Town of Thurmont Earns Silver-Level Sustainable Maryland Certification

The Town of Thurmont has once again been recognized for it’s commitment to environmental stewardship, earning Silver-label certification through the Sustainable Maryland program. The honor was presented during the Maryland Municipal League’s annual Fall Conference, held in October.

The certification, awarded by the Environmental Finance Center at the University of Maryland, recognizes municipalities that demonstrate exceptional efforts in sustainability and community engagement. Thurmont was among 18 Maryland towns honored this year.

“The Town of Thurmont is honored to receive the Sustainable Maryland Certified award for 2025,” said Mayor John Kinnaird. “This award is made possible through the dedication and hard work of our staff and volunteers. Thurmont is proud to partner with the State of Maryland and other local municipalities in working to ensure sustainable resources for our residents.”

To achieve Silver certification, municipalities must form a local Green Team and complete a range of sustainability-focused actions, totaling at least 400 points. Thurmont first earned certification in 2016 and has been recertified in 2019, 2022, and now 2025.

Mike Hunninghake, director of the Sustainable Maryland program, praised the efforts of certified towns across the state. “Municipalities know that, now more than ever, they need to be prepared for the shocks associated with climate change,” he said. “Local governments are proactively leading the way to a more sustainable, carbon-neutral, and equitable path to the future.”

Representatives from Thurmont’s Green Team—including Main Street Manager Vickie Grinder, Chief Administrative Officer Jim Humerick, Coordinator Michelle Maze, and team member Robby Maze—accepted the award at the ceremony.

Thurmont representatives accept their award (from left): Vickie Grinder (Main Street Manager), Jim Humerick (Chief Administrative Officer), Michelle Maze (Green Team Coordinator), and Robby Maze (Green Team member).