1

SPRING / SUMMER 2015

Harford’s Homemade Ice Cream p.4

Sustainable Fashion p.16

Back to Nature In need of a getaway? The Appalachian Trail is calling...

EDITOR IN CHIEFMatt Tennyson

COPY EDITORSSydney Gaeth, Jessica Conway

WRITING STAFF Jennifer Lewis, Chris Scopelliti, Georgina Cammayo, Samantha Hauf, Daniel Mele

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITORJoshua Eller

FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPHYJohn Morin

PHOTOGRAPHY STAFFNick Rynes

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOGRAPHYCirque Alfonse, The Treehouse Camp,

Jason Hollinger, Júlio Reis, H. Zell, Fritz Flohr Reynolds

ART DIRECTORFaras Aamir

DESIGN SPECIALISTBrianna Breece

PRODUCTION ASSISTANTSDavid Williamson, Uchenna Ifeacho,

Tia Jones, Tracy E. Smith

BUSINESS MANAGERRachel Mitchell

CHIEF ADVISERClaudia Brown

TECHNICAL ADVISERPhilip Roszak

PRINT PUBLISHERStockson Printing Company

8

In our modern age, we have many

amenities and advanced technolo-

gies at our disposal. With so many

distractions consistently bombarding

us, we may forget the captivating

natural landscapes that exist in our

own backyard.

In this issue of Owl Magazine, we

take a look into the natural realm as

we go “Back to Nature.”

Whether we’re hiking along the

Appalachian Trail (pg. 8-11) or we’re

venturing off to the woods to camp

out in a tree house (pg. 18), nature

has many different adventures to

offer us.

The importance and utility of

beekeeping is explored with local

beekeeper Steve Rouse as we dive

into the “Sweet Harvest” of bees (pg.

5). Even in our own backyard, the

plants and weeds we often consider

a nuisance can have a practical and

medicinal value (pg. 12-15).

As we explore our natural roots

and the ways people are working to

preserve the planet, we see various

highlights within the community of

people striving towards an environ-

mentally sustainable change.

Local farm owner Dawn

Yurkiewicz found an eco-friendly

method for lawn care using her

fuzzy, four-legged goat friends (pg. 6).

Baltimore-based clothing companies

are taking strides to eliminate

pollution and use recycled materials

(pg. 16-17). HCC has also taken

initiatives to go green with many of

the facilities on campus (pg. 7).

Nature has everything we need

to survive. Whether we take our

resources directly from nature or we

change them into something com-

pletely different, the natural world is

pivotal to our prosperity and growth

as a species.

In this “Back to Nature” issue, we

hope to drive home the importance of

preserving nature while also high-

lighting the positive changes being

made right in our own community.

SPRING 2015 | Owl MaGazINe

eDITORIal

Editor’s Note:Exploring Nature’s Gift

NOW ON FACEBOOKfacebook.com/OwlMagazine

124

8A Night in a Tree HouseLooking for a unique vacation experience? Venture into the

forest at The Treehouse Camp at Maple Tree Campground.

SPRING 2015 | Owl MaGazINe

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1816Sustainable Fashion Find out how you can help the environment and be stylish at

the same time.

Eco-LandscapingDitch that old lawnmower for these four-legged herbivores.

Backyard MedicineWho knew weeds could be so useful?

12

Also Inside: Live at HCC p.23Green Initiatives Blossom at HCC p.7

12Broom’s Bloom DairyIndulge in a scoop of old-fashioned goodness from the Dallam

family farm in Bel Air, Maryland.

Sweet HarvestBeekeeping has become more important than ever. See what

all the buzz is about.

4 5

6

4

At first glance, I thought it was

a barn. Situated in the middle of

the farm, no one would guess that

this is an eating establishment. I

traveled on a gravel road and as I

approached the barn and the picnic

tables, it suggested that this was

not a typical farm.

Broom’s Bloom Dairy, located

on Route 543 in Bel Air, has been

open for the past decade. As a

small, locally owned business,

the owner’s goal is to satisfy local

customers on a daily basis with

local products.

Known for their homemade

delicious ice cream, they also sell

artisan cheese, pork sausage, free-

range eggs, seasonal vegetables,

flowers and they serve homemade

heart-warming soups for both lunch

and dinner.

When I went to try some of the

foods and ice cream out at Broom’s

Bloom, I fell in

love with

all

of

the flavors that I sampled. Broom’s

Bloom makes more than 100 different

flavors a year, and serves 12-18 at a

time, depending on the season.

Some of the different flavors that

you would not see at other places

include Coconut, Caramel Cashew,

Graham Cracker Butter Cake,

Marachino Cherry and Chips, and

Coffee. I tried the Graham Cracker

Butter Cake and it is now my new

favorite flavor. It wasn’t too heavy and

sweet, which is what I loved about it.

A small cup of ice cream costs $2.50,

while a large cup costs $4.50.

Aside from their unique ice cream

selection, Broom’s Bloom also has an

up and coming reputation for their

soups. The “Maryland Half and Half” is

a combination of their Cream of Crab

and Maryland Crab soup. My, was it

delicious!

I have never tasted any kind of

soup like that before; it was extremely

creamy and had large pieces of crab

meat in it. A small 8 oz. cup of soup is

$4.25 while the 12 oz. bowl is $5.75

Broom’s Bloom also has numerous

lunch specials that they serve year

round. I tried the Cowman’s Repast,

which is a cup of soup/stew or mac

and cheese, half a sandwich, and a

small ice cream for $9.95.

I really enjoyed this special because

the sandwiches are delicious, and it

is not too much food at once; and to

top it all off, you get an ice cream for a

dessert.

Charles, a 65-year-old Vietnam War

Veteran says there is “no place like

Broom’s Bloom.” He adds, “I love the

customer service, it’s the reason we

come here. I go to other places around

town with my wife and the employees

don’t have a smile on their faces like

they do here.”

Broom’s Bloom represents how

small businesses are the backbone of

our country. This place is for people

of all ages, and if you haven’t tried

out this great restaurant, I highly

advise you do so. You will not be

disappointed and their food will keep

you coming back for more.

SPRING 2015 | Owl MaGazINe

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Harford’s Homemade Ice CreamBy Chris Scopelliti | Photography by Nick Rynes | Owl Staff

Dating back to the 1700’s, Broom’s Bloom farm is supporting its 9th generation of the Dallam family.

Broom’s Bloom Dairy

5

By Daniel Mele | Photography by Ahmed Hamayun & Matt Tennyson | Owl Staff

SWEET HARVEST

The sun shines on a beautiful day in

late May. The birds fill the skies with

songs and a buzz is heard in the field

as beekeeping veteran of 30 years,

Steve Rouse of Rousedale farms (for-

mer host of Rouse and Company on

WQSR), opens one of the hives.

The time has come to harvest a

portion of the honey left by the bees. It

is a complicated and time-consuming

process to make the honey, but one

that is well worth the wait.

Rouse is one of a handful of local

beekeepers in Harford County. In

order for the community to thrive,

more beekeepers are needed. Rouse

says, “Younger people need to get

involved because everyone doing it

now is 100 years old.”

HCC offers non-credit beekeeping

classes. The Susquehanna Beekeepers

Association also offers scholarships

for kids between the ages of 13-17

interested in beekeeping.

In addition to its great taste, the

honey that bees produce has sever-

al noteworthy health benefits. The

Journal of Medicinal Food outlines that

honey has been shown to lower cho-

lesterol.

Studies by the British Journal of Sur-

gery show that honey can heal wounds

or ulcers when applied. According to

Bee World, a scholarly journal, honey

can cure sore throats and has antibiot-

ic properties.

While bees have many benefits to

offer, they are being threatened by

unsustainable farming practices. Ac-

cording to Rouse and Joe Lewis of the

Susquehanna Beekeepers Association,

the colonies are collapsing. So much

more work goes into beekeeping now

as opposed to 30 years ago. Now, med-

icine and other manipulative processes

are needed.

Despite these efforts, the bee pop-

ulation still decreases 30-35% each

winter. This is astronomical com-

pared to years past when

the decrease was only

10%. One of the main

reasons for this decrease

is because of pesticide

corporations and lawn

care companies, among

others. Lewis continued to say that

weeds and dandelions are a common

food source for the bees.

Although lawn care companies

promote weed-free lawns, this is not

natural. These types of lawns are food

deserts for the bees. Lewis states, “A

green lawn is not a healthy lawn.”

Beekeeping plays an important

role in the survival of honeybees, and

honeybees play an integral part in the

survival of humanity. Albert Einstein

has been credited with making the

statement that “if bees were gone,

humans would be eliminated from the

earth within four years.”

While the source of this quote has

come into question, there is science

to support the dependence of human-

ity on bees. Without bees, most food

sources would be eliminated due to

the bee’s role in plant pollination.

The bees need help. We can aid

them by using local honey, signing pe-

titions against excessive pesticide use,

educating ourselves, and spreading

awareness of this problem facing us all.

Inside the World of Beekeeping

SPRING 2015 | Owl MaGazINe

SCIENCE

Beekeeper Steve

Rouse inspects cells

of the beehive.

A male honey bee is unable to sting or produce honey like his female counterpart.

6

SPRING 2015 | Owl MaGazINe

ENVIRONMENT

By Sydney Gaeth | Photography by John Morin | Owl Staff

Eco-Landscaping

Randy, a 250-lb white Saanen goat, contentedly chomps

through a pile of weeds in an overgrown field. There are

many others like him who spend their days eating to their

hearts’ content and clearing field after field of dense brush.

This lovable, eating machine calls Stratford Farm in

Whiteford, Maryland home. Randy and other goats reduce

the carbon emissions and chemical usage of typical weed

clearing practices by putting their teeth and large appetites

to use.

Owner Dawn Yurkiewicz has nearly 25 goats that travel

Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware to clear areas that

humans cannot clear manually. Stratford Farm isn’t the

only company implementing this new landscaping method.

Rent-A-Goat, “cost-effective, eco-friendly, and super cute

weed removal,” operates in California, Colorado, Maine,

Indiana, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Virginia, Iowa,

North Carolina, and some parts of Canada.

Most people use weed whackers, lawn mowers, and

countless toxic chemicals to manicure their lawns.

According to the Environmental Protection

Agency, one hour of lawnmower use expels

the same amount of pollutants as

driving a car 200 miles.

The Ecological Society of America mentions that outdoor

chemical use reduces biodiversity and prevents foliage from

coming back healthily. So, instead of a diverse ecosystem,

species disappear completely. The extinction of one species

means no food for another – it’s a deadly cycle.

Additional eco-friendly methods of weed removal include

hand-powered reel mowers, electric mowers, and slow grow-

ing or dwarf grasses.

Unfortunately, chemicals and machinery remain the stan-

dard; however, thanks to goat-raising pioneers like Yurk-

iewicz and Rent-A-Goat, the landscaping norm is changing.

Goats also provide natural fertilizer for the area they are

clearing. According to gardeningknowhow.com, their ma-

nure is especially beneficial to farmers because “it [manure]

doesn’t typically attract insects or burn plants as does manure

from cows or horses.”

“The goats get the large part of the area cleared, but

they don’t eat everything,” says Yurkiewicz. For one, they

don’t eat debris such as tin or aluminum cans. It isn’t their

preferred consistency and could damage their

stomachs. Goats usually prefer to eat weeds

and small shrubs over grass.

So, instead of a heavy, gas guzzling,

carbon-emitting lawnmower, consider

hiring a group of

goats to handle your

landscaping needs.

The New “Goat-To” For Sustainable Lawn Care

“One hour of lawnmower use expels the same amount of pollutants as driving a car 200 miles.”

7

SPRING 2015 | Owl MaGazINe

TECHNOLOGY

Article & Photography by Jessica Conway | Owl Staff

Green Initiatives Blossom at HCC

Students cross a path lined with

Victorian lamp posts through the

HCC campus. On one side is a

fish pond for the science depart-

ment and on the other is a small

valley of reeds.

As they venture through

the campus on this picturesque

byway, these students may not

realize that many of the lights on

campus use multiple switching

levels to reduce energy consump-

tion and light pollution, or that

the reeds that sway so gently also

clean the run-off from rainwater

during storms.

Harford Community College

has made several efforts to create

an environment that doesn’t

take too much from the earth,

but still retains the ability to

cater to a fast-paced society. The

Sustainability Committee, run

by co-chairs Steve Garey and

Tami Imbierowicz, has initiated

a number of changes, both big and

small, that all contribute to HCC’s

green movement.

Bathroom stall doors are 100%

recycled, the carpets in Joppa Hall are

recycled, the urinals are waterless and

“save 40 thousand gallons [of wa-

ter] per year,” says Garey. The Joppa,

Edgewood, and Towson buildings are

all LEED (Leadership in Energy and

Environmental Design) Silver build-

ings. This means that the school has

made enough changes to be upgraded

to level silver under the requirements

of the U.S. Green Building Council.

One of the most impressive sustain-

able initiatives taken at Harford is the

wind turbine that “provides power for

a pump to aerate the pond,” according

to www.harford.edu. This is possible

with the help of some photovoltaic so-

lar panels to increase the productivity.

“It keeps the fish and turtles happy,”

says Garey. The water from the bioret-

ention ponds actually come from nat-

ural rainfall and run-off, thus it is all

recycled naturally instead of becoming

stagnant.

Geothermal wells, located at the

Hays-Heighe house, the Observatory,

and the Plant Services Building, are

another eco-friendly feature HCC has

to offer. Geothermal wells “reduce

energy consumption by 30% to 50%

by using the earth as a heat sink for

summer cooling and winter heating,”

according to harford.edu.

All wood in the Joppa, Edgewood,

and Towson buildings come from a

certified forest: a tree farm where trees

are grown to be cut down rather than

cutting them down from wild forests.

Aberdeen Hall also has an 11,000 watt

solar panel array on the roof.

Kermit the Frog says, “It’s not easy

being green,” but it isn’t hard if you

make the time to do it. So, the next

time you finish that drink, throw it in

one of the recycling bins strewn across

campus. Who knows? It may become a

bench here on campus.

The fish pond at HCC is filled with recycled rain water from several bioretention ponds.

“The wind turbine provides power for a pump to aerate the pond...it keeps the fish and turtles happy.”

8

Less than two hours away, the

daily troubles of life fade after an

adventure on the Appalachian Trail.

Created in 1937 as a scenic footpath,

the 2,181 mile long path stretches

from Georgia to Maine through the

Appalachian Mountains.

Many college students (myself

included) make it a goal to “thru-hike”

(hike the entire trail) northbound after

graduation and travel with the spring

season.

I have been hiking sections of

the trail for ten years. Through my

experience, the best section for the first

hike is through Maryland – a 45-mile,

three-to-four-day journey. I suggest

traveling southbound from Pen Mar to

Harpers Ferry, as I did recently with my

friend, Regan Adair, an HCC alum.

Before you get on the trail, you’ll

need to prepare. The supplies you’ll

probably need are available at any

outdoor store like REI or Outdoor

Article & Photography by Jennifer Lewis | Owl Staff

AfTe

r

every Trip,I reTur

n

To

“World. There are also various gear

rental outlets if you aren’t ready for a

large investment. Experts say an aver-

age person burns about 4,000 calories

in a day hiking, so you need to make

sure to replenish yourself with highly

nutritious and protein-packed trail

food.

All supplies should fit in a

lightweight trail backpack, weighing

20-30 pounds. Remember, you carry

everything you pack, so only bring

essentials. Practice setting up your tent

and know how to work your stove and

water pump ahead of time.

Before dark, make your campsite

in a flat area off the trail. You can also

make use of wooden shelters; many

thru-hikers do instead of carrying

the weight of a tent. After setting up,

cleaning up, and making dinner, make

sure to hang up your pack five feet off

of the ground in a tree to keep away

from scavenging animals. Every day

then becomes a routine. You wake

with the sun, fold up the tent, make

breakfast on the stove, pack up and

start walking.

To know you’re on the right path,

a painted white blaze should be seen

both in front of and behind you. Other

colored blazes signify park trails. To

refill on water, look for blue blazes

which will take you downhill to a

freshwater spring.

There’s a lot of wildlife on the trail;

Adair and I encountered deer, snakes,

woodpeckers, and even mountain

goats. The general rule is to not

interfere with the animals or natural

environment. We also met many other

“day-hikers” (hikers who only go for

the day) and “thru-hikers.” As we

neared the Washington Monument, we

encountered many families and Boy

Scout Troops.

9

Hiking The Appalachian Trail

ToTh

ew

orld

wiTh a new awareness and appreciation of life.”

Hiking is a challenge well worth it;

you’ll be surprised by what you can

accomplish. Stand at the edge of the

mountaintop cliffs to feel on top of the

world.

Above all else, let the calming

scenery free your mind. Stop at every

breathtaking view. After every trip,

I return to the world with a new

awareness and appreciation of life.

Adair outlines, “I felt so happy the

whole time. The tops of the mountains

were amazing, as well as everything

along the way.” She adds, “I think the

trail teaches you how to appreciate

everything.”

Adair was so moved by her first

experience on the Appalachian Trail,

she says, “If I had packed more food, I

would have just kept walking.”

Truly, hiking the Appalachian

Trail at any time will not only give

you a needed getaway, but new life

experiences and perspectives.

10

Fun FacTs(Via Appalachiantrail.org)

• Thousands of volunteers contribute roughly 220,000 hours to the Trail every year.

• More than 250 three-sided shelters exist along the Trail.

• Virginia is home to the most miles of the Trail (about 550), while West Virginia is home to the least (about 4).

• Maryland and West Virginia are the easiest states to hike; New Hampshire and Maine are the hardest.

• The total elevation gain of hiking the entire Trail is equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest 16 times.

• About 2 to 3 million visitors walk a portion of the Trail each year.

• The Trail has hundreds of access points and is within a few hours drive of millions of Americans, making it a popular destination for day-hikers.

• 1 in 4 who attempt a thru-hike successfully completes the journey.

• Most thru-hikers walk north, starting in Georgia in spring and finishing in Maine in fall, taking an average of 6 months.

• Hikers usually adopt “trail names” while hiking the Trail. They are often descriptive or humorous. Examples are “Eternal Optimist,” “Thunder Chicken,” and “Crumb-snatcher.”

12

Backyard Medicine

By Matt Tennyson | Photography by Matt Tennyson & Josh Eller |Owl Staff

In the race to find the answers to our modern ailments, we often

turn to the pharmaceutical industry for an easy, quick fix. The

unfortunate consequence of this is that we’re often taking pills that

we don’t need.

Daniel R. Levinson, Inspector General of the U.S. Department

of Health and Human Services, states that many physicians have

“questionable prescribing patterns” and they often “prescribe per

beneficiary, which may indicate that these prescriptions are medi-

cally unnecessary.”

In ancient times, plants were the basis of all health, function-

ality, and life. From the Native Americans using rosemary in their

herbal remedies, to the ancient Chinese using ginseng to relieve

stress and fatigue, to the Europeans using goldenseal to fight off in-

fections, plant-based medicine has been at the forefront of holistic

healing for thousands of years.

Interestingly enough, much of western pharmaceutical

medicine has taken its roots from pharmacognosy, which is

basically just a fancy term for plant-based medicine. For example,

the National Institute of General Medical Sciences states, “The

cancer drug Taxol originally came from the bark and needles of

yew trees.”

While the development of pharmacology certainly has its merit,

sometimes the cures we’re looking for are hidden in plain sight,

right in our own backyard.

The famous dandelion (Taraxacum) has been used for centuries

as a powerful medicinal plant. The University of Maryland Med-

ical Center points out, “In the past, dandelion roots and leaves

were used to treat liver problems. Native Americans also boiled

dandelion in water and took it (dandelion) to treat kidney disease,

swelling, skin problems, heartburn, and upset stomach.”

The Power of Plants

13

Dandelion is easily infused into tea that has many medic-

inal properties. To make the tea, simply pour hot water over

the dandelion roots into a cup and steep them for several

minutes.

Local herbalist Bill Messenger has had personal experience

with using natural remedies as an alternative to western

medicine. Messenger had suffered a hiatus hernia, which he

was able to cure using a plant known as calamus (Calamus

aromaticus).

According to an article entitled “Calamus” written by

Messenger for Maryland Conservationist Magazine, “the base of

the plant is chewed as a folk cure for indigestion throughout

the world, especially in India where it was once the official

remedy for stomach disorders.”

Messenger adds, “The oil, extracted from the plant, is used

in some patent medicines today as a digestive aid.” Calamus

is often found near marshes, ponds, or swamp areas.

Another powerful medicinal plant growing in our back-

yard or garden is called broadleaf plantain. You may have

seen it before and assumed it was just a nuisance. Broadleaf

plantain contains several bioactive compounds, vitamins,

and minerals.

According to a report from the Elsevier Journal of Ethno-

pharmacology, “Plantago major l. (broadleaf plantain) leaves

have been used as a wound healing remedy for centuries.

They add, “These (cures) include diseases related to the skin,

respiratory organs, digestive organs, reproduction, the circu-

lation, against cancer, for pain relief and against infections.”

Messenger says that “broadleaf plantain seeds can be

grinded into a meal using a mortar and pestle or they can

be eaten raw.” He adds, “The entire plant is edible, though

many find the taste of the leaves to be bitter.”

Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is another beautiful, yet

effective plant that has promising skin healing properties.

As the National Library of Medicine states, “Jewelweed mash

was effective in reducing poison ivy dermatitis, supporting

ethnobotanical use.” Jewelweed is often found near streams

or shady, moist areas.

For aches and pains that often permeate our joints as we

work hard and get older, stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) may

have some promising yield. Brandeis University lays it all

out, saying, “Germany recently approved the use of (stinging

nettle) roots (to treat) for prostate cancer, rheumatism, and

kidney infection.” This prickly plant is found throughout

open forests and streams, but it can also make the occasional

appearance in your vegetable garden.

Along with its medicinal properties, purslane (Portulaca

oleracea) makes for a revitalizing and healthy snack. As Cor-

nell University points out, “P. oleracea (purslane) is listed as a

treatment for parasites, a blood-cleanser, and to refresh the

“Sometimes the cures we’re looking for are hidden in plain sight.”

Garlic: Shows promise in fighting heart disease, common cold, and cancer. (umm.edu)

Ginger Root: Used for common cold, nausea, osteoarthritis, diarrhea and heart conditions. (umm.edu)

Cranberry: Used to treat urinary

tract infections and to reduce

dental plaque. (Ncaam.nih.gov)

Chili Pepper: Used for stomach ailments, heart problems, and fever. (webmd.com)

digestive system.” Purslane is also

packed with Omega-3 fatty acids,

proteins, and other vital nutrients.

Purslane is a common garden weed

that is found throughout the world.

It is important to note, however,

that there are precautions one should

take before consuming any of these

natural remedies. A warning from

the University of Maryland Medical

Center states, “Herbs can trigger side

effects and interact with other herbs,

supplements, or medications. For these

reasons, herbs should be taken with

care, under the supervision of a health

care provider qualified in the field of

botanical medicine.”

Considering that just about

everything we consume and use comes

either directly or indirectly from

plants, it’s no surprise that there are

powerful cures throughout the natural

world. Whether it’s for a common

headache or a more serious disease,

plant-based medicine could very well

have the cure to our bodily ailments.

As the philosopher Voltaire once said,

“The art of medicine consists of

amusing the patient while nature

cures the disease.”

JewelweedUsed for poison ivy and other skin irritations.

Found near streams, creeks, ditches, and moist/shady areas.

CalamusUsed for indigestion/stomach disorders.

Found near streams, creeks, and marshes.

www.pfaf.org

www.umm.edu

nccam.nih.gov

Plants for a Future

University of Maryland Medical Center

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

15

DandelionUsed for stomach, liver, kidney and skin problems. Found as a common weed

in gardens, forests, and many other areas.

Stinging NettleUsed for aches and pains and some

diseases. Found as a flowering perennial throughout moist

landscapes.

PurslaneUsed to help with digestion and to kill parasites. Found in gardens, forests,

and other landscapes.Broadleaf Plantain

Used for skin problems and to help fight some diseases. Found as a common

garden weed in many areas.

16

SPRING 2015 | Owl MaGazINe

FASHION

Sustainable FashionBy Georgina Cammayo | Photography by John Morin | Owl Staff

Cleaning up a Polluted Industry

A survey in Huffington Post claims that the average woman

has $550 worth of unworn clothing in her closet. Factor in

an environmental perspective, and that’s about $550 spent

on unused items by one woman alone.

Fashion is a multi-billion dollar industry that is constantly

targeted by environmentalists due to its long history of

involvement in toxic additives, wasteful production, and

animal-testing practices.

Today, more companies are devising their own eco-friend-

ly approach, giving in to consumers’ demand to go green.

This breakthrough can be attributed to international or-

ganizations like Ecotece, which urge a growing sensitivity

towards the earth.

After learning about this partnership, nursing major Ryan

Hamby says, “I think it’s very responsible that companies are

taking their time, energy, and effort to be responsible and

smart with how they treat the planet.”

Nike, which was slammed with several sweatshop contro-

versies in the past, has since come up with clever tactics to

regain consumer trust. Programs and innovations unique to

Blue Sky creates gorgeous patchwork tops by using low impact dye and fabrics that are recycled, repurposed, and upcycled.

17

the company include Reuse-a-Shoe,

which grinds old sneakers into play-

ground turf and in turn, trims waste

from production and increases the use

of sustainable materials. They’ve also

devised Flyknit products that promote

efficiency by making every stitch in the

shoe count.

Other popular brands participating

in the movement include TOMS shoes,

which offer a vegan collection that pro-

hibits the use of animal products, and

H&M, that advocates the use of natural

fibers such as hemp, jute, and silk, as

well as other recycled materials.

On a smaller scale, local names in

Maryland have also joined this envi-

ronmental revolution.

Sweet Pepita is a Baltimore-based

company that promotes fabric recy-

cling. The owner, Shannon Delanoy,

encourages parents to send in their

favorite old t-shirts to be reconstructed

with organic cotton to produce custom-

ized clothing for their little ones.

Blue Sky of Chester, Maryland

makes bohemian-themed clothing,

handbags, and accessories for women

by using low-impact dye, organic cot-

ton, and recycled materials. Their pro-

duction process and goal of fair trade

(humane working conditions) ensures

both the social and environmental

responsibility of the company.

As the owner of The Joshua Tree

boutique, Joshua Brownstein shares

that his ultimate dream is to own a full

clothing and accessory line that would

serve the Maryland community. In

an interview with Baltimore Magazine,

Brownstein says “[There’s] a growing

community in Baltimore that is looking

for alternative opportunities to enjoy

clothing designed without the tradi-

tional sweatshop, harsh chemical label

attached to it.”

Hope Daugherty, a history major,

praises the ongoing trend of preserving

nature through fashion. However, she

admits that at the moment, she is more

“wallet-conscious” than environmen-

tally conscious, stating, “I absolutely

want to support them as much as I can,

when I can, when I have the money to,

but there’s only so much I could do on

a limited budget.”

The popular belief that anything

labeled as green or organic is more

expensive than other mass-produced

items can definitely throw people off.

Perhaps a viable solution, then, is to

continue pushing fashion companies

to make these products more accessible

and thus, more affordable. Doing so

will help consumers make environ-

mentally conscious decisions without

having to compromise style or quality.

More importantly, look into small

local businesses that are up against

other larger mainstream competition.

Their valiant strides to promote sus-

tainability and establish ethical stan-

dards are worthy of attention.

So the next time you go shopping,

consider opting for eco-friendly, fair

trade fashion. The money you put in

today could very well be a long-term

investment for the future.

To get the latest news and trends in

green and fair trade fashion and a

list of participating brands and ven-

dors, please visit ecofashionworld.

com or ecofriendly-fashion.com.

Check out these local stores and

online companies in Maryland:

The Joshua Tree

1340 Smith Ave.

Baltimore, MD 21209

facebook.com/.../The-Joshua-

Tree/274596579275179

A People United

516 North Charles St.

Baltimore, MD 21201

apeopleunited.com

Nest

5809 Clarksville Square Dr.

Clarksville, MD 21029

nestnaturalhome.com

Sweet Pepita

sweetpepita.com

Wear Blue Sky

wearbluesky.com

Earth-Friendly Fashion

“Local shops and designers in Maryland have joined this environmental revolution.”

18

Maple Tree Campground may seem

like an unusual vacation spot, but for

many vacationers, sleeping in a tree

house surrounded by nature is just the

getaway they need. Only an hour and

forty-five minute drive west of Bel Air,

the campground is located in a rural

part of Washington County, Maryland.

Founded in 1971 by Phyllis

Soroko, Maple Tree Campground

has grown into their niche. The

campground offers a variety of camping

arrangements including tree houses,

tree cottages, tent sites, and even a

“Hobbit House.”

As you venture into the natural

realm at Maple Tree, you’ll find a

variety of exciting and adventurous

activities. Whether it’s hosting your

own music jam, organizing your own

sporting activity, or just exploring the

wilderness, there’s always an adventure

waiting to be discovered.

Campground amenities include

indoor and outdoor showers, a

dumpster, and a camp shop that

sells firewood, food, water, ice, and

camping supplies. Prices range from

$22 a night to $149 a night depending

on the amount of people and the

accommodations.

There are also a number of

venturesome locations nearby, such

as the Appalachian Trail, Harper’s

Ferry, Antietam Battlefield, and Crystal

Grotto Caverns. If that isn’t enough

to fuel your desire for excitement,

there are also opportunities for white

water rafting, tubing, horseback riding,

fishing and more, all within 10 minutes

of the campsite.

Lauren Pinckney, an HCC student

majoring in psychology, says she “loves

going to Maple Tree. When I went in

the fall, they had many events going

on such as haunted hayrides; it was

awesome!”

In addition to local hayrides, there

are several local farms, vineyards,

and orchards nearby where there

are opportunities to pick blueberries,

apples, pumpkins, and more.

Maple Tree is also a renowned

location for scenic and memorable

weddings. Louise Soroko, daughter

of Phyllis Soroko and current owner

of Maple Tree, says, “we’ve had some

really magical events and weddings,

you know, the ones where the sun

shines at just the right moment.”

Soroko adds, “Every weekend is

different. There is almost always a

peaceful and loving atmosphere at

Maple Tree.”

Maple Tree Campground is not

just a summer getaway spot; it’s also

the bedrock of magical memories for

people year-round.

Staying at Maple Tree is unique, fun,

and relaxing all at the same time. If

you are on a budget this summer and

want to do something that is out of the

ordinary, take the short trip to Maple

Tree Campground and “let the forest be

with you.”

SPRING 2015 | Owl MaGazINe

TRAVEL

By Samantha Hauf & Matt Tennyson | Owl Staff

A Night in a Tree House

The newly designed and custom-built “Hobbit House” was inspired by The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

“Every weekend is different. There is almost always a peaceful and loving atmosphere at Maple Tree.”

19

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21

Be transformed at Notre Dame of Maryland University's Women's College. We make it easy to transfer credits and complete your degree on time. We offer programs in business, communications, education, international studies, nursing, marketing and more.

Go to ndm.edu/womenscollege for more information.

4701 North Charles Street | Baltimore, Maryland 21210 ndm.edu | 410-532-5330

Ready to transfer? It's simple!

Visit

Bringing the stories of Harford to you

401 Thomas Run RoadBel Air, MD 21015

www.harford.edu/hays-heighe-house443-412-2539

Open Hours:Tuesdays, 1 - 3 p.m.

Fridays, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.First Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

22

Feb 18 - SGA Forum w/ Billy Lehr 12 PM @ Globe Cafe

Feb 19 - MSA Open Mic Night 5 PM @ Globe Cafe

Feb 19 - Finding Your Roots Screening & Luncheon 11:30 AM @ SC 243

Feb 23 - Karaoke & Cookies 11 AM @ Globe Cafe

Feb 24 - SGA Forum w/ Rachael Ermatinger 11 AM @ Globe Cafe

Feb 27 - National Great Blacks in Wax Museum 10 AM Sign-Up in OSA

Mar 2 - SGA Forum w/ Smit Shah 3:30 PM @ Globe Cafe

Mar 4 - Uno Tournament 11AM @ Globe Cafe

Mar 12 - SGA Forum w/ Chandler Kozlowski 11 AM @ Globe Cafe

Mar 17 - St. Patricks Day Luncheon - LIVE MUSIC 12 PM @ Globe Cafe

Mar 18 - SGA Forum w/ Billy Lehr 12 PM @ Globe Cafe

Mar 18 - DUI Simulator 10 AM @ Globe Cafe

Mar 19 - DUI Simulator 10 AM @ Globe Cafe

Mar 19 - MSA Open Mic Night 5-7 PM @ Globe Cafe

Mar 20 - Soar2Succes Luncheon & Art Exhibit 11:30 AM @ SC 243

Mar 26 - New York City (Ellis Island and UN) 7 AM Sign-Up @ OSA

Mar 30 - SGA Forum w/ Smit Shah 3:30 PM @ Globe Cafe

Apr 1 - Opening Day for SGA Executive Board Applications Info @ OSA

Apr 9 - SGA Forum w/ Chandler Kozlowski 10 AM @ Globe Cafe

Apr 15 - SGA Forum w/ Billy Lehr 12 PM @ Globe Cafe

Apr 16 - MSA Open Mic Night 5-7 PM @ Globe Cafe

Apr 21 - SGA Forum w/ Rachael Ermatinger 11 AM @ Globe Cafe

Apr 21 - Soar2Succes Luncheon 11:30 AM @ SC 243

Apr 26 - Trip to see Wicked in Baltimore Sign-Up @ OSA

Apr 27 - SGA Forum w/ Smit Shah 3:30 PM @ Globe Cafe

May 7 - SGA Forum w/ Chandler Kozlowski 10 AM @ Globe Cafe

2015 Spring Student Activities Calendar

Locations and times of events are subject to change. Please check www.facebook.com/studentactivities or call Student Activities at 443-412-2140 for the most accurate program information.Programs, unless otherwise noted, are offered for HCC-Registered Credit Students.

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23

Feb 18 - SGA Forum w/ Billy Lehr 12 PM @ Globe Cafe

Feb 19 - MSA Open Mic Night 5 PM @ Globe Cafe

Feb 19 - Finding Your Roots Screening & Luncheon 11:30 AM @ SC 243

Feb 23 - Karaoke & Cookies 11 AM @ Globe Cafe

Feb 24 - SGA Forum w/ Rachael Ermatinger 11 AM @ Globe Cafe

Feb 27 - National Great Blacks in Wax Museum 10 AM Sign-Up in OSA

Mar 2 - SGA Forum w/ Smit Shah 3:30 PM @ Globe Cafe

Mar 4 - Uno Tournament 11AM @ Globe Cafe

Mar 12 - SGA Forum w/ Chandler Kozlowski 11 AM @ Globe Cafe

Mar 17 - St. Patricks Day Luncheon - LIVE MUSIC 12 PM @ Globe Cafe

Mar 18 - SGA Forum w/ Billy Lehr 12 PM @ Globe Cafe

Mar 18 - DUI Simulator 10 AM @ Globe Cafe

Mar 19 - DUI Simulator 10 AM @ Globe Cafe

Mar 19 - MSA Open Mic Night 5-7 PM @ Globe Cafe

Mar 20 - Soar2Succes Luncheon & Art Exhibit 11:30 AM @ SC 243

Mar 26 - New York City (Ellis Island and UN) 7 AM Sign-Up @ OSA

Mar 30 - SGA Forum w/ Smit Shah 3:30 PM @ Globe Cafe

Apr 1 - Opening Day for SGA Executive Board Applications Info @ OSA

Apr 9 - SGA Forum w/ Chandler Kozlowski 10 AM @ Globe Cafe

Apr 15 - SGA Forum w/ Billy Lehr 12 PM @ Globe Cafe

Apr 16 - MSA Open Mic Night 5-7 PM @ Globe Cafe

Apr 21 - SGA Forum w/ Rachael Ermatinger 11 AM @ Globe Cafe

Apr 21 - Soar2Succes Luncheon 11:30 AM @ SC 243

Apr 26 - Trip to see Wicked in Baltimore Sign-Up @ OSA

Apr 27 - SGA Forum w/ Smit Shah 3:30 PM @ Globe Cafe

May 7 - SGA Forum w/ Chandler Kozlowski 10 AM @ Globe Cafe

2015 Spring Student Activities Calendar

Locations and times of events are subject to change. Please check www.facebook.com/studentactivities or call Student Activities at 443-412-2140 for the most accurate program information.Programs, unless otherwise noted, are offered for HCC-Registered Credit Students.

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Owl MaGazINe | SPORTS

Timber! Cirque AlfonseMarch 8 @ 3PM

Amoss CenterReserved Seating, $15-20

Sunday Afternoon Concert SeriesFebruary 22 & April 12 @ 3 PM Joppa Hall

With a BangFebruary 27, 28 & March 6, 7 @ 8 PM March 1,8 @ 3 PMBlack Box Theater

Jim Henson’s Sid the Science Kid LIVEFebruary 28 @ 12:30 & 4:30 PMAmoss Center

Fiddler on the RoofMarch 13, 14, 20, 21 @ 7 PM & March 15, 22 @ 2 PMChesapeake Theater

An Evening of JazzMarch 13 & May 1, 15 @ 8 PM Joppa Hall

Miss Nelson is MissingApril 10 @ 7 PMAmoss Center

Brass Transit: The Music of ChicagoApril 11 @ 7:30 PM APGFCU Arena

Rhythmic Circus: Feet Don’t Fail Me NowApril 16 @ 7:30 PMAPGCFU Arena

Alice in WonderlandApril 24 @ 5:30 & 8 PM & April 25, 26 @ 1 & 4 PMChesapeake Theater

Reefer MadnessApril 24, 25 & May 1, 2 @ 8 PM & April 26 & May 3 @ 3 PM Black Box Theater

Rapunzel! Rapunzel! A Very Hairy Fairy TaleMay 1 @ 7 PMAmoss Center

An Evening of Chamber MusicMay 11 @ 7 PMJoppa Hall

Comedy Night Save the Date!May 16 @ 7:30 PMAmoss Center

The Hit MenMay 30 @ 7 PMAPGFCU Arena

The Wizard of OzJune 5, 6, 12, 13 @ 7 PM & June 7, 14 @ 2 PMChesapeake Theater

Visit tickets.harford.edu for more information.23

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