As residents and neighbors of Calvert County, we respectfully urge Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum (JPPM), the Maryland Historical Trust, and Calvert County leadership to reconsider the annual PyroJam fireworks event currently held at JPPM.

We understand the appeal of community events and acknowledge the park’s need for funding. But we also believe money shouldn't come at the cost of our environment, wildlife, or public peace of mind.

PyroJam is no ordinary fireworks show—it’s a commercial-scale, two-hour-long pyrotechnics display held within a natural, residential, and historic setting. The scale, intensity, and duration of this event make it deeply disruptive in ways that smaller neighborhood fireworks displays are not.

🚨Key Concerns:

Wildlife & Habitat Disruption

Prolonged loud blasts cause panic in birds, deer, small mammals, and aquatic life near the Patuxent River—leading to injury or nesting abandonment.

Animal Welfare

Many dogs and cats experience intense fear; some have run away or needed intervention during the event.

Pollution (Air & Soil)

Fireworks release fine particulates (PM₂.₅) and heavy metals (barium, copper, strontium) that settle in air, water, and soil.

Noise Pollution

The display spans 1.5–2 hours and carries well beyond park boundaries, impacting homes, pets, and people seeking rest.

Lack of Community Input

Though PyroJam is private, it's hosted on public land without meaningful opportunities for local residents to weigh in.

💡 What We’re Asking:
1. Discontinue PyroJam at JPPM, or…
2. Explore more appropriate alternatives:
   - Move the event to a larger, commercially zoned, or less ecologically sensitive area
   - Shorten the duration of the fireworks or substitute quieter options like drone/laser shows
   - Conduct and share a public environmental and noise impact assessment
   - Establish a formal process for community input before re-approval of such events

🐾 Why this matters:
Jefferson Patterson Park is meant to safeguard our history, heritage, and habitat—not serve as a soundstage for commercial fireworks. Let’s prioritize long-term care over short-term gains.

If you agree, please sign this petition and encourage others to join—let’s help protect the natural beauty and well-being of our shared space.