University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Horn Point Laboratory Professor Raleigh Hood and a group of researchers from 3 other institutions throughout the United States have been awarded a $1.4 million grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF).  The 4-year project will develop a coupled modeling system to represent and simulate the complex interrelationships between humans and the environment.  Solving human issues depends, to a great extent, on understanding the interdependence of humans and the environment.

We have a much greater understanding about how the environment responds to human decisions than about how humans respond to a changing environment and how these responses drive decision-making.  Human behaviors drive changes in transportation, land use, water quality, and ultimately living resources, such as fish habitat and seagrass growth.  To date, we do not have the ability to predict how human-induced changes in the environment feed back and impact humans.  “Computer simulation modeling is a powerful tool that allows us to predict how humans are impacting Chesapeake Bay water quality both now and far into the future,” shared Dr. Hood.

Coupled modeling allows us to predict the effect of two subjects on one another and an overall system.  This project will develop a coupled modeling system that is capable of representing and simulating the complex interrelationships among socio-economic activity, transportation, land use, land cover, and water quality with two-way feedbacks between humans and the environment.  “We currently have the computational tools we need to predict how human-induced nutrient pollution impacts water quality and living resources in Chesapeake Bay.  The revolutionary thing about this project is that it will develop new tools that allow us to predict how degraded water quality impacts human decisions and actions aimed at restoring Chesapeake Bay,” said Hood.

Horn Point Laboratory Professor Raleigh Hood

Hood and his team will use this modeling system to predict how socio-economic changes and policy decisions in the Chesapeake Bay watershed impact water quality. And, how changes in water quality, such as changes in the size of “dead zones”, in the Chesapeake Bay influence human behavior and decision-making.  These predictions will be based on examination of multiple plausible future scenarios that build on various realizations of land uses, including smart growth versus business as usual, in the context of climate change.  Examination of several scenarios will allow the team to determine how environmental degradation can potentially impact different communities and how they can drive different policies and actions for land use, transportation, and land cover.  All of the scenarios will be run in the context of climate change to account for impacts on future efforts to restore Chesapeake Bay.

Humans have impacted water quality and living resources across the country, what is learned in this project will be applicable to other regions.  Hood summarized the project by stating, “This effort will bring together academic scientists and managers to create new, state of the art computational tools that will help us restore Chesapeake Bay.”

The Horn Point Laboratory, located on more than 800 acres on the banks of the Choptank River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, has advanced society’s understanding of the world’s estuarine and ocean ecosystems. Horn Point scientists are widely respected for their interdisciplinary programs in oceanography, water quality, restoration of sea grasses, marshes and shellfish and for expertise in ecosystem modeling. With ongoing research programs spanning from the estuarine waters of the Chesapeake Bay to the open waters of the world’s oceans, Horn Point is a national leader in applying environmental research and discovery to solve society’s most pressing environmental problems.

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

A globally eminent research and graduate institution focused on advancing scientific knowledge of the environment, the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science provides sound advice to help state and national leaders manage the environment and prepares future scientists to meet the global challenges of the 21st century. www.umces.edu

Environmental Concern (EC), in celebration of 48 years since the first native plant seed collection expedition, is pleased to announce the launch of the Eastern Shore Seed Stewards initiative. EC’s Native Plant Nursery, operating in St. Michaels since 1972, has learned from experience that it takes more than a ‘village’ of experienced native plant specialists to collect enough seed to grow over 110 species of native plants.

Ginger, a local high school student, who collected and donated thousands of swamp milkweed seeds.

EC’s annual native seed harvesting process starts in the summer and continues through the fall. The nursery specialists collect seeds from herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees planted on EC’s campus. We harvest in our backyard – a practice that generated the idea to teach gardeners and plant enthusiasts how to collect seed in their backyard gardens.

In 2018, EC founded the Seed Stewards for Monarchs program. Due to the 90% decrease in the Monarch population, the increased demand for milkweed plants resulted in a milkweed seed shortage. The Monarch butterfly is a “Near Threatened” species due to the dramatic loss of Monarch habitat. The Seed Stewards for Monarchs program accomplished two important goals: increasing the Monarch butterfly’s critical milkweed habitat and increasing seed inventory for EC’s milkweed crops. Over 250 volunteers are currently participating in the program. EC benefits from the generous seed donations from the Seed Stewards and the Seed Stewards receive discounts on plants, seed harvesting education programs, and invitations to appreciation events.

The Eastern Shore Seed Stewards initiative is an extension of the Seed Stewards for Monarchs program. The program goals are consistent with the Seed Stewards for Monarchs program. EC is educating the community about the importance of growing native plants, plant identification, and native plant seed harvesting. Seed Stewards collect seeds to propagate and grow in their gardens and donate a percentage of their seeds to EC. This activity is appropriate for all ages – from 4 to 94. Families, garden clubs, 4-H groups, neighbors, religious groups, and all Eastern Shore communities and organizations are welcome to join the program. Your participation will increase habitat for all native creatures that need the food, cover, and protection that native plants provide on shorelines and in rain gardens, pollinator gardens, and wetlands.

Deena, a Seed Steward from Nanticoke, sends her seeds by US mail – always with a fun note included. She has sent six envelopes filled with seeds since July.

Seed Stewards communicate by email, virtual education sessions, and social media – and with each other to share helpful suggestions and tips for successful seed harvesting. Visit EC’s website to sign up for the Eastern Shore Seed Stewards program, or contact reception@wetland.org for more information.

Consider adding a variety of native species to your garden this fall to prepare for seed collection in 2021. EC’s nursery is accepting retail orders now. Many species are ready for pick-up or free local delivery (within 20 miles of EC). Plant availability is posted on the website at https://wetland.org/retail/. Place your order with Lyndsey at nursery-sales@wetland.org or call 410-745-9620 for more information.

Ditch the fertilizers and weed killers and make your lawn environmentally friendly this fall.

Join Paul Tukey, the Glenstone Museum’s Chief Sustainability Officer, and Beth McGee, Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s (CBF) Director of Science and Agricultural Policy, for a free live webinar at noon on Oct. 7 about how your lawncare choices affect the environment. Online registration in advance is required to join.

Tukey and McGee will discuss how to create natural landscapes using native plants that add habitat for local wildlife and reduce polluted rain runoff. By incorporating these techniques into your lawncare you can help restore the local environment and improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

“We want to show people the beauty and the benefits of having a more natural landscape,” said McGee. “We’ll be encouraging homeowners to embrace native plants, add trees, and replace swaths of turf with low maintenance groundcovers. The traditional suburban lawn, which often requires fertilizers and herbicides to maintain, is going out of style. We can help you transition into the future.”

At the webinar, Tukey and McGee will detail ways homeowners can plant native grasses, clovers and other types of ground cover to create a lush lawn composed of diverse plant species. Doing so will increase soil health, which brings back a complex ecosystem of microorganisms and enables the soil to store more water.

Lawns compose more than 3 million acres of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, meaning what happens to them affects the Bay’s health. When it rains on lawns, the water can wash away fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals that then flow into local waterways and ultimately the Bay. Removing traditional turf lawns and replanting with native plants can greatly reduce this polluted runoff.

Tukey leads sustainability efforts at Glenstone, a nearly 300-acre contemporary art museum in Montgomery County, Maryland. He is also the author of The Organic Lawn Care Manual, a book that details how to grow a gorgeous lawn free of harsh chemicals. McGee has worked for CBF for 17 years and currently leads the organization’s efforts to help farmers implement regenerative agriculture techniques that restore healthy soils and reduce water runoff.

Fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides that wash away from turf lawns after rainstorms contribute to the overall pollution loads that Bay watershed states are working to clean up by 2025 under the Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Blueprint goals. Once in the Bay, these pollutants can cause harmful algal blooms that cloud the water and deplete dissolved oxygen, which kills marine life, among other negative effects.

Reducing lawn pollutants is a key component of watershed-wide efforts to reach the 2025 goals. Watch the webinar Wed., Oct. 7 to see how you can make a difference.

More information about the Speakers:

Paul Tukey, Chief Sustainability Officer, Glenstone Museum

Paul Tukey came to Glenstone in 2010 as a sustainable landscape consultant and joined the museum as a full-time associate three years later to focus on all aspects of sustainability and regeneration in grounds and buildings. He is the author of the best-selling book, The Organic Lawn Care Manual, as well as hundreds of articles on many aspects of natural landscape techniques. Paul was named the first-ever Green Medal of Honor recipient from the Garden Writers of America in 2017. An avid photographer, writer and runner, he resides in Maryland with his wife and two daughters.

Beth McGee, Director of Science and Ag Policy, Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Dr. Beth McGee is the Director of Science and Agricultural Policy with CBF. Beth has been at CBF since 2003 where she is the lead policy advisor and coordinator on regional water quality and agricultural initiatives. For more than 30 years, Beth has been very active in Chesapeake Bay issues, conducting research, serving on technical subcommittees and advisory groups, testifying before Congress, and helping shape the precedent-setting clean-up plan for the Chesapeake Bay. In her spare time, she likes doing anything outside—kayaking, hiking, biking.

About Glenstone

Glenstone, a museum of modern and contemporary art, is integrated into nearly 300 acres of gently rolling pasture and unspoiled woodland in Montgomery County, Maryland, less than 15 miles from the heart of Washington, DC. Established by the not-for-profit Glenstone Foundation, the museum opened in 2006 and provides a contemplative, intimate setting for experiencing iconic works of art and architecture within a natural environment.

Glenstone is open Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to Glenstone is free and visits can be scheduled online at: www.glenstone.org.

This month the Chesapeake Bay Foundation launched CBF Online Watershed Learning (CBF OWL)–a new education program designed to bring CBF’s expert environmental educators live into online classrooms.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in the spring, CBF’s educators have been working to transform the lessons they typically deliver to students on boats, canoes, and hiking trails for students learning remotely.

CBF OWL does this by providing schools with a team of educators who lead an online and interactive 45-minute lesson about a Chesapeake Bay environmental subject. Teachers and administrators can choose from topics such as Chesapeake Bay ecosystems, connections between land and water, forests, and oysters. The first live OWL lessons begin in classrooms throughout the Bay watershed Oct. 5.

“We’re excited to bring our educators’ passion for Chesapeake Bay science and restoration into online classrooms,” said Tom Ackerman, CBF’s Vice President of Education. “This new program gives us the ability to continue to educate students during the pandemic and we think it has greater potential as well. We hope to reach new classrooms and schools we haven’t been able to welcome into the field in the past, using technology and resources we’ve developed over the past year. This program will provide schools with a new avenue to access CBF’s experience and knowledge about the watershed.”

Virtual classroom sessions with CBF educators keep environmental education rolling during COVID-19 remote learning. Credit: CBF Staff

When a teacher signs up for an OWL class, a CBF educator will review the lesson in advance with the teacher and introduce them to CBF’s Learn Outside, Learn at Home online resources. Learn Outside, Learn at Home is a new, free library of online videos and investigations created by CBF to encourage students to examine environmental issues in their neighborhood and throughout the Bay’s watershed.

CBF Educator Kellie Fiala said she is looking forward to bringing a similar interactive education experience to students learning from home as the one she typically delivers in-person at the Merrill Center in Annapolis.

“We have always emphasized the importance of hands-on learning in our field programs,” Fiala said. “While we won’t be physically leading students into a marsh, helping them paddle a canoe, or passing out binoculars on the boat, we still plan to engage students in a way that’s similar to how we interact in the field. This new program will allow us to, quite literally, meet students where they are, which allows us to use artifacts, demonstrations, data, living organisms, and relevant discussions to connect students to their local environment.”

Teachers or administrators interested in bringing a CBF educator live into their online classrooms can reserve a date and time on CBF’s website. The program costs $50 per reservation and fee waivers are available for schools that qualify, which includes Title 1 or FARM schools. CBF uses the registration fees to support the organization’s education program.

More information about the CBF OWL program can be found at the CBF OWL website or in this Q&A with several CBF educators – Back to School with CBF Owl.

In accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and in coordination with the Governor and local public health authorities, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is re-opening the Lodge at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) near Rock Hall on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-2pm.

The refuge is working with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and is using a phased approach to safely increase access to Eastern Neck NWR lands and facilities as rapidly as possible. The boardwalk and trails have been open throughout the pandemic.

Beginning October 3, 2020, Eastern Neck NWR will reopen public access to the Lodge on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-2pm.  In addition, all trails continue to be open and available.  Those entering the Lodge will be asked to follow Governor Hogan’s COVID guidelines, which include facial coverings indoors, social distancing, frequent hand washing, and staying home if sick.

As we continue to review access, services, and programs, a return to full operations at Eastern Neck NWR will be phased in according to protocols set by governors and local public health officials. These decisions will be informed by the most current guidance and information from the Department of the Interior, CDC, Environmental Protection Agency and Maryland Department of Health to ensure the health and safety of those visiting and working at Eastern Neck NWR are protected. We will continue to closely monitor conditions and adjust our operations accordingly.

We continue to urge our visitors to do their part when visiting Eastern Neck NWR and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.

Updates about the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service’s response to coronavirus are posted at https://www.fws.gov/home/public-health-update.html.

Please check our website for current updates and status: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Eastern_Neck/.

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, is a 2,285 acre island which supports a wide variety of habitats including brackish marsh, natural ponds, upland forest, and grasslands for a diversity of wildlife. The refuge holds the designation of Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. To learn more, visit our website at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Eastern_Neck/or follow us on Facebook @EasternNeckNWR

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.

For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfws, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwshq, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfwsand download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq.