News

An overgrown alleyway blooms into an oasis for walkers and cyclists, city parks shed creeping invasive species and solar lighting illuminates neighborhood pathways. These are among the 11 projects set to receive a portion of $125,000 from Pepco and the University of Maryland’s Sustainable Maryland program as part of the Sustainable Communities Grant Program, a new partnership between the D.C.-area utility and UMD’s statewide “greening program” to advance local sustainability projects.

Joe Cook With Large Willow Oak on McKeldin Mall, 11.17.22 Photo by Sam Bahr

American chestnuts, Castanea dentata, are majestic deciduous trees that once filled forests across the eastern United States. A mature American chestnut can reach an impressive size, it can grow over a hundred feet tall with a 10-foot trunk diameter.

Land Acknowledgement Every community owes its existence and strength to the generations before them, around the world, who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy into making the history that led to this moment.

August 31, 2022 Around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, severe thunderstorms hit the College Park area producing straight-line winds, hail, and heavy rain. Peak wind gusts estimated at 80-90 MPH (equivalent to a low-end EF1 tornado) caused tornado-like damage throughout the College Park area including widespread power outages, downed trees, flooding and building damage.