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For immediate release - June 5, 2019

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For immediate release - June 5, 2019

For More Information Contact: caroline.brewer@anshome.org

CHEVY CHASE, MD - Eliza Cava, Director of Conservation at Audubon Naturalist Society, issued the following statement:

In case Governor Hogan isn't aware, we are living in a climate crisis. His proposed expansion could exacerbate the harmful effects of climate change by putting the nature that sustains us at risk and locking us into a future of more car-oriented growth at a time in human history when we need it the least. Our stream valley parks cool and clean our air, filter our water, provide home and habitat to wildlife, such as migrating birds, foxes, and turtles, and give people in our densely populated region a much-needed physical and mental health boost. If ever there was a time to think differently about how we develop and move around, it’s now. Let’s take the opportunity to develop better, with an eye toward the sustainability of our planet and new generations.

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For Immediate Release: June 5, 2019
For more information, contact Caroline Brewer, caroline.brewer@anshome.org or 301-652-9188, ext. 23

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Friday, May 30, 2019

For more information, contact caroline.brewer@anshome.org,, or Ari Eisenstadt, ari.eisenstadt@anshome.org / 347-743-1546 (cell), or Victoria Ma, GUClimateInjustice@gmail.com

CHEVY CHASE, MD - Georgetown University has signed a contract with Origis Energy to build a solar energy farm on 240 acres of high-value forest habitat in Charles County, MD. The land is home to several endangered species of birds and aquatic life and covers part of the ancestral homeland of the Piscataway Tribe. Neither the University nor the developer has consulted with the Tribe. The University has not released promised environmental review documents to the community despite repeated requests.

 “As a Georgetown alum and current graduate student, I’m disappointed in the University’s irresponsible treatment of the environment and local communities in their pursuit of greenhouse gas emissions,” said Victoria Ma, Georgetown alum, School of Nursing and Health Studies 2017. “Though solar is commendable, there has been a lack of transparency from the University in terms of their elusive environmental assessment, lack of respect to the Piscataway people and residents of Charles County, MD, and lack of initiative from the University in public coverage of the solar project.”

“It has been really difficult for me to watch Georgetown’s proposal unfold,” said Valarie Proctor, Piscataway Conoy Tribe member of the Cedarville Band. “Piscataway people have a very painful history so to see continued threats to our ancestral homelands and culture has me feeling heartbroken and in absolute rage. There was no tribal consultation in the scouting process for this project, so not only is the project an environmental threat, but an anti-Indigenous one as well. While it is necessary to make the shift to renewable energy amid the climate crisis, Indigenous lands should not be harmed and destroyed for renewable energy installations.”

“The Georgetown Solar Farm would destroy 240 acres of pristine forest habitat, home to rare and threatened species of plants and animals, some of Maryland’s most valuable streams, and part of the Nanjemoy Forest that cleans the air for our entire region,” said Ari Eisenstadt, Audubon Naturalist Society’s DC Conservation Advocate. “It’s a false choice to pit solar panels against important forest habitats. As a national and international leader, Georgetown has an obligation to find better places for renewable energy, such as rooftops, landfills, parking lots, and degraded farm fields. We need all the renewable energy we can get, so let’s make sure our early decisions set the right precedent to save our atmosphere and our land, air, and water as well.”

“We love solar and enthusiastically want to see Georgetown University and the state of Maryland lead the way to renewable energy in a responsible, sustainable and strategic way,” said Rosa Hance, Chair, Southern Maryland Sierra Club.

What: The GU Climate Injustice Town Hall is a collaborative effort between Georgetown University students and alumni, Charles County, MD residents, Indigenous Piscataway, and environmental organizations during the Georgetown Reunion 2019. Attend to learn more about the University’s solar project and why it should be relocated to an appropriate, non-forested site in consultation with the Piscataway people.

Date: Friday, May 31, 2019

Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm

Location: Old North Student Lounge, Georgetown University Main Campus (3700 O St. NW, Washington, DC 20037)

Speakers: Victoria Ma (NHS’17), Amy Richards (MPP’18), Neil Gormley (SFS’04), Bonnie Bick (Maryland forest activist), Valarie Proctor (Piscataway Conoy member), Anne Lewis (City Wildlife President), Emily Ranson (Clean Water Action Maryland Program Coordinator), Ari Eisenstadt (Audubon Naturalist Society DC Conservation Advocate), and more.

More details, including accessibility and remote viewing information, can be found here:https://www.facebook.com/events/2833777336846657/

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For Immediate Release – May 29, 2019 For more information, contact caroline.brewer@anshome.org or 301-652-9188, ext. 23, or Diane Lill, diane.lill@anshome.org

CHEVY CHASE, MD – From teaching thousands of children over the years how to grow their own food, to testing local streams for signs of aquatic life and the potential impacts of the climate crisis, the Audubon Naturalist Society (ANS), continues to blaze trails in environmental education and will be justly recognized for its outstanding efforts tomorrow at the Annual Maryland Green School Youth Summit at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis.

ANS, the DC area’s longest-serving independent environmental organization, has been certified with the highest distinction, as a Sustainable Maryland Green Center, by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE). Green Centers offer support to schools participating in the Maryland Green School program and are considered essential partners for success. ANS has helped more than 60 schools win Green School certification since 2007.

Some of the children touched by ANS’s GreenKids programs in Maryland schools grow up to mimic the songs of sparrows, hold forth on the habits of frogs and fish, and help us understand the necessity of butterflies, bees, and goldenrods. They grow into roles as community scientists and some step into professional roles to protect the environment.

“It’s so rewarding to see students develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Some of them are just learning to read and write, but they are doing their part to take care of the environment and that makes my green heart proud,’’ said Diane Lill, ANS’s Director of Education. “The Audubon Naturalist Society is thrilled to be recognized for this labor of love.”

The award signifies that ANS has made a commitment to developing stewards of the earth and reducing the environmental impact of schools.

“Students, teachers, school personnel, parents and community partners work together to create a positive learning environment. Green Centers support Maryland Green Schools, providing local support,” says Laura Johnson Collard, MAEOE Executive Director. “Schools and Green Centers that participate in the program save energy; reduce waste; conserve water; and create and restore habitat; getting students outdoors is crucial for their connection with the environment.”

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