Being Green at our Parks and at home...

Maryland’s 66 State Parks are quite busy as summer is in full swing! We sure hope you’re taking time to get outdoors with family and friends. The weather’s been nice and there are and countless recreational opportunities in your State Parks or even your own backyard!

Under the leadership of Governor Martin O’Malley, the employees of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources invite you to join them in their mission to conserve Maryland’s precious natural resources. The Department has adopted a philosophy of Sustainability, which emphasizes ways that humans can thrive by living in harmony with the natural world.

The Maryland Park Service has initiated sustainable practices throughout your 66 State Parks, including: insulating buildings, installing energy efficient light bulbs, tankless water heaters and rain barrels. New buildings use state-of-the-art green technologies and maintenance staff is replacing lawns with rain gardens, meadows and forests.

Here are a few things you can do to join our Sustainability cause:

Pack it in, Pack it out! Maryland’s state parks are TRASH-FREE. We have eliminated unsightly trash cans and ask you please pack out your waste using the trash bags provided in the park. We have begun providing trash bags made from a corn-based material that is 100% biodegradable and will not harm the environment once decomposed. And, don’t forget to recycle when you get home.

Camp Smart. While staying in your RV or cabin, reduce energy use and minimize your carbon footprint by turning off lights and lowering heat or limiting air conditioning use when you are outside enjoying nature.

Try This At Home. Replace your downspouts with rain barrels, insulate your water heater or replace your lawn with a meadow. Ask a Park Ranger for ideas and guidance on sustainability practices used in State Parks.

Volunteer. Join our 8,000 volunteers to ensure a sustainable future for your State Parks. Plant trees, maintain trails, lead interpretive activities, support the operation of campgrounds and nature centers and help organize special events. Visit http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/volunteer.html to learn more about fun opportunities allowing you to lend your energy and talents to benefit your State Parks.

I invite you to share your own ideas and sustainable practices you exercise at home! I’d love to hear from you and I’m sure others would too!