Support Clean Water for Maryland’s Wildlife

Whether you are interested in Maryland’s wildlife because you love the sight of a bald eagle against the winter sky or because picking blue crabs is the best way to spend a summer afternoon, you know that clean water is essential.  Just like you and me, wildlife in Maryland depend on clean, abundant water to survive.

Runoff from farms and cities puts our pathway to clean water in jeopardy because it creates algae which kills underwater grasses, harms aquatic life like blue crabs, oysters and fish, and creates an enormous “dead zone” in the Chesapeake Bay.

The good news is that there are several opportunities in 2015 to return clean water to the rivers and streams in Maryland, leading to a clean Chesapeake Bay.

Reducing Stormwater Pollution in Cities

Maryland passed a polluted runoff law that funds on-the-ground projects including the creation of gardens and enhancing green infrastructure and stormwater management systems.  Communities across Maryland – including Baltimore City where we are working to green the city – are seeing the benefits of green infrastructure and protecting our local creeks and streams from pollution. You can help by telling your legislator that you support Maryland’s polluted runoff law.  You can also create your own wildlife garden to filter runoff and improve water quality.

Reducing Manure Entering Our Waters

Many Maryland farm fields have phosphorus levels far in excess of the level needed for successful crop growth, and these fields can pollute local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. Join us in supporting policies that reduce manure like the science-based Phosphorus Management Tool (PMT).  The PMT is based on a decade of research by University of Maryland scientists, in collaboration with regional and national experts.

Wildlife will be safer with less pollution coming off our lands.  Thanks for weighing in with your Maryland legislator and Governor Hogan; let them know that you care about clean water for the fish we love and the fish we love to eat. Join Marylanders who care about clean water tomorrow, February 24, to show your support!