.
Photo by katalintamas, morguefile.com
Maryland’s Historically Underserved Urban Communities Receive $8.6 Million to Plant Over 28,000 New Trees
Maryland’s Historically Underserved Urban Communities Receive $8.6 Million to Plant Over 28,000 New Trees
By CELIA PARKER
The Chesapeake Bay Trust
(August 18, 2025)—The Chesapeake Bay Trust (Bay Trust) continues to empower everyday people to restore nature, this time through local grants for community-led tree planting efforts to strengthen their own neighborhoods. With funding from the State of Maryland and BGE, over $8,677,000 was awarded to 26 community organizations to plant over 28,000 new trees in urban, historically underserved areas across Maryland. The Urban Trees Program was created by the Maryland General Assembly’s Tree Solutions Now Act of 2021, which calls for five million trees to be planted across Maryland by 2031, 500,000 of them targeted to urban, underserved areas. The Bay Trust, known for managing funds from the “Protect the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays” vehicle license plate program and other sources, has long empowered local communities through its grantmaking and was tapped in the Act to serve as the administrator of the urban component.
Urban trees have significant benefits to human health, climate, the economy, and the environment. Yet some urban communities are severely lacking in greening, contributing to heat island effect, exacerbating asthma and other health issues, and reducing quality of life. Providing resources through ground-up, community-based grants empower people to own this piece of community improvement, leading to sustainability.
“Our unwavering commitment to fighting poverty, building more economically-vibrant neighborhoods, and advancing the work of repair requires intentionality—not only in the policies we craft, but also in the partnerships we uplift,” said Gov. Moore. “Tree planting is critical to keeping our state resilient and healthy for all Marylanders. In partnership with the 5 Million Trees Initiative, we will continue our push for clean air, clean water, and thriving communities in every zip code, including those that have been historically left behind.”
This is the fourth year of grants awarded through the Urban Trees Program to enhance quality of life, human health, and community livability. Funding over nine years will be distributed by the Bay Trust to communities, neighborhoods, civic groups, schools, and others who commit to planting trees in underserved regions as defined in the legislation. Awards are reserved for urban census tracts with low median household income levels, with high unemployment, or that were historically red-lined or for public housing projects.
In addition to thousands of new plantings, new this year is a focus on the maintenance of these critical trees. Currently, there is no consensus about how much tree maintenance maximizes the ultimate number of mature trees. To determine how to optimize resource investment, the Bay Trust is implementing a study to compare the survival outcomes of trees that receive two years of maintenance with trees that receive five years of maintenance to determine optimal, cost-effective maintenance plans.
“BGE is proud to support the Urban Trees Grant Program, as it ensures long-term, sustained solutions for communities across our State,” said Valencia McClure, Senior Vice President of Governmental, Regulatory and External Affairs, for BGE.
“Enhancing Maryland, while empowering the public to help beautify and protect their own communities, is a fantastic reminder of the power of people to come together for the benefit of all.”
Studies show that trees planted in urban communities improve the physical and mental health of people within their proximity, and that increasing urban canopy can reduce asthma and respiratory-related emergencies during heat wave-related events in under-treed areas. For these reasons, many urban communities have adopted urban tree canopy goals, including Baltimore City, which has set a goal of 40% canopy by 2037.
Communities will begin planting trees supported through this round of funding this fall, concentrating on areas such as vacant lots or streets where native trees and resources are scarce. These trees will help to reduce the urban heat island effect, filter polluted stormwater, mitigate the effect of carbon emissions, reduce energy consumption and therefore energy bills, and improve air quality. Increasing tree quantity and quality in urban areas is a cost-effective way to strengthen the health of the Chesapeake Bay, provide urban wildlife habitat, help mitigate flooding issues, and stimulate local green jobs markets enabling families to work where they live and play.
“This program provides the opportunity for everyday people to lead on-the-ground greening efforts for their own communities,” said Dr. Jana Davis, president of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. “We are proud to empower local groups to design tree plantings that strengthen their communities, inspire other residents to get involved, and create a ripple effect for a lasting impact.”
Urban Trees Grant Program 2025 Awardees, Prince George’s County:
Prince George’s County Department of Environment, Prince George’s County—$1,000,000 to plant 2,143 native trees in public spaces (such as parks, schools, open spaces of homeowners’ associations (HOAs), and churches) across the County.
Prince George’s County Department of Public Works & Transportation, Prince George’s County—$1,000,000 for the Right Tree, Right Place Program to facilitate 4,000 native tree installations and follow-up maintenance.
Casey Trees, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County—$936,023 to plant 2,000 trees over three years on public and private lands to reduce surface temperatures, lower utility costs, mitigate stormwater runoff, and increase access to outdoor recreation.
Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Prince George’s County—$673,560 to transform an abandoned golf course into a public green space by planting over 10,000 trees.
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County and Prince George’s County—$525,000 to partner with the Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake (IPC) and the Patapsco Heritage Greenway (PHG) to plant 700 trees at faith-based institutions, schools, and other public spaces.
Global Health and Education Projects, Inc., Prince George’s County—$201,286 to plant 320 native trees and develop a community-hosted tree-care education program.
Joe’s Movement Emporium/World Arts Focus, Prince George’s County—$200,000 to create more green jobs and plant 600 trees in Capitol Heights, District Heights, Bladensburg, Mount Rainier, Cheverly, Cottage City, and Colmar Manor.
Live Peace Tech Corporation, Prince George’s County—$66,750 to plant 125 native trees in the Town of Cheverly and Camp Springs to promote environmental sustainability, improve local biodiversity, and foster a greater appreciation for nature.
Town of Cheverly, Prince George’s County—$25,346 to plant 50 native trees within Town of Cheverly by working with residents to plant native trees on private property within underserved areas.
For the full press release, including the full listing of Maryland awardees, visit https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/Press-Release-Urban-Trees-2025.pdf
The Chesapeake Bay Trust (www.cbtrust.org) envisions a restored and protected Chesapeake Bay watershed and other natural resources in our area, from the Coastal Bays to the Chesapeake to the Youghiogheny River. We empower local community-based groups on the ground with the resources they need to take on a meaningful and measurable role in restoring forests, streams, rivers, bays, wildlife, and more in their own communities. Every year, the Bay Trust empowers about 400 groups by providing grants and technical assistance to accomplish environmental education, community outreach, and local watershed restoration projects. The Bay Trust is supported by the sale of the Protect the Chesapeake & Coastal Bays license plate; donations to the Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund on the Maryland State income tax form; donations made by hunters, fishers, and boaters in the Maryland online natural resource licensing system; donations from individuals and corporations; and partnerships with private foundations and federal, state, and local governments. The Bay Trust has received the highest rating from Charity Navigator for over two decades. On average, 90 cents of every dollar are directed to the Trust’s restoration and education programs.
TOP OF PAGE
Governor Moore Announces New Program to Lower Electricity Costs and Improve Grid Resilience
By CARTER ELLIOTT
Office of the Governor
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (August 11, 2025)—Governor Wes Moore today announced the debut of a newly rewired $2 million initiative to help lower electricity costs and improve grid resilience by making battery storage more accessible for Maryland residents and business owners. The Maryland Energy Administration will now cover the costs of purchasing and installing battery energy storage systems to promote the expansion of the promising clean energy technology statewide through the Residential and Commercial Energy Storage Program.
“While corporate greed continues to drive up energy costs for Marylanders, our administration is fighting to bring prices down,” said Gov. Moore. “When we invest in clean energy, we help expand supply. When we expand supply, we help rein in utility expenses for everyone. Together, we are making Maryland more affordable, more resilient, and more competitive—all at the same time.”
The Residential and Commercial Energy Storage program helps make battery storage more accessible to all Marylanders, supports local grid reliability, and advances the state’s economic, clean energy and climate goals. Formerly offered as a tax credit, the Maryland Energy Administration has redefined this program to begin offering rebates due to the evolving needs of Maryland’s residents and energy marketplace.
The new program is open to both residential and commercial applicants seeking to install qualifying battery energy storage systems, enabling more homeowners and businesses to store electricity for later use, such as during peak demand periods or power outages, and helps improve energy resilience and flexibility. By shifting energy use to times when electricity is cheaper, battery energy storage systems can help reduce monthly energy bills through time-of-use savings.
“The latest consensus-backed science is telling us that climate change is making storms on average about 20% more severe, which presents real and growing challenges to grid reliability and resource adequacy,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “This new program will help support emergency preparedness and build resiliency for communities statewide, especially as extreme weather events become more frequent.”
When paired with rooftop solar, battery energy storage systems allow Marylanders to store clean, locally generated power for use after sunset or during outages—maximizing the value of their investment and further reducing reliance on fossil fuels and accelerating Maryland’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
For more information about the Residential and Commercial Energy Storage Program, please visit the program webpage at https://energy.maryland.gov/Pages/Energy-Storage-Grant-Program.aspx
TOP OF PAGE
Bowie Businessman Brings Innovative Mobile Flooring Solutions to the Washington, DC Area with Floor Coverings International
By PRESS OFFICER
The Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce
BOWIE, Md. (August 18, 2025)—Floor Coverings International (FCI), North America’s leading mobile flooring franchise, proudly announces the grand opening of its newest location serving Bowie, Crofton, Gambrills, Glenn Dale, Hanover, Harmans, Mitchellville, Odenton, Severn, Upper Marlboro, and surrounding communities. Owned and operated by Ramsey Moorman, this Bowie-based franchise is revolutionizing the flooring industry with its unique Mobile Showroom concept, delivering more than 3,000 flooring options directly to customers’ homes and businesses.
With over 23 years of leadership experience in the telecommunications industry, Ramsey Moorman brings a customer-focused approach and strong business acumen to the flooring sector. “One of my core strengths is Emotional Intelligence and understanding how to identify and navigate challenges to find the right solution,” said Moorman. “By leading with a customer-centric philosophy, we ensure every client receives flooring options tailored to their vision and needs, all from the comfort of their home.”
Moorman’s passion for service and innovation is supported by his wife, Caryl Moorman, who plays an integral role in operations and community engagement, and their two children who contribute to the family-run atmosphere as “junior marketers.”
Floor Coverings International’s Mobile Showroom eliminates the inconvenience of traditional flooring shopping by bringing an extensive selection of flooring materials—including sustainable laminates, authentic wood-look planks, waterproof laminates, advanced vinyl flooring, cozy carpets, and luxury engineered hardwood—right to the customer’s doorstep. This approach allows homeowners to view samples in their own lighting and decor, making flooring decisions easier and more confident. The Bowie location aims to meet the growing demand for pet- and kid-friendly floors that combine durability with style.
Looking ahead, Moorman envisions significant growth for his franchise: “In five years, I aim to grow FCI of Bowie into a $5 million business with 10 team members and five Mobile Showrooms. We plan to expand commercial partnerships and deepen our community involvement through local sponsorships and giving back. Most importantly, I want to build a legacy that benefits my family and the community.”
For more information about Floor Coverings International of Bowie, MD, or to schedule a consultation, please visit https:// floorcoveringsinternational.com/locations/us/md/bowie/, or call (443)332-7447. Email: ramsey.moorman@fcifloors.com.
TOP OF PAGE
Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra Hosts First-Ever Summer Camp
By DANE KRICH
Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra
Annapolis, Md. (August 13, 2025)—Sixteen students participated in the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra’s first-ever Summer Camp, spending the week engaged in music-making, collaboration, and learning. Led by CYSO faculty and guest artists, the camp offered a mix of full ensemble rehearsals, sectionals, chamber music coaching, and master classes.
Throughout the week, students worked closely with guest instructor Ms. Preet Saund, Principal Cellist of the Capital City Symphony and Director of Instrumental and Choral Music at Silver Creek Middle School. Ms. Saund has worked with the National Philharmonic, Interlochen Center for the Arts, and the Kennedy Center, bringing her wealth of performance and teaching experience to camp.
Campers also received coaching in sectionals from CYSO String Orchestra Director Rob Stojakovich, Concert Orchestra Director Carlos Castrillón, Lily Hensler (band and orchestra teacher at Central Middle School and CYSO board member), and Vivienne Newberger (Assistant Camp Director). Under their guidance, students explored a variety of repertoire, strengthened their technical skills, and developed essential ensemble-playing and musical expression techniques.
The camp also provided opportunities for creativity, teamwork, and personal growth beyond rehearsals. Students participated in music theory sessions led by CYSO Executive Director Dane Krich, engaged in peer performances with constructive feedback, and enjoyed informal moments together over meals and games.
“The goal of this camp was not just to prepare for a concert, but to build community and inspire our young musicians,” said Krich. “We were thrilled to see the students supporting one another, taking musical risks, and having fun while working hard.”
The week culminated in a free public performance at St. Anne’s Parish House, showcasing the students’ progress after only a few days of intensive preparation.
The CYSO looks forward to making the Summer Camp an annual tradition and welcoming even more young musicians in the years to come.
For over three decades, the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO) has fostered a passion for music among the youth of Annapolis and surrounding communities—creating the next generation of performers and music lovers. With distinguished conductors and pedagogues, a musically diverse offering of ensembles, and some of the best young instrumentalists that Anne Arundel County and surrounding areas have to offer, CYSO not only empowers its students to become lifelong lovers and performers of music, but also provides them with opportunities and memories that will last a lifetime.
TOP OF PAGE
