Community Partners

We are proud of the relationships we have forged with an excellent group of partners who collectively represent tens of thousands of county residents. We partner with other environmental organizations, civic groups and businesses with green practices and a shared conservation ethic. By bringing together a coalition of like-minded organizations and businesses, we can amplify our message about the importance of caring for our vital natural resources in Montgomery County. Our partners help us accomplish our mission and exemplify a motto of 'Working together to enhance our quality of life.' To read about the benefits of a Conservation Montgomery partnership, please visit this link. We hope you will contact us about a partnership. This page is dedicated to our partners, whose continued support is essential to the success of Conservation Montgomery. Please click on the bold type hyperlink for each organization below to learn more about each Conservation Montgomeory partner. We encourage you to join our partner organizations of interest to you as well as investing in Conservation Montgomery with your individual, family or annual organization membership, in addition to becoming customers of our green corporate partners.

CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR UPDATES FROM CONSERVATION MONTGOMERY PARTNERS

• Clean Currents co-founder appointed to the Governor's Electric Vehicle Council
• Read the Montgomery Countryside Alliance updates on aggressive Pepco tree-trimming
• Take the Silver Spring Green Residents Survey here
• If you are a Silver Spring business, click this link for the Silver Spring Green Business Survey

 

PARTNER PROFILES AND LINKS

 

 

 

Audubon Naturalist Society (ANS) inspires residents of the greater Washington, DC, region to appreciate, understand, and protect their natural environment through outdoor experiences, education, and advocacy. ANS is the largest and oldest independent environmental organization in the Washington, DC region. As a pioneer in linking conservation activities with environmental education, ANS reaches more than 8,000 children each calendar year through its programs and offers adults a rich variety of natural history classes and experiences. The organization offers adults a rich variety of natural history classes, local outings, and national and international travel experiences. They work with a network of civic and environmental groups on conservation issues, such as transportation, watershed and rural lands protection, and climate change. ANS also manages three wildlife sanctuaries: Woodend, Rust, and Webb. Each year, ANS hosts numerous special events, including the annual Nature Fair, Auction & Reception, and Bloomin' Birdathon. The society publishes the Audubon Naturalist News four times a year and broadcasts the Audubon eNEWS monthly. ANS operates the Audubon Sanctuary Shop at Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, MD, Rust Sancturay in Leesburg, VA, and online. All offer a large selection of birdseed, bird feeders & houses, natural history/environmental books & DVDs, binoculars, and children's gifts.

 

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) is the first grassroots, nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to fighting global warming in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Our mission is to build and mobilize a powerful grassroots movement in this unique region that surrounds our nation’s capital to call for state, national and international policies that will put us on a path to climate stability. We envision a country where clean energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are prioritized and dirty fossil fuels are phased out; where our world is on a path to 350 ppm CO2 in the atmosphere, creating a stable, sustainable climate.

 

 

Clean Currents is a local, independent green energy company, supplying wind power through the grid to residents and businesses in the Mid-Atlantic. The company provides clean electricity to residents and businesses in Maryland, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.  With Clean Currents it's easy to reduce your carbon footprint by switching to green power at competitive rates.  Since 2005, the company has helped more than 7,000 customers make the switch to clean energy. Clean Currents is a sustainably operated business, recognized as a “certified green businesses” at our Rockville headquarters by the Montgomery County Green Business Certification Program. Clean Currents is also the first and only energy company in the state of Maryland to be a certified B Corporation, incorporating our commitment to the environment and our community into our legal corporate structure.

 

 

 

The Citizens League of Montgomery County (CLMC) is comprised of a group of individuals who believe that everyone's individual perspective and ideas are important. After all, ideas begin with one individual. Seeing an idea to fruition in Montgomery County, as in many places, can be a long and daunting process for any individual. The CLMC was formed to give that individual, you, a new course. For those who care about positively participating in the development of policies that will shape our County for decades to come, we are offering a vehicle to get involved on your terms. Using technology to its fullest potential to reach untapped pockets of activism in the County, CLMC hopes to facilitate the civic process for thousands of County residents.Our collective strength will help influence County leaders towards balanced, common good solutions. We are not ‘pro’ or ‘anti’, right or left, but rather we seek to help individuals find that elusive third option, and bring it to the surface. The Board of CLMC is made up of individuals from all walks that believe in this and are looking to you and your guidance. The Citizens League of Montgomery County builds civic engagement and activism in Montgomery County by:

• Identifying, framing and proposing solutions to public policy challenges;
• Developing civic leaders in all generations who can contribute to the common good; and
• Organizing the individual and institutional relationships necessary to achieve these goals.

 

ecobeco’s mission is to help you save energy, money and the environment. This Rockville-based company is a one-stop shop for eco-friendly solutions for your home. ecobeco is a provider of Home Energy Audits under the Maryland Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program. ecobeco was awarded 2009 Maryland Home Performance Contractor of the Year by the Maryland Energy Administration. ecobeco was also awarded the 2010 Angie's List Super Service Award. ecobeco’s energy efficiency experts provide prioritized, actionable advice and facilitate the selection of contractors to get work done. ecobeco also provides auditing services for multi-family buildings (condos/apartments), and provides LED lighting solutions for commercial buildings. ecobeco provides services throughout in the Maryland suburbs of DC, the District of Columbia, and Northern Virginia.  ecobeco has done all the research for you: regulations, green building best practices, payback periods, return on investment, product recommendations. The company has partnerships with fantastic contractors who can perform work at your home. They  guide you through each option, explain the benefits and costs, and create an improvement plan  with specifics on what you should do today, next year, and in the future. ecobeco makes it easy to be eco. Find an ecobeco fact sheet here.

 

 

Equestrian Partners in Conservation (EPIC) is a non-profit organization created to preserve the equestrian heritage and rural character of Montgomery County, Maryland by conserving and protecting our natural resources.  EPIC supporters and affiliates include equestrians, businesses and service providers serving equestrians, and individuals who care about horses, farming, and conservation of trails and open space in Montgomery County.Equestrian Partners in Conservation (EPIC) is a Montgomery County-focused community organizing effort to engage the equestrian community in a strategic effort to conserve land for equestrian purposes and increase equestrian access to private and public lands.

 

 

Friends of Rock Creek's Environment (FORCE) is a nonprofit organization working in Montgomery County, Maryland, and Washington, DC, to protect and restore Rock Creek.  Since its founding in 2005, FORCE has become just that--a force for positive change in the Rock Creek Watershed.FORCE is the only organization that focuses on Rock Creek in its entirety.  The creek meanders 33 miles through the Washington metropolitan area, crossing federal lands as well as district, city, county, and state boundaries.  Although parkland borders much of the creek, the surrounding development threatens the health and beauty of these natural areas.  FORCE is uniquely positioned to foster watershed-wide outreach, education, and protection efforts to overcome threats to Rock Creek.

 

 

 

 

‘Granito de Arena’ se ha formado con la intención de contribuir con nuestro servicio y ejemplo al medio ambiente y nuestra comunidad.   Concientes que podemos aportar con ideas y acciones, nos disponemos a compartir nuestra preocupación y conocimientos en pro de mejorar nuestro planeta a toda persona que quiere poner su granito de arena.  Nuestros miembros son por lo general personas que trabajan por mejorar las condiciones de vida de personas con pocos recursos, pero somos concientes que todos necesitamos ser recorda...Ver más.   Nuestra misión es apoyar, inspirar, y contribuir con nuestro servicio y ejemplo al bien de nuestro medio ambiente y de nuestra comunidad por medio de programas y aprendizaje sobre el cuidado de los recursos, embellecimiento y limpieza de nuestros barrios y ciudades, educación sobre las responsabilidades cívicas, y el respeto al prójimo.

 

Greater Sandy Spring Green Space, Inc. (GSSGS) is a land trust formed to help preserve open space in the greater Sandy Spring, Maryland area. As urban sprawl continues to encroach on valuable farmlands, efforts are being throughout the country to preserve the rural character of our communities. The mission of GSSGS is to promote for the benefit of the general public, the preservation, protection and balanced use of open space and natural resources within eastern Montgomery County and the Patuxent River Watershed.

 

The Green Commuter

The Green Commuter mission is to provide the community with viable and environmentally friendly alternatives to the car for shorter journeys in order to reduce the emissions that are harming our environment while reducing our dependence on foreign oil. We are confident that Light Electric Vehicles (LEV), electric bikes specifically, are capable of becoming this alternative form of transportation but only if desirable products are brought to the market at reasonable cost to the consumer. Our vision is to make a positive influence in the community we serve.  We believe that riding electric bikes is a common sense solution to the ever increasing cost of transportation, heavy traffic congestion and will promote a healthier life style for all ages. People who ride electric bikes are ultimately more connected to their communities      
Our pledge to The Green Commuter customer and the community is to be a premier provider of products and services for commuters who want to reduce their carbon footprint.  We pledge to fully research and test products before we bring them to the market, assuring our customers that they are buying only the highest quality products in their price range. We will provide an honest, thorough and well trained sales and service staff with a goal of total customer satisfaction. We pledge to employ green, sustainable and fair business practices.    Hiking Along engages children in exploration of the natural world and encourages them to appreciate and learn about the environment and how humans impact it while hiking on scenic trails around the Metro DC region. While hiking, groups of children, preschool to high school, participate in hands-on science activities to learn about their natural surroundings. Eleven different, two mile hikes are offered to engage and teach children about hiking safety, Leave No Trace, nature photography, trees, rocks, deciduous and wetland ecosystems, and animal adaptations. Visit the hike menu to read descriptions of the eleven themed hikes. Visit the program page for general information about Hiking Along's hikes and programs.

 

 

One of the cleanest and greenest industries is that of IT services. Jobuntu LLC | Tech Support for Humans, is a small business dedicated to helping home & small office computer users with personal tech support. The company provides a variety of services including:

• Building desktop PCs for your specific needs,
• Installing, maintaining, repairing & replacing hardware and software
• Data Migration
• Virus recovery
• Data Backup solutions
• Networking solutions
• Hard Drive recovery solutions
• Laptop screen replacement
• and more including service contracts tailored to your needs

 

The Little Falls Watershed Alliance was started in 2008 to protect the fragile natural environment in lower Montgomery County and adjacent DC neighborhoods and to ensure that the natural spaces in our area persist for generations to come.As stewards of the watershed, we are committed to restoring the water quality, natural habitat and ecological well-being of the Little Falls Watershed.  We speak up for the needs of our parks and natural areas, and we advocate for clean water laws that are fair and enforced consistently. We strive to bring neighbors together in order to build awareness, improve the natural habitat, protect our community's natural heritage, and enhance the community, enjoyment of the many creeks and forests in the watershed.  Follow this link for a map of the watershed.

 

The Montgomery Bicycle Advocates -- also known as "MoBike" -- has a mission to advocate for the creation of a robust network of bike-friendly streets and hiker/biker trails across Montgomery County, and to raise public awareness of bicycling as transportation. MoBike is always working to identify important bike routes as well as problem streets and missing bikeways in Montgomery County. This guides the organization's recommendations regarding county budgets, project priorities and new project ideas. MoBike operates an ongoing forum for members to discuss issues related to improving the network of county bike routes.

 

The mission of the Montgomery County Civic Federation (MCCF) is to preserve and improve the quality of life for all current and future residents of Montgomery County, Maryland.  Since its founding in 1925, the volunteers of the MCCF have committed themselves to providing an effective citizen voice to government policy makers, both
elected and appointed. The Civic Federation is a not-for-profit, county-wide umbrella group designed to promote
cooperation, education and effectiveness of civic and community associations in Montgomery
County.  It addresses a wide range of concerns in transportation, land use, environment, education,
budget and finance, health and human services, public safety, and ethics.  With its strength of
numbers and thoroughness of its deliberations, the Federation influences county policy and
balances the activities of vested county pressure groups. The MCCF membership consists of neighborhood associations, as well as homeowner and condominium associations, which appoint voting delegates to the Federation.  In addition, individuals may join as non-voting Individual Associates.  

 

 

The mission of the Montgomery Countryside Alliance is to promote sound economic, land-use and transportation policies and programs that preserve the natural environment, open spaces, and rural lands in Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve for the benefit of all Washington Metropolitan area residents. As Montgomery County continually considers where and how to grow, protection of the Agricultural Reserve becomes more critical. We advocate for land use policies that protect rural and open spaces and working farms, while accommodating new growth in vibrant neighborhoods near transit centers and optimal use of current infrastructure. We envision a Montgomery that reliably and permanently supports its rural economy, treasures its forests, fields and streams, and plans carefully for growth.

 

The Montgomery Parks Foundation is a champion for Montgomery Parks, promoting the values and benefits of the park system to Montgomery County residents and policy-makers. The Foundation provides opportunities for county residents and businesses to support Montgomery Parks as members, donors, sponsors, and advocates, and actively seeks individual donations, sponsorships, legacy gifts, and endowments to support park operations, development and maintenance.

 

The Muddy Branch Alliance (MBA) was established in 2011 to protect the fragile natural environment in Gaithersburg and North Potomac and to ensure that the natural spaces in our area persist for generations to come.  The Muddy Branch Alliance is an all volunteer group of concerned citizens interested in protecting the fragile natural environment in Montgomery County.  As stewards of the Muddy Branch Watershed, we are committed to maintaining its water quality, natural habitat and ecological well-being. We do this by bringing neighbors together to build awareness, improve its natural habitat, and enhance the community's enjoyment of the many creeks and streams within the watershed. The Alliance counts on the support of citizens like you to participate in invasive vine removal and trash clean up days, voicing support for Alliance positions with local officials, or making a donation to support their efforts. 

Montgomery County residents can go to My Green Montgomery to get all the information and incentives they need to green their lifestyles and save money. This site directs users to County, State, Federal and utility programs and incentives that make “going green” a no-brainer. Create a personalized Green Plan, find an event on the Calendar, share your own success story, or find a contractor to help. Explore MyGreenMontgomery.org to get the resources to green every aspect of your life and protect our environment and our community for future generations.  

 

Neighbors of the Northwest Branch work to protect the Northwest Branch watershed is the largest sub-watershed of the Anacostia River with the majority of the watershed located in Montgomery County and Prince George's County Maryland. It stretches over 19 miles from the headwaters in Sandy Spring, MD to Bladensburg, MD where it joins with the Northeast Branch to form the Anacostia River. The watershed in Montgomery County includes portions of the communities of Norwood, Bel Pre Manor, Colesville, Layhill, Glenmont, Wheaton, Hillandale, White Oak, Silver Spring, Kemp Mill, Four Corners and Takoma Park. The Prince George's County portion of the watershed includes Langley Park, University Park, Chillum, Hyattsville, Avondale and Brentwood. The total watershed area, including a small portion of land in NE Washington, D.C., is 53.5 sq. mi. (139 sq. km.), with a resident population of about 254,000. Neighbors of the Northwest Branch, are committed to protecting, promoting and restoring the water quality, natural habitat, and ecological well-being of the Northwest Branch watershed. We intend to: foster environmental awareness and education, take action by engaging in various water quality, habitat restoration, land preservation and trash reduction efforts, and enlist broad-based public participation in and support of the foregoing goals and activities.

 

The Potomac Conservancy safeguards the lands and waters of the Potomac River and its tributaries and connects people to this national treasure. As the Voice of the Nation’s River, the Conservancy’s primary focus is to restore water quality by advocating sound policy and promoting thoughtful land management. The Conservancy protects and restores Potomac landscapes by enhancing a network of rivers, forests, and natural areas.  Because healthy lands and rivers reflect the quality of life in our communities,  the Conservancy promotes enjoyment of the river in ways that foster a conservation ethic.  Click here for more about the history of the Conservancy.

 

The Rock Creek Sports Club has a wide range of green business practices ranging from energy efficiency to best practices for conserving resources in the facility. In 2010 the Silver Spring based Rock Creek Sports Club was a top vote getter in the Bethesda Magazine for best places to work out in Bethesda/Silver Spring/Chevy Chase and Kensington. Nestled in the quiet outskirts of busy downtown Silver Spring on Grubb Road & Washington Avenue, the club is in the Rock Creek Shopping Center next to the Parkway Deli. The sun-filled, two level club creates plenty of energy while providing a friendly and convenient atmosphere for everyone. The club is made up of various age groups ranging in age from early 20s to mid-late 80s, with many in their golden years. We’re a perfect fit for new and experienced exercisers; our no-judgment club allows for people to come as they are without feeling intimidated. Members come from all over the metro area and live or work near Takoma Park, Bethesda, Kensington, Chevy Chase, Wheaton, Washington, DC and of course Silver Spring MD. Many members walk or bike to the club for workout sessions and classes.

 

The Seven Oaks / Evanswood Citizens' Association (SOECA) is a recognized civic association in Montgomery County, Maryland. Geographically SOECA members are located just north and east of the "Downtown" Silver Spring area, less than a mile from Washington, D.C. SOECA is one of the civic associations in the Presidents' Council of Silver Spring Civic Organizations (PREZCO). SOECA has an active email/online discussion group (ListServe).

 

Silver Cycles on Georgia Avenue is a small locally-owned business serving commuters, racers, and families. The shop outfits customersto haul cargo, win triathlons, and tour the C&O Canal. The shop specializes in finding unique solutions that make the cycling experience easy, fun, and functional. Staff at the store will take time with customers to map out the safest bike routes for commuting to work by bike or to find routes that are family friendly. Owner Linda Mack recommends shopping at a good specialty bicycle store in the area. She hires competent salespeople and expert mechanics who'll ensure that you get the right bike and a quality machine. In addition to helpful personnel, Silver Cycles offers a wide selection of bikes and accessories, and an on-site repair department.

 

The mission of the newly formed Silver Spring Green is to bring together businesses, civic organizations, residents and government to enhance our environment, economy and shared sense of community. Silver Spring Green emphasizes engaging and connecting people and institutions through mutually beneficial partnerships.
Silver Spring Green embraces the following principles and values:

 

Washington Women Outdoors (WWO) is a non-profit organization that is run almost entirely by volunteers. WWO engages in outdoor activities in the Washington, DC area where women share skills, experience, strengths, and support to enhance and expand each woman's world. WWO welcomes women of diverse ages, races, and lifestyles. WWO provides instruction by women for women. Activities are available for all skill levels to inspire the beginner and to challenge the more advanced. WWO members are independent women who seek adventure in the outdoors. WWO has a passion for hiking, biking, rock climbing, caving, backpacking, kayaking, cross country skiing, horseback riding, hang gliding, and anything that tests our strength and broadens our horizons.

 

In 1964, the Montgomery County Council adopted the General Plan "On Wedges and Corridors." This plan established land use guidelines for the County and set the standard for local and area master plans. The General Plan "envisioned the Potomac Subregion as a low density residential wedge area, which would complement the developed I-270 corridor." The plan explains that a "low density, rural and semi-rural area is needed not only for aesthetic reasons..., but as a conservation area to protect the public water supply" and to insulate agriculture "from the development pressures which affect those areas closer to the transportation corridor.."Throughout its over forty-seven year history, The West Montgomery County Citizens Association has held constant in its goals. It strives to maintain quality of life by monitoring growth and by placing the highest priority on green space. WMCCA aims to protect the environment; perpetuate animal and bird habitats; encourage low density, controlled growth and confined commercial areas; and it supports the philosophy, policies and goals of the General Plan as set forth in the 1980 Master Plan for the Potomac Subregion.

 

WOODROCK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

The Woodrock Homeowners Association serves a wooded residential development, consisting of single family homes and townhomes, that is located across the street from the C&O Canal National Historical Park.  The community is in the school district served by Carderock Springs Elementary, Pyle Middle School and Walt Whitman High School - some of the top public schools in the nation. Woodrock is also in close proximity to several nationally-ranked private academies, including three emphasizing foreign language curricula.  There are a variety of arts and leisure opportunities available in close proximity to Woodrock. Washington, D.C., Montgomery County, Arlington and Fairfax Counties have fine theaters, museums, shopping venues.