ANNAPOLIS, Md. - More than a million dollars is on its way to local communities from the Chesapeake Bay Trust, for projects aimed at improving the waters of the Bay. Grants totaling $1.4 million have been awarded to more than 100 nonprofits, municipalities and schools.
According to Chesapeake Bay Trust executive director Jana Davis, teaching the next generation about protecting natural resources is a priority. One grant goes to the Maryland Agriculture Education Foundation.
"That will get K-through-12 kids outside to learn where their food comes from and how the whole world is connected: How we grow food; how that impacts our environment; how the environment impacts the food."
Also on the agricultural front, Davis said, there's a new focus on women farmers and helping them find ways to connect their practices with natural resource benefits. Funding will also go to projects that design, develop and install living shorelines.
Awareness about how pollutants travel to the Bay is also showcased in the new round of grants. A project in Anacostia will address cigarette butts, and explore ways to encourage people to dispose of them properly. In Frederick, Davis said, dog waste challenges will be examined.
"How can we encourage those dog owners to really connect with the parks, and the trees, and the rivers along which they walk their dogs, and really understand that pet waste can be a problem?", she asked.
In Prince Georges County, Davis explained, outreach is being done to faith-based communities, so they can look at ways they can improve religious-owned properties to benefit the Bay.
The Chesapeake Bay Trust awards grants four times a year, with most of the funding coming from sales of the "Treasure the Chesapeake" license plate.
Grant program information is at CBTrust.org.
