Annapolis to host rain barrel and compost bin sale
Saturday, April 10
As part of an effort to lessen the impact on our landfills and waterways, the City of Annapolis will hold a public truck-load sale of rain barrels and compost bins. The sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 10 at the Truxtun Park Pool parking lot.
Rain barrels collect water from roof downspouts for use in yards and gardens and help reduce pollution caused by stormwater runoff. Compost bins turn vegetable scraps and yard waste into a great soil amendment for lawns and gardens, enhancing the soil while diverting yard waste from landfills.
This truck-load sale is presented to the public by the Department of Neighborhood and Environmental Programs' Sustainable Annapolis Program at no cost to the City. The 55-gallon rain barrels and 80-gallon compost bins may be purchased directly from the supplier for $55 and $45 each, respectively. Payment will be accepted by check, Visa, MC, or Discover.
For more information look for an insert in the newspaper, check out www.sustainableannapolis.com or call 410-263-7946.
Be an Oyster Gardener!
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in partnership with several water steward organizations, is encouraging waterfront property owners to become oyster gardeners. The Spa Creek Conservancy is sharing the good news that DNR is including Spa Creek in its Marylanders Grow Oysters (MGO) Project.
The purpose of this program is to grow spat for one year and then plant them in sanctuary sites where the oysters enrich the local ecology.
Did you know that a mature oyster can filter as many as 60 gallons per day?!
As you may have read in the news, this free program will provide small cages filled with dozens of young oysters called spat. The cages will be be suspended under piers throughout our creek along with many of the other rivers and tributaries of the Chesapeake. You are encouraged to become a successful oyster grower while making a contribution to the creation of a living oyster reef in your own back yard. For general information about the MGO program see www.oysters.maryland.gov.
The Conservancy is inviting two levels of volunteers to participate. Needed are owners (or renters) of piers on the creek, and volunteers to help distribute the cages of spat.
These are not mutually exclusive, you can be both! The Conservancy anticipates that cages will be available the first week in August; the exact date will be announced in mid-July. You will be notified that the cages are ready for pickup at a location within the city, and at the time of pickup. You will receive a short briefing and information package on how to care for your oysters.
If you are interested in joining the Conservancy in this exciting work, or if you have questions, please contact Burnell Vincent burnellv@verizon.net.
For more information see: www.spacreek.org.
Rain Barrel Lesson - The Spa Creek Conservancy is looking for Good Creek Neighbors to get the word out on their blocks, at their end of the streets. The word is about how we can all help the health of our creeks – Back and Spa – and the Bay by the very easy installation of rain barrels on our downspouts. Consider hosting a brief gathering at your home or business so members of the Spa Creek Conservancy can discuss the importance of rain barrels and how easy it is to install them. Be a Good Creek Neighbor. Help the environment one rain barrel at a time! Contact us at rainbarrel@spacreek.org to volunteer. For more information see spacreek.org.
Hazardous Household Waste - Dispose of it Responsibly
Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Days provide opportunities for County residents to safely dispose of products containing harmful chemicals. Unless used and disposed of according to directions, these household chemicals present a threat to the environment. Special handling is required to dispose of them properly. Materials collected are recycled, or disposed in hazardous waste landfills or incinerators. A licensed private company under contract to the County provides these services. Read more on the County website.
Handy flyer of 2008 Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Days Schedule
Some ideas for helping to keep our Creeks, and therefore the Bay, clean and healthy
From the Spa Creek Conservancy, here are some everyday things you can do to be a good neighbor to Spa Creek and Back Creek. From caring for your boat, car, and lawn in the right way to taking simple steps to reduce runoff... we can all do our part to help.
How to Wash and Service Your Car for a Clean Creek
Keep Trash, Oil, Solvents and Toxics Out of Our Creek
How to Control Erosion/Restore Your Shoreline with Natural Vegetation and Habitat
Bring Back Life to Our Creek's Shoreline
How to Manage Your Lawn, Garden, Pets & Work Site for a Clean Creek
Make Our Creek Fishable & Swimable
How to Wash and Service Your Boat for a Clean Creek
Keep Trash, Oil, Solvents and Toxics Out of Our Creek
How to Reduce/Improve Runoff from your Roof, Driveway, Parking Lot
Keep Our Creek Clean & Alive!