About Us
Conservation Montgomery is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organzation. We are a coalition of civic and environmental organizations as well as individual residents who address a broad spectrum of environmental and quality of life challenges facing Montgomery County over the next decade as the county approaches a population of one million. The first of its kind in the county, Conservation Montgomery serves as a forum for county residents who want:
- Effective watershed protection and stormwater management
- Tree-lined streets -- and a tree and forest canopy that will provide environmental,
economic and aesthetic benefits
- Workable solutions dealing with the impacts of climate change
- Energy-efficient homes, offices and businesses
- Sustainable transportation
- Pedestrian and bike-friendly neighborhoods
- Green public space and lush parks
- Responsive governance with land use decisions based on input all community stakeholders
Too often, we fail to see the connections between livable communities and environmental stewardship until it’s too late. Conservation Montgomery seeks to bridge the gaps between environmental issues currently addressed by a multitude of community groups and the civic community. By joining forces and working with elected officials and other stakeholders who are genuinely interested in making a difference, we can sustain the positive aspects of life in Montgomery.
The coalition helps county residents understand their role in enviromental stewardship and serves as a resource for informed decision-making among elected officials. The organization works with individual residents, civic groups, businesses and other nonprofits and associations to reach out to our communities.
Conservation Montgomery was established by a founding board, over half of whom were among those honored by the County Council as "40 Environmentalists Who Made a Difference in 40 Years" to mark the 40th anniversary of Earth Day in the United States. They are joined on the Board of Directors by leaders from county civic associations and others with expertise and leadership experience in science-based community policy. Conservation Montgomery offers a public forum for addressing a comprehensive set of county issues.
We manage a website, a community calendar, and an archive of resources. We conduct "Community Strolls" in county parks and neighborhoods and host tree planting and environmental stewardship projects around the county. As needed, we testify at Council, State or Maryland-National Capital Planning Commission hearings. We offer tools to residents and policy makers and brokers partnerships who want to work toward positive outcomes for our communities. Conservation Montgomery is funded by members, member organizations and grants.
Find our 2012 accomplishments here.
Our Mission
To sustain Montgomery County's quality of life and natural resources for current and future generations though community awareness and sound decision-making.
Our Vision
A connection between the health of our natural landscape and our collective quality of life. Conservation Montgomery envisions an environmentally literate citizenry and elected officials who act to protect natural resources in our communities.
Board of Directors
We have a dedicated but unpaid volunteer board. Thanks for your patience if you contact us. Most of us work full-time jobs in addition to the volunteer work we do in the community.
Alan Bowser
Arlene Bruhn
Diane Cameron
Evan Glass
Barbara Hoover
Caren Madsen
Andrea "Andie" Murtha
Mike Rubin
Advisory Council
Student Advisor to the Board
Julia Madsen
Members of our Board at the November 2012 Annual Meeting, above from left to right standing: Founding Board Member Mark Buscaino, and Board Members Alan Bowser, Ginny Barnes, Arlene Bruhn, Caren Madsen, Barbara Hoover, and Evan Glass.