Led by Project Chair Lauren Toomey, members volunteered in the Pollinator Pathway booth located in the Agricultural Building at the Maryland State Fair in Timonium. Two handouts were given out: Recommended Information to Establish an Affective Native Pollinator Habitat and Essential Pollinator Habitat Garden Instructions by Elmer Dengler.

CVGC's project for 2021-2023 is the Anne Arundel County Pollinator Pathway. The Pollinator Pathway is corridors of public and private properties that provide pesticide-free native plant habitat and nutrition for pollinators. We can reconnect our landscape by making our properties stepping stones for the free flow of species across a healthy, native landscape. The mission is to impactfully elevate environmental stewardship of Anne Arundel County citizens through engagement of households, communities, HOA's, coalitions, local and state government, and unique public-private partnerships.

The goal is to create sustainable landscapes, not only throughout Anne Arundel County but Maryland as a whole, that promote climate resilient projects, deliver actionable outcomes of reduced pollution and restored waterways, and bring nature back into our daily lives by focusing on actions people can take right outside their door.

Maintaining environmentally-sound gardens and yards by using sustainable gardening practices improves water quality, conserves natural resources for future generations, reduces maintenance, and saves money. While individual efforts may seem small, they all add up to make a big difference in improving the health of our local waterways, the Chesapeake Bay, our personal well-being, and the environment.

Most Maryland residents live within a half-mile of a drainage ditch, storm drain, stream or river. These local waterways eventually drain into the Chesapeake Bay. The misuse of pesticides and fertilizers, lack of soil management, and poor plant selection can all contribute to the degradation of Maryland’s streams, rivers, and the Bay. 

By embracing the change of a few simple landscape practices, together we can keep Maryland communities and pollinators healthy.

CVGC's last in-person meeting was on March 4, 2020. Since that day, the Club has held monthly virtual meetings.  

CVGC's new project for 2021-2023 is the Anne Arundel County Pollinator Pathway. Project Chair Lauren Toomey discussed the Pollinator Pathway and ways CVGC is partnering with other community organizations and groups to establish and promote the Pollinator Pathway in Anne Arundel County. On Saturday, September 4th, Lauren will be at the "Pollinator Pathway" booth at the Maryland State Fair in Timonium, inside the Agriculture Building.

CVGC President Cathy Gallagher presented, in person, Shirley Levendoski and Harriet Kiilehua with the 2020 Bernie Robertson Award. The awards were presented at the Greater Crofton Community Awards Ceremony that took place in February via Zoom. It was announced that member Sally Moore will be awarded the 2021 Bernie Robertson Award at the Greater Crofton Community Awards Ceremony in November.

Thank you to today's hostesses, Shirley Levendoski (Hospitality Chair), Barbara Emden, Nancy Durose, Marie Bryer (not pictured) and Faye Tolliver (not pictured) for providing treats for members and their guests.

Maryland Butterflies is a photographic reference guide to aid you on your search of the various butterfly species. Also included are species sighting information, observations, and key identification indicators.

Spotted lanternflies are continuing to spread. Four counties in Maryland have documented spotted lanternfly infestations. ​Maryland is still in the early stages of an infestation, which shows no signs of stopping. The insect has reached new places this year and poses a serious threat to the state’s agriculture industry, with the potential to cause millions of dollars of damage.

To read the article, click the button below.

Birds need water to survive. Even though birds do not have sweat glands they still lose water in their droppings and through their skin due to evaporation, especially during the hot days of summer. Keeping their feathers clean and in good condition is a priority and bathing helps them achieve that.

There are several ways to provide water to help keep backyard birds clean and hydrated. A bird bath or planter drainage tray; a small garden pond; a bird waterer which typically hangs from a hook like a feeder but dispenses water; a bird mister; or a moving water feature such as a fountain or wiggler – birds are attracted to moving water.

Keeping the water clean is very important, not just for the birds but for everyone. Bird bath water can get dirty fast and stagnant water makes for a great mosquito breeding ground.