Through the Delaware River Watershed Initiative, the William Penn Foundation has invested millions of dollars to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment in non-point source pollution impacting Delaware River tributaries, focusing on land protection and agricultural restoration activities.  

2009 (January)

The Occoquan District is located in Prince William County in the northern part of Virginia.  Certain critical issues affect the Occoquan District, including conserving and protecting natural beauty and environmentally sensitive areas; expanding transportation choices to include public transit, pedestrian and non-motorized opportunities; providing housing choices that accommodate the full-range of residents from diverse social, cultural, and financial backgrounds; and supporting a broad array of business enterprises, including locally-owned businesses.    

2008 (January)

This white paper report was the culmination of a year-long outreach and technical assistance effort managed by the EFC in coordination with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and First State Community Action Agency for the Inland Bays Watershed, located in Sussex County, Delaware.

2010 - 2011

Marylanders drive 151 million miles a day and account for 30 percent of the emissions that contribute to the poor air quality in this region. Drivers can help reduce these harmful emissions by keeping their cars properly maintained. Even small measures, such as proper tire inflation and replacing air filters, can have a significant impact.

2021

EFC, in partnership with the towns of Chesapeake Beach and North Beach, facilitated a multi-phase project that enabled each town to develop and implement comprehensive flood and sea level rise action plans. The two towns are neighboring communities in Calvert County, situated directly on the Chesapeake Bay.

2023

Biochar is a carbon-rich (charcoal-like) material formed by “cooking” (thermochemical conversion) waste organic matter, (harvested/waste wood, green waste, manures, etc.) in an oxygen-free environment. It is an ancient technology termed Terra Preta (“Dark Earth”) in ancient Amazon Basin cultures and was principally used to enrich farmlands prior to the advent of modern fertilizers. In the last several decades, biochar has seen a resurgence worldwide due to its ability to address a multitude of environmental objectives.

2022

Since 2018, the Turkey Hill Clean Water Partnership has made waves in the agricultural industry; incentivizing farmers to get involved in conservation and elevating Turkey Hill’s supply chain. This groundbreaking partnership has a monumental impact on the Lancaster community, the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and beyond.

Thu, 10/30/2025 - 12:00

How did a seashell bankroll an ancient civilization? Why does Spain’s most famous Catholic cathedral contain an Islamic mihrab? Did renderings of a 16th century Italian palace overlook an intentional optical illusion? Answers to some of history’s perplexing questions will be the subject of a TED-talk style event November 14 at the University of Maryland, highlighting breakthrough research from UMD faculty and students on the mysteries of the ancient world. 

Fri, 12/01/2023 - 12:00

MAPP alums are no strangers to receiving top awards worldwide, but being recognized at their alma mater makes being an award recipient extra special. Just ask Craig Spangler, AIA (B.ARCH ‘82), who received the President's Award at the Alumni Association’s 2023 A Celebration of Terps: Featuring the Maryland Awards on Nov. 10.

Thu, 10/30/2025 - 12:00

The park bench Shahrzad Ateffi encountered biking through the Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, D.C. spoke to her, but it wasn’t an invitation to rest. Lonely and sun-beaten without a shade tree in sight, the wooden plank was more performative than practical, and sent a clear message to the University of Maryland graduate student: “You’re not really meant to stay here.”