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Basic History

In 1603 the region was visited by an Englishman, Bartholomew Gilbert, and it was charted in 1608. Religious conflict was strong in ensuing years. Economic and religious grievances led Maryland to support the growing colonial agitation against England. At the time of the American Revolution, most Marylanders were stalwart patriots and vigorous opponents of the British colonial policy. Peace was restored with the Treaty of Paris ending the Revolutionary War in 1783. After the war the state entered a period of great commercial and industrial expansion.

Environmental History

Most of the state lies within a hardwood belt in which rd and white oaks, yellow poplar, beech, blackgum, hickory, and white ash are represented. Honeysuckle, Virginia creeper, wild grape, and wild raspberry are also common. Seven plant species were listed as threatened or endangered. The white-tailed deer, eastern cottontail, raccoon, and red and gray foxes are indigenous to Maryland, although urbanization has sharply reduced their habitat. Common small mammals are the chipmunk, gray squirrel, and woodchuck. 19 Maryland animal species were listed as threatened or endangered, including the Indiana bat, Maryland darter, bald eagle, fox squirrel, three species of whale, and five species of turtle.

Green Initiatives

Marylanders are coming together to strengthen their economy, protect their environment, and improve their quality of life with ‘green living’. From adopting smart growth policies and growing green jobs, to improving transit and revitalizing their communities, they are making informed choices. Businesses are sharing green business practices, and coastal communities are addressing climate change and its impacts. Citizens are conserving energy, planting new trees, and young Marylanders are learning about and connecting with their natural world. Events are taking place at hospitals across the state, celebrating sustainable efforts that will continue to grow as healthcare delves deeper into all things “green”. The initiatives include educating hospital staff on sustainable practices; featuring water test stations to encourage employees to drink tap water instead of buying bottled water; providing recycling stations for cell phones, eyeglasses and alkaline batteries; handing out free evergreen seedlings. These hospitals in Maryland use sustainability management software. In support of promoting green initiatives on a global scale, Maryland Tourism Council is also focusing on how Maryland’s travel and tourism industry can go green with implementation of cost-effective marketing plans. List of actions include reducing carbon footprint, making eco-friendly decisions, promoting greener habits and lifestyles, contributing to green practices; from simply recycling to using sustainable resources to reducing pollution, going green in business is a proactive response to a changing environment and is appealing to eco-savvy travelers.