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The Green Infrastructure Master Plan Update Is Underway! The Anne Arundel County Office of Planning and Zoning and Department of Recreation and Parks are updating the 2002 Greenways Plan. The revised plan, now known as the Green Infrastructure Master Plan, uses current and more robust data to identify the largest natural areas in the County and connections between them. The County uses the Green Infrastructure Master Plan to prioritize targets for conservation easements and public acquisition.   The County's green infrastructure network provides a number of “ecosystem services,” including the ability of forests, fields, and wetlands to support plants and animals, purify the air, filter water, and capture carbon. Residents experience the advantages of the Green Infrastructure Network through access to outdoor recreation, economic development through tourism to our beautiful lands and shorelines, and fresh foods grown on local farmland, among many other benefits.   How Does Green Infrastructure Relate to Agriculture? The Green Infrastructure Network includes agricultural lands if they include or are adjacent to large natural areas. Being part of the Network does not add any regulations to farm operations. It does support protection of rural lands to support the current and future agricultural economy.   How Can I Give Input to the Plan? Visit the Green Infrastructure website to learn more and view and submit comments on a map of the Green Infrastructure Network. To see the Green Infrastructure Master Plan Update got to: green-fact-sheet.pdf (aacounty.org) To access the Community Survey go to: 2021 Green Infrastructure Master Plan Update Survey (surveymonkey.com)

The Anne Arundel Soil Conservation District in association with the Maryland Association of Conservation Districts (MASCD) is hosting a 2021 coloring contest for elementary school students. The coloring must be done by the participating child. Please only use wax crayons. Each will be judged on neatness, attention to detail and how well directions are followed. To enter your work of art, fill out the second page with all the required information or a 3" x 5" card with the contestant's name, address, age, grade, class, county, and home number. Classes are: Class A - Kindergarten & 1st grades Class B - 2nd & 3rd grades Class C - 4th and 5th grades Send to our office at: Anne Arundel Soil Conservation Suite 150 2662 Riva Road Annapolis Maryland, 21401 First prize in each class is $25.00 Second Prize in each class is $15.00 The first place winner will be submitted at the Annual MASCD Summer Meeting for judging against all other county winners on August 2, 2021. Winner of the state contest will receive a $25.00 cash prize. Entrees must be in our office by start of business on May 24, 2021.

Click Here For Picture to Color

       

On May 6, 2021 Xerces Society Webinar on Supporting Pollinators Over Time.

1:00 Eastern Time Integrating habitat onto farms and other landscapes can support pollinators and the pollination services they provide. However, flower-rich plantings often require ongoing management to maintain wildflower diversity for pollinators over time. Come learn about a framework for selecting the most appropriate management techniques, and learn how landowners we work with are managing their pollinator plantings. To Register