Toyota of Southern Maryland donated $2,500 to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland to award grant money to students from St. Mary’s and Calvert counties who study to preserve the waters and watershed lands of the Chesapeake Bay. Toyota of Southern Maryland is working with Toyota USA to secure a matching grant to bring the total scholarship fund to $5,000. Up to five scholarships of $1,000 each will be made available this spring semester, likely sometime between February and March of 2012, according to a release from Toyota.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources has a long and storied history of supporting agriculture communities in Maryland. It was originally chartered as the Maryland Agriculture College and in 1859 it opened on 420 acres of the Riverdale Plantation purchased from Charles Calvert. From that beginning the College of Agriculture grew into the University of Maryland.

The college of agriculture continues to be more relevant than ever in developing agriculture and aquaculture in Maryland. Balancing the urban environment with the earth’s natural resources is the mission of the college. For example, University of Maryland scientists, at Chesapeake Bay Labs in Solomons and at the Sea Grant program, study methods to re-populate oyster beds in the Chesapeake Bay and to improve aquaculture. Additionally, college of agriculture scientists are currently conducting a study of the relationship of land use, climate and eco-systems in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to determine how policies affect water sustainability.

To apply for a scholarship, students need to demonstrate that they reside (or have resided prior to attending college) in St. Mary’s or Calvert counties, that they attend the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and are studying some aspect of agriculture or aquaculture as it can be applied to the Chesapeake Bay. Scholarships will be awarded based on merit and financial need. To apply, contact Tim Lapanne, scholarship coordinator, at tlapanne@umd.edu or at 301-405-5308.

Individuals may make a donation to the Toyota of Southern Maryland Scholarship Fund by making checks payable to the University of Maryland College Park Foundation and send to: Attn: Director of Development, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1221 Symons Hall, College Park, MD 20742.