Environmental Concern’s (EC) Vice President of Restoration, Jessica Lister, is participating in the “Monarch Ultra” Relay Run and Documentary – a dream come true for this monarch butterfly and running enthusiast. The relay race and documentary film is the first attempt to run across North America (Canada, United States & Mexico) in order to raise awareness of monarch butterflies who make this amazing migratory journey every year. Environmental Concern is working in partnership with the “Monarch Ultra” group to increase habitat for the “Near Threatened” Monarch butterfly on the east coast, one of the goals of EC’s Mid-Atlantic Monarch Initiative.

Lister has been passionate about the monarch butterfly since her high schooldays when she first learned about this fascinating insect. Lister says, “My hope is that the monarch butterfly will become a symbol of resiliency, strength and empowerment for thousands of people, motivating them into conservation action.”

Lister will join approximately 70 ultra runners following the 4,300 km (2,760 miles) migratory path of the monarch butterfly. The relay started on September 19 in Peterborough, Ontario, and will continue for 47 days through the United States to the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico. A team of filmmakers will be following the runners telling the story of the flight of the monarch butterfly. Lister is running the 50K segment in Harrisburg, Illinois on October 2. She also has the amazing opportunity to run with a select chosen few that are running the last leg of the relay on November 4 up the mountain to the Cerro Pelón Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Mexico.For Lister, this will be her first ultra run. “I could not be more excited to embark on this journey and support this amazing project. I have been putting in the training, working hard…I am slowly transforming just like the monarch butterfly”, commented Lister.

The “Monarch Ultra”project has already received international recognition. Lister and EC president, Suzanne Pittenger-Slear, were honored to receive an invitation from the Trilateral Committee for Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation & Management to present the “Monarch Ultra” and EC’s “Mini Monarch Ultra” Program to the delegates from Canada, the United States and Mexico at their annual meeting in Victoria, British Columbia. The project has been identified by the Committee as a trinational program that is consistent with the committee’s priorities.

EC has been working with the “Monarch Ultra” team founders (Carlotta James, Rodney Fuentes, and Clay Williams) and other Global Partners to raise human awareness and interest in the monarch butterfly and habitat conservation. Both Lister and Pittenger-Slear are Monarch Ambassadors, supporting the goals of the Monarch Ultra project; promoting meaningful conversation at the local level; and supporting the relay run logistics.

EC is also coordinating the “Mini Monarch Ultra” Program for local school-age children that will coincide with the “Monarch Ultra” run. Students will participate in their own “Mini Monarch Ultra” run/walk while following the progress of the ultra runners. Students will learn about the monarch migration, connect with other schools and students throughout North America, and will receive a milkweed plug to plant in their very own pollinator habitats. “This is a unique opportunity to expand the students’ connection with nature and the monarch butterfly’s challenging journey. The Program also provides a process for students to communicate with other schools across North America who are participating in the “Mini Monarch UItras”. Environmental Concern is proud to support the “Monarch Ultra” and Jessica’s journey…one step at a time”, comments Pittenger-Slear.

To learn more about the “Monarch Ultra”relay run and the “Mini Monarch Ultra Program”, visit www.wetland.org/mid-atlantic-monarch-initiative/.

About Environmental Concern
Environmental Concern is a 501(c)3 public non-profit corporation established in 1972 to promote public understanding and stewardship of wetlands with the goal of improving water quality and enhancing nature’s habitat. The organization accomplishes its mission through wetland outreach and education, native species horticulture, and the restoration and enhancement of wetlands. For the last 47 years, Environmental Concern has been working to restore the Bay…one wetland at a time.

Environmental Concern (EC) student intern, David Kramer, was presented with the 2018 Outstanding Intern Award from the Frostburg State University (FSU) Career and Professional Development Center at a luncheon held on October 26^th. The award honors students for excellent performance in off campus internships. The Career and Professional Development Center “empowers students to make career decisions and pursue the skill development necessary to achieve success in a rapidly changing, global workplace”. Kramer, a Talbot County native, graduated from Saints Peter & Paul High School in 2015. He is a senior at Frostburg State University, majoring in earth science with a concentration in environmental science. David first joined Environmental Concern’s team as an intern in July 2017. He wanted to learn about shoreline restoration, and to experience all aspects of the process. EC Senior Vice President, Gene Slear, commented that, “David was always eager to jump in where needed – every day, a different challenge and new process to learn. David started and ended every day with a positive, respectful attitude”. Kramer returned to his intern position during his winter break in 2017, and again in June 2018 after his spring semester ended. EC welcomed Kramer’s return to EC. He needed very little direction over the unusually hot summer months, and made significant contributions to EC’s initiatives during his internship. Jessica Lister, Vice President of Restoration at Environmental Concern, mentored Kramer during his internship experience. Lister commented, “David was a wonderful addition to Environmental Concern’s team during his internship, and we were thrilled to have him. This is wonderful news and well deserved. We are looking forward to having David work with EC in the future.” Lister also received a commemorative award from the University for mentoring Kramer. Dr. James Saku, a professor of geography at FSU, visited EC’s campus and toured several of their shoreline restoration projects with Kramer. Saku noted, “I was impressed with the work David had done within a short period of time. Using the skills he had acquired from taking a class, he was involved in excessive surveying of a shoreline.” Environmental Concern has offered training and intern opportunities to college students, graduate students, wetland professionals and teachers since 1985. As practitioners in the wetland field, EC has the resources to support and guide students and professionals through their career journey. About Environmental Concern Environmental Concern is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation established in 1972 to promote public understanding and stewardship of wetlands with the goal of improving water quality and enhancing nature’s habitat. The organization accomplishes its mission through wetland outreach and education, native species horticulture, and the restoration, creation and enhancement of wetlands. For more information about training opportunities visit www.wetland.org.

Environmental Concern’s (EC) Seed Stewards for Monarchs program is increasing critical habitat for the “Near Threatened” Monarch butterfly. Monarchs only lay eggs on milkweed plants, and the Monarch caterpillar only feeds on milkweed leaves.No milkweed – no Monarchs!

In 2004, an estimated 550 million Monarchs completed their winter migration. In 2013, only 33 million arrived at their overwintering grounds in Mexico….a 94% decrease over 9 years. In 2016, many non-profit and state organizations located on the west coast and the mid-west U.S. Monarch flyway zones responded to the drastic decline in the population by increasing habitat – one of the major reasons for the decline. In 2016,EC formed the Mid-Atlantic Monarch Initiative^© (MAMI) to fill the need for an East Coast action plan to increase milkweed habitat. MAMI is working to activate conservation initiatives to benefit the Monarch butterfly.

EC introduced the first MAMI program, Seed Steward for Monarchs, to the public at their annual Spring Plant Sale in May. The goal of the program is to increase milkweed seed inventory for the 2019 milkweed crop. Seed Steward volunteers receive three free swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) or butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) plants to start a Monarch habitat garden. In addition to the plants, Seed Stewards receive a MAMI welcome bag filled with milkweed tools, tips, and tags for their plants.

The Seed Stewards communicate with EC throughout the summer and fall. Kathleen, one of our local volunteers, commented on EC’s Facebook page that the “milkweed pods were forming and opening, but the seeds were white”.  Taylor Gordon, EC’s Program Coordinator, posted a picture of a healthy, mature pod filled with seeds to help Kathleen identify healthy seeds.Seed Stewards also communicate with each other by posting pictures and videos on the Seed Steward for Monarchs Facebook Group Page. This is

As the milkweed blooms die off, the seed pods form. As the pods mature, and the seeds are ready to collect, EC volunteers exchange their seeds for more milkweed plants grown in EC’s nursery. Sixty volunteers and two 5^th grade classes are currently growing milkweed plants for the Seed Steward program.

EC educators will be available to sign up volunteers for the Seed Steward for Monarchs program at EC’s Fall Native Plant Sale on Friday, September 7^th from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.Seed Stewards receive free milkweed plants to start a backyard Monarch habitat when they sign up for the program. Community Workshops will be offered to the public to increase awareness about the “Near Threatened” Monarch butterfly. Monarch Butterfly Rearing will be presented from 10am to 11am and Seed Stewards for Monarchs: Collecting Milkweed Seeds is scheduled from 11am to Noon. A donation of $10 is requested to support the program. The sale is located on EC’s campus at 201 Boundary Lane in St. Michaels. For more information or to register call 410.745.9620 or email reception@wetland.org.

About Environmental Concern

Environmental Concern is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation established in 1972 to promote public understanding and stewardship of wetlands with the goal of improving water quality and enhancing nature’s habitat. The organization accomplishes its mission through wetland outreach and education, native species horticulture, and the restoration, creation and enhancement of wetlands.

St. Michaels, MD-Environmental Concern’s (EC) annual Fall Native Plant Sale will be held on September 7^th. EC invites the public to purchase plants from the grower. Choose from a variety of native plants that are propagated from seed and grown in EC’s nursery. Seeds are collected from shorelines, ponds and gardens restored by EC over the years.

Making the wise choice to use native plants in your landscape provides food, a safe nesting area, and cover from harsh weather conditions for birds, butterflies and other beneficial insects. You can make a difference by replacing invasive, ornamental and exotic plants that have little or no wildlife value with native plants that have high wildlife value. Planting a butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) plant gives the Monarch butterfly a place to lay eggs – the only plant that the Monarch will lay its eggs. You are supporting a “Near Threatened” butterfly by adding milkweed plants to your garden. Planting native is one step that everyone can take to support wildlife. Choose from a selection of plants for a variety of garden sites and conditions – from backyard ponds to upland pollinator gardens.

EC’s featured plant this fall is the Seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempivirens). The photograph, taken in one of three pollinator gardens located on EC’s campus, captured two Monarch butterflies drinking nectar from the flowers.  Vibrant yellow, dense flowers bloom from July through November. The goldenrod is a major food source for fall migrating monarch butterflies, and provides benefits to birds and small mammals. Growing to a height of 3-4 ft., the goldenrod is a low maintenance native plant that is often blamed for causing hay fever – it does not! The goldenrod pollen is sticky, and travels on the feet and bodies of pollinators, not by the wind.

Our staff will be ready to welcome visitors on Friday, September 7^th from 9 am to 4 pm. EC’s Professional Landscape Architect, Diane Miller, will be on hand to answer your questions and to help you with your plant selections. The sale will take place on EC’s campus located at 201 Boundary Lane at the head of San Domingo Creek by the St. Michaels Nature Trail – rain or shine.

Mid-Atlantic Monarch Initiative Workshops will be presented during the sale. The “Monarch Butterfly Rearing” Workshop is scheduled from 10am-11am, and “Seed Stewards for Monarchs: Collecting Milkweed Seeds” follows from 11am until Noon. A$10 donation for workshops is requested. Visit www.wetland.org for more information and to register for the workshops.

EC is a 501(c)(3) public not-for-profit organization. For more information, visit www.wetland.org or call (410)745-9620. Celebrating 46 years working for wetlands and water quality.

Here are the upcoming events by Environmental Concern Inc.

“Native Plants Create Healthy Habitats”
March 5th
630 pm – 730 pm
Talbot County Public Library – Easton
Environmental Concern will be presenting “Native Plants Create Healthy Habitats: Attracting Butterflies, Bees & Birds to Your Garden” with Tips from the Grower. After the presentation EC will open their Pre-Orders for the upcoming Spring Native Plant Sale featuring the plants that benefit the Birds, Bees and Butterflies.
$5 donation is requested to help fund our Education Outreach Initiatives.
For more information and to register please call 410.745.9620 or visit our website at www.wetland.org.

“Basic Wetland Delineation”
April 30th -May 4th
Environmental Concern has opened registration for“Basic Wetland Delineation” for Wetland Professionals. The course is held from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm at EC’s picturesque waterfront campus and includes field trips to various project sites for field-keying and practice.
For more information or to register call 410.745.9620 or please visit http://www.wetland.org/education_professionalcourses.htm

Environmental Concern (EC) will host a Shoreline Clean-Up Day in celebration of World Wetlands Day on February 2^nd. Joining Environmental Concern in this celebration are National Wildlife Refuges, “Wetlands of International Importance”, and many other environmental facilities around the globe, commemorating World Wetlands Day with a variety of activities and programs all focused on wetlands. EC staff and volunteers will walk the shoreline along the San Domingo Creek in St. Michaels, picking up trash along the way. The event will be posted on the international site at www.ramsar.org, along with many other events that are planned in many countries.

World Wetlands Day marks the date of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran. The Convention on Wetlands is a treaty that provides the framework for international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands. There are presently over 160 Countries participating in the Convention, including the United States.

Around the globe, there are over 2,250 wetland sites, totaling 557 million acres designated as “Wetlands of International Importance”. Although the treaty only requires Countries to designate at least one “Wetland of International Importance”, most have many more. The United States has designated 38 sites, covering 5 million acres. The focus of the designation is not regulation, but education about the benefits of wetlands.

Join the celebration! We are proud to have one Ramsar site in our local area. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is part of the larger Chesapeake Estuarine Complex, designated in 1986. Visit the Refuge on February 2^nd, and participate in a global celebration of wetlands. There will not be a formal event at the Refuge, but the wildlife will keep you entertained.In the winter months, you will observe many species of migrating birds in their natural habitat at Blackwater NWR. This month, a ground survey totaled over 12,000 waterfowl, including approximately 7,000 Canada Geese and over 500 Wood Ducks.

You don’t have to go beyond your own backyard to participate in the World Wetlands Day events. By cleaning up trash around your neighborhood (be sure to wear gloves!), you will prevent the trash from finding its way to a local drainage area, and then into our waterways. Send a picture to sslear@wetland.org if you’re recycling, picking up trash, or visiting a local Wildlife Refuge on February 2^nd, 3^rd or 4^th, and it will be sent to the International Ramsar office to be posted on line, along with other events taking place in the United States.

Suzanne Pittenger-Slear, EC’s President, commented that celebrating World Wetlands Day supports the mission of Environmental Concern by raising awareness of the importance of wetland resources, and encouraging the public to participate by learning about the benefits of wetlands. This year’s World Wetland Day theme is “Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future” – retain, restore and manage urban wetlands. For more information about World Wetlands Day, visit: www.worldwetlandsday.org. Free posters and activities are available on the site.

To join the Shoreline Clean-Up, call 410.745.9620.

About Environmental Concern

Environmental Concern is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation established in 1972 to promote public understanding and stewardship of wetlands with the goal of improving water quality and enhancing nature’s habitat. The organization accomplishes its mission through wetland outreach and education, native species horticulture, and the restoration, construction and enhancement of wetlands. For the last 45 years, Environmental Concern has been working to restore the Bay…one wetland at a time.