(6/2025) Frederick County is in full bloom, and we’ve even had some substantial rain recently. This is better than the drought conditions that local farmers were facing this time last year. Hopefully, this trend continues, and we see a successful growing season. Dedication to agricultural stewardship and sustainability are everyday values put into practice and evident throughout the County.
Two tools that help with those efforts are rain barrels and compost bins. Composting is great for the garden and helps to reduce landfill waste, and collecting rainwater for gardening and outdoor cleaning is great for your water bill. The Division of Energy and the Environment and the Division of Solid Waste and Recycling have teamed up to offer a limited-time opportunity for residents to purchase rain barrels and compost bins at reduced prices. You can browse the products and orders can be placed through June 21st at www.enviroworld.us/frederickcountymd. You don’t have to be a county resident to place an order, but you must pick up your order on Saturday, June 28th between 8 and 1 at 9031 Reichs Ford Rd.
The Frederick County Sustainability Commission will be holding their annual awards ceremony on October 20th. Each year, the Commission recognizes community members who have made contributions to climate and sustainability practices. The awards are based on innovation and successful outcomes in areas such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, composting, air quality, reforestation, environmental awareness, and others. Awards are given for four categories. They are Individuals, Students or Student Groups, Nonprofit Organizations, and Small Commercial Enterprises, (less than 50 employees), and Large Commercial/Industrial Enterprises. If you would like to nominate a person or organization for a Sustainability Award, you can visit www.frederickcountymd.gov/GreenAward. Nominations must be received by June 30th.
One good indicator of the health of our local environment is a thriving bird population. This time of year, I’m filling up our backyard birdfeeder at least once a day. Birdwatching has become a popular pastime, and studies have shown that listening to birdsong has positive effects on mental health. Earlier this year, the County Council passed a resolution for Frederick County to be named the first "Bird County" by the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership. Usually, this designation is received by cities or towns. The County officially received this designation during Earth Week 2025. We, along with Brunswick, Middletown, and the City of Frederick, are now part of the Bird City Network which connects us with other bird friendly communities to share information and bird friendly practices. If you are looking for information about good birdwatching areas in the County, you can visit www.frederickcountymd.gov/BirdCounty.
If you have a passion for sustainability and would like to volunteer to be a member of the Sustainability Commission, there are currently openings. Potential members must demonstrate experience in areas like agriculture, land preservation, green building, green technology, recycling, environmental education, and renewable energy, just to name a few. Resumes and letters of interest can be sent to fcgboards@frederickcountymd.gov. There are also openings on other boards and commissions. It’s a great way to lend your expertise to serve the community. A full list can be found on the County’s website.
I hope you’re getting a chance to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors in Frederick County, whether to garden, or just to take a walk and listen to the birds. If you would like more information about sustainability or another issue, please feel free to reach out to me at rknapp@frederickcountymd.gov.
