Cecil College designated ‘Bay-Wise Certified’

NORTH EAST, MD: Cecil College’s North East Campus has earned Bay-Wise Certification through the University of Maryland Extension’s Bay-Wise Living Landscapes Program, an achievement driven largely by the sustained efforts of the College’s Biology Club in close partnership with the campus grounds maintenance team, led by John Hartman.

What sets this designation apart is the collaborative, hands-on work behind it. Biology Club students led the initiative from the ground up, researching Bay-friendly landscaping practices, advocating for sustainable changes, and working side-by-side with the grounds crew to investigate and promote environmentally responsible, Chesapeake Bay–friendly spaces that emphasize long-term sustainability. Part of the students’ efforts will culminate in May with the installation of a pollinator garden on campus, using native plants to support native pollinators.

The grounds maintenance team plays a critical role in implementation and maintenance of these environmentally responsible practices. From reducing reliance on fertilizers and pesticides to integrating native plantings and improving soil health, their day-to-day stewardship ensures that the students’ vision is executed effectively and sustained over time. The result is a campus landscape that not only meets Bay-Wise standards but also serves as a living example of environmentally conscious land management.

“This program focuses on improving water quality, supporting native biodiversity, and building climate-resilient communities through science-based gardening practices,” said Associate Professor of Biology Heather Cadogan, faculty advisor to the Biology Club. “What makes this effort especially meaningful is seeing our students and facilities team collaborate so closely to create real, measurable environmental impact.”

The Bay-Wise designation recognizes landscapes that are managed to protect local waterways, particularly those feeding into the Chesapeake Bay. Cecil County’s location makes this work especially important, as five major rivers - the Elk, North East, Susquehanna, Sassafras, and Bohemia - serve as northern tributaries to the Bay. By adopting practices that reduce runoff and improve water absorption, the College is directly contributing to the health of this vital ecosystem.

The certification was awarded through the Cecil County Master Gardener Bay-Wise program, which evaluates properties based on their use of sustainable landscaping practices. These include planting native species, managing stormwater on-site, minimizing turf areas, and enhancing soil conditions to support water retention and reduce erosion.

At Cecil College, this certification stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when students and staff work together toward a shared environmental goal—turning campus grounds into both a functional landscape and a model of sustainability.

www.cecil.edu