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Sustain B'more

October 2023 | Issue 41

Pedestrian Safety, Composting, Tree Planting, and more!

Dear Baltimore Office of Sustainability Friends,

 

Watch out, it's National Pedestrian Safety Month! We want our streets to be as safe as possible for everyone traveling across the city, especially pedestrians and those on two, three, or four small wheels. The U.S. Department of Transportation has adopted a 'Safe System Approach' which calls for safer speeds, roads, vehicles, and people. Let's all keep pedestrian safety in mind while driving as 7,388 people were killed in traffic crashes in 2021 and fatal crashes are more likely to involve Black and Native American pedestrians. This month and every day, follow these simple rules to foster safer streets:

  1. Yield to pedestrians
  2. Stay alert while driving, especially around schools, playgrounds, and neighborhoods
  3. Stay off your phone while driving
  4. Never drive under the influence


Speaking of traveling across the city, please join Baltimore Bike Party this coming Friday, October 27th for what is sure to be an exciting Halloween-themed ride around the city. As always, riders will meet at St. Mary's Park at 6:45pm and roll out at 7pm. The ride will conclude with a dance party and costume contest, food, and adult beverages. Another thing to mark your calendar for is America Recycles Day on November 15th! We want you to recycle every day, but this month we want to share some tools to test your recycling knowledge, remind you of the benefits of recycling, and share various upcoming recycling eventsKeep America Beautiful also has free recycling education resources such as a litter study, available here.


Lastly, there is just one week left in the draft Climate Action Plan public comment period. Please check out the draft plan and leave your comments here!


Happy Reading!

Baltimore Office of Sustainability Staff

Community Spotlight

A Bog Turtle! Photo c/o Stephen Badger

The Maryland Zoo

It's spoOoOky season and this month we're highlighting a Baltimore non-profit that's working to conserve some of our creepiest, crawliest fellow Marylanders - the Maryland Zoo! You may know the Maryland Zoo for its exotic and native wildlife exhibits, but the Zoo is also responsible for important sustainability and conservation work in Baltimore and the surrounding region. In 2021, the Zoo phased out single-use plastics across all the campus concession stands, vending machines, and the gift shop. In addition to being plastic-free, the Zoo is working to become a zero-waste facility and has started using fully recyclable or compostable products at Zoo events. And it's not just food that gets composted - animal waste is collected and taken to a special facility that converts it to biofuel. Since the biofuel program started earlier this year, the Zoo has composted almost 60 tons of waste, creating clean energy and reducing the amount of methane released into the air. The Zoo has also worked to promote EV usage across the campus, including through the purchase of new electric shuttles in 2021 to move visitors across the Zoo grounds. During the growing season, the Zoo's Sustainability Garden provides veggies that help feed the animals. And, throughout the year, Zoo staff and volunteers participate in community tree plantings, trash pick-ups, and invasive plant removal events. 


Zoo staff and volunteers also contribute to conservation efforts through research on Maryland's native fauna like the Bog Turtle (our other Community Spotlightee of the month!). The Bog Turtle is North America's smallest turtle, with a typical length of fewer than 4 inches, and is a critically endangered species due to the loss of its wetland habitat to development. Zoo staff work with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to monitor the state's bog turtle populations and study the health and genetics of bog turtles to understand the risks these turtles face. Thank you Maryland Zoo for all of your important work!

You don’t have to be a climate scientist or city planner to help improve the sustainability and resilience of Baltimore. Everyone has a story to tell about making Baltimore a stronger, safer, and more equitable place. We’ve been collecting stories on our website, and we invite you to share yours with us by posting on social media with the hashtag #EveryStoryCounts and/or by emailing us.

Office Happenings

Cities Forward Initiative Kick-Off Recap

In September 2023, Baltimore City staff joined 23 other cities from the Caribbean, North America, and Latin America as part of the first-ever Cities Forward meeting in Mexico City, Mexico. Team members from Sustainability and the Mayor's Office represented Baltimore during the inspiring, 3-day event. Cali, Columbia, Baltimore's city pair, shared progress they have made on their 'ecobarrios' or eco-neighborhoods program which weaves ecological benefits in communities citywide. Similar challenges are faced in Baltimore and Cali including extreme heat, public safety, and the stigmas both cities strive to overcome as places with complex histories. In the coming months, a formal sister city relationship with Cali will be pursued, making it our first sister city in South America! The learning and exchange has just begun, so stay tuned for future updates.

Ava Richardson with representatives from Cali, Columbia.

Sustainability Highlights


Department of Public Works Expands Waste Collection Through New Programs

In mid-September, it was announced that the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) will be receiving a federal grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to expand recycling infrastructure and waste management systems across Maryland. This $4.5 million grant is through the EPA's Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling funding opportunity. The grant will support the construction of the Bowley’s Lane Composting Facility, co-located with the new East Side Tram Station in East Baltimore. Composting is a natural process that converts organic materials into nutrient-rich soil amendment. This new waste management system will prevent organic materials like food scraps from entering landfills or incinerators and recycle them into usable soil. This project supports the Baltimore Food Waste and Recovery Strategy to reduce organic food waste by 80% by 2040. The facility will be solar-powered, further reducing Baltimore’s reliance on combustion-based power and aligning with the City’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.


Tree Funding Awarded Across Baltimore

Last month, the U.S. Forest Service announced a total of $34 million in funding awarded across Maryland to '...support urban communities through equitable access to trees and the benefits they provide.' All of the funding will go towards urban tree projects in disadvantaged communities, including tree planting, capacity-building, and workforce development initiatives. Among the recipients are many Baltimore-based organizations including the Baltimore Tree Trust, the Chesapeake Bay Trust, Stillmeadow Community Fellowship (one of the city's Community Resiliency Hubs), and Civic Works. See the full announcement here. We not only congratulate, but thank these great organizations for their leadership, partnership, and necessary work!


Research Survey -- Expanding the Market for African Heritage Crops

The Farm Alliance of Baltimore is working with the University of Maryland to research and expand the market for African heritage crops grown by farmers in Baltimore. African heritage crops include vegetables such as sweet potatoes, spicy peppers, okra, and leafy greens such as collards. Please fill out this 10-minute survey to help the Farm Alliance better serve local farmers and communities.

What We Are Reading

Books + Articles our Staff are Reading

Student activists are pushing back against big polluters — and winning -- NPR

"'People think Curtis Bay is a dangerous place. It's not. It's just we're surrounded by dangerous things,' says Taysia Thompson, 17. Taysia is part of a group of student activists fighting against a very different kind of danger in their neighborhood: air pollution and climate change."


In Baltimore, yellow buses are going green -- Grist 

“'This is a really big deal for Baltimore city,' Lynette Washington, then the chief operating officer for Baltimore City Schools, told the crowd at Holabird. 'While there have been other school districts that have been doing electric buses, we haven’t had the opportunity to do it, because of access to resources. For us to have this access, and be able to participate in this type of initiative, it’s a big deal for Baltimore City'...City officials estimate that the 25 new buses will avoid over 6,000 gallons of diesel and 145 tons of CO2 per year."

Local Opportunities
Events + Volunteering
  • November Sustainability Commission Meeting - Wednesday, November 29th from 4-6pm online via WebEx. Join us for the next Baltimore Commission on Sustainability meeting - the theme will be Youth-led Climate and Sustainability Efforts.


  • Fall 2023 GROW Center Pop-ups and Workshops - Various times and locations, October - November. The GROW Center (Green Resources & Outreach for Watersheds) is a program of the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) that functions as a resource hub and connector with the goal of building community capacity to implement greening, stormwater management, waste reduction, and beautification projects. DPW’s Fall GROW Center season will feature five pop-up events and five free workshops.


  • Real Food Farm Community Volunteer Opportunities - Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at various times and locations. Real Food Farm has opportunities available for volunteers to assist with hands-on farm projects and packing and delivering produce boxes for the Affordable Produce Delivery Program.


  • Weed Warriors Volunteer Events - Various dates and locations. Help restore our urban forest through the removal of invasive plants. See the link for registration and details.


  • Yale Forest Forum - Understanding Climate Smart Forestry in Practice - Various days and times, October - November, online. The Yale Forest Forum is offering a Fall 2023 Speaker Series Webinar entitled "Understanding Climate-Smart Forestry in Practice." The series will feature speakers from public-sector organizations like the U. S. Forest Service, nonprofits, researchers, and academics from across the U.S., as well as “on-the-ground” practitioners.


  • Wild Ones -October Garden Chat - Tuesday, October 24th from 7-8:30pm, online. Share knowledge and experience about native plant gardening in Baltimore.


  • DOT Micromobility Committee Quarterly Meeting - October 25th at 11am. The Micromobility Committee (formerly the Dockless Vehicle Committee or DVC) is a public meeting and email listserv for tracking new micromobility, including e-scooters, e-bikes, and personal delivery devices (PDD). Program data, progress, and policies are presented publicly via monthly emails and quarterly meetings.

 

  • ArBOOretum - Friday, October 27th from 5:30-8pm at Cylburn Arboretum. Fun activities abound in the shadow of the 1860s mansion at Cylburn Arboretum Friends’ annual fall event. With a family friendly focus in mind, the mansion is decorated in Halloween splendor. This a candy free Halloween event to prevent wrappers from littering the grounds. Every visitor will receive a glowstick! $10 entry charge.


  • Raising The Stakes 2023: Celebrating 15 years of Baltimore Tree Trust - Friday, October 27th at 6:30pm at Sandtown Furniture Co. This year’s inaugural event is being hosted in recognition of BTT's long-time supporters whose generosity and investment have been the driving force behind our success. As they fortify their commitment to the community and the urban tree canopy on this occasion, they hope to bring together both old friends and new allies whose pledges of support will help us strengthen our impact. Tickets are $75-$150 - sponsorships are also available.


  • Clean Up at the Jones Falls - Saturday, October 28th from 8am-12pm at the Jones Falls Trail. Join the Baltimore Star Project at the Jones Falls Trail for a meaningful conversation about conservation and the importance of centering yourself in this critical work. The clean up work will include litter and debris clearing and invasive species removal and tools will be provided.


  • KIDS Bird Walk in Herring Run Park! - Sunday, October 29th from 9-10:30am at Herring Run Park. Friends of Herring Run Park welcomes a new generation of Bird Watchers into Herring Run Parks! This event is free and open to ALL! No experience necessary, just a bit of curiosity required. They will have binoculars available if you don't have your own. Group size is limited though, so advance registration is recommended.


  • Halloween Evening Bat Walk at Garrett Park - Monday, October 30th from 6-7:30pm at Garret Park. Join Masonville Cove and Baltimore Green Space in celebrating National Bat Week! Did you know over 300 species of fruit depend on bats for pollination? Come hang with the bats to learn more about our nocturnal friends! Gear will be provided and registration is required for this free event.

 

  • Climate Change Book Club: "Ducks" by Kate Beaton - Monday, October 30th from 7-8pm at Greedy Reads Remington. A new book club about the environment and climate crisis! The book club will read a mix of non-fiction, novels, essays, speculative fiction, sci-fi and graphic novels that provide a diverse lens on the people, places, and spaces that are affected by our changing climate. The October book is Ducks by Kate Beaton.

 

  • Celebrating 20 Years of the African American Department - Friday, November 3rd from 7-9pm at the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch. We welcome you to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Eddie and Sylvia Brown African American Department! The evening will feature a conversation between Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress and former CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, and Heidi Daniel, the current President and CEO. We will unveil new artwork by Chris Wilson in Central Hall and host a ribbon cutting for the newly updated African American Department.


  • Tree Time: Autumn Leaves - Wednesday, November 8th from 10-11am at Cylburn Arboretum. Tree Time events are parent/child nature classes that focus on learning about nature through stories, crafts, and exploration.


  • Ghost Rivers Tour - Saturday, November 11th, starting at Wyman Park Dell. Join artist Bruce Willen and Blue Water Baltimore for a guided walk of the Ghost Rivers public art project along the path of a buried stream.


  • Writing Food Safety Plans & SOP's - Monday, November 13th from 6-8pm at 2801 Sisson St. Join Farm Alliance for an engaging workshop dedicated to enhancing your understanding of Food Safety Plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for produce operations. Pre-registration is required.


  • On the Front Lines of Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - Thursday, November 16th from 1-4pm at Baltimore Unity Hall, 1505 Eutaw Place. Transformational Learning Circles are curated for participants who aim to learn about practices that advance racial justice and healing inside and outside organizational systems and communities.


Funding + Jobs
  • Job Opportunities: Baltimore City Government - City government has many job openings available, including several roles that involve coordination with the Office of Sustainability - Chief of Transportation services and Deputy Director for Complete Streets with the Department of Transportation.



 

 




  • Young Professionals of Color Class of 2023-2024 - The Young Professionals of Color (YPC) Mentorship Program enables BIPOC communities working in the environmental field to achieve their career goals, while closing the racial diversity gap that exists within the Chesapeake Bay restoration movement.

 

  • United Way 2024 Neighborhood Grant - Deadline: October 30th. This grant provides an opportunity for organizations with total annual operating budgets of $500,000 or less to receive $2,500 to $10,000 in funding to carry out community-centered projects.


  • Green, Healthy, Smart Challenge Grants - Deadline: October 31st. GHSC provides funds to support sustainability leadership by students at Baltimore City Public Schools. All Baltimore City Public Schools may apply for up to $1,300; schools certified as Maryland Green Schools may apply for up to $1,800.


  • EPA Environmental Education Grants - Deadline: November 8. This grant program supports environmental education projects that promote environmental stewardship and provide people with skills to take action to protect the environment.

 

  • Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant Program - Deadline: November 15. This grant program is a partnership between the Chesapeake Bay Trust, Maryland Environmental Trust, Maryland Department of Agriculture, and Maryland Department of Transportation and funds community stewardship projects and capacity building for land trusts.


  • CBT Watershed Assistance Grant Program - Deadline: December 6. This grant program is a partnership between the Chesapeake Bay Trust, Department of Natural Resources and Department of the Environment and funds project design for stormwater best management practices (BMPs) and watershed planning and program development.

 

 

  • Maryland Clean Energy Rebate Program - Deadline: Rolling until funds are exhausted. The State of Maryland provides Clean Energy Rebates to businesses and nonprofits that install clean energy systems, including solar PV, water heating or geothermal heating and cooling.

Turtle Tip of the Month


Textile Re-use and Recycling

Did you know you can recycle old textiles including clothes, sheets, and curtains? Baltimore City's Department of Public Works now accepts textiles at the 5 residential drop-off centers in the city. Acceptable items include clothing (including nylons and stockings), all kinds of footwear, accessories like gloves, ties, hats, and bags, and linens including bath, bed, and curtains. Items don't need to be clean or functional to be dropped off but must be dry. They will then be sorted and either recycled or donated to the City's thrift partners. For a full list of accepted materials and information on drop-off locations, check out DPW's website on textile recycling.

 

Another option for clothes you just don't want to let go of yet is visible mending. It wasn't until recent history that throwing textiles away instead of mending became common practice. In Japan, visible mending is known as Sashiko and has been practiced for at least 300 years. In addition to the sustainability benefits these methods have, the result is a unique piece of art and the power to bring new life to those favorite, comfortable pieces of clothing it feels impossible to let go of. For more information on supplies you need to get started (there aren't many!), check out this NPR piece with lots of pictures and information to inspire you. Happy mending!

We Love Feedback

Tell us what you want to hear! Do you have ideas on newsletter content? Or would you like to nominate an organization or person to be featured? Email us at sustainability@baltimorecity.gov.
Our Mission

The Office of Sustainability develops and advocates for programs and policies that improve Baltimore's long-term environmental, social, and economic viability.

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Lead Editor: Aubrey Germ, Climate and Resilience Planner



Newsletter Contributors: Joanna Birch, Floodplain Manager; Aubrey Germ, Climate and Resilience Planner; Amy Gilder-Busatti, Sustainability Manager; Maleik Grier, Community and Youth Engagement Fellow; Grace Hansen, Coastal Planner; Ava Richardson, Sustainability Director; Valerie Rupp, Climate and Resilience Program Manager; Rachel Whiteheart, Environmental Planner