- Home
- Town Services
- Public Works
- "Go Green" Program
"Go Green" Program
About the Program
This program is a cooperative effort to assist in understanding regulatory concerns and come into full compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Businesses who comply are marketed to the public in information to support environmentally-friendly businesses.
Your Green Government
The Town of Forest Heights has taken the initiative to "Go Green" by becoming the first local government in Prince George's County to convert all government-owned facilities to the green standard with the unveiling of the green roof on the municipal building.
The Green Municipal Building
The $350,000 renovation is expected to save countless taxpayer dollars and cut energy costs for the municipal building by half. The renovation project also included energy-efficient windows.
Tree Canopy Program
The Tree Canopy Program is also expected to provide green coverage in many places within the town to reduce sun heat exposure, improve our air quality by natural methods, and erect trees for a cooler overall temperature.
- View our current Tree Canopy Study (PDF)
- The Street Tree Analysis Report (PDF) is now available
Green-related Links
- "In the Zone", Maryland Chesapeake and Costal Program Newsletter
- Zero Footprint Foundation
- Chesapeake Bay Trust
- The Value of Trees!
- Community Trees: A Living Investment- more valuable than you'd suspect!
- Climate Change Adaptation Plans for the District of Columbia
- Municipal Online Stormwater Training (MOST) Center, your online source for stormwater management training in the Chesapeake Bay region
Pepco Providing 1,350 Trees to District of Columbia & Maryland Customers, Oaks, Maples and Other Varieties to Provide More Green Coverage
Washington, D.C. – Pepco announced today that it will provide 1,350 free trees to customers in the District of Columbia and Maryland through the Energy-Saving Trees program.
It's the sixth year of the partnership that helps customers conserve energy and reduce household electric bills through strategic tree planting. Since 2011, Pepco customers will have received more than 13,000 free trees thanks to the partnership between Pepco and the Arbor Day Foundation.
Trees are made available first to customers who were on the waiting list from the program last year. Those customers will receive an email from the Arbor Day Foundation in the next few weeks. The remaining trees will be distributed beginning this week to customers who make the request while tree supplies last.
Pepco customers can request up to two free trees by visiting the Arbor Day website, or by calling 1-855-670-2771. The 18 to 36 inch trees that will be delivered directly to customers include Eastern Redbud, Crepe Myrtle, River Birch, Red Maple, Northern Red Oak, and are in small containers that allow for the growth of a better root system.
"The Energy-Saving Tree program benefits our customers by helping them to conserve energy, save money and improve the environment," said Donna Cooper, Pepco region president. "The program also educates customers on the appropriate placement of trees to promote ongoing system reliability, improve aesthetics and energy conservation."
The Arbor Day Foundation calculates that the 1,350 trees will produce nearly $294,720 in energy savings within 20 years.
An online tool can help Pepco customers find the most strategic location for planting and estimate the annual savings that will result from the tree.
The Energy-Saving Trees online tool was created by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Davey Institute, a division of the Davey Tree Expert Co., and uses peer-reviewed scientific research from the USDA Forest Service's i-Tree Software to calculate estimated benefits.
Customers may call the Arbor Day Foundation for technical help and other questions at 1-855-234-3801.
For more information and updates, visit the Pepco website, follow us on Facebook and Twitter at PepcoConnect, and download our mobile app.
________________________________________________________________
Updates from the Department of Environmental Resources
WHAT YOU CAN DO, WHAT YOU CAN USE...
Clean Power Plan. The president's Clean Power Plan is an historic, important step in reducing carbon pollution from power plants that takes real action on climate change. Find out how the Clean Power Plan will cut the carbon pollution that is driving climate change and help protect you and your family. Read more.
6 Things Every American Should Know About the Clean Power Plan.
en español: Seis cosas que cada estadounidense debe saber acerca del Plan de Energía Limpia.
Why We Must Act: For our Families' Health and our Kids' Future.
The Final Clean Power Plan: More Ambitious, More Achievable for States.
EPA's Clean Power Plan: Lower Utility Bills, Billions in Benefits Every Year.
________________________________________________________________
Protect yourself and your family, especially in warmer seasons, and on vacation or staycation...
Hook, line and sinker: Check if there are any fish consumption advisories if you'll be fishing.
Avoid getting bitten: Always follow label directions when using insect repellents and pesticides. At home, remove places where bugs can live and breed.
Breathe easy: Going for a hike, bike ride, or working outside? Check your air quality before you go, and know when to take action to protect your health.
Driving along: In hot weather and long trips, save money and fuel by rolling the windows down at low speeds but use the vehicle air conditioner at highway speeds. Also, be sure your car is tuned up and the tires properly inflated.
Indicators Update. Find out more about environmental conditions. We've updated the dataset in the Report on the Environment, or ROE. This interactive tool includes maps and charts of five theme areas: air, water, land, human exposure and health, and ecological condition. Also, the website has regional and state trends, and links to what you can do.
Danger: Recharge air conditioners properly. If your home or vehicle air conditioner needs to be recharged, be sure to use correct, approved refrigerants. Avoid recharging with refrigerants that have "22a" or "R-22a" in the name as these contain propane or other flammable substances. These refrigerants are not approved and ARE NOT SAFE.
"Bee" safe with pesticides. If you use pesticides where bees are present, always READ THE LABEL. EPA has developed new pesticide labels that make it easier to understand how to apply the pesticides safely and correctly. Learn more about protecting bees and other pollinators from pesticides.
¿Habla español? Eche un vistazo a nuestra nueva página Web. Hemos rediseñado el portal cibernético en español de la EPA para facilitar la búsqueda de información sobre cómo usted puede ayudar a proteger su salud, su familia y el medio ambiente.
[TRANSLATION: Do you speak Spanish? Take a look at our new web site. We've redesigned EPA's Spanish-language web portal to make it easier for you to find ways you can help protect your health, your family, and the environment. ]
ENVIRO-TIP OF THE MONTH
Allow grass clippings to stay on the lawn. Instead of bagging, leave the cut grass to decompose and return to the soil, helping your lawn stay healthy. Get more backyard composting ideas.
______________________________________________________________
Maryland's Lawn Fertilizer Law—
What you should know.
Beginning October 1st, 2014, Homeowners and do-it-yourselfers will be required to follow University of Maryland recommendations when fertilizing lawns. Mandatory restrictions, similar to those imposed for lawn care professionals, apply:
What you need to know... (PDF)
Stormwater Run-off Fees & Eligible Rebates
New standards under the Clean Water Act to address stormwater runoff pollution will be financed annually by property owners through their property tax bill.
BUT
...start an approved stormwater retrofit project on your property and be eligible for rebates under the Rain Check Rebate Program! Improve your property and help our county, state and country - and get money back!
What's going on relative to our town (PDF) or See directly from the PG County site!
New Ban on Plastic Bags for Yard Waste Collection
Starting January 1st, 2014, residential curbside yard waste collection will no longer be accepted in plastic bags, as stated. We have alternatives. Residents should place their yard waste loose in a collection can, or use large yard waste PAPER bags. Go Green!
Department of Environmental Resources
9400 Peppercorn Place, Suite 500
Largo, MD 20774
(301) 883-5810
Forest Heights' Green Program in the News
2015
Forest Heights one of 13 recipients of PG County Government & Chesapeake Bay Trust Funding Grant
Prince George's County Government and the Chesapeake Bay Trust announced funding for 13 new projects to support stormwater restoration efforts throughout Prince George's County. The collaborative Stormwater Stewardship Grant Program was created earlier this year to encourage on-the-ground restoration activities that reduce nutrient and sediment pollution and community education activities that engage Prince George's County neighborhoods, faith-based organizations, non-profits, and residents in the restoration and protection of local rivers, streams, parks, and other natural resources. In total, $1,050,000 was awarded through 13 projects
"Prince George's County residents and local businesses alike are doing their part to help protect the rivers and streams of our County and the broader Chesapeake Bay watershed," said Adam Ortiz, Director of the Prince George's County Department of the Environment. "Through this partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, we are able to implement projects that not only reduce polluted runoff from entering local waters, but also educate our residents, neighborhoods, communities of faith, and others on how they can partner with us to help improve our community."
The Stormwater Stewardship Grant Program sought proposals in two specifics areas: water quality projects that achieve nutrient and/or sediment reduction (funding from $20,000 - $200,000 was available for each project); and engagement projects that aim to involve residents in efforts to improve local watersheds ($5,000 - $50,000 was available per project). The projects announced today include on-the-ground efforts such as rain gardens, bioretention practices, and impervious pavement removal as well as outreach campaigns related to green workforce development and stormwater management. Non-profit organizations, community associations, civic groups, and faith-based organizations were encouraged to apply, as well as municipalities, higher educational institutions, and public agencies.
"These stormwater practices truly accomplish two goals: Improving water quality and improving our communities. It's a classic win-win," said Jana Davis, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. "This new partnership with Prince George's County allows nonprofit organizations like faith-based organizations, homeowners associations, community groups, and others to play a much-desired larger role in the community effort to restore our collective green spaces and waterways."
For us, the Town of Forest Heights, receives $49,794: This grant will train a team of high school students to water, weed and mulch 500 street trees as well as educate homeowners about the benefits of trees on their own properties.
In addition to the 13 grants, the Chesapeake Bay Trust also announced funding for five new projects in partnership with Prince George's County through the collaborative Rain Check Rebate Program. View more information on both grant partnerships.
2014
Forest Heights Spotlighted in VOC video article for Tree Planting Program
Voice of America covered the Town of Forest Heights in their News/Science and Technology section! Why? For our fantastic work in conjunction with the students of the University of Maryland who pitched in with us to improve our Urban Forest, as they defined it - planting trees to help the earth, air, drainage, and even our property values!
Rock - or tree - On, Forest Heights!
2013
Forest Heights Awarded $35K for 'Green Street' Improvements
The Town of Forest Heights was one of only seven municipalities, counties and nonprofit organizations in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania awarded funding from the Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns initiative sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Congratulation, Forest Heights!
2010
An August 26, 2010 article published in the Gazette helped to spread the word about the town's eco-friendly projects.
Forest Heights made the Maryland Chesapeake and Coastal Program (CCP) spotlight once again, having been recognized for our Go Green Program. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has provided funding to the town to implement our comprehensive green initiative.