PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. – To celebrate Earth Day, many government and local organizations are working to help beautify Prince George’s County.
On the actual Earth Day holiday, April 22, Rep. Glenn Ivey (D) and Democratic Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin visited the Bladensburg waterfront and Cheverly to present checks, courtesy of the federal budget, to address stormwater maintenance issues in the respective towns.
Cottage City secured $670,000 and Cheverly secured $1,688,000, which will also help the town develop a flood mitigation plan. The leaders also presented $225,000 to the Anacostia Water Society for efforts to improve the notoriously dirty river and improve the health of native fish and vegetation.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Upsilon Tau Omega Chapter is planning a shredding and electronic recycling event on April 27 at Jacob’s Ladder Youth Foundation in Fort Washington, Maryland. At the same time, the chapter’s Social Action Committee will host a voter registration drive.
“We want to empower our communities to protect the environment and utilize their voices to advocate for issues at the local, state, and national level,” said Upsilon Tau Omega Chapter President Quindella Fletcher.
Congressman Steny Hoyer (D- District 5) recently penned an op-ed about efforts the Biden Administration is undertaking to address inequities affecting places like the small, rural town of Eagle Harbor shortly after visiting the town to announce a grant for local environmental groups.
“If Eagle Harbor is a symbol of America’s progress, the stacks of the Chalk Point Generating Station that loom over the town’s southern horizon serve as a reminder of the inequities that persist in American life, including the environment. As we observe Earth Day, the environmental challenges in Eagle Harbor ought to remind us that while the climate crisis poses an existential threat to us all, its effects are often most acute and immediate for historically underserved communities,” said Congressman Hoyer.
“That mission brought me to Eagle Harbor last month. Working with Mayor Dr. Noah Waters, other local leaders, the Ridge to Reefs environmental organization, and community members, we secured a $370,775 federal grant through the EPA’s Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving program, funded by the IRA, to test pollution levels in Eagle Harbor. During my visit, I was deeply moved by the pride that Mayor Waters and the people of Eagle Harbor have for their town. They know their community is defined not by its challenges – whether it was slavery centuries ago or pollution today – but by the perseverance of its people. They have great hope and tremendous determination to bring about a better future for Eagle Harbor. The grant simply gives them some of the tools necessary to do so.”
The Prince George’s government is also making environmental efforts easier to access. Free mulch, derived from trees recycled after Christmas, was distributed at the Prince George’s County Organics Composting Facility in Upper Marlboro on April 20.
“Mulching provides nutrition and protection to the soil and is one of the most beneficial things a homeowner can do for their landscape,” said Department of the Environment Director Andrea Crooms. “It gives your lawn a clean and finished look, is environmentally friendly, and helps beautify your lawn and community.”
The county government also sent an email outlining the remaining electronic waste collection dates: the next are April 27 at Bowie Baysox Stadium and May 4 at Surrattsville High School, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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