Maryland's unique blend of landscapes, from the Appalachian highlands to the coastal plains, hosts a diverse range of wildlife. There are several animals that are exclusive to the state, making them even more special. In this blog post, let's take a closer look at six remarkable animals that are endemic to Maryland.
1. Maryland Blue Crab :
No discussion about Maryland's wildlife would be complete without mentioning the iconic blue crab. These crustaceans are synonymous with the Chesapeake Bay and are a vital part of the state's culture and economy. Blue crabs are essential for maintaining the bay's ecosystem. They play a role in controlling the population of certain prey species, making them a true symbol of Maryland's connection to its waterways.
2. Maryland Darter :
Hailing from the cool, clear streams of Maryland, the Maryland darter is a small, vibrantly colored fish that is endemic to the state. Its intricate patterns and shades of color are striking. Being sensitive to changes in water quality, this darter serves as a critical indicator of stream health, making its conservation crucial.
3. Delmarva Peninsula Fox Squirrel :
The Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel, found in Maryland's woodlands, is the largest squirrel species in North America. With its silvery-gray fur and unique ear tufts, it's a standout in the squirrel world. However, habitat loss due to development has impacted its population, emphasizing the importance of preserving its natural environment.
4. Eastern Box Turtle :
Residing in the woodlands and grasslands of Maryland, the Eastern box turtle is a treasured reptile recognized by its hinged shell. This feature allows it to retreat into its shell for protection. Sadly, habitat loss and road incidents have led to a decline in its numbers, making its preservation a vital mission.
5. Cumberland Slider Turtle :
Endemic to the state's western regions, the Cumberland slider turtle thrives in the freshwater habitats of Maryland. With its distinctive markings and vibrant colors, it's a true representation of the state's diverse wildlife. Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the continued existence of this unique turtle.
6. Maryland Yellowthroat Warbler :
Venturing into the avian world, we find the Maryland yellowthroat warbler, a bird that calls Maryland's wetlands and marshes home. Recognizable by its distinctive mask, this warbler's cheerful song is a common sound in its native habitat. As wetland areas face threats, protecting these spaces is vital for the survival of this endemic species.
Maryland's rich ecosystems are home to an array of animals that contribute to the state's ecological uniqueness. From the vibrant Maryland darter to the stately Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel, each creature plays a role. By appreciating and safeguarding these endemic species, we can ensure that Maryland's natural heritage remains vibrant for generations to come.
Apartment living with pets can be a wonderful experience filled with love and companionship. To ensure a harmonious and enjoyable environment for both you and your furry friend, it's important to make your apartment pet friendly. In this blog post, we'll provide you with five valuable tips to create a pet-friendly apartment living experience.
1. Provide Adequate Space and Comfort:
Pets need their own space to feel secure and comfortable. Dedicate an area in your apartment for your pet's bed, toys, and other essentials. Create a cozy spot where they can relax and retreat when needed. Providing a scratching post for cats or a designated area for litter boxes. By offering a comfortable and designated space for your pet, you enhance their well-being and create a sense of home within your apartment.
2. Establish a Consistent Routine:
Pets thrive on routine, so establish a consistent schedule for feeding, walks, playtime, and bathroom breaks. Stick to regular mealtimes and take your dog for walks at similar times each day. Maintaining a routine helps them feel secure and reduces anxiety. Additionally, regular exercise and mental stimulation are vital for your pet's health and happiness, so make sure to provide adequate opportunities for physical activity and mental engagement.
3. Minimize Noise and Disturbances:
Apartment living often means living in close proximity to neighbors. To ensure a harmonious environment, be mindful of noise and disturbances caused by your pet. Teach your pet proper behavior and train them to respond to commands, minimizing excessive barking, meowing, or scratching. Consider using sound-absorbing materials, such as rugs or curtains, to reduce noise transmission. By being considerate of your neighbors, you promote a positive living experience for everyone in the building.
4. Maintain Cleanliness and Hygiene:
Keeping your apartment clean and odor-free is essential for a pet-friendly environment. Regularly groom your pet to minimize shedding and odors. Vacuum or sweep your floors frequently to remove pet hair and dander. Clean litter boxes regularly and dispose of waste properly. Use pet-friendly cleaning products to maintain cleanliness while avoiding harmful chemicals that may be toxic to your pet.
5. Engage in Enrichment Activities:
Pets need mental stimulation and enrichment to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Engage in interactive play sessions, provide puzzle toys, and rotate their toys regularly to keep them engaged. Consider using treat-dispensing toys or puzzle feeders to make mealtime more exciting. Provide scratching posts, climbing trees, or window perches for cats to fulfill their natural instincts. By providing enriching activities, you ensure that your pet's physical and mental needs are met, resulting in a happy and contented companion.
520 Park Avenue Apartments offers loads of pet friendly amenities and while we are in Baltimore City, we are close to parks and green spaces. Creating a pet-friendly apartment living environment requires thoughtful consideration and proactive measures. By providing adequate space and comfort, establishing a consistent routine, minimizing noise and disturbances, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, and engaging in enrichment activities, you can cultivate a harmonious and joyful living experience for both you and your furry friend. Embrace the love and companionship that pets bring and make your apartment a place where they feel safe, loved, and truly at home.
Baltimore is an inclusive and brilliant city known for its rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and a strong LGBTQ+ community. As Pride celebrations continue to evolve each year, 2023 promises to be an extraordinary time to embrace love, equality, and diversity. 520 Park Apartments are luxury apartments located in the heart of Mt Vernon, a hub for all things Pride!
The theme this year for Baltimore Pride is “ One Heart, One Love, One Pride ” and will celebrate June 19-25, 2023.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pride Center Of Maryland 🖤💜🤎🤍💙💚❤️🧡💛 (@baltimore_pride)
June 16, 2023 - Twilight on the Terrace
Start off the first weekend of Pride at Gertrude’s for Twilight on the Terrance, the largest gala benefiting The Pride Center of Maryland. Head to Gertrude’s for a night of dancing, performances from incredible local artists, fine food and craft cocktails.
June 17, 2023 – Pride of Mt Vernon
Stop by Mt Vernon from 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM for a pride filled, family and dog-friendly street festival featuring a stage with musical entertainment, shopping with artists, local vendors and more.
June 23, 2023 - Ridin’ the Rail at the B&O
Head to the B&O Railroad Museum and hop aboard the Pride Train for a Pride celebration you won’t want to miss! Catch one-of-a-kind drag performances, followed by a night to remember with food, drinks, music and dancing under the stars.
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June 24, 2023 – Baltimore Pride Parade & Block Party
Starting at 1:00 PM, at North Charles and 33 rd Street, The Baltimore Parade kicks off the day’s activities. The parade leads directly into The Block Party on Charles Street between North Avenue & 23 rd Street. Check out a variety of vendors, DJs, great food from local vendors and incredible talent that you won’t want to miss!
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June 25, 2023 – Pride in the Park
Head to Druid Hill Park, Sunday afternoon to continue the festival with vendors, music, incredible drag performers and so much more starting at 12:00 PM. Get there early so you don’t miss a thing and don’t forget to bring your picnic blanket and sunscreen!
Baltimore is a city that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and the spirit of Pride. Whether you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, celebrating Pride in Baltimore is an experience like no other. 520 Park Apartments offers world class amenities, luxury downtown apartments and a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
How many of these Maryland state symbols are you familiar with?
Bird | Baltimore Oriole
The Baltimore oriole is a distinctive inhabitant of Maryland's suburban areas and parks. The Baltimore Oriole migrates north from Mexico and South America in the spring and returns south for the winter. The Oriole weaves bag-shaped hanging nests often found on shade trees and feeds on fruit, insects and nectar. The Baltimore oriole is also the mascot and namesake for Baltimore’s baseball team, the Baltimore Orioles. The Oriole Bird has been the mascot of the Baltimore Orioles since 1979.
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Reptile | Diamondback Terrapin
The official reptile of the state of Maryland is the diamondback terrapin . Diamondback terrapins are the only turtles adapted to live in brackish water, as such, you will find these turtles living in costal marshes in Maryland. Diamondback terrapins have made their way to mascot status, becoming the official mascot of The University of Maryland College Park. In addition to being the mascot, The University of Maryland College Park donates a portion of sale proceeds from their “Fear the Turtle” merchandise to fund terrapin conservation and research efforts.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Reptile Report (@thereptilereportofficial)
Flower | Black-eyed Susan
The Black-eyed Susan has been the official flower of Maryland since 1918 when it was designated the “Floral Emblem” of Maryland by the General Assembly. Black-eyed Susans are members of the sunflower family and are perennial daisies or coneflowers. They are native to the United States, east of the Rocky Mountains. The root of the black-eyed Susan is used in traditional and folk remedies to treat colds. These beautiful flowers are commonly found in fields and on roadsides, blooming between May and August.
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Gem | Patuxent River Stone
The Patuxent River Stone became the State Gem of Maryland effective October 1, 2004. This stone can only be found in Maryland and the colors of rent and yellow reflect the Maryland State Flag. Have you ever seen one of these stones around Maryland?
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andi Jumalon Witherow (@andiro1969)
Crustacean | Blue Crab
The Chesapeake Bay is famous for blue crabs , which Maryland designated its official state crustacean in 1989. Blue crabs are omnivores, eating both plants and animals, typically consuming thin-shelled bivalves, annelids, fish, plants and nearly any other item that they can find, including carrion. The blue crab's scientific name ( Callinectes sapidus Rathbun) translates as "beautiful swimmer that is savory." In Maryland, blue crabs are the most valuable commercial fishery.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Larry White (@wildgamegourmet)
Dessert | Smith Island Cake
The Smith Island Cake became the State Dessert of Maryland on October 1, 2008. Named after Smith Island, Maryland’s last inhabited island that is reachable only by boat, the Smith Island Cake consists of eight to ten layers of yellow cake with chocolate frosting between each layer and slathered over the whole. Many variations of the cake have evolved, both in flavors of the cake itself and frosting. Have you ever tried Smith Island Cake?
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Dinosaur | Astrodon johnstoni
Astrodon johnstoni was designated the state dinosaur of Maryland in 1998. Astrodon johnstoni, who were herbivores, lived in Maryland from 95 to 130 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous period. These giant sauropods weighed up to 20 tons. Astrodon johnstoni had small heads, long necks, long tails, and strong, solid legs. Fossilized teeth of the Astrodon johnstoni were found in Maryland in 1858, marking one of the earliest dinosaur finds in the country and the first in state.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Page about prehistoric fauna (@extinct_animal_facts)
Fish | Rockfish
In 1965, Maryland designated rockfish , also called striped bass, as the official state fish. Between April and June, rivers feeding Chesapeake Bay provide spawning grounds for most Atlantic Coast rockfish because adult rockfish swim in the ocean but lay their eggs in fresh water. Rockfish that are born in the Bay spending their first 3 to 5 years there before migrating to the Atlantic where they may live up to 30 years.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Central Coast Fishing Charters (@central_coast_fishing_charters)
Be sure to keep an eye out for these state symbols next time you’re out hiking or just driving around our great state of Maryland!
Creating a positive environmental impact starts at home. Through sustainable living, we can live a lifestyle that attempts to reduce society’s reliance on the Earth’s natural resources. Apartment dwellers can take earth-conscious steps towards making their home an eco-friendly zone and reap the numerous benefits that come along with sustainable living, which include cost savings and a healthier life. To help you take the first step into sustainable apartment living, here are 9 tips:
Reduce Your Energy Use
There are numerous ways to reduce your home’s energy consumption, like making sure to shut down your computer, unplugging idle electronics, and turning off lights when they’re not in use. Speaking of lights, make sure you’re using LEDs , which are eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and have a longer lifespan.
Conserve Water
Did you know the average American uses an average of 82 gallons of water a day at home? What’s more, nearly 1 in 10 people around the world lack access to clean water . Do your part to reduce water consumption by turning off the water when it’s not in use (this includes while washing hands), taking shorter showers, only running your dishwasher when its full, and reporting all water leaks to your Leasing Office. Conserving water protects our ecosystem and can also save you money on your energy bills!
Use Green Cleaning Products
Cleaning products are necessary for maintaining attractive and healthy conditions - the removal of dust, allergens, and infectious agents is crucial to maintaining a healthy indoor environment. However, certain cleaning products may contain chemicals associated with eye, skin, or respiratory irritation, or other human health issues . Making the switch to green cleaning products can help to reduce the human health and environmental concerns that come along with cleaning.
To identify greener cleaning products, consult the EPA’s Safer Choice program , which certifies products that contain safer ingredients for human health and the environment.
Opt for Energy Efficient Appliances
While you may not have a say in the type of larger appliances used in your apartment home, swapping your smaller appliances for eco-friendly alternatives can make a huge difference in your energy bill and carbon footprint. Though they can cost more up front, energy efficient appliances will save you enough in utility costs that they’ll often pay for themselves in a short time.
Shop Sustainable Furniture
Often made of cheap single-use materials derived from questionable working conditions, fast furniture is manufactured quickly and en masse to keep up with passing trends. That kind of consumption is having real ramifications on the planet. The EPA estimates that over 9 million tons of furniture is tossed in landfill each year. What’s more, as furniture decomposes, it can emit harmful gases like methane and carbon dioxide.
When furnishing your apartment home, first opt for secondhand pieces to help keep them out of landfills. If secondhand isn’t an option, opt for pieces made from sustainable materials and by brands that are doing their part to reduce their environmental impact .
When it comes to floor coverings, choose rugs made with natural materials like organic cotton, seagrass, jute, and wool.
Control Temperature Naturally
Besides adding a touch of design and personality to your apartment, window treatments provide shade against the sun in the summer and trap heat during winter. When choosing window attachments, look for products certified with the Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC) Energy Improvement rating for increased energy savings and added comfort.
Control the temperature in your home more naturally by opting for an open window vs air conditioning or adding or removing layers of clothing. And when it is time to turn on the thermostat, make sure to schedule your programmable thermostat for optimal energy savings.
Reduce Your Overall Consumption
Recycling items you’re no longer using is a great way to reduce your footprint, but reducing your consumption in the first place has an even bigger impact.
Buying less isn’t about purchasing only sustainable brands or shopping secondhand. It’s about being thoughtful with what you buy, thinking about the future, and spending your hard-earned cash on things you’ll actually use.
Opt for Zero-Waste Consumables
Single-use plastics are a glaring example of the problems with throwaway culture and reflect our tendency to prioritize convenience over durability and consideration of long-term impacts. Of the 300 million tons of plastic waste produced each year worldwide, half of that is for single-use items.
Zero waste alternatives can be found for nearly every single use plastic consumable – like toilet paper, dish soap, laundry detergent and more!
When it comes to living a low waste lifestyle, perfection isn’t the prime objective. Simply swapping out one or a few of your “normal” items for these zero waste products is a significant move.
Compost Food Waste
Tossing food waste into a garbage bin might seem like no big deal, but food waste sent to landfills can seriously impact climate change. When food waste is trapped in a landfill without air, it releases methane, which is a potent gas that contributes significantly to global warming.
One way to avoid this is to compost your food waste . Composting is a process of naturally recycling organic materials like leaves and food scraps into decomposed matter that enriches the soil. Composting simply speeds up the process of decomposition by creating the ideal environment for microorganisms to feed on them.
You can add compost to your window boxes or mix it with potting soil for indoor plants.
Creating an eco-friendly apartment has immense benefits, from ridding your space of dangerous greenhouse gas emissions, improving your health by avoiding products and materials that contain toxic chemicals, and saving energy by using lights and electrical appliances that are power efficient. Practice the tips mentioned above and create an eco-friendly apartment. Not only will you save money, but you will be doing your part in saving our planet.
Stainless steel appliances look great and blend with most decors. Here at 520 Park, our luxury apartment homes feature fully equipped kitchens with stainless steel appliances sure to compliment your personal design style. Keep your appliances looking pristine and free of marks from grease, fingerprints and water drops by following these guidelines.
Wipe in the Direction of The Grain
When cleaning stainless steel appliances, the main goal is to do it without damaging the surface or leaving unsightly streaks on it. Find the direction of the grain by looking for little horizontal or vertical lines in the stainless steel. If the stainless-steel grain is horizontal, wipe from left to right. If the grain is vertical, wipe in a downward direction.
Use a Designated Stainless-Steel Cleaner
Avoid using any harsh chemicals or multi-purpose cleaners that contain bleach or ammonia on your stainless-steel appliances, as these can cause scratches and damage to the appliance. Instead, use a designated stainless steel cleaner , which is formulated to dissolve grease without scratching. Many also leave behind a protective coating to help deter future fingerprints.
Wipe With Microfiber Cloth
After cleaning your appliances, avoid allowing them to air dry, which can lead to streaks. Instead, buff them dry with a clean microfiber cloth, which lift and trap dirt and grease and do a better job zapping streaks more quickly than plain cloths or sponges do. Apply a little extra elbow grease when you come to any oily smears or stubborn fingerprints. Steel brushes and steel wool pads should not be used since they can scratch the surface of your appliance.
