By Carl GoldIn Marshy Point State Park I start the day very early at Hammerman Beach. Years ago, an agreement was reached to allow long distance swimmers to train outside the ropes before the beaches open for public use. My cure for Nature Deficit Disorder (NDD) begins, however, before I set foot in the water. I glance down and see fern moss near the base of the osprey nest in the parking lot. Emerald cushions with spores ready to explode with new single cell life cover the ground, inches away from asphalt. To the left […]
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An Open Letter to First Lady Dr. Jill Biden: Please Grow Native Plants in the White House Gardens
Dear Dr. Biden: Like many Americans, we were thrilled to watch President Biden’s inauguration last week. We applaud the President’s recommitment to the Paris Climate accord and his pledge to take immediate actions to address the serious problem of climate change and its effects on the people of our country and the world. We are writing to suggest that you initiate a project to create a native plant garden at the White House and to expand any native plantings that are there already. As you probably know, Dr. Doug Tallamy, an entomologist at University of […]
Continue readingGreen Towson Alliance Executive Committee Charter
MISSION: The mission of the Executive Committee of the Green Towson Alliance shall be to coordinate the activities of the GTA so that they will effectively advance the organization’s overall mission, and to effectively represent the GTA to external individuals, organizations, and the general public. DECISION-MAKING: The Executive Committee shall consider issues in a collaborative manner, reaching decisions by consensus whenever possible, with the understanding that consensus does not mean unanimity, but rather the lack of strong opposition to a course of action favored by a large majority of committee members. In general, the Executive […]
Continue readingThe Green Towson Alliance: Basic Principles
Overall GTA shall work to build and maintain a coalition of environmental advocates to collaborate in achieving environmental goals in the greater Towson area. GTA advocates the protection and effective application of Baltimore County’s environmental regulations. GTA’s focus is on fostering a healthy natural environment in the Towson area, as described in the principles outlined below, but our concerns extend to broader issues directly affecting the health and welfare of Towson residents, such as air and water quality and community resilience to climate change. GTA supports both governmental and nongovernmental efforts to identify and correct […]
Continue readingRecommended Reading List
REFERENCE AND GUIDES Why Native Plants by Wild Ones: Native Plants, Native Landscapes Recommended Native Plants for Maryland by the University of Maryland Extension Audubon Society Plant Search Maryland Butterflies photographs and host plants for Maryland butterflies Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas by National Park Service – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ARTICLES How Non-Native Plants Are Contributing to Global Insect Decline, Yale Environment 360, December 2020 What You May Not Know About Those April Flowers, New York Times, March 28, 2021 Recent Articles from Indigenous Landscapes Powerhouse Plants: UD researchers identify key native plants […]
Continue readingTowson’s Streams are Lovelier Than Ever in a Pandemic
I have enjoyed getting to know some of our streams, otherwise known as stormwater management channels, this Fall while working with our Green Towson Alliance stream cleanups. We first did the Herring Run branch from Towson High School, under the Aigburth Avenue bridge, northward to Radebaugh Park all the way up to near Burke Avenue. We GTAers also did a portion of the Herring Run branch behind the St. Andrews Lutheran Church on Taylor Avenue. I have explored a portion of the branch near my home that I had largely been unaware existed. Various sections […]
Continue readingWash Laundry, Not Too, Much Hang Dry
By Anne-Marie Bonneau (With apologies to Michael Pollan for another riff of his quote, “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly Plants.”) Why Does She Keep Posting Pictures of Her Underwear? Every several months, I’ll post a picture on Instagram of my laundry drying outside on my drying rack. I hear two basic reactions. Americans: “OMG where did you get your drying rack? I’d love one like it.”Everyone else: “Why are you posting this?”In most of the world, hanging up clothes to dry is normal, non-Instagrammable behavior. Here in the US, where many home owners associations […]
Continue readingThrifting – The Ultimate In Recyling
Thrifting is a great way to minimize waste, save money, and help save the planet. It is estimated that Americans throw away more than 68 pounds of clothing and textiles per person a year. Thrifting can also be considered a sport. How can I get the best stuff for the fewest dollars? Anyone can dash into Nordstrom’s and pick up pants in three colors with the help of the ever-present salesclerk. Thrifting takes time, attention to detail, imagination, and perseverance. With any luck, you too might win a “Thrifting Trophy” like a pair of Manolo […]
Continue readingGreen Towson Alliance Green Platform for Baltimore County 2019-2022
Green Towson Alliance submitted its recommendations for Baltimore County’s long-term success as a healthy, safe, beautiful, liveable environment to the office of the new county executive on November 26, 2018. The Green Platform lists action steps to create environmental sustainability, which it believes is a key determinate of the quality of life in Baltimore County. Environmental sustainability influences where people and businesses choose to locate, and impacts our tax base and budget in Baltimore County. Read the full GTA Green Platform here: Green Towson Alliance Green Platform
Continue readingGTA White Paper on the Sanitary Sewer System
Read the GTA White Paper, Is Raw Sewage Contaminating Our Streams? Analysis of the Jones Falls Sewershed, August 31, 2017.White Paper on Jones Falls Sewershed final
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