Laurel for the Patuxent

In 2018, a grassroots environmental movement in the City of Laurel was sparked by Michael McLaughlin and Brian Coyle, resulting in the formation of Laurel for the Patuxent. Building on Laurel’s strong community spirit, concerned and passionate Laurelites began organizing invasive removal events at the beloved Riverfront Park; advancing green, blue and grey environmental initiatives through the city government; and driving a more sustainable future for the city of Laurel and Patuxent watershed communities. L4P registered as a 501c3 charity in 2020 and has since received multiple grants to broaden engagement, build capacity and increase our impact and influence.

Laurel for the Patuxent takes a holistic and evidence-based approach to sustainability; researching and designing solutions that recognize the intersectionality of environmental, social and cultural issues. To ensure best practices and increase impact, we actively engage subject experts, specialists and organizations, including our city government, as collaborators. We celebrate Laurel’s diversity and seek to engage all residents from our many communities because we understand that it is only through common action that society may be able to end and undo the existential climate and environmental crises we are experiencing.

Act locally, think globally. The problems that Laurel for the Patuxent is addressing in the Patuxent watershed are the same problems other communities and organizations are working on across the country and the world. By joining L4P, you are joining a global community of change agents united in common purpose for a healthier planet. This is how we change the world, together.