No, this is not a post about the NCAA basketball tournament although those UMd women have been pretty amazing. It’s about the sad state of roadsides throughout the watershed. Roadsides that are covered with plastic, cans, bottles, construction debris and all sorts of trash. Unsightly, at the very least. And damaging to wildlife, streams, and rivers. You have a chance to make a difference.
POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER On Sunday, March 28th at 9 am, join with Help Clean Up Our Earth and others in the community to collect trash along portions of Dulin Clark Road, North Hibernia, Earle Branch, Brownsville, and Route 304. Meet at the corner of Dulin Clark and 304. Vest, gloves, and trash bags will be provided. Bring water and wear shoes you do not mind getting dirty. For safety, Litter Pick Up signs will be posted. Contact Betsy Ricketts, helpcleanupourearth@gmail.com or 443-480-0831 for more information.
In April, the Conservancy will be hosting clean ups at the Wharf and at Millstream. Details will be forthcoming. For more information, contact Todd Redpath at tredpath50@gmail.com.
Finally, the long term solution is to prevent trash in the first place. Behavior change is a must. In addition, six local governments in Maryland have passed laws regulating plastic. In this year’s General Assembly, the Maryland House of Representatives has passed a bill to reduce the use of plastic bags statewide. The Plastic Bag Reduction Act (HB314/SB223 would ban thin plastic bags. The measure has now gone to the Senate. Six local government have already passed similar laws. Contact your State Senator to indicate your support. District 36 Senator Steve Hershey can be reached at steve.hershey@senate.state.md.us or 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3639