­ Rain Barrel / Compost Bin Sale, Flea Market and OPEN House! Buy a Rain barrel and/or compost bin to support the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center and help the environment! Pre-order by August 6th. Pick-up & Open House at CBEC August 20, 9-3pm 

Responsible lawn care and landscaping practices can take a major part in the Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. The Scotts Miracle-Gro company underscores that healthy and properly maintained lawns and landscaping are highly effective in helping to absorb water and prevent stormwater runoff. Read more here for homeowner best practices.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking interested adults to become Teaching Environmental Awareness in Maryland (TEAM) volunteers. TEAM DNR volunteers help to educate over 28,000 elementary and middle school students about the Chesapeake Bay and other environmental issues. Learn more about TEAM volunteering here.

Governor O'Malley hosts the "Buy Local" Cookout and announces winning recipes. Continue reading here.

Maryland Outdoor and Nature Activities for kids and families occurring this weekend can be found by clicking here.

Green Events Around Maryland July 28 - August 3

Thru August 8: Howard County Farm2Table Restaurant Weeks . Enjoy fabulous food from a prixe fix menu at top Howard County restaurants. howardcountyrestaurantweek.com

July 28, 11:30AM. Landscape for Life: How should I design my sustainable landscape? Put into practice the techniques of sustainable design, without compromising aesthetics. Course number 130800; Fee: $10, FOBG: $5; registration required at www.parkpass.org; BrooksideGardens.org 301-962-1451 Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Adult Classroom

July 28, 1PM. Life in a Snag! What is a snag? It's not just a dead tree that hasn't toppled over yet- it's a home, a grocery store and a warehouse! After this program, you'll never look at dead trees the same way. BrooksideNature.org 301-962-1480 1400 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton

July 29, 6PM. Join park staff for an evening of fun on the course's high elements: 40-ft. rock wall, 50-ft. giant swing and 25-ft. pamper pole, and the zip line! Push your limits, leap for a trapeze, feel the adrenaline, enjoy the wind in your hair! Pre-registration required. Cost: $20/person Alex McGrath 410-820-1668, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Tuckahoe State Park, 13070 Crouse Mill Rd, Ridgely.

July 30 & 31. Spend a day (or two) enjoying fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants, animals, wine and more! A self-guided tour of farms throughout the county; (410)758-4418, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it qac.org Queen Anne's County

July 30, 10AM. Be a volunteer for a day as Irvine helps to create the Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas. The atlas aims to document the different reptiles and amphibians throughout the entire state and demonstrate what can be found in each region. Free for members, $10 non-members 443-738-9224 http://www.explorenature.org/ Irvine Nature Center 11201 Garrison Forest Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117

July 30 & 31, 1PM. The Goats Return to Hancock's Resolution . Natures lawnmowers - the eco goats return for the weekend. Free. historichancocksresolution.org. Hancock's Resolution, Gibson Island

August 1, 7PM. Bats & Beavers Pontoon Boat Cruise . Use our binoculars to find beavers and bats at Little Seneca Lake. Register at parkPASS.org. www.BlackHillNature.org 301-528-3492 20926 Lake Ridge Dr, Boyds, MD 20841

August 2, 6:30PM. We discuss locally-grown fruits, vegetables, eggs and meat, from where to find them to how to make them more available. 301.283.2113 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 3400 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek

August 3, 9AM. Weed Warriors at Patuxent Research Refuge . Help stop non-native invasive plants that are threatening our wildlife habitat. Patuxent Research Refuge North Tract, Rt. 198 between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 32, Laurel. 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. Ages 13 and up. Free. Bring gloves, water and hand tools (if available). Reservations required. 301-497-5887, patuxent.fws.gov

August 3, 9:30AM. Swallowtails, Skippers & Summer Azures . Let's take a hike in search of summer butterflies! We'll walk easy trails in several parks and hope to identify at least 30 species of butterflies at each location. Data collected will be used in wildlife management decisions. Free butterfly plant for each participant. Please register at parkPASS.org www.BlackHillNature.org   301-528-3492 20926 Lake Ridge Dr, Boyds, MD 20841

August 3, 6:30PM. FREE Lecture on the ICC and Environmental Protections . Learn more about the efforts to protect the diverse and sensitive natural environment that will be traversed by the Inter-county Connector ICC) and how state, local, and federal agencies have collaborated on these projects to help protect and restore Montgomery County's valuable natural resources. Speaker: Jai Cole, Aquatic Ecologist, Montgomery County Parks. Light refreshments served. Please register at parkPASS.org. www.MeadowsideNature.org     301-258-4030 5100 Meadowside Ln., Rockville, MD 20855

For many more event listings click here.

The 2011 print edition of My Green Guide Maryland is now available at your local library, Whole Foods and Maryland MVA offices.

Contact Margie Boyd at 410-263-1641 ext. 214 for information about an advertising package.

Donna Jefferson

My Green Guide Maryland

P.S. Send your Green News to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it