC [email protected] Johnson, Political [email protected] Birkett, [email protected] Graham, State Legislative Chair410-648-5476 [email protected] rry Dixon, [email protected] Andrews, [email protected] Tewell, Newsletter [email protected]

Chapter SChapter SChapter SChapter SChapter StafftafftafftafftaffLaurel [email protected]

OOOOOffice Addrffice Addrffice Addrffice Addrffice Addressessessessess7338 Baltimore Avenue #1ACollege Park, MD 20740Tel: 301-277-7111Fax: 301-277-6699http://maryland.sierraclub.org

Maryland Chapter Leaders


Habitat Restoration and Invasive Species Removal Outings

(Outings continued on following page)

Compiled by Mark Imlay—Experiencedelayed gratification. Non-native inva-sive plant removal will reach maintenancephase if there is a major work effort ateach site in the Mid-Atlantic region andaround the world for about three to fiveyears to remove the massive populationsof species. Regular stewardship projectsmay be conducted in all seasons. A high-intensity program is followed by a low-in-tensity annual maintenance program forplants we have missed, plants emergingfrom the seed bank, and occasional plantsmigrating in from neighboring areas.

You may attend training in invasiveplant removal and habitat restoration tolearn about weed identification, controland removal techniques, and native al-ternatives to exotic flora. You may con-duct your own removals or join an orga-nized group. There are general methodsand species-specific methods for remov-als, such as best season for removing spe-cies, targeted use of herbicides, and theuse of wet soils for pulling. Following isinformation on numerous activities to ridthe State of invasives and plant native spe-cies.

BaltimoreBBBBBaltimoraltimoraltimoraltimoraltimore Ce Ce Ce Ce City Pity Pity Pity Pity ParararararksksksksksGet certified as an Urban Weed Warrior!Baltimore City Recreation and Parks sup-ports an Urban Weed Warriors program.If you are certified as a weed warrior, youmay work on your own to help controlnon-native invasives in Baltimore Cityparks. Weed-pull activities are scheduledthroughout the summer and fall, withtools and refreshments provided.

CONTACT: For information abouttraining and activities, to get on the e-newsletter list, or with questions, contactAmanda Holloway, Urban Weed WarriorCoordinator, at 410-396-0359 [email protected].

CCCCCrrrrromwomwomwomwomwell Vell Vell Vell Vell Valleallealleallealley Py Py Py Py ParararararkkkkkDATES: Monthly removal work partiesare scheduled at Cromwell Valley Park innorthern Baltimore County on the 2ndSaturday of each month 9-12 (8-11 inJuly and August). The rain date is thefollowing day, at the same time. Toolsand refreshments are provided.

Cromwell Valley Park is a wonder-ful rural park just outside the BaltimoreBeltway on Cromwell Bridge Road. The“Beehive Woods” is looking much bet-ter—we are almost down to the road. The stream is revealed and is quite pretty. The former “Kudzu Hill” is being re-planted with native trees and bushes, andis now “Dogwood Hill.” Our HabitatRestoration Team needs all the help wecan get to eradicate invasives and plantnatives. We have tackled multiflora rose,Japanese barberry, kudzu, garlic mustard,mile-a-minute and many others.

CONTACT: For information contact BillBreakey at [email protected]. ThePark office number is 410-887-2503, orcheck out the Park’s website [email protected]. Volunteers are placedon an e-mail notify list.

HHHHHerring Rerring Rerring Rerring Rerring Run Wun Wun Wun Wun Watershed Aatershed Aatershed Aatershed Aatershed AssociationssociationssociationssociationssociationCONTACT: For any questions aboutupcoming invasive removal activities inHerring Run Park in Baltimore City, con-tact Angela at (410) 254-1648 [email protected]. Check out thewebsite at http://www.herringrun.net/ .

JJJJJones Fones Fones Fones Fones Falls Walls Walls Walls Walls Watershed Aatershed Aatershed Aatershed Aatershed AssociationssociationssociationssociationssociationDATE: Western Run Invasive Plant Re-moval on July 14, 9:30 a.m. – noon. Freethe trees! Help to remove invasive vinesfrom trees along Western Run creek inthe Mt. Washington neighborhood.

CONTACT: Suzanne Greene [email protected] or 410-366-3036for more information or to register forthis or future outings.

Jones Falls Watershed Association3000 Chestnut Avenue, Suite 100Baltimore, Maryland 21211410-366-3036

Calvert CountyHHHHHellen Cellen Cellen Cellen Cellen Crrrrreek Peek Peek Peek Peek PrrrrreseresereseresereservvvvveeeeeJoin the Cove Point Natural HeritageTrust for invasive removals at HellenCreek Preserve.

DIRECTIONS: From Washington, takeRt. 4 south to Calvert County. At Lusby,turn right at the second light at Coster/Mill Bridge Road then take an immedi-ate left onto Coster. After passing tworights (Bassford), look for the MA-CHINE SHOP sign on the left and thenturn right at Clifton Drive. Take the firstleft. Turn at a handmade sign with thenumber 11785. Follow to the sign andgate for the Preserve.

CONTACT: For more information or toreceive updates about workdays, email orcall Bob Boxwell at 410-394-1300 [email protected].

AAAAAmerican Chestnut Land Tmerican Chestnut Land Tmerican Chestnut Land Tmerican Chestnut Land Tmerican Chestnut Land Trrrrrust,ust,ust,ust,ust,PPPPPororororort Rt Rt Rt Rt RepublicepublicepublicepublicepublicJoin the Holly Arboretum VolunteerCrew as they maintain the historic hollytrees at Warrior’s Rest. Work includes in-vasive vine removal, mulching, mowing,and pruning. Bring work gloves, clip-pers, and a smile.

CONTACT:American Chestnut Land TrustP. O. Box 204Port Republic, MD 20676Phone: [email protected]

Caroline CountyAdkins AAdkins AAdkins AAdkins AAdkins ArborrborrborrborrboretumetumetumetumetumAdkins Arboretum trains volunteers toassist the staff in the removal of invasive

non-natives on the Arboretum’s 400-acresite. Workdays are flexible.

CONTACT: Sylvan Kaufman, [email protected]. or 410 634-2847, ext. 24.

Charles CountyChapman FChapman FChapman FChapman FChapman Forororororest and Rest and Rest and Rest and Rest and Ruth Suth Suth Suth Suth SwannwannwannwannwannPPPPParararararkkkkkDATES: Chapman Forest on the firstSunday and Ruth Swann Park the follow-ing Saturday each month. Time: 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.

Remove invasive non-natives fromthe 200-acre Swann Park and 800-acreportion of Chapman Forest designated asChapman State Park. There is time forplant identification and a beautiful beachlunch. Participating organizations in-clude Maryland Native Plant Society, Si-erra Club, and Chapman Forest Founda-tion. Casual clothing, long sleeves, pants,sturdy comfortable walking boots/shoes,and gloves are encouraged.

DIRECTIONS:For first Sundays, directions to ChapmanForest, Chapman State Park, MountAventine, and the Glendening NaturalEnvironment Area: Take the WashingtonCapital Beltway to Indian Head High-way (MD 210) south toward Indian Head(from VA Exit 2; from MD Exit 3A). At14 miles, continue on MD 210 throughthe traffic light at MD 227. (This cross-roads is the center of the communityknown as Bryans Road.) At about 1.1miles past the light, veer to the right ontoChapmans Landing Road. Follow for 1.6miles to the gated entrance of MountAventine and Chapman State Park. Meetat main gate of Chapman Forest. For the following Saturday, directions toRuth B. Swann Park: 20 miles (30 to 40minutes) south of Washington Beltway(I-495) on Rt. 210 (Indian Head Hwy),

Removing Invasive Plants Restores Habitat for Native Species



about a mile and a half south from thetraffic light on Rt. 210 in Bryans Road.Meet at the Potomac Branch Libraryparking lot.

CONTACT: Marc Imlay at 301-699-6204 or 301-283-0808. On outings days,I can be reached on my cell phone at 301-442-5657. For information and a map,check out www.chapmanforest.org andwww.mattawomanwatershedsociety.org.

For carpool information, meet at theSierra Club Md. Chapter office at 9 a.m.and return at 5 p.m. Call Laurel Imlay at301-277-7111.

Garrett CountySSSSSavavavavavage Rivage Rivage Rivage Rivage River Ser Ser Ser Ser State Ftate Ftate Ftate Ftate ForororororestestestestestDATE: Battling Botanical Bullies in BearPen Wildland from 9 a.m. to noon Fri-day June 15. Volunteers are needed tocontinue control efforts of Japanese spi-raea in the Bear Pen Run area of SavageRiver State Forest. Kerrie Kyde, DNRInvasive Plant Specialist, is providingtechnical support. Elk RidgeNatureWorks is coordinating the projectand providing snacks and drinks for vol-unteers.

CONTACT: For more details or to reg-ister, contact Ron Boyer at 301-895-3686or [email protected].

Howard CountyPPPPPatapsco Vatapsco Vatapsco Vatapsco Vatapsco Valleallealleallealley Sy Sy Sy Sy State Ptate Ptate Ptate Ptate ParararararkkkkkDATE: Join the Friends of Patapsco Val-ley State Park on the second Wednesdayevening each month at the Avalon area toeradicate invasive vines. This is the worstplace in the park for non-nativevines, where they have killed or brokenmany trees, so we need lots of help. Wearlong clothes and bring gloves, as there issome poison ivy. If you have them, bringhand pruners and lopers (the 2 handedcutters for larger vines). We will have afew extra tools if you need to borrowsome.

CONTACT: Jim Palmer to confirm dateand time at 410-531-2065 or via emailat [email protected]. See our website for updates at www.fpvsp.org/.

DIRECTIONS: Meet at the Avalon con-tact station. From I-95 take I-195 east toRt. 1 toward Elkridge. Turn right imme-diately on South St. The park entranceis on the left. Proceed 1/2 mile to thecontact station. Middle Patuxent Environmental AreaDATE: The Conservation StewardshipProject at the Middle Patuxent Environ-mental Area (MPEA) meets on fourthTuesdays monthly from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.from March to October. Each trip hasan educational component and a workcomponent. The Conservation Steward-ship project is sponsored by HowardCounty Recreation and Parks and theHoward County Master Gardeners.

CONTACT: For information, directions,or registration, contact Aylene Gard at410-992-9889 or Carol Filipczak [email protected].

Howard/Anne Arundel/PrinceGeorge’s CountyFFFFFororororort Mt Mt Mt Mt MeadeeadeeadeeadeeadeHelp remove Japanese stilt grass, Englishivy, garlic mustard, tree of heaven, multi-flora rose, Japanese honeysuckle, com-mon privet, phragmites, Asiatictearthumb, etc. Prior to removing theweeds, there will be a short training ses-sion. People of all ages, backgrounds, andinterests are invited to spend a few hoursoutdoors, hand-pulling some non-nativeplants while learning about the differencesbetween native plants and non-native in-vasive plants and how these invasives ad-versely impact our natural ecosystem.

FFFFFororororort Mt Mt Mt Mt Meade Aeade Aeade Aeade Aeade Arrrrrmy Imy Imy Imy Imy InstallationnstallationnstallationnstallationnstallationDATE: Second Saturday of every monthat 10 a.m. (Time is flexible if enoughvolunteers are available.)

DIRECTIONS: Take Route 175 Eastfrom the 295 Baltimore WashingtonParkway. Turn right onto Reece Road toenter the post, immediately turn left ontoErnie Pyle Street, go approximately 1mile, turn left on Llewellyn Avenue, turnright onto Chisholm Avenue, turn left on3rd Street, turn right on Ross Road, andgo to 2nd building on the right—Envi-ronmental Division Office.

CONTACT: At least three days before theevent, contact Don Marquardt, Installa-tion Forester, at 301-677-9185 or by e-mail at [email protected] list of names must be provided to theForester, who provides them to guard per-sonnel at the Reece Road entrance to en-sure access to the Post. Bring hand tools,gloves, lunch, and water. Long sleevesand pants are recommended.

Patuxent Research RefugeOutings are conducted in partnershipbetween the Department of the Army(Fort Meade), the Maryland Native PlantSociety, the Maryland Chapter of the Si-erra Club, and Patuxent Research Refugeand volunteers. Non-native invasiveplants are threatening our wildlife habi-tat. Do your part to protect the Patuxentfrom alien invaders. Become a WeedWarrior! We need YOU to help stopthem. Come out for one of our “WeedWarriors Days” and help us treat the gar-lic mustard, mile-a-minute, Japanesestiltgrass, and other non-native plantsinfesting the Refuge. Warriors of all agesand abilities are welcome. You will re-ceive a short educational briefing. Wearlong sleeves and pants and bring gloves.

DATES (subject to change if necessary):Monday, June 11, North Tract VisitorContact Station, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.Thursday, July 12, National Wildlife Visi-tor Center, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.Tuesday, July 24, North Tract VisitorContact Station, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.Wednesday, August 8, North Tract Visi-

tor Contact Station, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

DIRECTIONS:To the North Tract Visitor Contact Sta-tion: From I-295, take the exit for MD-Route 198 towards Fort Meade. Go ap-proximately 1.5 miles until you see GloryDays Auto Salvage on your near rightcorner and baseball fields on your farright. Turn right between them onto BaldEagle Drive. Proceed through the gateand continue about 1/2 mile to the Visi-tor Contact Station.

To the National Wildlife Visitor Center:The Center is located off Powder MillRoad between MD Route 197 and theBaltimore/Washington Parkway, south ofLaurel.

CONTACT: For additional information,call 301-497-5763 or visit http://patuxent.fws.gov. Please register for theseevents by calling 301-497-5887.

Christopher Wicker, Wildlife BiologistUSFWS, Patuxent Research Refuge12100 Beech Forest Road, Room 138Laurel, MD 20708E-mail: [email protected]: (301) 497-5515 Riverfront Park, LaurelWishing for weeders in Laurel. Whole-some river with lots of curves seeks out-going naturalists for invasive species re-moval and native plant propagation, pos-sibly leading to complete restoration ofthe wild.

DATE: Second Sunday of every month,1 - 4 p.m.

DIRECTIONS: From I-95, take the MDRoute 216-Laurel exit. At the second traf-fic light (Main Street), turn right. Go tothe end of the next block, turn right at9th Street, and park at the swimmingpool.

(Outings continued from preceding page)




CONTACT: Brigitte [email protected] or 240-506-8976.

Kent CountyEastern Neck Wildlife RefugeWineberries with garlic mustard: A newtype of exotic fruit salad? Not quite. These are two invasive plant species thatthe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wouldlike help removing from Eastern NeckWildlife Refuge at 1730 Eastern NeckRoad, Rock Hall. Garlic mustard is anewly arrived invasive species, and is apriority for management. Wineberry isa raspberry-like plant that begins to ripenwith fruit between June and July. Theweed-pulling guide is Rachel Cliche, aU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologistand the invasive species specialist for theChesapeake Marshlands National Wild-life Refuge Complex. Garlic mustard ispulled by hand, but a 4-pronged spadingfork works best on wineberry. High boots(for ticks) are recommended, along witha DEET-based bug repellent, a hat, andgloves.

CONTACT: Rachel is always looking forvolunteers to help pull weeds. Contacther at [email protected] or 410-639-2108 for details about when andwhere.

Montgomery CountyBBBBBrrrrrookside Gookside Gookside Gookside Gookside GararararardensdensdensdensdensWeed Warriors are needed for the forestedareas surrounding the gardens. You willbe given directions so that you may workindependently, weekends or weekdays, onyour own schedule.

CONTACT: Stacy Parsons 301-962-1417 or [email protected] .Websites:www.BrooksideGardens.org and/orwww.MC-MNCPPC.org/environment/weed_warriors/intro.shtm

MMMMMontgomerontgomerontgomerontgomerontgomery Cy Cy Cy Cy County Pounty Pounty Pounty Pounty ParararararksksksksksWeed Warriors Wanted! The Maryland-National Capital Park and PlanningCommission’s (M-NCPPC) Forest Ecolo-gist is assembling a team of volunteerWeed Warriors to monitor and removenon-native invasive plant species inMontgomery County Parks. We needyour help! As a Weed Warrior volunteer,you will receive a short training sessionfrom the forest ecologist. Weed Warriorscan then work at their own pace andchoose a schedule that best suits them.Many Weed Warriors live near a M-NCPPC Stream Valley Park or RegionalPark and do their volunteer work whilewalking their dogs or hiking through theirneighborhood park. Whether you chooseto work individually or in a group, yourefforts will contribute to the control ofnon-native vegetation in the 32,500 acresof Montgomery County parkland.

CONTACT: Carole Bergmann, M-NCPPC Forest Ecologist, at 301-949-2818 for more information or to sign up.

The PThe PThe PThe PThe Potomac Gotomac Gotomac Gotomac Gotomac GorororororgegegegegeInvasive Plant Control Workdays in ThePotomac Gorge. Help protect nativeplant biodiversity near DC! The NatureConservancy, in partnership with theNational Park Service, will continue allseason with invasive plant control work-days in the Potomac Gorge, a 15-milestretch of river valley between Great Fallsand Georgetown with over 200 rare plantsand 5 globally rare plant communities.Volunteers are welcome to sign up for avariety of workdays, where we cut or pullsome of the most problematic weeds, of-ten in scenic areas. We will hold two moreWeed Warrior training sessions, wherevolunteers learn about 13 non-nativeplant species, adopt an area, and thenwork independently in the National Parksin the Potomac Gorge. CONTACT: For more information or tosign up, go to: www.nature.org/maryland

for a list of workdays, or contact Marybelow if you would like to sign up a schoolor organizational group for a workday, orwant to be added to our email list:Mary Travaglini,301- 897-8570 [email protected].

SSSSSligo Cligo Cligo Cligo Cligo CrrrrreekeekeekeekeekThe RIP—Removing Invasive Plants—Committee of Friends of Sligo Creekholds plant removal events in differentparts of Sligo Creek Park between NewHampshire Ave and the headwaters inKemp Mill and Wheaton. Thegroup invites local residents and othernewcomers to work on shrubs in fall andwinter, garlic mustard in spring, mile-a-minute in summer, and vines through-out the year.

CONTACT: For a schedule, seewww.fosc.org/RIPEventSched.htm . Besure to check http://www.fosc.org for last-minute weather changes or call SallyGagne at 301-588-2071.

WWWWWoodend Noodend Noodend Noodend Noodend Naturaturaturaturature Se Se Se Se Sanctuaranctuaranctuaranctuaranctuaryyyyy, Chevy, Chevy, Chevy, Chevy, ChevyChaseChaseChaseChaseChase The Audubon Naturalist Society needsyour help to remove invasive non-nativeplants from its Woodend Sanctuary inChevy Chase, MD! Join us for groupwork sessions where training will be pro-vided. Trained volunteers may also beauthorized to work independently.

CONTACT: Liz Jones [email protected] or301-652-9188 x 30 for more informa-tion or to sign up.

NNNNNorororororthwthwthwthwthwest Best Best Best Best Brrrrranch of the Aanch of the Aanch of the Aanch of the Aanch of the Anacostia,nacostia,nacostia,nacostia,nacostia,MMMMMontgomerontgomerontgomerontgomerontgomery Cy Cy Cy Cy CountyountyountyountyountyDATE: Third Saturdays 10:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m. monthlyJoin us for a walk in the forest and toremove invasive plants including garlicmustard and multi-flora rose. Afterwards,we’ll relax and have a vegetarian lunch

that is provided. All are welcome. Bringwater and gloves.

DIRECTIONS: From the intersection of29 (Colesville Road) and UniversityBlvd in Silver Spring, go east on Univer-sity and turn (there’s only left) onWilliamsburg Drive. Stay onWilliamsburg at the first fork you cometo (bear left), and then at the second fork(Williamsburg N. vs. S.) bear left again.Williamsburg turns into Big Rock Roadat the bottom of the hill. Go to 10204Big Rock Road.

CONTACT: Jane Osburn at 301-754-1564 or [email protected].

Prince George’s CountyBBBBBelt Welt Welt Welt Welt Woods, Booods, Booods, Booods, Booods, BowiewiewiewiewieDATE: Ongoing Saturday, Sunday, andoccasional mid-week invasive speciesworkgroups. Times and dates vary based on available team leader. Please call oremail for schedule. We will be removingcreeping euonymous, Japanese honey-suckle, winged burning bush, multiflorarose, oriental bittersweet, JapaneseStiltgrass, Garlic Mustard, etc. from vari-ous parts of the property. Tools and glovesare provided, but feel free to bring yourfavorite tool or pair of gloves.

CONTACT: To be added to the contactlist email [email protected] orcall (301) 390-0797.

WWWWWoodworoodworoodworoodworoodworth Pth Pth Pth Pth Pararararark, Chevk, Chevk, Chevk, Chevk, CheverlyerlyerlyerlyerlyDATE: The Friends of Lower BeaverdamCreek, Cheverly will not be working inJune - August, but will resume invasiveplant removals in the fall on the last Sat-urday of every month.

All age groups can help rescue ournative flowers, ferns, and other plantsfrom non-native plants covering 30-90percent of our parks that we have workedso hard to preserve. Tools are provided,but wear work gloves and sturdy shoes.






CONTACT: Cathy and Dan Smith at301-386-0889.

DIRECTIONS: Take Rt. 202 East un-der the BW Parkway. Go one block andturn right on Cheverly. Go one mile andturn left on Forest Road. Go two blockspassing a church on the left and turn righton BW Parkway. Go 2 blocks and turnleft on Wayne for one block. We meet atthe park by the small playground.

SSSSSuitland Boguitland Boguitland Boguitland Boguitland BogJoin us for manual removal of honey-suckle and multiflora rose using shovels,pruners, and perseverance. Come andhelp preserve this unique habitat. Bringwater, work boots, durable clothes, longsleeves, gloves, pruners, and shovels.Light refreshments will be provided.There is some poison ivy at the work site.

DIRECTIONS: From the CapitalBeltway (I-495), take Exit 7A (BranchAvenue), toward Waldorf. Take Route 5south. Take the Allentown Road exit.Make a left onto Allentown Road. Stayon Allentown Road through five lights.Turn left onto Suitland Road at the 6thlight. Follow Suitland Road until it passesunder Suitland Parkway. The entrance tothe Suitland Bog is to the right. Meet inthe parking lot.

CONTACT: M-NCPPC Park RangerOffice Park Ranger Chris Garrett at 301-627-7755. IIIIIndian Cndian Cndian Cndian Cndian Crrrrreek Teek Teek Teek Teek Trrrrrail at Lakeail at Lakeail at Lakeail at Lakeail at LakeAAAAArrrrrtemesia, Btemesia, Btemesia, Btemesia, Btemesia, Berererererwwwwwyn Hgtsyn Hgtsyn Hgtsyn Hgtsyn HgtsDIRECTIONS: Meet in the LakeArtemesia parking lot along Berwyn Rd.,at Indian Creek Trail @ Lake Artemesia,Berwyn Hgts., Prince George’s County.The lake is located on Berwyn Road inCollege Park.

From the south from the CapitalBeltway (I-495), take Exit 23 (KenilworthAvenue) toward Bladensburg. Make a

right onto Route 193 (Greenbelt Road).Make a right onto Branchville Road.(This road turns into 55th Avenue). TheLake Artemesia parking lot is on the leftat the Berwyn Road intersection.

From the north from the CapitalBeltway (I-495), take Exit 25 (Route 1)toward College Park. Make a left ontoRoute 193 (Greenbelt Road), then a leftonto Branchville Road. (This road turnsinto 55th Avenue.) The parking lot is onthe left at the Berwyn Road intersection.

Bring water, work boots, durableclothes, long sleeves, and gloves. Lightrefreshments will be provided. There issome poison ivy at the work site.

CONTACT: M-NCPPC Park RangerChris Garrett or John Dillon, M-NCPPCPark Ranger Office, 301-627-7755.

WWWWWatkins Ratkins Ratkins Ratkins Ratkins Regional Pegional Pegional Pegional Pegional ParararararkkkkkJoin us for Weed Warrior Work Days atWatkins Nature Center in Watkins Re-gional Park. Meet at Watkins NatureCenter parking lot. Bring water, workboots, durable clothes, long sleeves, andgloves. Light refreshments will be pro-vided. There is some poison ivy at thework site.

DIRECTIONS: Located in UpperMarlboro at Watkins Regional Park, onemile west of the Six Flags America amuse-ment park.

From the Capital Beltway (I-495),take Exit 15A (Central Avenue) east.Continue for approximately three miles.Turn right onto Watkins Park Drive(Route 193) and follow the park signs tothe facility.

From Route 301, turn onto CentralAvenue (Route 214) west. Continue forapproximately three miles (past Six FlagsAmerica). Turn left onto Watkins ParkDrive and follow to the park entrance onthe right.Contact: M-NCPPC John Dillon orChris Garrett, M-NCPPC Park RangerOffice, 301-627-7755.

GGGGGrrrrreenbelt Heenbelt Heenbelt Heenbelt Heenbelt Homes Iomes Iomes Iomes Iomes Inc Hnc Hnc Hnc Hnc HousingousingousingousingousingCCCCCooperooperooperooperooperativativativativative, Ge, Ge, Ge, Ge, GrrrrreenbelteenbelteenbelteenbelteenbeltThe Greenbelt Homes Inc. (GHI) hous-ing cooperative in Old Greenbelt has 85.6acres of stewardship forest as well as otherwooded parcels. The Woodlands Com-mittee is actively involved with urban for-estry management. Regular work sessionsare scheduled throughout the year for theremoval/eradication of non-native inva-sive plant species and for tree planting.Also scheduled are bird counts, nativelandscaping seminars, and guided hikes.

CONTACT: For more information onGHI Woodlands Committee activities,contact Matt Berres, Landscape Special-ist, at [email protected] or 301-474-4161 ext 132.

GGGGGrrrrreenbelt Neenbelt Neenbelt Neenbelt Neenbelt National Pational Pational Pational Pational Pararararark,k,k,k,k,GGGGGrrrrreenbelteenbelteenbelteenbelteenbeltDATE: Invasive Plant Removal first Sat-urday of each month 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.Located just 12 miles from WashingtonD.C., Greenbelt Park is a beloved retreatfrom the city and an important refuge fornative plants and animals. Come join usin defending Greenbelt Park from en-croachment by alien invasive plantgrowth. Volunteers will be hand-pullingharmful non-native plants such as Japa-nese honeysuckle, beefsteak mint, mile-a-minute weed, and garlic mustard.People of all ages, backgrounds and in-terests are invited to spend a fun day out-doors while learning about the differencesbetween native and non-native plants andhelping to preserve the health and nativewildlife of this local natural area. Bringlunch, drink, and appropriate clothing forweather.

DIRECTIONS: From the Beltway, takeKenilworth Avenue south about 1/4 mileto Greenbelt Rd, MD 193 (Kenilworthgoes under 193). Stay to the right so youcan take MD 193 East (a left to go overKenilworth) for only a few hundred yards

to the park entrance. Follow the signs tothe Sweetgum picnic area.

CONTACT: For questions and informa-tion about upcoming events, contact TomCrone at [email protected] or 301-864-1959.

LLLLLittle Pittle Pittle Pittle Pittle Paint Baint Baint Baint Baint Brrrrranch Panch Panch Panch Panch Pararararark andk andk andk andk andCherrCherrCherrCherrCherry Hy Hy Hy Hy Hill Rill Rill Rill Rill Road Coad Coad Coad Coad CommunityommunityommunityommunityommunityPPPPPararararark, Bk, Bk, Bk, Bk, BeltsvilleeltsvilleeltsvilleeltsvilleeltsvilleDATE: June 21 and August 14, 9 a.m. to3 p.m.

We will continue the wonderful progresslast year by the AmeriCorps workers,General Electric volunteers, RobertGoddard French Immersion andMontesori Elementary School, Washing-ton Quaker Work Camps, and WorldBank volunteers. There will be a sign-inand safety orientation with handouts.Information will be provided about thePark’s natural history and special features,and the methods and reasons for control-ling the spread of invasives. Our objec-tive is to remove the invasives to allownatives to grow back. Native flowers andother plants will be identified as we workto rescue them. Gloves and tools are pro-vided.

DIRECTIONS: Meet at the BeltsvilleCommunity Center parking lot. Thereare bathrooms and a large seating area forlunch. Take U.S. 1 north from the DCBeltway. Go about 1 mile, passing theNational Agricultural Research Center,and turn left at the light on Montgom-ery Rd. Go 3 blocks and turn left onSellman Road. Go about 5 blocks andturn right into Little Paint Branch Parkat the bottom of the hill.

Several of the worst invasive species in theMid-Atlantic region are in the early stagesof invasion in this park. Japanese stiltgrasscovers about 5 percent of the park. Re-search indicates that Japanese stiltgrass is




a major contributor of nitrogen pollutionin the Chesapeake Bay, and reduces byhalf the ability of any land it dominatesto hold water and release it slowly.

The project supporters are now remov-ing English ivy, wineberry, periwinkle,ground ivy, Japanese pachysandra, bushhoneysuckle, and multiflora rose to res-cue the incredible diversity of nativeplants and animals in the Park. Unlikemost parks in the area, the 150-acre LittlePaint Branch Park is in the early stages ofinvasion and is essentially the native plantnursery for the Paint Branch itself.

CONTACT: Marc Imlay, Ph.D. Conser-vation Biologist, Anacostia Watershed So-ciety at 301-699-6204 or 301-283-0808for more information.

MMMMMagragragragragruder Puder Puder Puder Puder Pararararark, Hk, Hk, Hk, Hk, HyattsvilleyattsvilleyattsvilleyattsvilleyattsvilleDATE: June 14, 9a.m. to 2 p.m. and on-going outings.

DIRECTIONS: Meet at the MagruderPark parking lot. Take Eastwest Highway(410) east almost to Route 1 in CollegePark. Turn right on Queens Chapel Roadabout a mile before Route 1. Go southabout a mile and turn left on Hamilton.Pass the Safeway on the right, pass 38thstreet, go about one block, and turn rightinto the park. Magruder Park is approxi-mately a 10-block walk from the WestHyattsville Metro stop on the GreenLine.

CONTACT: Marc Imlay, PhD Conser-vation Biologist for the Anacostia Water-shed Society, at 301-699-6204 or 301-283-0808 for more information.

St. Mary’s CountyMyrtle Point ParkDIRECTIONS: From Washington, takeRt. 4 south, crossing over the PatuxentRiver at Solomons. About two miles pastthe bridge, make a right onto PatuxentBlvd. Go about two miles to Myrtle PointPark. Meet in the Park lot.

CONTACT: For more information or toreceive updates about workdays, email orcall Bob Boxwell, Executive Director,Cove Point Natural Heritage Trust, P.O.Box 336, Lusby, MD 20657, 410-394-1300, or [email protected].


EEEEEndnotndnotndnotndnotndnote se se se se s1 For development alternatives to the sprawl model,including transit-oriented development with aregional context, consult the Coalition for SmarterGrowth, www.smartergrowth.net/. For extensiveadditional discussion, consult http://sierraclub.org/sprawl/articles/.2 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District.“Mattawoman Creek Watershed Management Plan,”Charles County, MD, August 2003.www.charlescounty.org/pgm/planning/plans/environmental/mattawoman/management.htm.3 “Understanding and Responding to ClimateChange: Highlights of the National AcademiesReports,” http://dels.nas.edu/basc/Climate-HIGH.pdf.4 Contribution of Working Group I to the FourthAssessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel onClimate Change: Summary for Policymakers,www.ipcc.ch/WG1_SPM_17Apr07.pdf.5 “Understanding and Responding to ClimateChange: Highlights of the National AcademiesReports”6 Ibid.7 K. Mountford, “Past is Prologue,” Bay Journal. 16,no. 6 (Sept. 2006), www.bayjournal.com/article.cfm?article=2891. “About Forests,” ChesapeakeBay Program, click on links to “habitat” atwww.chesapeakebay.net.R. Hanmer, director, Chesapeake Bay Program,“Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees—Or Does It?” BayJournal. 16, no. 10, p. 25, www.bayjournal.com/index.cfm?issue=280.8 R. Costanza et al., “The Value of the World’sEcosystem Services and Natural Capital,” Nature 387(1997): 256, table 2.9 See, for example, studies conducted by BrownUniversity, summarized at http://envstudies.brown.edu/thesis/2001/rowland/index.htm, especially http://envstudies.brown.edu/thesis/2001/rowland/Calc_subpages/scenario_example.htm.10 Ibid.11 Ibid.12 S. Gibbard et al., “Climate Effects of Global LandCover Change,” Geophysical Research Letters 32, p.L23705 (2005).13 M. Lin, “Urban albedo impact using NCAR singlecolumn CAM2/CLM2,” presentation at annualmeeting, American Meteorological Society 2005,http://ams.confex.com/ams/Annual2005/techprogram/paper_86078.htm. Urban heat-islanddiscussion, Dr. David Sailor, Portland StateUniversity, http://web.cecs.pdx.edu/~sailor/UHI_mitigation.htm.14 F. K. Benfield, M. D. Raimi, and D. T. Chen, OnceThere Were Greenfields: How Urban Sprawl IsUndermining America’s Environment, Economy andSocial Fabric (New York: Natural Resources DefenseCouncil, 1999), as excerpted at www.nrdc.org/cities/smartgrowth/rpave.asp. Sierra Club analysis of sprawland population growth, http://www.sierraclub.org/sprawl/SprawlPop_2003.pdf.15 “Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse gas emissions andsinks: 1990-2004,” U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency report USEPA #430-R-06-002 (2006), http://epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/downloads06/06ES.pdf.

16 Ibid.17 http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/co2.shtml. http://www.epa.gov/oms/climate/420f05004.htm.18 Eben Fodor, “Better Not Bigger.” Average housesize, based on 1995 statistics from U.S. CensusBureau. Jerrit-Jan Knapp et al., National Center forSmart Growth, “Measuring Patterns of UrbanDevelopment: New Intelligence for the War onSprawl,” www.smartgrowth.umd.edu/research/pdf/KnaapSongNedovic-Budic_NewIntelligence_022305.pdf.19 Knapp et al., “Measuring Patterns of UrbanDevelopment.”20 The amount of CO2 emitted per kilowatt hour(kWh) of electricity consumption depends on locale.In Maryland, the figure is 1.4 pounds of CO2 perkWh, according to the U.S. Dept. of energy. Seehttp://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/e-factor.html. Datafrom an energy-savings calculator developed by theLawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. See http://hes.lbl.gov/.

EEEEEndnotndnotndnotndnotndnote se se se se s1 NIH Office of Research Facilities, http://orf.od.nih.gov, search “mercury hazards”2 Focus on Energy Public Benefits EvaluationEstimating Seasonal and Peak EnvironmentalEmissions Factors—Final Report May 21, 2004Evaluation Contractor: PA Government Services Inc.3 “Mercury in Lighting, www.newmoa.org/prevention/mercury/imerc/factsheets/lighting.pdf,Northeast Waste Manage Officials’ Association4 http://lighting.sandia.gov5www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/solidstate/index.asp6www.nam.lighting.philips.com/us/sustainability/

http://maryland.sierraclub.org

Fall, 2007Maryland Chapter Jamboree


WWWWWaaaaatttttershed Mershed Mershed Mershed Mershed Managemenanagemenanagemenanagemenanagement and Gt and Gt and Gt and Gt and Global lobal lobal lobal lobal WWWWWarararararmingmingmingmingming

(Continued from page 15)Lighting and Mercury

Join the

Maryland Chapter’saction alert e-mail list

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Outings

AAAAAbbrbbrbbrbbrbbreeeeeviaviaviaviaviations Utions Utions Utions Utions UsedsedsedsedsedMost outings in the Maryland Chapterare run at the group level, with a few chap-ter and inter-chapter events. The grouporiginating the outing is identified in pa-rentheses by the leader’s name. These andother abbreviations used are listed below:AA: Anne Arundel GroupAT: Appalachian TrailBLM: Bureau of Land ManagementCG: Catoctin GroupC&O: Chesapeake and Ohio CanalFFA: Family Friendly Activity (kids/ dogs ok, but check with leader)GB: Greater Baltimore GroupGWNF:George Washington National ForestHC: Howard County GroupMNF: Monongahela National ForestMW: Metropolitan WashingtonRegional Outings Program (MWROP)NPS: National Park ServiceSF: State ForestSNP: Shenandoah National Park

I spend a fair amount of time inCalifornia for the Sierra Club. It is afabulous place, with the best scenery inthe country combined with the bestclimate. Most of the people who livethere don’t know how good they haveit. After growing up in Cleveland andliving in Chicago for a decade, Icouldn’t believe that people actuallycomplain about living in California! Ispeak from experience, having livednext door in southern Nevada fornearly a decade. Las Vegas is so full ofCalifornia transplants that it is basicallythe farthest suburb of Los Angeles.Probably the only thing I don’t likeabout California is the pizza – they putthings like tofu, broccoli and goatcheese on it, and it’s just weirdcompared to real Chicago deep dish orthe pizza you get in Fells Point.

Laws passed in California set trendsfor the rest of the nation. They were thefirst state to ban smoking in restaurantsmore than 10 years ago, and now it isunusual to go into a restaurant anywherein the country and still have them ask“smoking or non?” The state is also well-known for passing strict vehicle emissionstandards, innovative tax rules, and con-sumer protection laws.

One of those consumer protectionlaws now affecting us in the Sierra Cluboutdoor activity program is called the“California Seller of Travel Law,” and itapplies to any organization operating inCalifornia that sells “land or water vesseltransportation, either separately or in con-junction with other travel services.” Thelaw is intended to protect consumers fromunscrupulous travel agencies and touroperators. Sierra Club falls under it be-cause both Local and National Outingsprograms have some activities that ofteninclude some form of land, sea or airtransportation. Since the entire SierraClub is a single corporation chartered inCalifornia, all Club outings and activi-ties nationwide are subject to the Cali-

fornia Seller of Travel law, regardless ofwhether or not fees are charged.

Just to make sure, the Sierra Clubengaged the services of an expert travellaw attorney to confirm that the law per-tains to the Club. It does. Even an activ-ity as simple as guiding an organized hik-ing trip can be considered “travel.” Thereport from the attorney makes it clearthat there are a number of basic obliga-tions imposed on the Club by the law.These include:

1. S1. S1. S1. S1. Separepareparepareparate Bate Bate Bate Bate Bank Aank Aank Aank Aank AccountccountccountccountccountAll money collected for any outdoor ac-tivity must be deposited directly into aseparate bank account. This means thatoutings funds must be kept separate fromfunds used for day-to-day chapter orgroup operations. For practical purposes,even though all outings that chargemoney are subject to the separate bankaccount requirement, the Club has set amateriality threshold and only outingscharging more than $25 per person mustadhere to the separate bank account re-quirement. This would apply to big eventslike camping trips or cabin rentals wherea fee would be collected in advance tocover the cost of using the facilities.

Part of the reason for this rule is toensure that consumer payments for travelare readily available and identifiable incase of refund. The other reason for aseparate travel account is to prevent whatauditors call “commingled funds.” Com-mingling of funds is an old trick of un-scrupulous characters who want some lee-way on handling other people’s money.When funds from different sources areall mixed together in the same pot, it isextremely difficult for an auditor to traceif the money paid in for a particular prod-uct or service was actually spent on thator something else.

2. T2. T2. T2. T2. Trrrrravavavavavel Cel Cel Cel Cel ConfironfironfironfironfirmationmationmationmationmationIf air or sea transportation is provided aspart of the outing, tickets or equivalent

travel confirmations must be sent to theparticipant within three business days offull payment.

3. Marketing and AdvertisingAll outing marketing and advertising ma-terials must include the Club’s Seller ofTravel identification number. In addition,a statement that the Club does not par-ticipate in the Travel Consumer Restitu-tion Fund (TCRA) must also be included.These requirements pertain to print,email, and web marketing and advertis-ing.

The national outings committees are stillfiguring out how to implement the re-quirements imposed by this law. Therewill be a 90-day “phase-in” period whenClub headquarters in San Francisco willsend guidance and additional informationout to the chapters. So there is no needto be overly-concerned about this – Ithink in most cases for eastern chapterslike ours, the amount of money we col-lect for outings is usually well below the$25 per person threshold, and most ofthis won’t even apply. However, if youwant to lead a ski trip, or charter a boat,please talk to me first.

If we do need to set up separate bankaccounts for outings, this should be fairlyeasy and straightforward. Most banks areused to dealing with this sort of thing,and often provide “linked” accounts thatallow separate deposits to be made with-out charging extra fees.

So chill out, dudes anddudettes…it’s laid-back, mellow and re-laxed California. Yes, they do have moreattorneys there than grains of sand on thebeach, and apparently they are all keep-ing busy. In the meantime, go enjoy oneof the many activities planned for youfrom the list below. Surf ’s up! See yououtside!

Daniel J. Soeder, MD Chapter OutingsChair, [email protected]

The California Seller of Travel Law

MWROP is an activity section

of the Virginia chapter, with an

extensive outings program run

by leaders who live in and

around the Washington, D.C.

area. Please check their

website (www.mwrop.org) for

a calendar of activities,

information, and updates.

M M M M M W R O PW R O PW R O PW R O PW R O PMMMMMetretretretretropopopopopolitan olitan olitan olitan olitan WWWWWashingtashingtashingtashingtashingtonononononRRRRRegional Outings Pegional Outings Pegional Outings Pegional Outings Pegional Outings Prrrrrooooogrgrgrgrgramamamamam


Outings (June,July)

September

AAAAAnnnnnytime tubing thrytime tubing thrytime tubing thrytime tubing thrytime tubing throughout theoughout theoughout theoughout theoughout thesummersummersummersummersummer (rated easy) Join the SierraClub anytime on hot days throughoutthe summer for tubing on theGunpowder Falls. Trips will range from1 to 4 hours, depending on water andweather conditions. Wear sunprotection, sneakers or water shoesand attach your valuables. Bring orrent a tube and meet at MonktonStation on Monkton Road, under thetrees. The water is always cold, so beprepared. Call Joyce Fletcher 410-254-7240 to form a float group.

FFFFFrrrrr idaidaidaidaidayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jun 15:un 15:un 15:un 15:un 15: G G G G Grrrrreaeaeaeaeattttter Ber Ber Ber Ber BaltimoraltimoraltimoraltimoraltimoreeeeeHHHHHappappappappappy Hy Hy Hy Hy Hour and Sour and Sour and Sour and Sour and Sooooocialcialcialcialcial (not rated)Location: Timber Creek Tavern,Kingsville, 6 to 8 PM. Members andnon-members are invited to meet forsocialization, happy hour, and dinner(crabs if available). Tavern is on BelairRd. north of the Baltimore Beltway, onthe south side of the GunpowderRiver, across from where popularhiking trails begin on the other side ofthe bridge. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader: Mary Corddry (GB)410-248-0423

SSSSSundaundaundaundaundayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jun 17:un 17:un 17:un 17:un 17: F F F F Flag Plag Plag Plag Plag Ponds Nonds Nonds Nonds Nonds NaaaaaturturturturtureeeeePPPPPa ra ra ra ra rk .k .k .k .k . (rated easy) 4 mile hike down tothe beach on the Chesapeake Bay,where we will hunt for shark teeth andother fossils eroded from Calvert Cliffs.Bring lunch to eat on the beach.Depart at 8:30 AM from the “buspatron” (west) lot of the park & ride onBroken Land Parkway at Rt. 32.LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: Ken Clark (HC) 301-725-3306,[email protected].

TTTTThursdahursdahursdahursdahursdayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jun 21:un 21:un 21:un 21:un 21: FF FF FF FF FFA EA EA EA EA EvvvvveningeningeningeningeningSSSSSolsticolsticolsticolsticolstice Hike Hike Hike Hike Hike e e e e (rated easy) Celebratethe summer solstice with this kid-

friendly, short evening walk along theBig Gunpowder Falls. Distance is about2 miles with a wide stream crossingthat could result in wet shoes. Seeriver carved rocks and learn about theerosive power of water. Meet at 6:30PM at the Big Gunpowder Falls StatePark on Belair Road. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: JoyceFletcher (GB) 410-254-7240.

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadadayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jun 23:un 23:un 23:un 23:un 23: Hik Hik Hik Hik Hike Se Se Se Se St rt rt rt rt raaaaawbwbwbwbwberererererrrrrr yyyyyHill NHill NHill NHill NHill Naaaaaturturturturture Pe Pe Pe Pe Prrrrreseresereseresereservvvvve in Pe in Pe in Pe in Pe in PAAAAA (ratedmoderate) This is a beautiful park inthe Pennsylvania mountains near SkiLiberty with a variety of habitats toexplore, including wet and drywoodlands, ponds, pristinemeandering mountain streams andwetlands. This will be a joint eventwith the Maryland Native Plant Societyand will include some interestingplant identifications. Meet at 10 AM inthe parking area Bring plenty of water,a lunch and wear sturdy hiking shoes.Strawberry Hill parking is at 1537 Mt.Hope Rd., Fairfield, PA 17320.Carpooling is encouraged but notorganized by Sierra Club. Directionsand more information can be found atwww.strawberryhill.org. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: ChrisHodge (CG) [email protected].

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadadayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jun 23:un 23:un 23:un 23:un 23: G G G G Grrrrreaeaeaeaeat Ft Ft Ft Ft Fallsallsallsallsalls,,,,, VVVVVAAAAA(rated moderate) Six mile hike on thecliffs overlooking the Potomac River,then along the Difficult Run rapids.Bring lunch and water. Depart at 9:00AM from the “bus patron” (west) lot ofthe park & ride on Broken LandParkway at Rt. 32. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: JamesPerschy (HC) 410-964-1902,[email protected].

SSSSSundaundaundaundaundayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jun 24:un 24:un 24:un 24:un 24: P P P P Paaaaatapsctapsctapsctapsctapsco –o –o –o –o –MMMMMcKcKcKcKcKeldin eldin eldin eldin eldin (rated moderate) 4 mile hikealong the Patapsco River, pastMcKeldin Falls and Liberty Dam. Bringwater. Meet at the Bagel Bin off Rt. 40in the Enchanted Forest ShoppingCenter, for a 1:30 PM departure.

LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: Kathleen Sheedy (HC) 443-538-4084,[email protected].

MMMMMondaondaondaondaondayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jun 25:un 25:un 25:un 25:un 25: G G G G Grrrrreaeaeaeaeattttter Ber Ber Ber Ber BaltimoraltimoraltimoraltimoraltimoreeeeeOutings COutings COutings COutings COutings Committommittommittommittommittee Pee Pee Pee Pee PlanninglanninglanninglanninglanningMMMMMeetingeetingeetingeetingeeting (not rated) New andprospective outings leaders arewelcome. Come plan new outings andmeet other outings leaders. If you’reinterested in leading outings and arecurious about what is involved, comeand talk with the outings leaders.Meeting will be held at a Leader’shouse in Parkton beginning with ashort hike at 6:00 with the meeting tofollow at 7:00. If you want, bring adessert, finger food or drinks to share.Call Alan for details at 443-212-5082.

WWWWWednesdaednesdaednesdaednesdaednesdayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jun 27 Gun 27 Gun 27 Gun 27 Gun 27 GunpunpunpunpunpooooowwwwwderderderderderRRRRRiviviviviver Ser Ser Ser Ser Sunset Hikunset Hikunset Hikunset Hikunset Hikeeeee (rated easy) Twomiles along the Gunpowder River.Good chance of seeing wildlife. Meetat the Gunpowder River and Rt. 1(Belair Rd) just north of Perry Hall at7:00 PM. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader: Jack Wise (GB) 410-256-3963

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadadayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jun 30 Lun 30 Lun 30 Lun 30 Lun 30 Loooooch Rch Rch Rch Rch RaaaaavvvvvenenenenenSSSSSunset Hikunset Hikunset Hikunset Hikunset Hike and Se and Se and Se and Se and Star Ptar Ptar Ptar Ptar Pa ra ra ra ra rtttttyyyyy (ratedeasy) Come just for the hike, just forthe gaze, or both! The HIKE will be 2miles to a scenic overlook above thereservoir. The GAZE will be to watchthe conjunction of Venus and Saturnafter sunset. This is really quitespecial—the planets will be less than 1degree apart. They are easily seen withthe naked eye, but certainly bringbinoculars or a small telescope if youhave them. Also bring something to siton (such as a folding chair), andrefreshments if you like. Meet at 7 PMat Loch Raven Drive and Morgan MillRd. for the hike. For the gaze we will setup one-half mile south on the lawnnear the “island.” Hike will still takeplace if cloudy.

LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: Alan (GB) 443-212-5082,email: [email protected].

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadadayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jun 30:un 30:un 30:un 30:un 30: P P P P Paaaaatapsctapsctapsctapsctapsco o o o o VVVVValleallealleallealleyyyyySSSSStatatatatattttte Pe Pe Pe Pe Pa ra ra ra ra rk ,k ,k ,k ,k , Hilt Hilt Hilt Hilt Hilton aron aron aron aron areaeaeaeaea (ratedmoderate) 7 mile hike. Bring lunch andwater. Meet at 10:30 AM inside thepark, off Hilton Avenue, at the parkinglot just inside the park entrance on theright. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: James Perschy (HC) 410-964-1902, [email protected].

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadaday – My – My – My – My – Mondaondaondaondaondayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jun 30-Jun 30-Jun 30-Jun 30-Jun 30-Jul 2:ul 2:ul 2:ul 2:ul 2:BBBBBrrrrrooooown Mwn Mwn Mwn Mwn Mounounounounountain - Rtain - Rtain - Rtain - Rtain - RooooockckckckckytytytytytopopopopopBBBBBackackackackackpack,pack,pack,pack,pack, SNP SNP SNP SNP SNP,,,,, VVVVVAAAAA (rated strenuous)18-mile backpack over 3 days. Lots ofvistas and beautiful streams. Totalelevation gain approximately 5100feet. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: Mike Juskelis (HC) 410-439-4964, [email protected] in advance.

June

July

SSSSSundaundaundaundaundayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jul 1:ul 1:ul 1:ul 1:ul 1: G G G G Gunpunpunpunpunpooooowwwwwder der der der der TTTTTububububube e e e e TTTTTrrrrr ipipipipip(rated easy) Bring tube or rent one.Have a safe way of keeping keys inyour pocket. Meet at Monkton Stationat 1:00 PM. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader: Jack Wise (GB) 410-256-3963

SSSSSundaundaundaundaundayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jul 1:ul 1:ul 1:ul 1:ul 1: S S S S Splash in the Mplash in the Mplash in the Mplash in the Mplash in the MiddleiddleiddleiddleiddlePPPPPaaaaatuxtuxtuxtuxtuxenenenenenttttt,,,,, in C in C in C in C in Columbiaolumbiaolumbiaolumbiaolumbia (rated easy)Cool down with a leisurely 2 hour walkin the middle of the river, through theMiddle Patuxent Environmental Area.Learn how this area was protectedfrom development when Columbiawas formed. Wear old sneakers, and beprepared to get wet. Optionalrestaurant lunch afterwards, so bring achange of clothes. Meet at 10:00 AM,0.8 mile south of Rt. 108 on TrotterRoad, at the gravel parking lot on theleft (east). LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: Ken Clark (HC) 301-725-3306, [email protected].


Outings (July, August)SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadadayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jul 7:ul 7:ul 7:ul 7:ul 7: O O O O Ovvvvverererererall Rall Rall Rall Rall Run,un,un,un,un, SNP SNP SNP SNP SNP,,,,, VVVVVAAAAA(rated strenuous) Steep 9.5 mile hikefeaturing wading pools andShenandoah’s tallest waterfall. Bringlunch and water. Depart at 8:00 AMfrom the “bus patron” (west) lot of thepark & ride on Broken Land Parkway atRt. 32. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: Ken Clark (HC) 301-725-3306, [email protected].

TTTTTuesdauesdauesdauesdauesdayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jul 10:ul 10:ul 10:ul 10:ul 10: C C C C Caaaaatttttoooooccccctin Stin Stin Stin Stin SecececececondondondondondTTTTTuesdauesdauesdauesdauesday Sy Sy Sy Sy Sooooocial and Infcial and Infcial and Infcial and Infcial and InfororororormalmalmalmalmalMMMMMeetingeetingeetingeetingeeting (not rated) Location: Isabella’sRestaurant and Tapas Bar, Frederick at6:30 p.m. See June 12 write-up fordetails. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: Chris Hodge (CG)[email protected].

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadadayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jul 14:ul 14:ul 14:ul 14:ul 14: K K K K Kaaaaayyyyya ka ka ka ka king and Ding and Ding and Ding and Ding and Daaaaayyyyyaaaaat the Bt the Bt the Bt the Bt the Beach aeach aeach aeach aeach at Ht Ht Ht Ht Hammerammerammerammerammerman Sman Sman Sman Sman StatatatatattttteeeeePPPPPa ra ra ra ra rkkkkk (rated easy to moderate) Kayakwhere the Gunpowder River andDundee Creek empty into theChesapeake Bay. Explore the marshesand shoreline and look for wildlife inthe air, in the water, and along theshores. Meet at 10 AM on the beach atthe Hammerman Area of GunpowderState Park. The park is on Ebenezer Rd.reached from the Whitemarsh Blvd.east exit off Rt. 95. Bring your own orrent a kayak from UltimateWatersports. Sierra Club requires allpaddlecraft participants to wear a lifejacket. There is an admission fee to thepark. Stay afterwards or join us laterfor a picnic lunch and day at thissandy beach which has picnic tables, abathhouse, playground, etc. Kayakingis weather-dependent—no threat ofthunderstorms and no high waves inthe Bay. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader: Mary Corddry (GB)410-248-0423.

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadadayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jul 14:ul 14:ul 14:ul 14:ul 14: C C C C Caaaaatttttoooooccccctin Gtin Gtin Gtin Gtin GrrrrroupoupoupoupoupMMMMMeetingeetingeetingeetingeeting,,,,, P P P P Picnic and Hikicnic and Hikicnic and Hikicnic and Hikicnic and Hikeeeee,,,,, C C C C CaaaaatttttoooooccccctintintintintinNNNNNaaaaational Ptional Ptional Ptional Ptional Pa ra ra ra ra rkkkkk (not rated) There willalso be a lecture on invasive andnative plants and an opportunity toremove some invasives. LLLLLeaderseaderseaderseaderseaders: Kim

Stenley ([email protected]) andChris Hodge ([email protected])

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadaday – My – My – My – My – Mondaondaondaondaondayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jul 14-16:ul 14-16:ul 14-16:ul 14-16:ul 14-16: B B B B BlacklacklacklacklackFFFFForororororest est est est est TTTTTrrrrrail Bail Bail Bail Bail Backackackackackpack,pack,pack,pack,pack, P P P P PA A A A A (ratedstrenuous) 25 mile backpack withseveral steep climbs, pretty streamsand fantastic vistas. The best PA has tooffer. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: Mike Juskelis (HC) 410-439-4964, [email protected] in advance.

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadadayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jul 21:ul 21:ul 21:ul 21:ul 21: G G G G Grrrrreaeaeaeaeat Ft Ft Ft Ft Falls Dalls Dalls Dalls Dalls Dinnerinnerinnerinnerinnerand Hikand Hikand Hikand Hikand Hikeeeee (rated moderate) Historymeets nature at Great Falls section ofthe C&O Canal in Potomac, MD. Wewill examine how the canal and lockswere constructed and operated. Wewill take the boardwalk to the GreatFalls overlook on Olmsted Island.Length of hike will be 4 miles or lessdepending on weather and conditionof trails. Entrance fee required. Therewill be a dinner stop in Rockvillebefore the hike. Meet at 3:00 PM atthe South West Park & Ride LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader:Bill Diggs (GB) 410-574-1453.

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadadayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jul 21:ul 21:ul 21:ul 21:ul 21: S S S S Splash in theplash in theplash in theplash in theplash in theMMMMMiddle Piddle Piddle Piddle Piddle Paaaaatuxtuxtuxtuxtuxenenenenenttttt,,,,, in S in S in S in S in Saaaaavvvvvage Page Page Page Page Pa ra ra ra ra rkkkkk(rated easy) Cool down with a leisurely3 hour walk in the middle of the river,from Murray Hill Road to Savage Park.Discover clams and other wildlife. Wearold sneakers, and be prepared to getwet. Due to hidden slippery rocks inthe river, this hike is not appropriatefor people with bad ankles/knees/backs. Bring a snack and water, and achange of clothes for an optionalrestaurant lunch after the hike. Meet at9:30 at the Savage Park Wincopin Trailparking lot, off Vollmerhausen Road, aquarter mile east of the bridge over I-95. L L L L Leadereadereadereadereader::::: Ken Clark (HC) 301-725-3306, [email protected].

WWWWWednesdaednesdaednesdaednesdaednesdayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jul 25:ul 25:ul 25:ul 25:ul 25: FF FF FF FF FFA GA GA GA GA GunpunpunpunpunpooooowwwwwderderderderderRRRRRiviviviviver Ser Ser Ser Ser Sunset Hikunset Hikunset Hikunset Hikunset Hikeeeee (rated easy) Well-behaved children and friendly dogs

are welcome for this hike 2 milesalong the Gunpowder River. See howa river and its shoreline look insummer. Look for wildlife that comesout at dusk. Visit an isolated pond.Meet at 6:30 PM in the park’s parkinglot at the Gunpowder River and Rt. 1(Belair Rd) in Kingsville, north of theBaltimore Beltway. Children under 18must be accompanied by aresponsible adult. Stay for dinner(crabs if available) at the Timber CreekTavern on the other side of the bridgeover the river. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader: Mary Corddry(GB) 410-248-0423.

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadaday – My – My – My – My – Mondaondaondaondaondayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jul 28-30:ul 28-30:ul 28-30:ul 28-30:ul 28-30: D D D D DollyollyollyollyollySSSSSooooods Bds Bds Bds Bds Backackackackackpack,pack,pack,pack,pack, MNF MNF MNF MNF MNF,,,,, W VW VW VW VW V (ratedmoderate) 20 mile backpack throughportions of beautiful Dolly Sods Northand Dolly Sods Wilderness. Visit RavenRidge, Rock Ridge, the Lions Head, theForks and more. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: Mike Juskelis(HC) 410-439-4964,[email protected]. Registerin advance.

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadadayyyyy,,,,, J J J J Jul 28:ul 28:ul 28:ul 28:ul 28: S S S S Soldiers Doldiers Doldiers Doldiers Doldiers Delighelighelighelighelighttttt(rated easy) 3 miles on the east sidetrails. Will discuss efforts to preserveunique serpentine geography andvisit historic chromium mines. Meet atthe Visitor Center off of Deer Park Rd.at 1 PM. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: Alan (GB) 443-212-5082 email [email protected].

August

FFFFFrrrrr idaidaidaidaidayyyyy,,,,, A A A A Aug 3:ug 3:ug 3:ug 3:ug 3: FF FF FF FF FFA SA SA SA SA Sunset unset unset unset unset WWWWWalkalka lka lka lk (ratedeasy) Meet at the park for this kid-friendly 2 mile stroll though woods,marsh and creek. Relax and enjoywater fowl, reptiles, amphibians, fishand learn about the importance ofwetlands and their moderating effecton storms.The paths are asphalt, grass,

or earth and level. Meet at EasternRegional Park visitor center at 6 pm.The park entrance is near ChaseElementary School on Eastern Avenue.LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: Joyce Fletcher (GB) 410-254-7240.

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadaday-My-My-My-My-Mondaondaondaondaondayyyyy,,,,, A A A A Aug 4-6:ug 4-6:ug 4-6:ug 4-6:ug 4-6:AAAAAlleghenlleghenlleghenlleghenllegheny Fy Fy Fy Fy Frrrrrononononont Bt Bt Bt Bt Backackackackackpack,pack,pack,pack,pack,MMMMMoshannon SFoshannon SFoshannon SFoshannon SFoshannon SF,,,,, P P P P PAAAAA (rated moderate)30 mile backpack along beautifulstreams, ridges and bogs. Some steepand rocky sections on the second day.LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: Mike Juskelis (HC) 410-439-4964, [email protected] in advance.

WWWWWednesdaednesdaednesdaednesdaednesdayyyyy,,,,, A A A A Aug 8:ug 8:ug 8:ug 8:ug 8: FF FF FF FF FFA CA CA CA CA CrrrrromwomwomwomwomwellellellellellVVVVValleallealleallealley Py Py Py Py Pa ra ra ra ra rk Sk Sk Sk Sk Sunset Hikunset Hikunset Hikunset Hikunset Hikeeeee (rated easy)Children and dogs are welcome onthis 2-mile hike through a BaltimoreCounty park that is a working farmwith draft horses, woodlands, hillymeadows, streams, limestone kilns,and a brook bubbling out of theground. Look for wildlife that comesout at dusk. Meet at 6:00 PM in theparking lot beside the house in thepark’s Sherwood Farm section onCromwell Bridge Rd. north from theBaltimore Beltway. Children under 18must be accompanied by aresponsible adult. Stay for dinner atSander’s Corner Restaurant nearby.LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader: Mary Corddry (GB) 410-248-0423.

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadadayyyyy,,,,, A A A A Aug 11:ug 11:ug 11:ug 11:ug 11: K K K K Kaaaaayyyyya ka ka ka ka king anding anding anding anding andDDDDDaaaaay ay ay ay ay at the Bt the Bt the Bt the Bt the Beach aeach aeach aeach aeach at Rt Rt Rt Rt Rooooockckckckcky Py Py Py Py PoinoinoinoinointttttSSSSStatatatatattttte Pe Pe Pe Pe Pa ra ra ra ra rkkkkk (not rated) Kayak from thiswaterfront park to Hart Miller Islanddirectly across in the Chesapeake Bay.Hart Miller Island (built from dredgespoil) is a favorite hangout for boaters,and has a small park, camp ground,observation tower, and floatingvendors of snowballs and lunch food.Meet at 10 AM on the beach at RockyPoint State Park. Bring your own kayak.Sierra Club requires all participants in


Outings (August, September, October)watercraft outings to wear a life jacket.There is an admission fee to this park,which has a sandy beach, grassy shadyarea with picnic tables andplayground, and marshy area with afishing pier. Stay afterwards or join uslater for a picnic lunch and day at thebeach. The park is reached from Rt.702 and Back River Neck Rd. from theBaltimore Beltway 695 east. Kayakingis weather-dependent—no threat ofthunderstorms and no high waves inthe Bay. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader: Mary Corddry (GB)410-248-0423.

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadadayyyyy,,,,, A A A A Aug 11:ug 11:ug 11:ug 11:ug 11: S S S S Splash in theplash in theplash in theplash in theplash in theMMMMMiddle Piddle Piddle Piddle Piddle Paaaaatuxtuxtuxtuxtuxenenenenenttttt,,,,, G G G G Gorororororman Aman Aman Aman Aman Arrrrrea Pea Pea Pea Pea Pa ra ra ra ra rkkkkk(rated moderate) Cool down with aleisurely 4 hour walk in the middle ofthe river, from Rt. 29 to Murray HillRoad. Due to hidden slippery rocks inthe river, this hike is not appropriatefor people with bad ankles, knees, orbacks. Bring lunch and water, and atowel or change of clothes for the car.Depart at 9:30 AM from the “buspatron” (west) lot of the park & ride onBroken Land Parkway at Rt. 32. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader:Ken Clark (HC) 301-725-3306,[email protected].

MMMMMondaondaondaondaondayyyyy,,,,, A A A A Aug 13:ug 13:ug 13:ug 13:ug 13: P P P P Prrrrrettettettettettybybybybyboooooy Sy Sy Sy Sy SunsetunsetunsetunsetunsetHikHikHikHikHike and Se and Se and Se and Se and Star Ptar Ptar Ptar Ptar Pa ra ra ra ra rtttttyyyyy (rated easy)Come just for the hike, just for thegaze, or both! The HIKE will be 2 mileson the Frog Hollow trail above thereservoir. The GAZE will be to watchthe Perseids meteor shower aftersunset. There will be a new moon thisyear. Bring binoculars or a smalltelescope if you have one. Also bringsomething to sit on (such as a foldingchair), and refreshments if you like.Meet at 7 PM at 18860 Spooks Hill Rd.,about 5 min. from the Middletown Rd.exit of I-83. See Google Maps forlocation. Hike will still take place ifcloudy. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: Alan (GB) 443-212-5082 or email [email protected].

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadaday-My-My-My-My-Mondaondaondaondaondayyyyy,,,,, A A A A Aug 18-20:ug 18-20:ug 18-20:ug 18-20:ug 18-20:QQQQQuehanna uehanna uehanna uehanna uehanna TTTTTrrrrrail ,ai l ,ai l ,ai l ,ai l , M M M M Moshannon SFoshannon SFoshannon SFoshannon SFoshannon SF,,,,, P P P P PAAAAA(rated moderate) 27-29 mile backpackalong a beautiful plateau and deephollows. Some potentially challengingstream crossings. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: MikeJuskelis (HC) 410-439-4964,[email protected]. Registerin advance.

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadadayyyyy,,,,, A A A A Aug 25:ug 25:ug 25:ug 25:ug 25: S S S S Signal Kignal Kignal Kignal Kignal Knobnobnobnobnob,,,,, VVVVVAAAAA(rated strenuous) 10 mile circuit hikewith overlooks of the ShenandoahValley. Trails are extremely rocky attimes with a 1200-foot increase inelevation over 4 miles. Bring lunch andwater. Depart at 7:30 AM from the“bus patron” (west) lot of the park &ride on Broken Land Parkway at Rt. 32.LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader: Ken Clark (HC) 301-725-3306,[email protected].

Septemberer

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadaday-My-My-My-My-Mondaondaondaondaondayyyyy,,,,, S S S S Sep 1-3:ep 1-3:ep 1-3:ep 1-3:ep 1-3: L L L L LaurauraurauraurelelelelelFFFFFororororork k k k k WWWWWilderilderilderilderilderness / Aness / Aness / Aness / Aness / Alleghenlleghenlleghenlleghenllegheny y y y y TTTTTrrrrrai lai lai lai lai lBBBBBackackackackackpack,pack,pack,pack,pack, W VW VW VW VW V (rated moderate)Approximately 28 miles. Main trails areold railroad grades that parallelbeautiful streams. Otherwise a mixtureof footpaths, and old woods roadswith modest elevation gains, and 5miles of road and rail trails. Somepotentially challenging streamcrossings. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: Mike Juskelis (HC)410-439-4964,[email protected]. Registerin advance.

SSSSSundaundaundaundaundayyyyy,,,,, S S S S Sep 2:ep 2:ep 2:ep 2:ep 2: TTTTTrrrrrolleolleolleolleolley Line #9y Line #9y Line #9y Line #9y Line #9 (ratedmoderate) Take a trip down an oldtrolley line with a side trip to BannekerPark and a tour of Ellicott City with alunch break at the supposedlyhaunted Female Institute. Membersmay choose to break off for lunch or

shopping in town and regroup on thereturn trip. Trail will be mostly pavedand about 7 miles long. We will seeconservation efforts at the historicBanneker buildings and adaptivereuse of the trolley line; learn aboutthe birth of railroading and theimportance of the Patapsco River andits tributaries to the development ofEllicott Mills. Meet at 10:30 AM at theend of Edmondson Avenue atStonewall Road. L L L L Leadereadereadereadereader::::: JoyceFletcher (GB) 410-254-7240.

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadaday-My-My-My-My-Mondaondaondaondaondayyyyy,,,,, S S S S Sep 15-17:ep 15-17:ep 15-17:ep 15-17:ep 15-17:RRRRRoaroaroaroaroaring Ping Ping Ping Ping Plains Blains Blains Blains Blains Backackackackackpack,pack,pack,pack,pack, MNF MNF MNF MNF MNF,,,,, W VW VW VW VW V(rated moderate) Day 1: Backpack in 2.5miles on the east segment of theSouth Prong Trail visiting several vistasalong the way and set up a base campin a pretty hollow next to a stream.Explore a seldom-visited vista of theSouth Prong drainage. Day 2: 11 mileday hike over some of the mostrugged and beautiful terrain on theeast coast. Day 3: Backpack out fromwhence we came. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: MikeJuskelis (HC) 410-439-4964,[email protected]. Registerin advance.

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadadayyyyy,,,,, S S S S Sep 22:ep 22:ep 22:ep 22:ep 22: FF FF FF FF FFA PA PA PA PA PrrrrrettettettettettybybybybyboooooyyyyyRRRRReseresereseresereservvvvvoir Hikoir Hikoir Hikoir Hikoir Hike e e e e (rated moderate) Dogsare welcome on this hike along 6miles of shoreline and through forestsaround Prettyboy Reservoir, followingfire roads, lost trails, and fishing paths.Look for beaver activity. Enjoy thepristine water. Look for the beginningchanges of fall. Hike is too strenuousfor little kids; check with the leaderbefore bringing a dog. Meet at 10:30AM at the Mt Carmel Rd. park and rideoff Rt. 83 north of the BaltimoreBeltway. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader: Mary Corddry (GB)410-248-0423.

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadaday-My-My-My-My-Mondaondaondaondaondayyyyy,,,,, S S S S Sep 29-Oep 29-Oep 29-Oep 29-Oep 29-Occccct 1:t 1:t 1:t 1:t 1:Little PLittle PLittle PLittle PLittle Pine Sine Sine Sine Sine Statatatatattttte Pe Pe Pe Pe Pa ra ra ra ra rk Ck Ck Ck Ck Car Car Car Car Car Campingampingampingampingamping,,,,,TTTTTiadaghiadaghiadaghiadaghiadaghttttton SFon SFon SFon SFon SF,,,,, P P P P PAAAAA (rated moderate to

strenuous) Day 1: Moderate 5 mile hikefrom camp for early arrivals. Day 2:Strenuous 9 mile hike on the GoldenEagle Trail, touted to be the best dayhike in all of PA. Day 3: break camp.Reservations for campsites requiredLLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: Mike Juskelis (HC) 410-439-4964, [email protected] in advance.

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadaday-My-My-My-My-Mondaondaondaondaondayyyyy,,,,, O O O O Occccct 6-8:t 6-8:t 6-8:t 6-8:t 6-8:CCCCCrrrrranbanbanbanbanberererererrrrrry By By By By Backcackcackcackcackcounounounounountrt rt rt rt ry By By By By Backackackackackpack,pack,pack,pack,pack,MNFMNFMNFMNFMNF,,,,, W VW VW VW VW V (rated strenuous) Enjoy theColumbus Day weekend on a 31-milebackpack with a 4500-foot elevationchange, utilizing the beautifulPocahontas and Fork Mt trails. Severalvistas. Three miles of road walking.Tentatively, the trek starts at SummitLake near Richwood. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: MikeJuskelis (HC) 410-439-4964,[email protected]. Registerin advance.

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadaday-My-My-My-My-Mondaondaondaondaondayyyyy,,,,, O O O O Occccct 20-22:t 20-22:t 20-22:t 20-22:t 20-22: C C C C ColeoleoleoleoleMtMtMtMtMt,,,,, M M M M Mounounounounount Pt Pt Pt Pt Pleasanleasanleasanleasanleasant Bt Bt Bt Bt Backackackackackpack,pack,pack,pack,pack,GWNFGWNFGWNFGWNFGWNF,,,,, VVVVVAAAAA (rated moderate) Day 1:Backpack approximately 4 miles with2400 feet of elevation gain, and set upbase camp at Cow Camp AT Shelter.Day 2: day hike approximately 12moderate miles visiting 3 magnificentvistas: Cole Mt, Mount Pleasant andPompey Mountain. Day 3: backpackback down the mountain. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader:::::Mike Juskelis (HC) 410-439-4964,[email protected]. Registerin advance.

WWWWWednesdaednesdaednesdaednesdaednesdayyyyy,,,,, O O O O Occccct 31:t 31:t 31:t 31:t 31: FF FF FF FF FFA HA HA HA HA HaunaunaunaunauntingtingtingtingtingHHHHHalloalloalloalloallowwwwween Hikeen Hikeen Hikeen Hikeen Hikeeeee (rated moderate)Escape the doorbell and come hauntthe waterfront with us for an easy walkalong the harbor promenade in

Beyond

September


BICO

BICO Outings

Abbreviations:CGCC: College Gardens Community CenterDHH: Digital Harbor HighFYC: Franciscan Youth Center

Sierra Club Inner City Outings is a community outreach program providingopportunities for urban youth and adults to explore, enjoy and protect thenatural world.

Baltimore Inner City Outings (BICO) was founded in 1999 with the goal ofproviding under-served Baltimore City youth with educational, enjoyable andsafe outdoor experiences at no cost to them. Since start-up, BICO hasconducted more than 210 outings, serving over 2300 youngsters.

BICO provides environmental education and promotes respect for the outdoors,teamwork and leadership skills and a community service ethic.

For more information, or to volunteer with the BICO program, contact BICOChair Bob Iacovazzi at [email protected].

JuneJuneJuneJuneJune14-19 Patuxent River Sojourn, hosted by Alliance for Chesapeake Bay DHH16 Canoeing, Loch Raven Reservoir or Park School challenge course FYC

JulyJulyJulyJulyJulyTBD Camping, Pocomoke DHH14 Biking, NCR trail and Sparks Nature Center CGCC16 BICO Meeting21 Hiking and swimming, Cunningham Falls State Park FYC

AAAAAugustugustugustugustugust18 Service project CGCC25 Environmental education, swimming, and cookout, Sandy Point State Park FYC

SSSSSeptepteptepteptembembembembembererererer22-23 Camping, Assateague National Seashore FYC

OOOOOccccctttttoboboboboberererererTBA Service outing, Department of Parks & Recreation FYC

NNNNNooooovvvvvembembembembemberererererTBA Hiking, Maryland Heights and Museum tours, Harpers Ferry, WV FYC

DDDDDecececececembembembembemberererererTBA Ice skating with Santa, Patterson Park FYC

Outings (October, November, December, BICO)Canton and a loop through Fells Point.Kid-friendly walk will be 4 to 5 mileson paved surfaces. We will learn aboutthe historical evolution of the seaport;efforts at improving the waterfrontand cleaning the sorely abusedPatapsco River; the ongoing saga ofthe unfinished promenade; and telltales of ghosts, hauntings andmysterious happenings around town.All are welcome, costumes and spookystories are encouraged. Possibledessert stop at a local pub afterwards.Meet at the Korean War Memorial offBoston Street at 6:30 PM. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader:::::Joyce Fletcher (GB) 410-254-7240.

SSSSSaaaaaturturturturturdadadadaday-Sy-Sy-Sy-Sy-Sundaundaundaundaundayyyyy,,,,, N N N N Nooooov 3-4:v 3-4:v 3-4:v 3-4:v 3-4: B B B B BigigigigigSchloss BSchloss BSchloss BSchloss BSchloss Backackackackackpack,pack,pack,pack,pack, GWNF GWNF GWNF GWNF GWNF,,,,, VVVVVA A A A A (ratedmoderate) 12 mile backpack, suitablefor novices who are experiencedhikers. The hardest part is a 1400-footclimb over 4 miles on the first day. Theshort out and back to the primary vistawill be packless. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader::::: Mike Juskelis(HC) 410-439-4964,[email protected]. Registerin advance.

TTTTTuesdauesdauesdauesdauesdayyyyy,,,,, D D D D Dec 25:ec 25:ec 25:ec 25:ec 25: H H H H Holidaolidaolidaolidaoliday Ey Ey Ey Ey Escscscscscapapapapapeeeee(rated moderate) Avoid the in-lawswhile you work up a holiday appetitewith a bracing walk through theWildlands area of Gunpowder FallsPark. About 6 miles of hilly woods anddamp valleys with stream crossingsand a stretch of flat path along theriver. Learn about the importance ofriparian buffers and theinterconnectedness of creek, river andbay. Meet at 10 AM at Big GunpowderFalls Park on Belair Road. LLLLLeadereadereadereadereader:::::Joyce Fletcher (GB) 410-254-7240.

While you’re considering these activities,you can take the “Green Eating” pledgeand learn more about this local campaignto eat healthy, while reducing air emis-sions, at: http://virginia.sierraclub.org/mvg/localfood.html Not only will youimprove your health and the health of theplanet, but those taking the pledge willbe eligible for a monthly drawing for a$50 gift certificate to My Organic Mar-ket!

You might also want to have a readof the timely article in Bon Appetitemagazine, An Inconvenient Truth: Food IsMajor Contributor to Climate Change,at :www.prnewswire .com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/s t o r y / 0 4 - 1 7 - 2 0 0 7 /0004567354&EDATE

Thursday, June 28, 2007 6:30 pmVegetate1414 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC(two blocks east from Mount VernonSquare Metro)Local & Organic Cuisine Please RSVP to Susan Prolman at:[email protected] by Wednesday,June 27th

Sunday, August 19, 2007Trip to Stoney Lonesome Farm inGainesville, VirginiaFor information about the farm and di-rections, visit: www.slfarm.us(Please RSVP to Diana Artemis at:[email protected] and indicate if youwould like to carpool & whether you cangive a ride or need one.)

Join us for this interesting event atthe small farm of Esther and PabloMandelheim one hour outside of Wash-ington, D.C. Note: You can either ar-rive at 9:00 a.m. or noon. Please bring alunch item – preferably vegan (plant-based) and prepared with local, organicfood to share. See recipe ideas at:

Join Us for Exciting SummerTrue Cost of Food Events!


TCOF


www.vegcooking.com/veganMenus.aspa n d : w w w . s i e r r a c l u b . o r g /sustainable_consumption/recipes/

Event details:1. Arrive around 9:00 a.m. to participatein that day’s harvest (a working morningsession to work up an appetite), or2. Arrive at noon for a BYO beverage andpotluck lunch that is prepared with lo-cal, preferably vegan (without animalproducts) ingredients.3. While we eat our potluck lunch (be-tween noon and 1:00 pm) Esther will doa presentation on the origination andoperation of her farm, teaming with aspeaker from the Piedmont Environmen-tal Council (PEC) on farm land conser-vation, or alternatively, a speaker on sus-tainable forest management(www.greenmanforestmanagement.com)4. Tour the farm between 1-2:00 pm.5. Optional hike into the 90-acre sur-rounding lands or return home (between2-3:30 pm)

Thursday, July 26, 2006 6:30 pmSunflower Restaurant(Seven Corners_6304 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VATel: 703-237-3888All-Vegan Chinese CuisinePlease RSVP to Grace Holden at:[email protected] by Wednesday, July 25.

Be sure to bookmark the calendar ofTCOF events at: http://sierraclub.org/dc/sprawl/bec/food.htmlYou needn’t be a Sierra Club member toattend; please feel free to invite a friend!

Check out the TCOF page at:www.truecostoffood.organd our Sustainable Consumptionwebsite at: http://www.sierraclub.org/sustainable_consumption/

True Cost of Food Events!(Continued from page 26)

TCOF

You’d really like to do something for theenvironment, but after a day at work youcan’t stand to be around people. Ormaybe you’d really like to do somethingfor the environment, but after a day atwork you’ve just got to spend some timewith people. Either way, the Sierra Clubhas something for you.

You’d like to volunteer, but you’relooking for something challenging—areal learning experience—not somemindless clerical task. Or maybe you’d liketo volunteer, but with your busy life, youonly have energy for a soothingly mind-less task—no challenges, please. Eitherway, the Sierra Club has something foryou.

You’d like to advance your favoritecause; you’re willing to do almost any-thing for it, but you don’t want to be dis-tracted with unrelated matters. Or maybeyou’d like to help the environment, butyou really don’t have any particular fa-vorite cause; you want help in knowingwhat’s most important. Either way—you’ve figured it out by now—the SierraClub has something for you.

You’d like to volunteer, but you hate

The Sierra Club—A Volunteer Opportunity forEvery Person (and Personality!)

making phone calls? That’s all right; attimes we need phone callers, but we’ll findpeople who like making them or who atleast feel comfortable with the challenge.You hate stuffing envelopes? That’s fine;other folks will eagerly do that kind ofwork. You hate sitting still and readingcomplicated materials? OK, we’ll findother people who like doing this. The ef-fectiveness of the Sierra Club as a volun-teer organization is that everyone has dif-ferent likes and dislikes, and differentstrengths and weaknesses, but when weall work together, there’s a congenial rolefor everyone, and everyone gets to fill areal need.

Perhaps you don’t feel educatedenough? Then you have a choice of vol-unteer opportunities that don’t requireprior knowledge, including lots of oppor-tunities to learn while doing. Sometimesyou get to learn a lot! Which kind of op-portunity do you want? We have it!

Perhaps you have a disability? Thatdoesn’t keep you from volunteering.Many of our volunteers have disabili-ties—but we focus on their abilities. Someare champion envelope-sealers; some are

champion conservation organizers. Justas for any other volunteer, we try to helpyou find the volunteer opportunities thatfit your skills and interests. We don’t pi-geonhole you; we try to give you thechance to contribute inthe way you want.

Sierra Club volunteering is verymuch about you as an individual: whatdo you want to do? In fact, the most ef-fective volunteers are people who findslots that fit their interests, their sched-ules, and their personalities. When youcall us to find a volunteer opportunity,we will try to help you find an opportu-nity that fits your personal desires.

If you’d like to volunteer, give us acall. Our Chapter administrator, LaurelImlay, is a champion at helping you tofind your individual place as a SierraClub volunteer. Contact her at the chap-ter office at 301 277-7111, or [email protected]. ■

This article adapted with permission fromThe Yodeler, the chapter newsletter of theSF Bay Chapter in California.

The biennial Jamboree has become an eagerlyanticipated event for the Maryland Chapter.Planning for the 2007 Jamboree is underway,and details will be forthcoming.

If you’d like to help plan this year’s Jamboree,or to be notified when registration opens,please contact Laurel Imlay at 301-277-7111,or [email protected].

Chapter Members collect data on waterquality at local stream at 2005 Jamboree.

Volunteering

Maryland Chapter Jamboree

October, 2007


The Chesapeake is published quarterly by the Maryland Chap-ter of the Sierra Club. Annual Sierra Club membership dues payfor subscription to this publication. Non-members may sub-scribe for $20.00 per year.

The opinions expressed in this newsletter are in general alignedwith those of the environmental community in Maryland butare strictly those of the authors and not necessarily officialpolicy of local, state or national Sierra Club entities. The SierraClub prides itself on being a grassroots volunteer organization.The concerns and opinions of all its members are welcome inthese pages.

Items for publication are best submitted by email to<[email protected]>or <[email protected]> with “For Chesapeake” andtitle in subject line. Items must include the author’s addressand telephone numbers. Material may be edited for length, con-tent or clarity at the discretion of the editor. Photographs, illus-trations and other works of art are welcome. Materials cannotbe returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self addressedenvelope.

Change of address: send address changes to the Sierra Club, 85Second Street (2nd Floor), San Francisco, California 94705-3441.For fastest service, please include your old and new addressesalong with your 8-digit membership number. For local mem-bership information contact the Maryland Chapter Office 301-277-7111 or write: Maryland Chapter/Sierra Club, 7338 BaltimoreAve (Suite 101A), College Park, MD 20740.

Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and in-formation, contact:Editor, The ChesapeakeSierra Club Maryland Chapter7338 Baltimore Ave, Suite 101College Park, MD 20740

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Maryland Chapter of the Sierra Club Summer 2007

The Maryland Chapter wishes to thankthose who contributed to this issue ofChesapeake.

Writers and Contributors: Jan Graham,Jim Long, Cliff Terry, Imani Kazana, GregSmith, Lisa Mayo, David Quinn, FrankFox, Mary Corddry, David Prosten, KimStenley, Lee Walker Oxenham, DavidHauck, Chip Reilly, Betty Brody, Rich-ard Reis

Editors: Betty Brody, Mary Corddry,Becky French, Laurel Imlay, BetsyJohnson, Sue Kunkel, Janis Oppelt,Cindy Paré, Darla Tewell

Outings Editor: Dan Soeder

Habitat Restoration Outings Editor:Marc Imlay

Layout and Typography: Darla Tewell

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Send your comments by email [email protected] with“For Chesapeake” in subject line. Please include your name,address, and phone number. We’llpost comments on the Chapter website,www.maryland.sierraclub.org.

Material may be edited for length, content or

clarity at the discretion of the editor.

AND more

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