Purpose

Beautification and environmental enhancement of neighborhoods in the City. To recognize residential properties that do not use pesticides and follow conservation landscaping best practices, including Chesapeake Bay scaping recommendations, to enhance ecological value of yards and gardens. Key elements may include use of native vegetation (grasses, flowers, shrubs, trees), removal and control of invasive and non-native vegetation, capture and control of rainwater to reduce stormwater runoff pollution, reduced light pollution that interferes with insect reproduction, use of habitat structures to support wildlife.

Program Description

The Mayor's Green Shovel Award recognizes residents for eco-friendly practices that promote environmental stewardship and beautify the community.  Nominations may be made by contacting the Mayor’s office either by phone, email or letter. The following information should be provided if possible: property location, name and phone number and/or email of owner, description of qualifications of property for award based on eco-friendly practices described above. The person who makes the nomination must provide a name and phone number. This award is only open to residential areas of the City.

Nominations

Nominations can be submitted in the following manner:

• Completing the fillable form and submitting it via the form at the bottom of this page
   
• Printing and mailing the completed nomination form to:
  City of Laurel
  Mayor’s Green Shovel Award Program  
  C/o Office of the Mayor
  8103 Sandy Spring Road
  Laurel, Maryland 20707
   
• Nomination forms can also be dropped off in the drop box at the Laurel Municipal Center

Award Coordinator

Mayor’s Chief of Staff or designee

Award Committee

Environmental Program Manager, Two members of the City’s Environmental Affairs Committee, One member of the Laurel 4 Patuxent organization 

Award Selection Dates

Month of May, June, July, August and September

Location

Citywide, Residential Properties

Month/Day

Judging to take place in the third week of each month under the award selection dates by the award committee 

Time

N/A

Equipment Needed

N/A

Award Presentation

The Mayor will make the presentation each month at a time and location set up by the Mayor’s scheduler at the location of the winner.

Award

Mayor will present a citation and a “Green Shovel Award Winner” yard sign to the property owner(s) or person(s) responsible for the beautification effort.  A gift card of will also be presented.

Established March 2021