BALTIMORE, MD (January 31, 2013) – Partners from State and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, academic institutions and advocacy groups joined together today to kickoff Maryland’s Reclaim the Bay public awareness effort and Earth Day Poster Contest. Whether we live near the water or miles from it, our everyday actions have a profound effect on our local water quality and the Chesapeake Bay. Maryland has made great progress in working toward restoring the Chesapeake Bay to its former glory, but there is still hard work ahead.

Maryland’s Reclaim the Bay campaign seeks to get Marylanders involved in Bay restoration efforts by sharing what they can do at home to help us reach our 2025 pollution reduction goals. We will also be promoting cost-effective solutions for compliance with water quality standards to ensure that the Chesapeake Bay is fully restored to a healthy resource for future generations to enjoy. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) invites students grades K through 8 to participate in MDE's first Earth Day poster contest. This year's theme is Reclaim the Bay.​