PRINCE FREDERICK, MD - Nine Calvert County Public Schools were recently recognized as Maryland Green Schools. This distinction is awarded to schools that exemplify the highest standards of environmental education and action. On April 18, the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education designated Northern High, Patuxent High, Plum Point Elementary and Windy Hill Middle as their newest certified Green Schools. Additionally, Beach Elementary, Calvert Country, Mill Creek Middle, Plum Point Middle and Dowell Elementary were re-certified as Green Schools for their on-going commitment to the environment. This means that 13, or 60%, of Calvert public schools are now certified Green Schools. Other schools include Mt. Harmony Elementary, Huntingtown Elementary, Calvert Elementary and Patuxent Elementary.

 

To achieve designation as a Green School, each had to document their commitment to teach about the environment and foster opportunities for students to develop solutions and take action against environmental problems. Central to the Green Schools effort is the involvement of the local community in the process of “going green�, tapping into the expertise and the enthusiasm brought to the initiative by local citizens. Some of the action projects include building rain gardens, establishing bluebird trails, creating native plant butterfly gardens, establishing nature trails, tackling erosion issues, improving energy conservation, recycling, and water conservation.

 

Many of these projects were made possible by funding sources such as the Chesapeake Bay Trust, Calvert Environmental Trust for Youth, Sneade’s Ace Hardware, Lowes, school P.T.A. organizations and local nurseries who offered discounts. Two Eagle Scout projects completed at Windy Hill Middle and Windy Hill Elementary contributed to these school’s Green School plans. Additionally, there are a number of community partners involved in offering professional and essential advice toward the design and completion of these projects. Some of the partners include Calvert County Natural Resource Division, Cove Point Land Trust, American Chestnut Land Trust, Chesapeake Biological Laboratories, Calvert County Cooperative Extension, Master Gardeners, Soil Conservation District, Morgan State University and many more.

 

Being a Green School is an ongoing and ever evolving commitment towards the health of the natural environment. If you would like to be involved with your local school’s efforts, contact daubomn@calvertnet.k12.md.usfor more information.