Tag Archive: ecoeducation
Stream Critters – Yellow Lance Mussel
Introduction Can animals that look like rocks and are capable of trickery and bloodsucking have a positive effect on water quality? What if those same animals had common names like
Stream Critters – Marbled Salamander
Introduction Marbled salamanders are marvelous critters. These thin-skinned, cold-blooded salamanders – and frogs and toads – survive winters without coats. That’s amazing. Salamanders can lose a leg or tail and
Stream Critters – Giant Stonefly
Introduction Picture this: an ancient adult stonefly lands on a stegosaurus. The stegosaurus doesn’t notice. The stonefly is looking for a mate, not a huge dinosaur, and it flies away.
Join in the Celebration – Únete a la Celebración
Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week! We like to believe that every day should include awareness on how we affect our communities, rivers, stream and eventually the Chesapeake Bay. However, we realize
Kemp Mill Shallow Marsh Wetland
Wetlands Provide Ecosystem Services Wetlands are often described as the “kidneys of the landscape.” They help remove pollutants from runoff and moderate the flow of water to mitigate floods and
2020 didn’t slow down the Watershed Restoration team
Its that time of year that our office has come to love. Time to submit our annual report to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) for the County’s Municipal Separate
Winter starts the new garden year
Gardeners know: when the days start to lengthen, it’s time to get back to the garden. One of the typical garden activities of winter is ordering seeds and plants. Another
How to Safely Apply Salt in the Winter
We are all familiar with the crunch of salt underfoot after a snowstorm in Montgomery County. But where does this salt go after the snow and ice has melted? What
Road Salt is a Problem
Salt is useful because it is inexpensive and somewhat effective in breaking down ice and snow on our roads. Following a storm, major roads need to be safe and passable.
Reducing Stormwater Runoff and the Use of Deicing Chemicals
Pervious Pavement: What is it? Pervious pavement is a system for reducing stormwater runoff, ensuring less pollutants enter our waterways, as well as reducing the use of deicing chemicals during
RainScapes Rewards Program Pausing for a Few Months
We want to thank all that have expressed interest in our RainScapes Rewards program this year. We have received a record number of rebate applications, and at this time need
Steps to a deeper shade of green
Several years ago, one of my friends told me I was the “greenest person she knew!” Although surprised, my “normal” is apparently not the norm. I am constantly trying to
The Power of Scooping Poop
Have you ever heard of the Poop Fairy? No? Probably because there is no such thing. Pet owners across Montgomery County are responsible for picking up their pet’s waste when
Becoming a Beekeeper
How did I get started? I got interested in beekeeping out of a desire to make a small benefit to our yard and neighborhood. My wife and I have always
No One Wants Trashy Water: Pollution Prevention
What is the Problem? Litter in our communities is detrimental local wildlife as it pollutes streams. Litter can be any piece of trash that is not put into the correct
Caring for Sligo Creek Walking Tour
County Green Streets and RainScapes Rewards projects in the Sligo Park Hills neighborhood provided inspiration to representatives of local congregations who recently attended a walking tour hosted by the National
Monitoring Montgomery County’s Streams
Did you know that September 18th is World Water Monitoring Day? Since 1995 Montgomery County has maintained a stream monitoring program. As a result, the program has tracked water quality
Maintenance and Inspection of Stormwater Best Management Practices
Did you know there are more than 17,000 Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) in Montgomery County? These stormwater BMPs protect rivers, streams and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay! Stormwater BMPs are
Artistic Messages of Consciousness, Community, and Clean Water
If you look closely, you will find many beautifully painted storm drains across Montgomery County with messages highlighting the importance of clean water and protecting the Chesapeake Bay. These designs
Stormwater Best Management Practices
August is water quality awareness month. At the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) the Watershed Restoration Division’ entire focus is water protection year-round! The Watershed Restoration Division is
Explore County’s water quality restoration work through interactive map and learn ways to save money!
This past June, the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) developed an interactive web map with dynamic infographics. The interactive map displays the County’s restoration efforts that have taken
Streams of Consciousness: Knowing Where Our Stormwater Goes
Many storm drains in Montgomery County lead straight to streams, which then feed into larger streams and rivers and eventually lead to the Chesapeake Bay. We pass these storm drains
Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week – You’re more connected than you think
When most people think about the Chesapeake Bay they might think of crabs and oysters, summer vacations or taking the kayak for a paddle in the many estuaries and streams that feed
Elliott and the Ecology Lecture: Diving into the complex study of patterns in nature
Each year, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Chevy Chase has a Holiday Lecture Series on a different science topic. I was fortunate enough to be selected as one of
A guide to tucking in your rain garden for winter
A few simple steps will keep your rain garden healthy when the weather gets cold – and reduce hassles when the weather gets warm.
Sign up for a RainScape Training
The RainScapes program offers low-cost trainings to residents of Montgomery County, MD who are interested in using their property to improve water quality and provide habitat for wildlife. RainScapes, include rain
Don’t miss the 2nd annual Montgomery County Energy Summit!
Hear from Montgomery County Councilmember Roger Berliner, the event’s Keynote Speaker, learn about the NIST Net-Zero Energy Homes project from Hunter Fanney, NIST Senior Research Scientist, and hear a special
Benchmarked: An energy case study from Tower Companies
Benchmarked, a new energy blog series, examines local businesses who have used EPA’s Portfolio Manager to track energy use.
Stormwater 101: Underground Inspection
DEP’s Stormwater Facility Maintenance Program is responsible for inspecting and ensuring maintenance of all public and private stormwater management facilities within Montgomery County. DEP Planning Specialist Audra Lew guest blogs
2014 Year in Review: Policy and Compliance
DEP’s smallest division is the Division of Policy and Compliance. Although small in size, it’s mighty in scope and the impact the division has on the community. It is divided into
The Wildlife Habitat Council: Building partnerships for Conservation in Montgomery County
Guest blogger Colleen Beaty of the Wildlife Habitat Council discusses their wildlife habitat conservation certification programs and local certified non-profit, Asbury Methodist Village:
Four solutions for managing your autumn leaves
Those colorful autumn leaves are a treat for the eyes. As they drop, their crunch underfoot speaks that it’s definitely Fall. But, at some point, the leaves may simply need
Benchmarking introductory forum November 6th: Get your questions answered!
A free introductory forum on the Montgomery County building energy benchmarking law will be held for building owners (and tenants) who want to learn about the bill and the resources
Don’t be a grasshopper: 5 tips to prepare your home for winter
No one wants to be like the Grasshopper from Aesop’s Fable and be unprepared when winter arrives. Read these winterizing tips and don’t get caught in the cold!
New study says birds are at risk. How you can help now and in the future
Maryland without its famous Oriole? A Mid-Atlantic region with no bald eagles? The natural world wouldn’t be the same without these colorful, musical creatures in the skies. But it could
Hey Parents! 3 ways to make sustainable habits part of back-to-school
With school back in session, this is a great time to incorporate new sustainable habits into your family’s schedule and routine. Research shows that upwards of 36% of successful habit
Don’t sweat It! 10 easy ways to save energy this summer
Summer is a great time to take advantage of the nice weather and save energy. Give each of these tips a try during the month of July, and let us
Recycle your election lawn signs after voting ends
Recycling your sample ballot, newsprint voting guides, and brochures and postcards you might have received from candidates and organizations is simple: just add them to your other paper recyclables.
Pyle Middle School goes green!
If you were looking to be inspired, there was no better place to be than Pyle Middle School on the evening of May 28th. That night, the 6th grade class
A new chapter begins: What led me to intern with DEP
As an intern for the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), I am interested in seeing how various environmental policies are implemented and received by the public on the
Cooking Green Herbal Soap
As spring arrives with its blossoming gardens and blooming orchards, it’s prime time for people to rekindle their care for nature through new, innovative activities. Over the past few weeks,
Wildlife conservation: Going beyond the classroom Part III
The students at Cabin John Middle School don’t just learn about their environment — they take active steps to help make it a better place!
Going beyond the classroom at Cabin John Middle School: Part I
The students at Cabin John Middle School don’t just learn about their environment — they take active steps to help make it a better place! As part of their fall
Watch the presentations and speakers from the Silver Spring GreenFest
Did you miss the Silver Spring GreenFest? Don’t worry, because we filmed all the presentations from the day and added them to the Department of Environmental Protection YouTube channel.
