 JULY 2025
IN THIS ISSUE:
A letter from Montgomery County Climate Change Officer Sarah Kogel-Smucker
Severe Flooding: What Montgomery County is Doing, and What You Can Do
Flooding is top of mind this month with the devastating tragedies from severe flooding in Texas and New Mexico. I am heartbroken for the families and communities facing unimaginable loss from such rapid and severe flooding.
It’s natural to wonder: Could that happen here? And more importantly: What can I do to protect my family?
While we cannot prevent every disaster, the County is investing in tools to better predict and respond to floods. Information on what the county is doing to prepare for severe flooding, and what you can do, is in this newsletter below.
Leading by Example
Last month, I shared a syndicated news segment highlighting our Climate Action Plan. Recently, the segment also aired in Vermont and New Hampshire and Michigan.
Thanks for supporting work that reaches far beyond our boarders!
County Flood Safety Measures:
-
Flood sensors – We’ve installed solar-powered flood sensors in 35 flood-prone locations. These sensors monitor rising water levels in real time and instantly alert emergency teams. The sensors help us act faster to warn residents, close roads, or dispatch first responders.
-
Weather Monitoring – The County installed our first Mesonet weather station last week at the National Capital Trolley Museum. This station collects data on wind, temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, precipitation, solar radiation, and soil moisture, improving our situational awareness.
-
Floodplain mapping – You can see whether a location in the County is a federally-designated flood zone here. In addition, the County is in the midst of a multiyear process of developing a Comprehensive Flood Management Plan that includes detailed hydraulic and hydrologic modeling to characterize flood risks and vulnerabilities in selected areas of the County.
Be Flood Prepared:
-
Sign up for Alert Montgomery – The Alert Montgomery System provides accurate and immediate emergency notifications from Montgomery County to your cell, work, or home phones via text, email, or voice message.
-
Know what to do when alerted – Read these steps to take when you get an alert of a flood watch, a flood warning, or flash flood watches or warnings.
-
Turn around, don’t drown – Avoid walking or driving through flood waters (more tips).
 Understanding these alerts can help you act fast and stay safe. Learn more on how to prepare and protect your community.
Full calendar details of upcoming events can be found here.
|
Date
|
Start Time |
End Time |
Event
|
Location
|
| 7/15 |
10:30am |
2:30pm |
Illumination Station |
Brigadier General Charles E McGee Library |
| |
11:00am |
12:00pm |
Energy Express: Powering a Colorful World |
Praisner Library |
| |
2:00pm |
3:00pm |
Energy Express: Powering a Colorful World |
Olney Library |
| |
7:00pm |
9:00pm |
ElectrifyDC Virtual Group Coaching |
ElectrifyDC |
| |
|
|
|
|
| 7/17 |
10:30am |
2:30pm |
Illumination Station |
Gaithersburg Library |
| |
1:00pm |
2:00pm |
Energy Express: Powering a Colorful World |
Olney Library |
| 7/22 |
10:30am |
2:30pm |
Illumination Station |
Germantown Library |
| |
11:00am |
12:00pm |
Energy Express: Powering a Colorful World |
Wheaton Library |
| |
2:00pm |
3:00pm |
Energy Express: Powering a Colorful World |
Rockville Library |
| 7/23 |
12:30pm |
1:30pm |
Go Solar Coffee Chat |
Virtual Coffee Chat |
| 7/24 |
10:30am |
2:30pm |
Illumination Station |
Long Branch Library |
| 7/29 |
10:30am |
2:30pm |
Illumination Station |
Marilyn J Praisner (Burtonsville) Library |
| |
2:00pm |
3:00pm |
Energy Express: Powering a Colorful World |
Germantown Library |
| 7/31 |
10:30am |
2:30pm |
Illumination Station |
Twinbrook Library |
Local climate news and updates from Montgomery County, the State of Maryland, and around the DMV.
Montgomery County has installed 35 flood sensors in various locations, including Sligo Creek, to monitor water levels and provide early warnings about flooding. These sensors, introduced through a partnership with FEMA, have significantly reduced the number of water rescues. They are deployed in high or significant hazard dams and low-lying, flood-prone areas, automatically detecting rising water levels and sending early warnings to officials.
Following a deadly flood in 2021 that resulted in three fatalities, the county installed these sensors. Each sensor costs around $200 and has a lifespan of about three years before maintenance is needed. These sensors not only protect residents but also safeguard first responders by reducing the need for dangerous water rescues. Keep reading to learn more about Flood Sensors.
|
Federal projections indicate that Montgomery County can expect an additional 30 days of extreme precipitation annually.
This increase in precipitation, along with rising temperatures, is contributing to more frequent extreme weather events and flooding. The impact of climate change is varied across the state, affecting different areas in unique ways. For example, the Eastern Shore is experiencing farmland turning into wetlands, while urban areas like Baltimore are facing increased heat and flooding risks.
Marginalized communities are particularly vulnerable to these changes, as they often lack the resources to adapt. Efforts are being made to address these challenges, but stabilizing the climate remains a critical goal to prevent further severe impacts. Read more about it in Climate Change is a Local Issue.
Photo Credit: Julie Rasicot/Capital News Service
|
 |
|
Read more about zero fares here.
|
 |
|
Reuse school supplies and keep them out of the waste stream. See more details here. |
National and international climate change news that affects life in the U.S. and beyond.
The Yale University Program on Climate Change Communication has released a new report, "Climate Change in the American Mind: Beliefs & Attitudes, Spring 2025. One of the key findings is "Americans who think global warming is happening outnumber those who think it is not by a ratio of more than 4 to 1 (69% versus 15%). Check out Yale's Report.
We are excited to share the below news and opportunities below. These important grants are offered by both local and federal funding opportunities, and are made available to local governments, universities, community organizations, businesses and individuals.
Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Committee (MUCFC) Grants Program: Applications reviewed on or around February 15 and July 15 annually. Forestry Boards are welcome to apply for assistance with tree planting on public lands or for educational projects about trees in urban environments. The maximum grant is $1,000.
FY25 Education Projects, Glass Recycling Foundation: Applications due July 16. Nonprofits, Governments and public entities, and Private industry working with public partners may apply for Demonstration or Education Project support. Projects should address the glass recycling supply chain or communicate the benefits of glass recycling. The maximum grant is $30,000.
Arthur L. & Elaine V. Johnson Foundation FY25 Grants for Conservation and Wildlife : Applications due August 1, 2025. Nonprofit and charitable organizations that provide for the preservation, care, and benefit of wildlife and the world's natural resources are welcome to apply for grants to support land trusts, direct conservation of endangered species, or wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. There is also support for handicap assistance animals. There is no stated range of grants, total annual giving by the organization is $1.3 million.
Emerging Climate Champions Award: Must register by August 15 and apply by September 22, 2025. A coalition of foundations and donors seek to shine a light on nonprofit climate organizations with youth leadership (ages 15-35) that have demonstrated experience, strong potential, and measurable results in advancing durable climate solutions in the communities they serve. The Award encourages more of us to rethink the role of young people in addressing the various climate challenges faced by communities around the world. The award will be a gift of $1 million, disbursed over five years.
Rumphius Foundation Grants: Applications due September 1st, or until 75 applications are received. 501(c)3 nonprofits may request support to strengthen communities and protect the environment in small but meaningful ways, for projects that reach a diverse range of people in need while simultaneously educating young people about sustainability and healthy living. The maximum grant is $6,000.
MacFarlane Foundation FY26 Grants: Letters of Inquiry accepted starting January 2026. The Foundation is interested in supporting nonprofit organizations addressing a range of issues, including but not limited to: education, economic empowerment, climate change and the environment, health, human services, and the well-being of women and girls, and is particularly interested in catalyzing organizations into their next phase of growth or impact. Category One grants range from $10,000-$75,000 and Category Two grants range from $200,000-$250,000.
Waste Management (WM) Charitable Contributions Program: Applications accepted year-round. 501(c)3 or public organizations may apply for a charitable contribution to make communities safer, stronger, and more sustainable. WM funds environmental stewardship, environmental justice, sustainability education, workforce and skills development, community vitality, and supplier diversity. No maximum is specified.
Can'd Aid: Crush It Crusade - FY 2025: Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Government and nongovernment organizations may apply to support the launch or improvement of local recycling programs and education on the importance of infinitely recyclable aluminum. Grants range in size from $5,000 to $10,000.
Exciting opportunities available for job seekers. Check out DEP’s Green Job Portal for additional climate and sustainability jobs, including these highlighted positions:
Fall 2025 Climate Finance Intern - Climate Policy Initiative (Washington, DC): Join our Climate Finance Internship Program and use your skills to make meaningful impact in tackling the climate crisis. We are seeking individuals to help us deliver best-in-class financial product design services to private and public sector partners, as well as support our highly influential research and flagship programs on climate investments and the broader international financial architecture landscape. More information here.
Global Energy Optimization Director - Marriott International (Bethesda, MD): The Director, Global Energy Optimization, reports to the Vice President of Global Engineering & Environmental Impact and is responsible for driving energy efficiency and emissions reduction initiatives across various brands and continents. They create tools and processes, conduct detailed analyses, and organize training to support energy and emissions goals. As a Subject Matter Expert in energy efficiency and emissions reduction within the built environment, the Director possesses thorough knowledge of hotel operations and provides strategic guidance to owners and Marriott associates. They address a wide range of energy, sustainability, and environmental topics to ensure all stakeholders contribute to Marriott's sustainability objectives. More information here.
|
