The Bowie Green Team, Bowie Lions Club and the Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce have joined forces to sponsor the Third Annual Green Expo. This year's Expo will take place on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at the Kenhill Center (2614 Kenhill Drive) from 1 - 4 p.m.

This free community-wide, family-oriented event features local environmental groups, nonprofits, and local and regional businesses offering green products or services. Attendees can learn how to have a healthy and happy lifestyle while reducing their environmental footprint.

For more information about the Expo, visit www.bowiegreenexpo.org.

At the Expo, Joanne Throwe, Executive Director of the University of Maryland’s Environmental Finance Center (EFC) will present a short program on stormwater and the more stringent requirements the City will face under new State permit regulations. The EFC will also have an information booth at the event, and will be conducting demonstrations on the effects of stormwater runoff using the Enviroscapes pollution model.

The EFC is undertaking a Stormwater Financing Feasibility Study for the City. As part of this process, the EFC is holding meetings with several City committees and community groups, such as homeowners associations, church groups, recreational groups, etc. to discuss the importance of stormwater control and its role in addressing flooding and water pollution issues.

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is expected to issue the City’s new Stormwater Permit later this year. The permit will likely require the City to retrofit at least 20% of untreated impervious cover with stormwater management facilities. The immediate challenge will be to look for ways to design and fund the most beneficial, cost-effective projects to address these needs.

City Council has proclaimed April to be “Earth Month” in Bowie. All residents are encouraged to participate in the many green events happening in the City during the month of April, including: the Stream Clean Up (April 6); Green Expo (April 13); Arbor Day at Acorn Hill Park (April 20); and a Rain Barrel Workshop at City Hall (April 27).