Have you seen Spotted Lanternfly nymphs? Spotted Lanternfly nymphs are the juvenile form of an invasive species in our County.
They can be quite a nuisance and it is important to note:
- They don't bite or sting.
- They do not cause structural damage to homes.
- They are not causing significant damage to healthy landscape plants.
While long-term damage to forests and most urban trees in the County is not expected, the presence of the spotted lanternfly can significantly impact agricultural production of grapes and other crops.
In their adult stage, spotted lanternfly nymphs are highly visible, large, brightly colored with red markings, and tend to gather in clusters.
DEP is encouraging residents to kill all nymphs. Please be aware they move faster than you think!
Read more about Lanternflies here.
Photo credit: Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State University, Bugwood.org
|
Plastic free July is here!
Americans generate over 36 million tons of plastic waste per year. Plastics are used to make a wide range of products, including appliances, furniture and clothing, but packaging is the largest market for plastics and the largest source of plastic waste. Most of the plastic we use every day is used once and then discarded.
Help us reduce waste and litter by giving up plastics!
- Buy in bulk as much as possible instead of buying single-serve or travel-sized items.
- Take a reusable bag when you go shopping instead of using plastic bags.
- Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water.
- Use durable, reusable silverware or a travel mug instead of disposable cutlery or cups.
- Recycle Right and only place acceptable recyclable items in your recycling bin and wheeled cart. Switch from #6 plastics - they are not recyclable in Montgomery County.
Visit the website for more information on how to be plastic free.
Montgomery County is reminding residents and businesses that starting July 1, the use of gas-powered leaf blowers and leaf vacuums — including backpack, handheld and walk-behind models — will no longer be allowed.
The legislation, passed by the County Council and signed by County Executive Marc Elrich in October of 2023, phased out the sale and use of gas-powered leaf removal equipment in favor of quieter and cleaner electric alternatives.
The ban applies to all handheld, backpack, and walk-behind gas-powered leaf blowers and vacuums used in residential, commercial and public spaces. An exception is made for agricultural producers. The law also applies to Montgomery County Government properties.
-
Prohibition on the use of handheld, backpack and walk-behind gas-powered leaf blowers and leaf vacuums will begin on July 1, 2025.
-
Noise limits remain in place: Leaf blowers and vacuums must not exceed 70 decibels at a distance of 50 feet.
Visit the leaf blower website for more information.
All County recycling and trash collection services will follow a slide schedule, with the last pick-up on Saturday, July 5.
Did you know you can sign up for collection reminders and alerts? Sign up on our website.
Looking for a grant?
The Sustainable Maryland (SM) program is announcing two grant opportunities this spring:
1. Pepco Sustainable Communities Grants
SM is now in our 4th year of managing these grants. Municipalities and non-profits in the Pepco service area (Montgomery County, Prince George's County and Washington, DC) are eligible to receive $10,000-$25,000 in funding for Environmental Stewardship and Community Resilience projects. There is a total of $125,000 in eligible funding for 2025. Application deadline is July 16. Click here for the Request for Proposal.
2. Delmarva Power Sustainable Communities Grants - NEW!
SM is pleased to announce that we will now also be administering these established grants for Exelon. Municipalities and non-profits in the Delmarva Power service area (parts of Maryland's Eastern Shore and Cecil and Harford Counties, and the state of Delaware) are eligible to receive $10,000-$15,000 in funding for Environmental Stewardship and Community Resilience projects. There is a total of $45,000 in eligible funding in 2025. Application deadline is July 16. Click here for the Request for Proposal.
For more information about SM grants contact SMGrants@umd.edu
-
Monday, July 14: Water Quality Advisory Group (Virtual) 7-8 p.m.
-
Tardes Ecológicas/Eco Evenings at Serenity Garden (Georgia Ave and Randolph Rd.)
- July 15, 4-6 p.m.
- July 29, 4-6 p.m.
-
Wednesday, July 16: Building Performance Improvement Board (Virtual) 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
-
Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Off at County Farmers Markets
- Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Sundays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
-
Illumination Stations
- July 8, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Quince Orchard Library
- July 10, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Rockville Memorial Library
- July 15, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library
- July 17, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Gaithersburg Library
- July 24, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Long Branch Library
- July 29, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Marilyn J. Praisner Library
- July 31, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Twinbrook Library
Check out our calendar for more details about upcoming events.
We are going on summer break and will return in September!
☀️😎Wishing everyone a wonderful rest of the summer. 🏖️🩴
|
