Eco Notes

UMCES Graduates Next Generation of Environmental Leaders

May 27, 2022 by University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Leave a Comment

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) held its annual Commencement on Tuesday, May 24, featuring the conferral of master’s and doctorate degrees, distinguished speakers and university awards, and keynote speaker Dr. Deborah Bronk (MEES Ph.D. ’92), oceanographer and President and CEO of the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences.

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science celebrated Commencement on its Horn Point Laboratory campus in Cambridge, Maryland this week. (University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science/Cheryl Nemazie)

“This is a time for optimism and hope because your generation of scientists have demonstrated a resilience and determination to succeed,” University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science President Peter Goodwin told graduates. “You are the smartest and most environmentally-aware generation ever to grace this planet.”

UMCES is a preeminent environmental research and educational institution that leads the way toward better management of Maryland’s natural resources and the protection and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay from a network of laboratories across the state. As an environmental research and graduate institution, UMCES holds a unique and important place among the University System of Maryland’s 12 institutions, leading a nationally ranked graduate program in marine and environmental science and providing unbiased science to assist Maryland policymakers as its mission.

Every year, more than 80 graduate students study and work alongside UMCES scientists and faculty members through the Marine Estuarine Environmental Sciences (MEES) graduate program, a nationally eminent interdisciplinary graduate program. Students go on to become environmental leaders in both the public and private sectors, research, and environmental advocacy. Twenty students received joint degrees from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) and the University of Maryland College Park (UMD) at the ceremony.

For a complete list of graduates, visit www.umces.edu/commencement-2022.

“A career based on science is a great way to spend your life. Make the choice to enjoy the ride no matter where it takes you,” said commencement speaker Dr. Deborah Bronk (MEES Ph.D. ’92), President and CEO of the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences. “It’s an all- hands on deck moment, and we need to share the resources we have. You chose well when you chose UMCES.”

Bronk has conducted more than 50 research cruises and field studies in freshwater and marine environments that stretch from pole to pole during her three decades of experience as an oceanographer. In 2020, she was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and recognized for her substantial research advances on the marine nitrogen cycle and for leadership in the ocean science research community. She earned her Ph.D. from the Marine Estuarine and Environmental Sciences (MEES) graduate program at UMCES’ Horn Point Laboratory campus.

The ceremony included recognition of faculty, student, and staff accomplishments and excellence.

Xin Zhang was awarded President’s Award for Excellence in Application of Science for exemplary applications of science that have had a positive impact on environmental protection. She was recognized for her global leadership in improving understanding of the intersection between food production needs, economic concerns, and the environment. An expert in sustainable agriculture, She led the development of the Sustainable Agriculture Matrix, a quantitative assessment for agriculture sustainability for countries around the world, as well as collaborative projects to identify ways to improve sustainability of nitrogen management in China and the United States.

Senior Faculty Research Assistant Casey Hodgkins was given the President’s Award for Outstanding Research Support for her impact on UMCES’ research enterprise and graduate experience. She has been an integral part of a variety of projects and technical support roles during her 13 years at UMCES’ Chesapeake Biological Laboratory. She has participated in 34 cruises aboard the R/V Rachel Carson as a senior scientist in support of research efforts aimed at understanding ocean acidification and the Patuxent River ecosystem. She has also shared her experiences and skills to mentor junior FRAs and students in the rigor and care involved in the scientific enterprise.

Graduate student Claire Nemes, a Ph.D. candidate with a research focus on birds, was awarded the UMCES Student Service Award for a high level of engagement and service to UMCES’ Appalachian Laboratory and the broader community. Nemes has given more than a dozen talks to community groups, organized countless bird walks in western Maryland, and developed educational materials to teach visitors about the challenges of bird migration. She has a record of educating herself and others to actively promote inclusivity, equity, and diversity and being the first to welcome new people in the community.

Associate Professor Eric Schott, a marine ecologist whose research focuses on understanding aquatic health, was selected by the graduate student body to receive the Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award for his dedication to both science and his students. Active in science education and watershed preservation, Schott’s research focuses on understanding discovery and tracking of estuarine pathogens in the blue crab and other shellfish. Students say he is dedicated to improving diversity, equality, and inclusion in his lab and has helped them grow into independent researchers and to be successful in job hunting and developing their career path.

John Piasecki was recognized for receiving the UMCES Staff Excellence Award for consistently demonstrating a high level of commitment and dedication to UMCES as the facilities manager for the Appalachian Laboratory. The Appalachian Laboratory relies on him for wide-ranging duties, from building maintenance to helping students with research projects, and he has made significant contributions to the reduction of energy use and costs by updating the HVAC system and transitioning the facility to LED lighting.

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science leads the way toward better management of Maryland’s natural resources and the protection and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. From a network of laboratories located across the state, UMCES scientists provide sound advice to help state and national leaders manage the environment, and prepare future scientists to meet the global challenges of the 21st century. www.umces.edu

ShoreRivers and Washington College Complete Urban Stormwater Retrofits

May 26, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Chester Riverkeeper Annie Richards, center, cuts the ribbon for the completion of the North Commons Bioretention Project at Washington College.

ShoreRivers and Washington College recently celebrated the completion of the North Commons Bioretention project, which installed numerous bioretention practices in the North Commons parking lot to better manage and treat stormwater runoff. Urban stormwater runoff is one of the most damaging threats to our waterways because it contains nutrients and other harmful pollutants, and can contribute to localized flooding. The project culminated in a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Kent County Chamber of Commerce on May 6, 2022.

These stormwater improvements were made possible with funds from Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Green Streets, Green Towns, Green Jobs (G3) grant program. The practices were designed to capture and hold water so biological activity can remove nutrients as well as pollutants coming from asphalt and vehicles before draining into the stormwater pond that eventually discharges to Radcliffe Creek, a tributary of the impaired Middle Chester River. This project is the first of a number of improvements the college hopes to make on its campus that will have water quality and habitat benefits and serve as demonstration projects to the large audience the college serves.

“This project is an example of leveraging private investment to increase water quality protections,” explains ShoreRivers Restoration Manager Kim Righi. Washington College invested in the gray infrastructure components of the upgrades—resurfacing and curb placement—providing the required matching funds for the green infrastructure components paid for by grants from Chesapeake Bay Trust.

ShoreRivers Agriculture & Outreach Coordinator Laura Wood poses by the sign she created about the “Stormwater Sanctuary” partnership with Washington College

Washington College Interim Director of Sustainability and Regenerative Living Shane Brill, adds, “We plan to continue partnering on more regenerative stormwater conveyances, attractive native plantings, and signage. ShoreRivers is helping us improve water quality, habitat, and aesthetics while also providing educational opportunities for our student body and campus visitors.”

ShoreRivers is a leader in designing, funding, and managing major restoration projects to reduce the sediments and nutrients that pollute our waterways. Community collaborations like this have resulted in hundreds of projects installed on county-owned properties, private lands, school campuses, town properties, and church lands.

ShoreRivers is certified by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation as a Technical Service Provider with an in-house engineer, staff with training in geospatial technologies, and the technical expertise to manage these projects. If you are interested in implementing a restoration project at your home or business, please contact our Director of Agriculture & Restoration or your local Riverkeeper at shorerivers.org/staff-directory.

ShoreRivers protects and restores Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, and education.

shorerivers.org

Explore the World of Marine Science, Tour the Horn Point Laboratory

May 22, 2022 by University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Leave a Comment

“Standing on the oyster hatchery setting tank pier, visitors learn about the growing Aquaculture industry and Horn Point Lab’s Aquaculture Demonstration Farm where growers can learn state-of-the-art methods to improve efficiency of their farming practices.”

Dive into science and see the Bay the Horn Point way! Every Tuesday at 10:00 am from Memorial Day through Labor Day tours will be offered to lead you through the amazing world of marine science taking place at the Horn Point Laboratory (HPL). Free and open to the public, these 90-minute walking tours are led by Horn Point Lab’s graduate students.

Learn about the Chesapeake Bay, its health and the vital role of Horn Point science as you experience a behind-the-scenes tour of HPL. You will explore oysters in the largest hatchery on the Atlantic coast, physical oceanography and remote sensing providing a wealth of data on the Bay’s complex ecosystem, coastal resilience, water quality and much more. The Horn Point Lab is located on more than 800 acres on the banks of the Choptank River outside Cambridge. Their research advances society’s understanding of the world’s estuarine and ocean ecosystems.

“Professor Emeritus Bill Boicourt, second from right, describes the advances made with remote sensing and data gathering stations across the Chesapeake Bay to track and gather data on winds, currents, salinity, oxygen levels and more.”

Add a tour of the Horn Point Lab to your summer fun and learn about the Bay’s diverse and mysterious marine life and the science that studies it. For more information, contact the Horn Point Lab at 410-221-8383 or email tours@umces.edu.

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Something of the Marvelous Challenge Features Tour of Wye Heights’ Magnificent Gardens

May 21, 2022 by Pickering Creek Audubon Center Leave a Comment

Wye Heights arbor

In 2020, Pickering Creek Audubon Center celebrated it’s work with “Celebrate at Your Place – Join us for another night at home” and in 2021 with Dive into Nature, which included small group outdoor nature events held throughout the year. Each of these efforts played a key role in raising funds to keep the Center’s science and outdoor learning experiences in front of students during the pandemic and transition its school programming to a virtual world (and back again) and work with classroom teachers to continue connecting their students to science and the outdoors. Funds raised through these campaigns allowed Pickering Creek to keep its trails open (with no admission fee) and looking great for the record number of visitors we have welcomed throughout the pandemic, as the need for respite increased.

This year Pickering Creek offers the Something of the Marvelous Challenge. Supporters of the Center’s work through the challenge will receive an invitation to either a delightful autumn nature program at the Center or a tour of the impressive gardens at Tim and Lisa Wyman’s historic Wye Heights in Easton, Maryland. Unlike Pickering Creek’s Tour Toast and Taste, Something of the Marvelous has no tent, no auction, and no dinners for sale. It is all outdoors- just soaking in the marvelous blooms and scenery of the amazing 10-acre garden along the Wye River.

The home’s stunning gardens and grounds will be open on June 4 to approximately 250 supporters of Pickering Creek Audubon Center’s award-winning education programs participating in the Something of the Marvelous Challenge. Timed entrances scheduled throughout the day on June 4^th will include complimentary beverages, time to explore, and special pop-up events such as live raptor presentations and roaming plant identification docent ready to offer guidance as needed.

Pickering Creek’s fundraising goal for the 2022 Something of the Marvelous Challenge is to raise $100,000 for Pickering’s education programs. Please join us as we celebrate our achievements and prepare for the future.

School groups, families, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers from far and wide visit Pickering Creek Audubon Center throughout the year to participate in hands-on outdoor learning, volunteer experiences and immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the Eastern Shore.

Challenge gifts must be made by June 1 to qualify to attend the June 4 Wye Heights Garden Tour. For more information please visit www.pickeringcreek.org

Celebrate Summer Solstice with ShoreRivers

May 19, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Last year, in the midst of the pandemic, ShoreRivers pivoted its annual Summer Solstice Celebration to instead features mall-group outdoor expeditions led by experts presenting particular aspects of our local ecosystem. Back by popular demand, ShoreRivers will again host a slate of exciting and experiential outings, as well as the beloved big-tent party on the banks of the Chester River! Register online now for your choice of a dozen expeditions and get your tickets for the Solstice Celebration at shorerivers.org/events. Expeditions will be held throughout the region from June 14-24 and the Celebration will be held at the Washington College boathouse on June 25.

ShoreRivers staff members help run the rousing Solstice Celebration Live Auction. Pictured (left to right) are Director of Development Rebekah Hock, Executive Director Isabel Hardesty, Ag & Outreach Coordinator Laura Wood, and Director of Agriculture & Restoration Tim Rosen.

ShoreRivers Executive Director Isabel Hardesty puts the event in context: “For many, the solstice indicates the official start to summer and warmer months when so many people flock to the river. By connecting with partners—regional experts in their fields, local celebrities, and entrepreneurs—we are able to provide uniquely memorable experiences that illustrate the need for healthy, accessible waterways. And it’s especially meaningful that we can celebrate the river together this year!”

Expedition offerings include a full moon paddle out of San Domingo Creek with Riverkeeper Matt Pluta, an evening tour and navigation lesson on board the River Packet with Bob Ingersoll, and a fabulous afternoon and evening of cycling followed by a wine tasting and rustic dinner in the barn at Crow Vineyard. Find details about these and more online.

The week will culminate in a grand celebration on Saturday, June 25, at Washington College’s Hodson Boathouse in Chestertown. Each $100 ticket includes: open bar with beer, wine, and a signature cocktail; hors d’oeuvres and a full buffet dinner; live music; and a beautiful setting along the Chester River. The celebration begins at 6:00 pm and continues through dusk with a rousing live auction where guests will bid on exceptional artwork, enticing destinations, and even a sail with Gary Jobson, America’s pre-eminent Ambassador for Sailing and Ted Turner’stactician aboard the winning America’s Cup yacht Courageous.

Solstice Celebration guests enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a full buffet dinner in a beautiful setting along the Chester River.

All funds raised during this event will go directly to support ShoreRivers’ work for clean rivers.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Help ShoreRivers achieve their clean water goals by becoming a sponsor for the Solstice Celebration, and joining a cadre of committed environmental stewards.

For tickets and more information, visit shorerivers.org/events or contact Freya Farley at 443.385.0511 ext 210 or ffarley@shorerivers.org.

ShoreRivers protects and restores Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, and education.

shorerivers.org

Pickering Creek Audubon Center June Public Programs

May 12, 2022 by Pickering Creek Audubon Center Leave a Comment

WEBINAR: Animal Architects
Thursday, June 9, 2022
7:00 – 8:00 pm
$5 per person
Humans aren’t the only species that build homes for shelter and warmth. This webinar will dive into the amazing world of animal architects and the inspiration humans draw from these beautiful buildings. From the labyrinthian ant nest to the iconic Beaver dam and many other homes in between come and learn about amazing structures built by wildlife across Delmarva. REGISTER HERE

Nature Walk with the Executive Director: Sunset Walk
Tuesday June 14, 2022
7:00-8:30 PM
$5 per person
Join Director Mark Scallion for a trail walk at the Center. Walks are a great introduction to the Center’s trails and programs and an opportunity for you to learn more about what the Center has to offer and for us to learn about your interests. We’ll adventure to a different part of the Center each month, so come as often as you like. REGISTER HERE

Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center Gears Up for Summer

May 6, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

As warmer weather arrives on Delmarva, the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC) is planning a wide array of activities and programs. Trails and facilities, including a new pavilion, have been expanded and upgraded. CBEC Executive Director Vicki Paulas stated, “We are so excited to press forward on our mission – serving the needs of the community and being a convenient place for enjoying our natural world.”

All manner of school groups (public, private, home-schooling) continue to book visits to CBEC, taking advantage of various environmental education programs,. Organizations like the World Leadership School also have used the grounds and facilities as part of their “preparing the next generation of leaders” programs.

“Our staff and volunteers have been busy this spring,” said Ashley Peris, CBEC Education Coordinator. “It’s been really exciting watching pre-schoolers through high school students enjoy CBEC’s ‘hands-on, feet-wet’ learning style. We’ve done everything from exploring marshes, woods and meadows, to dentifying birds, bugs, and plants, to building reef balls for oyster beds. At the end of the day, students leave here exhausted yet excited!”

Of note, Peris indicated that only a few spaces remain open for CBEC’s Summer Camp Programs.

Under the leadership of trained, experienced volunteers, CBEC is gearing up its guided kayak trips. Kayak and paddle boards are available for use by members free of charge, and can be rented by non-members for a nominal fee. Register for CBEC’s Guided Kayak Trips and for kayak/paddle board rentals online at www.bayrestoration.org.

With the help of a grant from the Mountain Club of Maryland, CBEC staff and volunteers have refurbished the North Point Trail, installing picnic tables and a kayak dock where the trail connects with the Marshy Creek shoreline.

“We are very proud of the expanded and improved nature hiking trails covering much of the CBEC property,” stated Executive Director Paulas. “We also are thankful to a small group of CBEC members, volunteers and partnering organizations who have installed signage identifying plants throughout the property.”

To learn more about CBEC, visit www.bayrestoration.org, or come visit the Center at 600 Discovery Lane, Grasonville, MD.

Chesapeake Marshlands NWR Complex Releases Draft Hunting and Fishing Plan for Public Review for Blackwater and Eastern Neck NWR

May 5, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Hunting and fishing are traditional uses of the National Wildlife Refuge System. At Blackwater and Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuges (NWR), we welcome people of all backgrounds and abilities to participate in recreational hunting.

Chesapeake Marshlands NWR Complex is seeking public review and comment on its proposed hunting and fishing plan. The public is invited to review the draft document for our proposed hunts and fishing access, which includes the Draft Hunting and Fishing Plans, Compatibility Determinations and Environmental Assessment.

Blackwater and Eastern Neck NWRs are proposing to allow the use of rifles using straight walled cartridges, allow the take of coyotes incidental to deer hunting, and align with the state bag limits. Both refuges would add a primitive hunt in February following the state season and align the youth deer hunt with the state. At Blackwater only, we propose to add an early teal season as well as add youth, veteran and military waterfowl dates. A “sportsman pass” to purchase all deer hunts with one permit is proposed. At Blackwater, an additional 723 acres will be added for hunting, as well as bank fishing from Key Wallace Drive causeway and ponds for youth and mentored fishing events. The refuges will move towards the reduction and future elimination of lead by proposing the use of non-lead ammunition and fishing tackle over a five-year period, with a complete elimination by 2027. The voluntary use of non-lead ammo and fishing tackle would be encouraged in the interim.

Draft documents are available online at the refuge’s official website at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater and https://www.fws.gov/refuge/eastern-neck. There will be an open house on June 9^th from 4pm-7pm at the Environmental Education building at the beginning of Wildlife Drive at Blackwater NWR. This is an opportunity to discuss the proposed changes and to provide your comments on the draft plans.

The comment period will stay open for no less than 60 days after the publishing of the “2022–2023 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations,” which will be announced in the Federal Register. If you wish to comment, please note “Chesapeake Marshlands NWRC” in the subject line of an email, and send to HuntFishRuleComments@fws.gov. They may also be mailed to the refuge, provided at the open house, received by phone at 410-221-2034 or emailed to matt_whitbeck@fws.gov.

Across the country, National Wildlife Refuges work closely with state agencies, tribes, and private partners to expand recreational hunting access. Hunting provides opportunities for communities, families, and individuals to enjoy the outdoors, support conservation efforts, and participate in a popular American tradition.

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 http://www.fws/gov.

Connect with our Facebook page at facebook.com/usfwsnortheast/, follow our tweets at twitter.com/usfwsnortheast, watch our YouTube Channel at youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at flickr.com/usfwsnortheast.

Breeding Bird Atlas Meeting

May 4, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

One of the joys of spring is hearing the birds sing. Some of those songs come from bird species that reside in our area year, while others come from species returning to our area from areas south where they spend the winter months. Birds sing to attract mates and to defend territory as they become busy building nests and laying eggs. Certain types of habitat attract different species, and documenting where birds breed is an important component in understanding trends in bird populations.

Maryland birders periodically undertake a five-year project documenting where birds breed throughout the state. The project is called the Breeding Bird Atlas, and we are currently in the third year of this effort. This is also the third time for the Breeding Bird Atlas project – the first was conducted from 1983 through 1987 and the second from 2002 through 2006.

Carrying out an atlas is a major effort – Maryland is divided into over a thousand three-by-three square mile blocks, and birders pay multiple visits to each block looking for evidence of which species breed in each block. What makes this effort remarkable is that the vast majority of the work is done by volunteers who are simply interested (and take great joy) in watching birds and learning about their natural behavior.

If you are interested in learning more about the latest Breeding Bird Atlas – whether you are simply interested in more details or want to learn how you can join the effort – join the Talbot County Bird Club in a public meeting on Monday, May 9 from 6 – 7:30 pm at the Talbot County Free Library Meeting Room, 100 W. Dover Street, in Easton.

The Izaak Walton League Looks Back at 100-Year Legacy and Its Future

April 30, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The Mid-Shore Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) has provided conservation and outdoor recreation activities for local residents since it was founded in 1949. The chapter maintains a 50+ acre nature area, Bolingbroke Park, in Trappe where it holds its meetings and provides opportunities for hiking, kayaking, archery. At the Park there is a pavilion used for dinners, weddings, and other types of social events. Its capacity readily accommodates up to 80 persons for events.

Since its inception the Mid-Shore Chapter has demonstrated its commitment to resources conservation by operating a recycling program in Easton and St. Michaels for over thirty years. Tons of newspaper, cardboard, and packaging materials have been recycled rather than sent to county landfills. As a conservation project, recycling has reduced deforestation and landfill acreage. Also, the chapter collected and recycled aluminum cans; another form of conservation.

In recent years we have been providing introductory target archery instruction for youth and adults and participated in the Waterfowl Festival. We regularly make Bolingbroke Park available to local boy and girl scout troops for meetings, campouts, and Eagle Scout projects. Currently we are investigating opportunities for new long-range conservation programs.

In this anniversary year, the Mid-Shore chapter is planning some public participation events. Specific dates and times are yet to be determined. Some events being scheduled:

May — Trap Shoot at Salisbury facility
June – Mountain Laurel Festival at Bolingbroke Park
July — Orienteering Course at Bolingbroke Park
Aug. – Family Bike Ride thru Trappe countryside
Sep. – AUCE Crab Feast at Bolingbroke Park

Also, we will be holding our monthly dinner meetings from April thru October with speakers or other program content. The dinner meetings will be posted on Facebook and the Chapter website, https://www.iwla.org/mid-shorechapter Guests are welcome to sign-up for the dinners.

As the chapter moves forward into IWLA’s second century, Mid-Shore will identify and implement a long-term conservation project that will be of service to local counties. For over 30 years we operated a recycling program for aluminum cans and newspapers. The goal being the reduction of material sent to the landfill, conservation of landfill acreage, and the re-use of natural resources. In 2021, we terminated our Easton and St. Michael’s recycling programs due to competition from the municipal program and commercial haulers.

The chapter maintains a comprehensive website: https://www.iwla.org/mid-shorechapter and has a page on Facebook.

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