EASTON — ShoreRivers has received a three-year grant from the Robert F. Schumann Foundation to support its River-Friendly Yards program, which combines community education with hands-on, roots-in-the-ground restoration planting projects.
With this generous funding, ShoreRivers will be able to activate more planting projects with more communities, and provide the maintenance that is critical to the ongoing success of existing projects.
The funding also supports continuing education for the workforce that cares for the nonprofit’s river-friendly landscapes, allowing more local landscapers and municipal employees to be trained and certified in environmentally responsible practices.
According to a news release, the Schumann Foundation and ShoreRivers share goals of stewarding and restoring the environment, increasing diverse natural habitat and educating communities.
ShoreRivers protects Maryland’s Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, education and engagement.
According to the news release, data show that the majority of pollution in our rivers is coming from within our watersheds, which means everyone has the potential to improve the health of our waterways.
“This program helps people see the inextricable connection between land and water. A river-friendly yard mimics the natural environment to benefit water quality, native birds and pollinators, and our local ecosystem,” the news release states.
Strengthening the program into a regional, multi-year effort that engages municipalities, homeowners associations, landscape professionals, legislators, developers and even more communities will greatly increase its impact at a critical time for habitat and water quality.
“With the flexible, steadfast support of the Robert F. Schumann Foundation, ShoreRivers will continue to expand the visibility and impact of this positive, powerful program for the good of our waterways, birds, pollinators, and communities,” the news release states.
Learn more at shorerivers.org/river-friendly-yards.
