Environmental Projects for Jefferson, MD.

Stream Sampling

		The Catoctin Creek Watershed has the worst biodiversity index rating of all 84 Maryland watersheds. (MARYLAND BIOLOGICAL STREAM SURVEY 2000-2004, Volume IX: Aquatic Biodiversity, Table 9-8. See pdf file, p101-103 of 489)  Volunteers can help sample water quality of streams as part of the Stream Waders Program of the Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR).
February 23, 2008:  DNR Training Session for Volunteers  (Register by Feb. 15) Maryland DNR will hold three one day training sessions in February 2008.  The closest session to Jefferson, Md. is Clear Spring (west of Hagerstown) on Feb. 23.  Designated sampling sites are on lower Monocacy watershed although volunteers from Jefferson may request sites along the Catoctin watershed.  Local volunteers should coordinate with Jim Carpenter (301-371-5263) email: Maryland Stream Waders is a volunteer stream sampling program sponsored by Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with these goals:: To increase the density of sampling sites for use in stream quality assessments. To educate the local community about the relationship between land use and stream quality. To provide quality assured information on stream quality to state,local, and federal agencies, environmental organizations, and others. To improve stream stewardship ethics and encourage local action to improve watershed management. More info on training sessions:  http://www.dnr.state.md.us/streams/mbss/w_new.html.   More info on Stream Waders Volunteer Monitoring Program: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/streams/mbss/mbss_volun.html
Contact:  Jim Carpenter, Chair of Environment Committee, Jefferson Ruritan Club  (301-371-5263) email:

Rain Gardens

		A rain garden is a planted depression that is designed to capture, filter, and control excess rainwater run-off from lawns, roofs, roadways, etc. Rain gardens help to control erosion, improve water quality, return water to the atmosphere, and replenish ground water. These projects would be great for your home, church, or children’s school. The Jefferson Streetscape Task Force will work with the State Highway Administration design engineers to use rain garden technology to improve treatment of the rainwater run-off.
Contact: Kay Schultz, (301) 694-1741, KSchultz@fredco-md.net  Rain garden picture from Rain Garden Network, www.raingardennetwork.com (see their photo gallery)

Rain Barrels

A rain barrel is a container used to catch rainwater from roofs for lawn & garden use. Benefits include less demand on wells, less groundwater depletion, less erosion and less stream pollution The Jefferson Ruritan Club is working with the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) to provide rain barrels at modest cost and conduct a workshop at the Jefferson Ruritan Center (sometime in April). Contact: Jim Carpenter, CarpenterJ@JeffersonMd.net, 301-371-5263

Hike & Bike Paths

Jefferson consists of several disconnected neighborhoods. Traveling from one to another requires crossing private property or taking the long way via Jefferson Pike. Connecting the neighborhoods with hike & bike paths would promote healthy lifestyle and safety, save fossil fuels, reduce pollution and help stave global warming Contact: Jim Carpenter, CarpenterJ@JeffersonMd.net, 301-371-5263

Shopping for Electricity

Allegheny Power rate increases for residences go into effect on March 31, a 15% increase, followed by another 15% increase in January 1, 2008. The good news is that you can choose your electricity suppliers and even purchase wind generated electricity and you can shop online.
Contact: Jim Carpenter, CarpenterJ@JeffersonMd.net, 301-371-5263

Energy Audits

Interested in saving energy in your home? Consider doing an energy audit. Members of the Jefferson Ruritan Club will be looking into doing an audit on the Jefferson Ruritan Center and Fire Station. If you’d like to help or learn more, contact: Andy Lynn, jeffersonmd@andylynn.org, 240-215-3582.

Community Organic Vegetable Garden

A group of Jefferson neighbors collectively plan, plant and harvest vegetables, herbs and flowers from an organic community garden on Poffenberger Road. If members of your family are interested in learning more about growing and harvesting healthy local food, contact Kay Schultz at 301 371-5458 or mailto:nixschultz@adelphia.net for further information.

More info

Volunteer Frederick’s BIG Sweep

The BIG Sweep is Volunteer Frederick’s annual county-wide beautification project that raises money for participating area nonprofits. Structured like a walk-a-thon, participants collect donations from family, friends and other supporters for their chosen nonprofit. Instead of walking, however, BIG Sweep participants pick up trash from Frederick County roadsides and dump sites. The Big Sweep is being held this year on April 26^th. 2008.   Turning Trash into Cash for Frederick Nonprofits.  Information flyer  or visit   www.theBIGSweep.org