SARBANES JOINS CHESAPEAKE CONSERVATION CORPS VOLUNTEERS AT PLANTING PROJECT
- 5/2/2011
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Sarbanes Joins Chesapeake Conservation Corps Volunteers at Planting Project to Improve the Bay Congressman helps plant more than 200 trees along the South River while learning about the Chesapeake Conservation Corps Volunteers’ first year of service FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Annapolis, MD) May 2, 2011 – Today Congressman John Sarbanes meet with the inaugural class of Chesapeake Conservation Corps Volunteers to learn more about their first year of service and recent efforts to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Conservation Corps program, created by Maryland Senate President Mike Miller and enacted into law last year, is a leadership and conservation training program that provides young people with opportunities to learn about the environment and the Chesapeake Bay through community service. During today’s event organized by the South River Federation, Congressman Sarbanes and Conservation Corps Volunteers planted more than 200 trees in the neighborhood of Heritage Harbor as part of an effort to prevent erosion and improve the water quality of the South River.   Administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the Chesapeake Conservation Corps program places young adults, ages 18-25, in watershed organizations, local governments and other community-based organizations throughout Maryland for a one-year term of service. This year’s inaugural class has 16 Corps Volunteers. Over the course of the year, Corps Volunteers have received hands-on environmental, leadership and technical training while they provide environmental outreach and stewardship assistance to their host organizations and the communities they serve. The Corps is funded this year by the State of Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay Trust, and Constellation Energy. Conservation Corps host organizations, including the South River Federation, are located throughout Maryland, with five in Anne Arundel County, four in Baltimore City and Baltimore County, three in Prince George’s County, one in Howard County, two in Frederick County, and two on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. “Programs like the Chesapeake Conservation Corps are vital to preserving Maryland’s natural resources while providing young people with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s new green economy,” said Chesapeake Bay Trust Executive Director Allen Hance. “This inaugural class of Corps members has been exceptional and their work is helping to improve the Chesapeake Bay through direct civic engagement.” The Chesapeake Bay Trust currently is accepting applications for the second year of the Chesapeake Conservation Corps program. More than 40 placement opportunities have been identified at non-profit and government organizations across Maryland and applications are being solicited until May 20. For more information and how to apply, visit www.cbtrust.org. About the Chesapeake Bay Trust: The Chesapeake Bay Trust (www.cbtrust.org) is a state-chartered, nonprofit grant-making organization, sparking on-the-ground change in communities throughout Maryland and the broader Bay watershed. Since its inception in 1985, the Trust has awarded more than $34 million in grants and engaged hundreds of thousands of citizen stewards in projects that have a measurable impact on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The Trust is supported by the sale of the Maryland Treasure the Chesapeake license plate, donations to the Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund on the Maryland State income tax form, donations from individuals and corporations, and partnerships with private foundations and federal and state agencies. Fully 90 percent of the Trust’s expenditures are directed to its Chesapeake Bay restoration and education programs. ###
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