Chesapeake Bay News

The National Park Foundation (NPF) has awarded three grants totaling $39,700 to national parks in Maryland.  Among the funding is in $10,450 grants to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park and the Catoctin Mountain Park, respectively. The grant will be applied to assist area teachers in developing service-learning projects and other lesson plans involving the parks.

The NPF’s Park Stewards Grants to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park and the Catoctin Mountain Park will provide high school teachers with immersive training throughout the summer in the parks, where they will learn about each park and then develop park-related service-learning projects and lesson plans to be implemented in the upcoming school year.

Students from Allegany County Public Schools will explore the cultural, natural and architectural elements of the C&O National Historic Park, while students from North Hagerstown High School will participate in a hands-on environmental program focusing on invasive plants at Catoctin Mountain Park.

source: Senator Barbara A. Mikulski press release

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is inviting citizens, businesses and organizations to become sponsors of the 2010 Maryland Bay Game. Through games, trivia, puzzles and outdoor activities, this award-winning natural resources activity book has inspired kids to learn about and connect with their natural world for over a decade.

“I know this is a difficult economic time, but the Bay Game is an investment in our future,” said DNR secretary John Griffin. “It’s a fun, educational opportunity for Maryland children. The 2010 Bay Game will guide our children into becoming responsible and informed stewards.”

This publication is sought-after by tens of thousands of families, civic and community groups, scouting organizations, environmentalists and educators throughout Maryland and the region. One-quarter million print copies were distributed statewide in 2009 through public libraries, welcome centers, State Parks and public schools. An electronic version of the Bay Game is also available on the DNR website, which receives over 1.5 million unique visitors annually.

The Bay Game is written and designed by DNR staff, but printing and distribution is paid entirely by sponsors. There are several opportunities for businesses to sponsor the Bay Game through logos, website exposure, full and half-page sponsorships and more while also ensuring another summer filled with interactive and engaging outdoor activities for Maryland children. Donations are tax deductible, though sponsors should review the requirements outlined in IRS Publication 526 and consult their tax advisor.

In 2008, Governor O’Malley signed an Executive Order establishing the Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature, a program that is being used as a national model of environmental education and awareness. This coalition of state, local, private and non-profit partners is charged with promoting the well-being of young people by accelerating environmental learning and expanding opportunities for outdoor experiences. The 2010 Maryland Bay Game will reinforce this commitment to the development of Maryland children as future stewards.

For more information please visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/baygame/ or contact Jill Kubatko at 410-260-8007 or jkubatko@dnr.state.md.us.