The Chesapeake

Your Two Cents

Wave bye-bye to wavyleaf basketgrass

by Karl Blankenship
Victory is near for a Prince George’s County group of volunteers who look to conquer an invasive species. Marc Imlay explains what wavyleaf basketgrass is, how it spreads, and what you can do to stop it.

Referendum on Slots

by Bonnie Bick
November’s elections could bring 15,000 slot machines to five locations in Maryland. The Sierra Club sees slot machine gambling as an environmental issue that could have far ranging impact; therefore, we urge our members and all Marylanders to vote “No” on their ballots.

Transporting ourselves over the brink?

A proposed outer beltway for the D.C. area could threaten the Mattawoman Creek watershed and produce sprawl in our area. By trying to stop it we can help keep Maryland away from unsustainable sprawl and begin restoring its future.

Don’t Buy into Business as Usual

by Ron Henry
- As we look to the fall we need to continue working on passing GWSA legislation and keeping the ICC away. Let’s seize the opportunity to achieve the commitment to mass transportation and Smart Growth.

Citizens and Officials Unite to Cool Their Communities

by Laura Sargent
Annapolis successfully hosted Maryland’s third annual Cool Cities and Counties Workshop: a campaign to reduce global warming pollution. Learn about the Cool Cities campaign and how to bring road show to your area.

Winning More Environmental Battles—and the Growth-Management War

by Richard Klein
Think you are the most effective activist? Or do you simply want to learn how to become one? Learn about the most successful approaches when trying to win your environmental battles.

We Have the Money; Do You Have the Time?

by Richard Klein
The greater Baltimore area has at least 37 wetlands that support rare, threatened, or endangered species. We have obtained a grant, now we just need your help to make sure these species, as well as the wetlands that house them, do not become more endangered.

Challenges to Our Fisheries

by Representative Wayne T. Gilchrest-
The increased consumption of seafood has been affecting fisheries globally. By passing laws to stop overfishing, we will hopefully create sustainable harvesting that will in turn help the ocean’s ecosystem.

New Legislative Measures to Protect the Wilderness

by Chris Yoder
There is legislative success for the west coast as both the House and Senate have passed S.2739, the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008. H.R. 2632, H.R.3022, and H.R. 3682 were also approved and are being sent to the full house.

Chapter Activities Span the State

by Mary C. Corddry
There is something for everyone! The local Groups of the Sierra Club are active with the Sierra Club’s “Cool Cities” initiative, encouraging local governments and citizens to take action to address global warming. They survey and interview local candidates for public office, and make endorsements in collaboration with the State Chapter. They are involved with local land use and environmental issues. They volunteer for service outings to eradicate invasive plants, plant native species, maintain trails, and clean up streams. They enjoy the environment by hiking, biking, kayaking, stargazing, camping, and backpacking. They discuss environmental issues and socialize at dinners, picnics, slide shows, movies, and speaker series.

Avoiding Lyme Disease

by Richard Reis
Do you go out hiking on trails often? Worried about your health? Here are tips and a personal account to make sure you do not get Lyme disease.

FARMER BAGS PLASTIC!

by Michael Tabor
Tabor is one grocer that will not ask you paper or plastic. In an effort to curb pollution and promote sustainability, he has stopped giving out plastic bags in his market and offers environmentally friendly tips for consumers when going shopping.

Life Choices for a Sustainable World

by Ron McLinden
Let’s face it: We can’t consume our way to sustainability. By making significant life choices we can finally become responsible for future generations. It may not be the “American Way of Life,” but it is the responsible way of life.

Legislation Introduced to Increase Outdoor Environmental Education: ‘No Child Left Inside’

by Alana Wase
The No Child Left Behind bill has left behind valuable programs such as art, music, foreign language, and environmental education. With teachers currently teaching to statewide standardized performance tests, the newly introduced No Child Left Inside bill intends to encourage schools to develop and deliver these programs.

Mary Corddry: A Sierran Life from Keyboard to Kayak

by Laura Sargent
Mary Corddry who recently became active with the Sierra Club during the past three years shows that “if you want it to happen, you got to get out there and make it happen.” She encourages each member to volunteer a small portion of his or her time. Find something you enjoy and set out to do it!

Calling All Editors: Take This Job, and LOVE It!

by Darla Tewell
Do you love Chesapeake? Are you a diplomatic wordsmith with good organizational skills and a commitment to advocacy on behalf of our habitat? If you have experience as an editor and an interest in environmental advocacy, here’s an opportunity that may grab your attention: my job.