Every day is Earth Day at the Maryland Department of the Environment. After all, our mission is to protect and restore the environment for the health and wellbeing of all Marylanders. That’s a 24-7 commitment.
But the last month was our moment in the spotlight, packed with activities where Marylanders got involved to fight climate change, with young people leading the way. I attended the second-annual “Teach In” Annapolis High School to meet Maryland State Teacher of the Year Mary Kay Connerton and her students. We presented the school with Governor Wes Moore’s proclamation that the first week of April is Climate Education Week.
We presented the students with a tree to be planted on campus. Along with members of the Maryland Commission on Climate Change, students talked about climate change education and advocacy.
Next stop was the Robert Goddard Montessori in Prince George's County. These youngsters taught me all about the amazing things they are doing and learning at their school, including how they are recycling water bottles. I also enjoyed my virtual visit to a Towson University public health policy class. There is so much promise from the next generation of scientists, engineers and policy makers.
Out in Western Maryland, we planted 2,000 saplings for Arbor Day in Lonaconing for the Five Million Trees program. Dozens of students from Fort Hill High School, Mountain Ridge High School and Frostburg State University joined us to help transform a reclaimed coal mine into a thriving woodland.
Governor Moore came to visit us at our Baltimore headquarters on Earth Day. He discussed the agency’s work to combat climate change, reduce pollution, and promote environmental stewardship. In addition to meeting with staff, he participated in a ceremonial tree planting, distributed 70 saplings to volunteers and signed an executive order to establish the Maryland Outdoor Learning Partnership.
We all have the power to make a difference when it comes to environmental stewardship, and I thank Governor Moore for his leadership on fighting pollution to make Maryland a healthier place to live. Young people are already our greatest asset in tackling our climate challenges because they understand the threat. Now we are giving them the tools.
It was a month filled with green goodness. Now, as April gives way to May, I just have to ask: Will you make every day Earth Day?
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