Frederick County Sustainability Commission

09/30/2026

Winter’s coming 🥶 ❄️ 🥶, getting a little worried about your utility bills? In 2026 Maryland passed legislation clarifying the rules for “balcony solar” or plug-in solar, smaller, portable solar panels that you can plug directly into a standard outdoor outlet saving you the costly installation associated with rooftop solar. You can find information about the rule for Maryland here: https://psc.maryland.gov/regulated-utilities/electricity/renewable-energy/balcony-solar/ and a helpful guide here https://www.brightsaver.org/

A $29/year membership unlocks balcony solar at exactly what it costs us — $285 for 180W. No roof and no electrician needed.

09/28/2026

Sound on! Checking in on a few of the areas restored with native plants and shrubs this spring in Othello Park. The plants are looking happy and it sounds pretty happy too! This area was planted as part of an initiative to designate Frederick City and County as a Bee City/County by Frederick County Sustainability Commission, Master Gardeners Frederick County Maryland, Frederick County Division of Energy and Environment, Sustainable Frederick, and Mobilize Frederick.

Pictured: Hairy White Oldfield Aster and other native plants, cricket and frog calls.

09/22/2026

We have an empty seat at our table—and it’s missing your brilliant ideas! The Frederick County Sustainability Commission is looking for some new members to help shape our community! You can find the application here: https://frederick.granicus.com/boards/forms/808/apply/5376495?code=10a6411c-e0e1-42ec-8fb5-cab217aee6b2 and more information about the Commission here: https://frederickcountymd.gov/7609/Sustainability-Commission
Pictured is a pretty lil Partridge Pea, scientific name Chamaecrista fasciculata, native to Maryland and friend to bees, butterflies, and birds!

09/16/2026

Did you know you can join most of our meetings from the comfort of your home? Please join us for our September meeting, September 16, from 3-5 pm! You can find a link and instructions to join us online here: https://frederickcountymd.gov/7609/Sustainability-Commission and find our agena, here: https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/AgendaCenter/Sustainability-Commission-18

Picture shows an oakleaf hydrangea, which is native to Maryland!

08/31/2026

The Week’s River Report: Improvements Continue

Drought conditions continue to improve across the watershed, but as one news article says, it’s still pretty droughty out there.

Today’s U.S. Drought Monitor map remains similar to last week, with a swath of Moderate Drought conditions across the center of the watershed and much of the remaining area Abnormally Dry.

Flow at the USGS Point of Rocks gage is Above Normal (in the 75-90th percentile).

Average rain still remains in a deficit though, at 8 inches below average for the past year.

Find more graphs and links in today's newsletter >>> https://mailchi.mp/6c5ba4b3e52a/potomac-news-reservoir-4793313

08/05/2026

Today at 5pm! Hope to see you there!

Whether you really got into your work today or lost your buzz and needed a nap, it's Monday afternoon and we figured a few bee bums would help brighten the mood. You're welcome.

These guys are also here to remind you that there will be a free showing of the documentary "The Little Things That Run the World" next week! August 5 at 5pm.

It will come along with a conversation about Frederick County and City's official friend-of-pollinators status as part of the Bee City USA network. And snacks. Of course we'll have free snacks to keep your energy up. So don’t miss out or you might bee bummed.

Register to save your seat and get all the event details here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/movie-night-the-little-things-that-run-the-world-tickets-1992369587068

07/28/2026

Whether you really got into your work today or lost your buzz and needed a nap, it's Monday afternoon and we figured a few bee bums would help brighten the mood. You're welcome.

These guys are also here to remind you that there will be a free showing of the documentary "The Little Things That Run the World" next week! August 5 at 5pm.

It will come along with a conversation about Frederick County and City's official friend-of-pollinators status as part of the Bee City USA network. And snacks. Of course we'll have free snacks to keep your energy up. So don’t miss out or you might bee bummed.

Register to save your seat and get all the event details here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/movie-night-the-little-things-that-run-the-world-tickets-1992369587068

07/27/2026

Help the Frederick City and Frederick County Bee City organization understand what you think about pollinators and how we can help our community appreciate these important organisms. The survey should only take 6-7 minutes and it is open to all ages.
Here is the link: http://Frederickmd.gov/BeeSurvey

07/15/2026

Mark your calendar for this fun, free community event celebrating Frederick City and Frederick County’s Bee City designation! The Frederick County Master Gardeners are proud to sponsor the movie and will host a panel discussion afterward featuring local experts on invertebrates. Join us for an engaging evening of learning, conversation, and appreciation for the important role pollinators and other invertebrates play in our environment. Get your free tickets at this link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/movie-night-the-little-things-that-run-the-world-tickets-1992369587068

07/10/2026

If you are doing great, “green” things in our community, please apply to have your work recognized- and help shine a light on sustainability successes in our community!

You could be a student or teacher that advocates for the environment. A local business balancing profits and planet protection. A farm that prioritizes resource conservation and land stewardship. A volunteer helping your neighborhood's gardens and wildlife habitats.

If you know someone leading the way to a greener future, nominate them or encourage them to apply for the Frederick County Sustainability Award!

Application period closes on July 15, 2026. Visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/GreenAward to learn more or apply.