Southern Maryland This is Living - On-line Edition - Volume 10, Number 1, Spring 2008

Volume 10, Number 1, Spring 2008 The articles presented here are a sample of what is available in the hardcopy magazine. Magazines are on-sale now at your local news stands and supermarkets. You can also subscribe or renew on-line. Select articles from previous editions can be found in our on-line Archive. Enter for your chance to win a free TWO-YEAR subscription to the magazine.
		Before Colonial times, American Indians hunted the abundant wildlife in Southern Maryland through a diverse terrain. They had their choice of good hardwood trees for their canoes and dwellings. The public can discover the same surroundings by trail or canoe at the largest reserve on the western shore of Calvert County, managed by the American Chestnut Land Trust. More...
		Art has the power to generate change, even if that comes in a shade of green. As a community, we are striving to become more environmentally aware and Southern Maryland artists are doing their part. Local artists are recycling, reusing and saving items bound for the landfill. They're turning trash to treasure by creating one-of-a-kind recycled art that adds beauty and whimsy to our lives. More...
		Organic materials produce methane gas when buried at the dump amongst regular trash. Methane gas contributes to the destruction of the ozone. Composting provides a dual solution by breaking down the organic materials safely while providing a carbon and nitrogen rich soil amendment for the garden. Compost also cuts down on the need for fertilizers or water. More...
		The average energy bill in Southern Maryland is almost $2,200 a year, according to Terry Ressler, corporate communications manager with Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative. Making small changes at home may mean lower energy bills and a more eco-friendly lifestyle. More...
		America is going "green." The word on saving the planet's natural resources, reducing waste and conserving energy has gotten out in a big way. From environmental reality shows such as HGTV's "Living with Ed," to former Vice President Al Gore's Nobel Peace Prize recognition for his work on global warming, America is waking up to environmental concerns. More...
		As much of small-town America is falling victim to big box stores and endless chain restaurants, Leonardtown is going its own way. As early as 1654, Leonardtown was an important part of St. Mary's County as the location of the county court. It was established as the county seat in 1708 and remains in that post today. More...
		Today's shoppers are demanding a closer relationship with their farmer and their food. By reaping the benefits of locally grown, all-natural and organic products, health-conscience people are helping to swing the pendulum back to a simpler, natural way to harvest a meal. More...
		Chuck Finch shares the same farming philosophy as his grandfather. "He (Finch's grandfather) had a strong pride in feeding his family healthy food and I feel the same way," said Finch, who grows and sells organic produce from his one-acre Finch Family Farm in Helen. "Organic farming means there are no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or fungicides used on a crop." More...
		When I moved to Charles County in the mid-1980s, the area was much more rural and far less developed than it is today. I both lived and worked in Waldorf and it wasn't until I traveled down Chapel Point Road one weekend afternoon that I discovered the historic Port Tobacco River. My love of this river first came when I stood at the hill near St. Ignatius Church and looked down at the water. More...
		If you've ever had a seemingly irresolvable conflict with a family member, a neighbor or a landlord (and who hasn't?)-don't get angry, get mediation. In a world filled with too much conflict and anger, the mediation centers located in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's counties work to reduce those all-too-frequent losing propositions. More...