By Sandra Zunino

As restoring the health of the Chesapeake Bay becomes ever more paramount, it is vital to have dedicated volunteers like Annie Ittu of Kent Island looking out for the bay’s best interests.

For five years, Annie has donated her time and gardening expertise as the Bay-Wise program chairperson to promote better water quality through smarter gardening. The Maryland Bay-Wise Program operates under the University of Maryland extension office.

Annie became involved with Bay-Wise through the University of Maryland’s Master Gardener’s program in 2004. An empty nester who moved here from Maine, Annie was searching for an outlet. Since she and her husband, John, loved gardening, she decided to become a certified master gardener.

After completing the Master Gardener training, she embarked on the nine-plus additional hours of advanced training to join the Bay-Wise Committee. “Only three of that class went on to Bay-Wise,” says Annie.

A month later, Annie received a call from Carol Jelich asking if she was interested in taking the role of Bay-Wise chairperson. “Carol was the chairperson at that time,” says Annie. “She took me under her wing and told me I could do it.”

Since that time, Bay-Wise has grown and is currently the largest subcommittee of the Master Gardener Program in QAC, and almost the biggest in Talbot, according to Annie.  Committee members visit interested property owners to evaluate and certify their landscapes as Bay-Wise using the “MD Yardstick”.

These volunteers also teach classes to schools and community groups, and staff information booths at county fairs and farmers’ markets.  As chairperson, Annie coordinates all these activities, writes articles for the monthly newsletter, tracks schedules and prepares annual reports.

Just certifying a landscape takes time and organization. Master Gardener Coordinator Rachel Melvin refers interested homeowners to Annie, who interviews the homeowner, evaluates the concern and sets up a consultation. Choosing from 30 master gardeners, based on area of expertise, she assembles a team and arranges the visit.

Landscapes are certified based on a pointed checklist on the Bay-Wise yardstick. “We check to see if  they are fertilizing wisely, watering efficiently, controlling storm water runoff, mulching appropriately, recycling yard waste i.e. composting and combating pests without pesticides by handpicking or using insecticidal soaps as a last resort,” explains Annie.

Not only does Annie attend every certification, she was personally involved in many public gardens planted by the Master Gardeners such as the Centreville Library rain garden. No wonder Annie has logged more than 400 volunteer hours for the program! “I enjoy getting my hands dirty,” she laughs. “I’ve loved it and learned a lot from it.”

This year, Annie co-chairs Bay-Wise with Vida Morley of Chestertown. While still active, she is taking a back seat as she and John will be relocating to Costa Rica. “After visiting my daughter in school there, I fell in love with the place,” says Annie. “We will be downsizing here and spending time in both areas.”

Annie credits Bay-Wise committee members for years of help and encouragement, especially Carol for supporting her as chair, Vida for accepting the co-chair role and Debbie Pusey for rain gardening expertise and willing spirit. She says she is exceptionally grateful to her husband, who is also a Master Gardener and Master Composter, for his assistance.

For more information about the Bay-Wise program, visit www.baywise.umd.edu. Call Master Gardener Coordinator Rachel Melvin at 410-758-0166 to set up a landscape evaluation.