Collaboration and Partnerships

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Annapolis Eco-Tour Showcases Environmental Achievements

EPA Office of Pesticide Programs

Geographic location or area of activity: The City of Annapolis and surrounding communities that impact the Chesapeake Bay watershed

Description of activity: This one-and-a-half-day "eco-tour" showcased the work of partnerships in Maryland communities to reduce non-point source pollution, ("run-off") into the Chesapeake Bay. These partnerships raise public awareness of threats facing the Chesapeake Bay with the objective of influencing people's behavior, so as to protect the bay from further degradation. These activities benefit many communities in the Mid-Atlantic States – from New York to Virginia – that form the Chesapeake Bay watershed. EPA supported this event as both a sponsor and partner.

During the tour, participants observed rain gardens and community "greening" projects, such as bike trails, green roofs, "living shorelines," the region's first "urban living classroom," and conservation easements preserved by the nation's only municipally-owned land trust. The Baltimore Gas and Electric's Integrated Vegetation Management program highlighted pesticide risk-reduction and its public education program "Right tree, right place."

This first eco-tour was so effective, it has already been repeated several times in the Annapolis area, and it is being used as a model to create similar eco-tours in communities throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Interagency partners: EPA's Chesapeake Bay Program, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Clean Marina Program

Local partners: Ciity of Annapolis, Spa Creek Conservancy, Severn Bank, U.S. Naval Academy, Chesapeake Ecology Center, Capital Bicycles (of Annapolis)

Some Environmental Champions:
City of Annapolis, Maryland

	Steve Carr–Assistant to Mayor of Annapolis A leader of the Annapolis EcoTour, all eyes are on Steve Carr for stories about the local environmental achievements that were showcased in the EcoTour.
	Parker Jones Parker Jones is an Annapolis "home boy" with a passion to restore the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Parker, a bicycle shop owner, volunteers to provide logistic support for Annapolis EcoTour.
	Zora Lathan–Chesapeake Ecology Center The Chesapeake Ecology Center works with community groups, teachers, and students–including at risk students–to provide environmental education as part of on-the-ground habitat restoration/protection projects.
	Ellen Moyer–Annapolis Mayor Under Mayor Moyer's leadership, Annapolis was named a Chesapeake Bay Partners Community by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Bay Partners Program recognizes local governments in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed for their commitment to protecting and restoring the Bay and its rivers.
	Severn Bank's Green Roof Severn Bank's new headquarters building in Annapolis features a 12,500 square foot "green roof" atop the bank's parking garage. The City of Annapolis recently presented an environmental recognition award to Alan Hyatt (center)–President and Chairman of Severn Bank–for the bank's contribution to stormwater reduction and energy conservation.
	Clean Marina Initiative The City of Annapolis recently presented the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR) Clean Marina Initiative an environmental recognition award. The Initiative recognizes and promotes marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs of any size that meet legal requirements and voluntarily adopt pollution prevention practices.

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