Let’s learn some new outdoor skills at Bolingbroke Park in Trappe on Saturday, November 2nd from 9:00 to 3:00 and enjoy a bowl of chili and some Birthday Cake.  Four different Outdoor Skills programs are scheduled.

ARCHERY – Learn to use compound bows and practice target shooting in a well-managed environment. Our equipment is authorized for use in the National Association of Schools Training (NAST) and our two instructors are certified by the Maryland Association of Archers and they occasionally shoot competitively. Sam Durner frequently teaches at Tuckahoe Park and Rick Morton is qualified on multiple types of bows. There will be Morning and Afternoon sessions. Enrollment limited to 10 participants at each. Attendees must be at least 14 years old.

KAYAKING — Learn about a variety of kayaking equipment and safety, and  spend some time paddling on Bolingbroke Creek.  All safety equipment will be provided and the kayaks used will be single sit-ins. Time on the water may be influenced by weather conditions and temperatures. This session is being taught by Carol McCollough. Carol received her kayak instructor training from the American Canoe Association (ACA).   There will be Morning and Afternoon sessions. Enrollment limited to 15 persons at each. Attendees must be at least 14 years old and must sign a liability waiver.

FOREST BATHING – Learn a Japanese methodology, Shinrin-yoku – literally Forest Bathing, for therapeutic relaxation and mindfulness in nature.  The session will be led by Shawn McLaughlin, a naturalist and researcher at the NOAA Oxford Lab. There will be one Morning session with attendance limited to 15 persons.

ORIENTEERING –Learn how to find your way in the woods. Develop your map reading and compass skills so you may remain “oriented”.  This session will be conducted much like a scavenger hunt with a map and compass and a challenge to navigate through the park, identifying specific stops. This session will be taught by Jon Hammond, recently retired Coast Guard helicopter pilot. Jon is an expert in search and rescue and he enjoys setting-up and executing exercises to enhance your skills. There will be one Afternoon with attendance limited to 15 persons.

Plan for a fun day developing your outdoor skills, sing happy birthday, eat cake, etc. Here is a summary of the offerings, schedule and other particulars. Pick one for the Morning and a second for the Afternoon.

Sessions are designed for adults of all ages and mature self-assured youth, physically capable of participating in the activity.

This day outdoors occurs in early November. Dress warmly in layers and maybe consider a change of clothes if kayaking.

Each attendee must register separately as a chapter member or as a non-member.  To help us defray expenses, we ask each chapter member to pay $5 and each non-member to pay $10.

You must register online in advance. Click on OUTDOOR SKILLS or scan the QR code to pay the fee and to identify the Morning and Afternoon sessions you wish to attend.

ShoreRivers’ Landscape Architect, Katie Drummond (right), works with a student at Galena Elementary School to add native plants to a rain garden installed at the school. Funding for the planting was generously provided by the Robert F. Schumann Foundation.

ShoreRivers is thrilled to announce that it has received a three-year grant from the Robert F. Schumann Foundation to support its River-Friendly Yards program.

ShoreRivers’ River-Friendly Yards program combines community education with hands-on, roots-in-the-ground restoration planting projects. With this generous funding, ShoreRivers will be able to activate more planting projects with more communities, and provide the maintenance that is critical to the ongoing success of existing projects. This funding also supports continuing education for the workforce that cares for our river-friendly landscapes, allowing more local landscapers and municipal employees to be trained and certified in environmentally responsible practices.

The Schumann Foundation and ShoreRivers share goals of stewarding and restoring our environment, increasing diverse natural habitat, and educating our communities. ShoreRivers protects Maryland’s Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement. Data show that the majority of pollution in our rivers is coming from within our watersheds, which means every one of us has the potential to improve the health of our waterways. This program helps people see the inextricable connection between land and water. A river-friendly yard mimics the natural environment to benefit water quality, native birds and pollinators, and our local ecosystem. Strengthening this program into a regional, multi-year effort that engages municipalities, homeowners’ associations, landscape professionals, legislators, developers, and even more communities will greatly increase its impact at a critical time for habitat and water quality.

With the flexible, steadfast support of the Robert F. Schumann Foundation, ShoreRivers will continue to expand the visibility and impact of this positive, powerful program for the good of our waterways, birds, pollinators, and communities. Learn more at shorerivers.org/river-friendly-yards.

Lead photo: Staff members and volunteers for ShoreRivers gather to finish installing native plants at a rain garden installed at Galena Elementary School. Funding for the planting was generously provided by the Robert F. Schumann Foundation.

ShoreRivers is proud to announce that its highly anticipated fall Rendezvous event is returning for a third year, with guests invited to the Farmstead at Kent Island Resort on Sunday, October 20, from 1–4pm.

Secure your spot now to enjoy an autumn afternoon on Thompson Creek while celebrating the people and programs of ShoreRivers. A premium open bar, lively Americana music graciously provided by Easton-based music group Ampersand, and a thoughtfully curated seasonal menu will be served.

“Connecting ShoreRivers’ work to some of the best things our rivers have to offer — delicious, regional fare, an exceptional atmosphere, and passionate advocates — is key to restoring and protecting these waterways,” says Executive Director Isabel Hardesty. Guests will have the chance to underwrite the impact of that work in priority local conservation efforts through four engaging program stations. We’re grateful for the early support of lead sponsors Watson/Stone Family Foundation, Timothy & Lisa Wyman, and Full Sail Media to make this fun and purposeful event possible.

To add to the festivities, ShoreRivers will present its annual Award for Environmental Stewardship to William A. Anderson, II in recognition of his influential role as a local leader. Anderson has served as a lead advocate on environmental issues at the federal level in Washington, DC and in the Mid-Shore region of Maryland’s Eastern Shore since the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972. A ShoreRivers board member for five years and former Vice Chair, he has graciously lent his expertise on numerous, important advocacy issues. We’re proud to recognize the significant amount of time and effort he has put in to support ShoreRivers, and to fight on behalf of what’s right for the rivers we all cherish.

Sponsorship opportunities (which include promotional recognition and complimentary tickets), and general tickets are available. Visit shorerivers.org/events to secure your spot, or email Rebekah at [email protected] for details.

All funds raised through sponsorships, ticket sales, and donations support healthier waterways through ShoreRivers’ focused mission of science-based advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement.

shorerivers.org

Adkins Arboretum announces that Abby Lorenz of Millington was recently hired as its first director of public engagement. More than ten years of experience in horticulture, strategic development, communications and other fields make Lorenz a valuable asset to the Adkins team.

“Having grown up on the Eastern Shore, I’ve developed a lifelong love for this region’s natural beauty and the people who live here,” said Lorenz. “Combining my love for this area with my experience in public gardens and community engagement feels like coming full circle. I’m excited to contribute to the incredible work being done at Adkins.”

Before joining the Arboretum staff, Lorenz completed a 13-month Longwood Fellows Program at Longwood Gardens, a leader-development program that focuses on public horticulture. During the program, she collaborated with peer leaders to produce a comprehensive toolkit and presentation focusing on mission impact. She has additionally served as the Plant Records Manager for Mount Cuba Center in Hockessin, Del., the Manager of Plant Records and Horticulture Programs at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago and as a landscape designer for Unity Landscape Design/Build. She holds a B.S. in Horticulture from Virginia Tech and a BFA in ceramics from the Chicago School of the Art Institute.

Throughout her career, she has been driven by a desire to create spaces where people can find a sense of belonging and connection. She believes that public gardens are not just places to visit but spaces where people can find a sense of community, healing and inspiration.

“Abby brings a broad and unique perspective to the Arboretum team with education, skills  and experience in horticulture, the arts and building community,” said Adkins Executive Director Ginna Tiernan. “ We are thrilled to have her join us as we seek to reach broad audiences, promote native plants and foster love and appreciation of the natural world. Abby has joined us at an exciting and critical time as we embark on a new Master Plan—the last one was completed in 1999—and our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan. She will play a vital role in developing both of these important documents.”

The director of public engagement designs, facilitates and supports a broad range of programs, events and guest engagement to provide exceptional experiences in nature and promote native plants.

The mission of Adkins Arboretum, a 400-acres native garden and preserve at the headwaters of Tuckahoe Creek in Caroline County, is to provide exceptional experiences in nature. For more information, visit adkinsarboretum.org or call 410-634-2847.

ShoreRivers is proud to announce a new partnership with Caroline County Recreation and Parks to co-develop and implement programming where fifth-grade students will investigate the question: “are our rivers swimmable and fishable?” Planning stages for this new initiative have already begun, and programming will take place next summer.

Through this program, students will learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) while also building leadership and advocacy skills by participating in exciting hands-on learning activities and connecting to nature. Highlights of the program include visiting multiple county parks; conducting biological, chemical, and physical assessments of water quality; canoeing; fishing for invasive species using state catch and consumption advisories; engaging with scientists and other environmental careers; and planning and implementing student-driven action projects.

Funding for this exciting new program is also coming from a new source for ShoreRivers. The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and supported by $1.1 million from the U.S. Department of Education, is now working with 12 environmental education organizations to offer engaging after-school watershed-focused STEM programs.

“This funding enables us to ignite in our youth a passion for their local waterways, ultimately inspiring a new generation of environmental stewards through hands-on exploration of the Choptank and Nanticoke rivers,” said Morgan Buchanan, ShoreRivers’ Education Programs Coordinator. “ShoreRivers is thrilled for this new partnership with Caroline County Recreation and Parks and to be working together to cultivate a community of students who have a critical understanding of how our actions on land directly impact the health of our rivers.”

The grant funding for this program, administered by NAAEE and running from 2024–2025, supports environmental education organizations collaborating directly with state designated Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers and their students, many of whom live in underserved areas. Caroline County Recreation and Parks operates one of only three 21st Century Community Learning Centers on the Eastern Shore.

“Many of the children we work with are woefully disconnected from the waterways that surround and run through our county,” said Danny Mitchell, Program Services Director for Caroline County Recreation and Parks. “Working with ShoreRivers allows us to start addressing that disconnect, while also meeting our goal of working with content experts to bring unique opportunities and experiences to our summer campers.”

In addition to providing year-round recreation opportunities, maintaining nearly 500 acres of public land, and managing over $9 million in capital projects and grants, Caroline County Recreation and Parks serves over 1,000 students each year through comprehensive out of school time programming taking place afterschool and in summer camps operating in elementary schools across the county. Visit carolinerecreation.org to learn more. Caroline County Summer Learning Centers are funded through the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Maryland Out-of-School Time Programs for the Future grant program administered by the Maryland State Department of Education. In accordance with the Maryland State Department of Education’s policy, 21st Century Community Learning Centers programs do not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, creed, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation in matters affecting employment or in providing access to programs.

ShoreRivers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Maryland’s Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement. We lead a robust environmental education program that serves more than 2,500 third-grade and high school biology students every year in Dorchester, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, and Kent county schools, and provide students with a Meaningful Watershed Education Experience (MWEE) — a Maryland State graduation requirement. ShoreRivers leads classroom lessons, field experiences, community-focused action projects, and teacher professional development. Learn more at shorerivers.org/education.

The Queen Anne’s County Parks and Recreation Department is celebrating the 20th year of the annual Corsica River Day, set to take place on Sunday, September 22, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This milestone event marks two decades of dedication to promoting sustainable environmental practices and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

Originally known as Watershed Awareness Day, the event began in the fall of 2004 at Bloomfield Farm. Over the years, the name and location have evolved, but the mission has remained steadfast: to protect our watersheds by encouraging young people to become proactive in preserving their natural surroundings.

This year’s Corsica River Day will be a celebration like no other, with activities designed for the entire family. Attendees can enjoy food trucks, kid’s activities, hands-on environmental education, kayaking, and a variety of games. To show our appreciation for the community’s ongoing efforts to protect our natural resources, we’ll also have exciting giveaways and raffles throughout the day.

Join us for an afternoon of fun, learning, and community spirit as we celebrate 20 years of commitment to the environment!

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, September 22
• Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• Location: Conquest Beach, Centreville

For more information, please contact the Queen Anne’s County Department of Parks and Recreation at (410)758-0835.

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Horn Point Laboratory invites the public to its annual free Open House on Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This 2024 Open House theme is “Treasure Your Bay.”  Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the many reasons to treasure the Chesapeake Bay, including the marine and human life it supports. Horn Point Laboratory’s team of scientists will share their research through fun, interactive exhibits and activities for all ages.

“Longtime residents, newcomers, visitors, all have reasons to treasure the Bay–and can play a part in supporting its health,” said Horn Point Laboratory Director Mike Sieracki.  “Open House is a chance for those of all ages to join our scientists to explore the latest research, and the continuing mysteries, of the Bay we all treasure.”

Visitors will explore the world of marine science through hands-on exhibits created and staffed by the lab’s faculty and students. Exhibit topics include a phytoplankton zoo, digital sandbox, physical oceanography instruments, coral defense, water filtering, and DNA extraction.

Along with the hands-on science exhibits, there will be additional activities including a tour of the largest oyster hatchery on the East Coast, bay-themed crafts, games, and food vendors.  Children who complete the open house scavenger hunt will receive a free t-shirt.

The Horn Point Open House is free and fun for all ages, and takes place rain or shine. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around the campus.  An on-campus shuttle will also run throughout the day. Horn Point Laboratory campus is located at 2020 Horns Point Road off Route 343 outside of Cambridge, Maryland.

For more information, visit umces.edu/events/annual-open-house or contact Claire Otterbein at [email protected].

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Guiding our state, nation, and world toward a more sustainable future

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) is a leading research and educational institution working to understand and manage the world’s resources. From a network of laboratories spanning from the Allegheny Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, 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.

HORN POINT LABORATORY 

Understanding of the world’s estuarine and ocean ecosystems through a research program in oceanography, water quality, restoration of sea grasses, marshes and shellfish.

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.

Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage will host its annual Magnificent Monarchs workshop on Sat., Sept. 28 at 10:30 a.m. at Barnstable Hill Farm in Chester. The public is invited to join CWH staff to tag and learn about the migrating habits of Monarch butterflies. Participants will also learn about the Monarch’s life cycle and will help scientists from around the continent track its astounding generational migration.

The workshop is free to the public, but space is limited. CWH reserves the right to cancel it if staff feel that conditions are not safe for it.

To register, email [email protected] or call 410-822-5100. Directions will be provided.

Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage is dedicated to designing, restoring and managing wildlife habitat and establishing a more sustainable agriculture. In addition to stewarding 1,150 acres in Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties that it owns and manages as wildlife sanctuary, CWH works daily with private and public landowners to help ensure the future of the region’s wildlife and the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Since the organization’s founding in 1980, CWH staff has restored nearly 2,000 acres of wetlands, planted more than 1,000 acres of woodlands and created 6,000 acres of warm season grass meadows. For more information, visit cheswildlife.org.