Mayor Jacqueline Goodall of Forest Heights (left) is awarded the Prince George’s Sierra Club 2014 Environmental Service Award by PGSC Chair Martha Ainsworth.

Mayor Jacqueline Goodall of Forest Heights is the 2014 recipient of the Prince George’s Sierra Club’s Walter “Mike” Maloney Environmental Service Award.  Elected to the Town Council in 2007 and as mayor in 2011, Goodall has been the driving force behind investments in reducing storm water runoff into Oxon Run, improving energy efficiency in municipal buildings, and establishing green infrastructure in the community, with support from previous mayors and the Town Council. The improvements have been financed through bonds from the state and grants from public agencies and private foundations.

The ForestHeights municipal building and grounds have become a green demonstration project with the goal of “zero runoff” into the streams leading to Oxon Run, a tidal stream that runs into Oxon Cove before it joins the Potomac. The municipal building has a green vegetated roof connected to a cistern and rain barrels, rain gardens, pervious pavement in the parking lot, a living wall, and conservation landscaping. The energy efficiency of the municipal building has cut energy costs through solar panels, energy-efficient windows, the green roof, and zoned air conditioning and heating.  Planned “green streets” will include permeable sidewalks, French drains, and tree boxes, while homeowners have been encouraged to get rain barrels, and to limit car-washing and pesticide use.

The award was presented on Sunday, June 29, at the annual Prince George’s Sierra Club picnic, Allen Pond Park, in Bowie.  Print-friendly version