Governor O'Malley's Stream Restoration Challenge

With less than six weeks until the deadline for proposals, Governor O’Malley’s Stream Restoration Challenge has already brought organizations, governments, and school systems together to restore and protect local watersheds. And we’re just getting started.

Maryland’s Stream Restoration Challenge is a competitive grant program open to local governments and non-government organizations to establish 1,000 acres of stream-side forests by 2015. For this challenge, the State and its partners will make available $6 million to plant forested stream buffers with the goals of improving Bay water quality and creating opportunities for middle and high school students to engage in service-learning and environmental literacy activities.

The word is out. Local governments, school systems, watershed organizations, land trusts, and community groups have all been reaching out with project ideas and excitement for the potential of these projects. Engaging the community, namely middle and high school students, in restorative practices will build their capacity, appreciation, and stewardship of our natural environment and local waterways - all leading to healthier Chesapeake and Coastal Bays.

As the deadline approaches, the state has made new resources available to potential applicants. On the website, we have links to Marylanders Plant Trees, where applicants can find technical assistance, local nursery information, and tree coupons. We have also posted Evaluation Guidelines, Application Components, and a Sample Budget. Additionally, we have made the webinar presentation and Q&A session available on the site.

Don’t miss the great educational materials that the Bay Backpack has put together for the Challenge as well.

I have been greatly encouraged by the collaborative nature and innovative thinking around this Challenge, and I look forward to getting these projects in the ground with the help of Maryland students!