Ecosystem - Chestertown Spy

7 IWLA Scholarship Winners Receive a Total of $16,000

July 7, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) Maryland Division and the Mid-Shore Chapter awarded $16K to seven outstanding, local students at the Mid-Shore’s June 29^th dinner at Bolingbroke Park in Trappe.

Pictured (from left to right): Suzanne Sullivan, undergraduate selections coordinator; Ally Mueller, Talbot; Hope Benjamin, Dorchester; David Garcia, Horn Point; Michael Kalinowski, Horn Point; Frank Clark de Rosa, Queen Anne, Shayna Keller, Horn Point; and Mid-Shore Chapter President, Jamie Pierson. Unable to attend was Abby Loranc, Caroline County.

This year the undergraduate selection committee chose one applicant from each of the four counties area. Each student received a scholarship for $2,000. The three students from the Horn Point Lab in Cambridge are working on doctorate or masters’ programs. The Horn Point Lab is one of four regional campuses of the University of Maryland Centers for Environmental Science. Two received $2,500 each and the third (David Garcia) was sponsored by the Maryland Division for $3,000.

Through the generosity of Mrs. Florence Harper’s estate, the Mid-Shore Chapter is able to continue providing scholarships for education in STEM sciences with a focus on environmental studies. Mrs. Harper’s identified her bequest as being in memory of Antonio Johnson (understood to be a long-term employee, care-giver, and companion). Prior to Mrs. Harper’s gift, the Mid-Shore Chapter had funded its scholarship program from the collection of newspaper and aluminum cans in Easton and St. Michaels. The Chapter sustained this program for over 30 years and terminated it after the towns implemented recycling programs and COVID changed the public’s cooperation.

Additionally, the Mid-Shore Chapter recognized the accomplishments of Mrs.Lauren Rose, recipient of the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators, one of nine nationally recognized environment educational teachers for 2022 – 2023. Mrs.Rose spends as much time as possible providing her students with field experiences learning water ecology and quality.

These studies take her and her students into the local marshes and streams. It is “wet-work”.Waders are essential and there is a limited supply. Learning that Mrs. Rose needed more waders, Chapter President Jamie Pierson presented her with 6 new pair at the June dinner, provided by the Chapter.

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Chesapeake Marshlands NWR Complex Seeks Public Review and Comment on Supplemental Environmental Assessment for Hunting and Fishing

July 1, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex is seeking public review and comment on its Supplemental Environmental Assessment (EA) for hunting and fishing. Blackwater and Eastern Neck NWRs will eliminate use of lead ammunition for all hunting and lead tackle for fishing starting September 1, 2026. Until then, over the next 3 years we will provide outreach and education opportunities for hunters and anglers to learn about lead impacts and available alternatives. We will initially encourage the voluntary use of non-lead ammunition for hunting and non-lead tackle for fishing.

Please note that we have not made any significant changes to the previous September 2022 hunting and fishing plan — there are no new changes to species, seasons, acreages, methods of take, or regulations. The Supplemental EA is focused on the further analysis of potential impacts of lead ammunition (and tackle), and utilizes the latest research and best available science where applicable. The updated information provides another opportunity for public review and comment; however, much of the written text transferred from the 2022 plan remains unchanged.

Draft documents are available online at the refuges’ official websites at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater and https://www.fws.gov/refuge/eastern-neck.

The Service seeks comments from the public on the proposed rule for 60 days, beginning with publication in the Federal Register on June 23, 2023. The notice will be available at http://www.regulations.gov, Docket Number: FWS-HQ-NWRS-2023-0038. If you wish to comment, please note “Chesapeake Marshlands NWRC” in the subject line of an email, and address to [email protected].

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 32,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwood and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife. To learn more, visit our website at http://www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or @BlackwaterNWR.

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 National Audubon Society. To learn more, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/Eastern-Neck or @EasternNeckNWR.

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.

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Schumann Foundation Honored at ShoreRivers Solstice Celebration

June 28, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

ShoreRivers was proud to present its 2023 Award for Environmental Stewardship to the Robert F. Schumann Foundation as part of the organization’s annual Solstice Celebration on Saturday, June 24, at Wilmer Park in Chestertown.

This award recognizes an individual or entity in the Chesapeake Bay watershed for their transformational accomplishments as a steward of the environment, and the foundation was selected in recognition of its legacy of generosity to ShoreRivers.

ShoreRivers Director of Community Engagement Darran White Tilghman and Board Member Rosemary Ramsey Granillo are pictured with honoree Ford Schumann.

The Robert F. Schumann Foundation was established by Mr. Robert Schumann out of his belief that the environment is essential to sustain the future of the planet, that education is essential to solve many quality-of-life issues for society, and that arts and cultural programs offer society hope and the ability to dream. The Schumann Foundation has been a central funder of environmental imperatives at ShoreRivers since 2017.

At the event, remarks on the foundation’s incredible community contributions were provided by Darran White Tilghman, Director of Community Engagement at ShoreRivers; Rosemary Ramsey Granillo, a member of the ShoreRivers Board of Directors; and Terwana Brown, Program Manager for Kent Attainable Housing.

“(The Robert F. Schumann Foundation) has helped leverage over $1.6 million in funding for community restoration projects through ShoreRivers. The landscapes of our communities are transforming because of this work,” said Ramsey Granillo. “I’m especially honored to present this award on behalf of the Board of ShoreRivers because the Schumann family means so much to me and my family. Ford and my mom, Marcy, were founding members of the Chester River Association, so in a real way they are why we’re all here tonight.”

Accepting on behalf of the foundation created by his father, Ford Schumann was presented with a hand-crafted, locally sourced bird box. The box served to recognize the foundation’s support of native planting projects, which provide habitat and food for threatened species like birds and pollinators. Planting native species is the single most important thing individuals and communities can do for local water quality and habitat value. Native plants are defined as the species that naturally occur in a region, which have co-evolved with other plant and animal species to form the local ecosystem.

Miles-Wye Riverkeeper Ben Ford, Chester Riverkeeper Annie Richards, and Sassafras Riverkeeper Zack Kelleher are pictured at ShoreRivers’ annual Solstice Celebration.

In addition to the award presentation, the Solstice Celebration included gourmet fare provided by Hambleton House Catering & Events, live music from Philip Dutton and the Alligators, and a rousing live auction led by Chester Riverkeeper Annie Richards. The crowd of more than 350 supporters helped raise more than $132,000in support of ShoreRivers’ work for clean rivers. To learn more, visit shorerivers.org.

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

shorerivers.org

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July Public Programs at Pickering Creek Audubon Center

June 22, 2023 by Pickering Creek Audubon Center Leave a Comment

Whimsy: Wet Feet & Muddy Hands
Friday, July 7, 2023
3:30 – 5:00 pm
$5 per person
Summertime is for playing outdoors and getting messy! Cool down this summer by joining Pickering Creek educators for a fun frolic through our freshwater wetlands. Feet will get wet, hands will get muddy and frogs will be chased. Recommended for ages 4-7 but all ages are welcome! REGISTER HERE

From Corn & Cattle to Milkweeds & Monarchs: An Historic Tour of Pickering Creek
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
5:30 – 7:00 pm
$5 per person
What did the landscape of Pickering Creek look like 25, 50, 100 years ago? Where you might hear the Conkaree of Red-Winged Blackbirds today was once filled with the Moooos of Black Angus cattle just a few decades ago. Join Pickering Creek educators for an easy walk and wagon ride around the front and back of the property to learn about the site’s farming history, who lived on the property and what the site might have looked like over the past 200 years. REGISTER HERE

WEBINAR – Orchids of Maryland and the Eastern Shore
Monday, July 31, 2023
7:00 – 8:30 pm
$5 per person
Orchids aren’t just limited to rainforests and tropical islands, we have dozens of native species of orchids in Maryland as well! While Lady’s Slipper species get all the glory, Lady’s Tresses’ and Cranefly Orchids are just as beautiful. Join us for a conversation with Julianne McGuinness about native Maryland orchids as well as orchids you might find here on the Eastern Shore!

Julianne is the Program Development Coordinator for the North American Orchid Conservation Center (NAOCC). NAOCC is a coalition of organizations dedicated to conserving the diverse orchid heritage of the U.S. and Canada. Based at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) and co-founded with the U.S. Botanic Garden, it also includes the National Zoological Park, the National Museum of Natural History, and Smithsonian Gardens among other collaborators. REGISTER HERE

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Millions of Oysters Planted in Eastern Bay

June 19, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Eighteen million oysters were planted on a sanctuary near Tilghman Point in Eastern Bay this Thursday as part of Operation Build-a-Reef: Eastern Bay. The planting was the culmination of a two-year fundraising effort by ShoreRivers, in partnership with Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP), and other key supporters. Oysters provide valuable ecosystem services by filtering water and creating vital habitats for other marine species, including Maryland’s iconic blue crab and rockfish.

Operation Build-a-Reef: Eastern Bay’sgoal was to support oyster restoration efforts by planting millions of these beneficial bivalves in the local watershed. An initial planting of 70 million oysters was completed by ORP in 2022, with funding provided by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Thursday’s planting was also conducted by ORP and was fully funded by ShoreRivers’ network of supporters who raised the stakes—and the impact—by donating nearly $80,000 for the newest residents of Eastern Bay. Oyster larvae were supplied by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Horn Point Lab in Cambridge.

“The waterways of Eastern Bay, including the Miles and Wye rivers, suffer from excess nitrogen and sediment pollution,” says Miles-Wye Riverkeeper Ben Ford. “Thanks to generous support from many individuals, businesses, and foundations, we’re proud that we’re able to support direct oyster restoration work here on the Shore.”

Millions of juvenile oysters were planted in Eastern Bay on June 15, 2023, as part of Operation Build-a-Reef: Eastern Bay, a campaign in support of oyster restoration work.

Oyster Recovery Partnership, the nonprofit expert in Chesapeake Bay oyster restoration, has planted more than 10 billion oysters and recycled 280,000+ bushels of oyster shell since its founding in 1994. ORP began the Build-a-Reef program to encourage community-supported reef building efforts Bay-wide. To date, the Build-a-Reef program has resulted in more than130 million oysters planted in three Bay tributaries.

“We’re pleased to be working again with our partners at ShoreRivers to rebuild oyster populations here in Eastern Bay. A lot of our work is focused on large-scale restoration projects in remote areas of the Eastern Shore and we’re happy to be working closer to home and sharing our work with our neighbors. We’re grateful for all the support we’ve received,” said Ward Slacum, executive director of the Oyster Recovery Partnership.

Operation Build-a-Reef: Eastern Bay benefitted from the support of corporate partners including Bosun’s Marine, who offered to match gifts made by its customers in support of the effort, and Smyth Jewelers who donated 1,000 oysters for every engagement ring sold. Many donors, and staff from Bosun’s, ShoreRivers, and the Oyster Recovery Partnership were on hand to watch the planting.

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

shorerivers.org

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recognizes Volunteers at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

June 17, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service recently recognized volunteers of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) for the outstanding contributions they made to the refuge during 2022. The Friends of Blackwater sponsored the awards dinner held at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park. Volunteers at Blackwater do everything from staffing the Visitor Center, maintaining the butterfly garden, and leading bird walks and educational programs, to monitoring bluebirds, surveying waterfowl, and serving as mentors for new hunters. During 2022, 109 volunteers contributed 8,454 hours of their time to the refuge, which is equivalent to four full-time employees!

Refuge volunteer Rick Abend receives the 2022 Volunteer of the Year Award at Blackwater NWR from Refuge Manager Marcia Pradines Long.

Every year, Blackwater NWR honors and distinguishes a volunteer for their exemplary performance throughout the year. This year, Mr. Rick Abend of Madison, MD, received the 2022 Volunteer of the Year Award for his dedicated service to the refuge. Mr. Abend has been a steady force at Blackwater for 17 years and has served as President of the Friends of Blackwater for nearly 10 years. He is an unwavering supporter and advocate, and makes a tangible difference on the refuge, having done everything from installing bike racks and electrical lines to building wooden bridges and boardwalks, among many other things. Visitors to the refuge benefit every day from the talents and dedication that Mr. Abend brings to the refuge.

Special recognition was also given to volunteers reaching key milestones in their service to Blackwater NWR. Award pins and certificates were presented to the following volunteers for reaching milestones in the number of years they have volunteered at Blackwater NWR: Linda Chandlee, Harry Heckathorn, Ellie Ludvigsen, Karl McGovern, Christina Rocca, and Peter Smithson for five years of service; Sue Fischer and Leslie Baker for 10 years of service; and Lisa Mayo for 20 years of service.

Award pins and certificates were also presented to volunteers reaching milestones in the number of volunteer hours they have contributed to the refuge since they began volunteering. Those recognized include: Lauren Atwood, Bobby Boarman, Jane Bowers, Phyllis Como, Wes Cummins, Sloane Franklin, Jim Green, Steve Huettner, Mark Jenkins, Collin Johnson, Maribeth Kulncyzk, Trevor Michaels, Jake Peregrim, Davie Pina, Kirk Tull Sr., and Robin Weaver (50 hours); Lisa Alfaro, Marcos Alfaro, Wade Bradford, Brian Cavey, Chris Davidson, Rachel Dawson, Rhonda Franz-Floyd, TJ Jenkins, Russ Leith, Bob Long, Brian Mann, Sherry Morgan, Marnie Pepper, Zack Trusty, and Laura Yowell (100 hours); Doug Irvin, Charles Maguire, John Morgan, Bob Quinn, Christina Rocca, Peter Smithson, and Jim Van Ness (250 hours); Linda Chandlee (500 hours); and Steve Funderburk, Merrill Schuetz, and Elaine Wilson (750 hours). Those volunteers accumulating 1,000 hours or more are listed on the refuge’s “Volunteer Hall of Fame” plaque. Volunteers reaching these milestones in 2022 include: Rick Abend, Sue Fischer, Ellie Ludvigsen, Betsy McCaul, Jane Sebring, Carol Walker, and Ed Walker (1000 hours), Karl McGovern and Vicki Zobel (1500 hours), Ron Ketter (2000 hours), Harry Heckathorn (2500 hours) and Charlotte Hehn (8500 hours). Each volunteer received a special recognition gift for their volunteer efforts.

If you would like to learn more about volunteering at Blackwater NWR, please call 410-221-8157.

Volunteers, from left to right, are Ed Walker, Carol Walker, Ellie Ludvigsen, Sue Fischer, and Rick Abend. Also pictured is Refuge Manager Marcia Pradines Long. Not pictured are Betsy McCaul and Jane Sebring.

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.

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Eastern Shore Regional Trail Network Receives National Park Service Grant

June 15, 2023 by Eastern Shore Land Conservancy 1 Comment

Eastern Shore Regional Trails Network steering committee

The Eastern Shore Regional Trails Network has been selected by National Park Service – Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program (NPS-RTCA) as a 2023 “community assistance project.” The designation means that this recently-formed, Shore-wide consortium of partners, led by Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, will receive support for one year in the form of invaluable, one-on-one expertise and technical support from knowledgeable National Park Service staff.

“The National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program (NPS-RTCA) is excited to partner with the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC) and community partners to create a connected network for active transportation across Maryland’s Eastern Shore that supports safe places for people to walk, ride, roll, and explore nature,” stated Natalia Sanchez Hernandez, the NPS-RTCA expert supporting the initiative. “NPS-RTCA recognizes the need and strong community support to enhance multimodal transportation to encourage healthy living, provide safe access to close-to-home recreation and community amenities, and increase tourism and economic development for communities in Maryland’s Eastern Shore.”

The Eastern Shore Regional Trails Network partnership is a newly-formed group of community organizations working to connect with stakeholders, initiate the first new trails across the region, and build a regional trails coalition to serve as an advocating body for trail resources. This Wednesday, June 14^th, ESLC will kick off the first planning meeting between the steering committee and National Parks Staff at the Eastern Shore Conservation Center. The meeting will include:

Patti Stevens, Eastern Shore Representative for Maryland Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and co-founder of Worcester Bike and Pedestrian Coalition
Sue Simmons, former Director of Caroline County Recreation and Parks
Kat Stork, Owner of Shore Strategies
Jim Bogden, Chair of Chestertown Recreation Commission
Joe Kelley, Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator
Josh Hastings, Wicomico County Council
Bob Zillig, Chair of Queen Anne’s County Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Margaret Enloe-North, Interim Director Talbot Thrive

Owen Bailey, Chair of the Steering Committee for this project and Director of Land Use and Policy for Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, is thrilled about the future saying, “We are so grateful and excited for this new project to raise awareness and engage people across the Shore. And we can’t wait to hit the trail!”

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Summer Talk Series with the Horn Point Laboratory

June 8, 2023 by Horn Point Laboratory Leave a Comment

As part of their 50^th anniversary, the Horn Point Laboratory (HPL) is hosting a series of six free Summer Talks. Beginning June 20 these Tuesday talks will run weekly (except July 4^th), from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. “We are excited to bring our latest science to the Cambridge community and to share what we are learning about the natural world around us.” shared Director, Mike Sieracki. With slides and conversation, faculty members will share their research on a variety of topics to explore the science of the waters that surround us.

HPL is partnering with the High Spot restaurant in Cambridge to create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Come early and come hungry and thirsty. Tuesdays from 4:00 to 6:00 pm the High Spot’s gastro pub grub is ½ price and drinks are $2.00 off!

Summer Talks and faculty members include:

June 20

Mike Sieracki

Horn Point Lab 50th anniversary: Past, present and future of science in Dorchester County

June 27

Ming Li

Impact of climate change on coastal flooding in the Dorchester Country:

Sea level rise and warming oceans increase the risk of coastal flooding in low-lying areas on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

7-11

Cindy Palinkas

Living shorelines: using the power of nature to protect our coasts

7-18

Stephanie Alexander

A Virtual Tour of the UMCES Horn Point Oyster Hatchery

Learn how the UMCES Horn Point Oyster Hatchery produces oyster larvae, seed and spat on shell for restoration, private aquaculture, and public fishery activities in the Chesapeake Bay region.

7-25

Jamie Pierson

From Plankton to Plastics: the Chesapeake under a microscope

-Meet the tiniest creatures in our local waterways, and learn how they are connected to our everyday lives.

Jamie Pierson, HPL Associate Professor, sharing insights on findings in the Choptank river, from plankton to plastics

8-1

Greg Silsbe

Environmental Remote Sensing: How scientists use satellites to monitor the Earth.

This talk explores the theory, opportunities and challenges of monitoring environmental change from earth-observing satellites.

Come hungry to learn about science of local and national interest and to get your fill of the High Spot’s good eats and cool drinks! High Spot is located at 305 High Street, Cambridge.

Talks are Free! Registration is encouraged as the space for each talk is limited to 30 people.

To Register: https://www.usmf.org/horn-point-laboratory-summer-talks/

Questions, please contact Carin Starr at [email protected] or 410-221-8408.

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Maryland Swim for Life Returns June 3

May 31, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Previously held each September, this year’s Maryland Swim for Life on the Chester River has been scheduled for Saturday, June 3.

Hosted by the District of Columbia Aquatics Club and sanctioned by U.S. Masters Swimming, the Maryland Swim for Life is an open water event and community fundraiser held annually at Rolph’s Wharf on the Chester River in Chestertown. Check-in will begin at 7am, followed by safety briefings and swim starts at 8:15 and 9am. A picnic celebration and awards ceremony will be held at noon. Register at shorerivers.org/events for 2.5K, 5K, and 7.5K swims, plus 1.2-mile and 2.4-mile Triathlon challenge swims. DC Aquatics appreciates its sponsors TYR, DC Department of Parks and Recreation, and Columbia Property Management.

Proceeds from Maryland Swim for Life support four local nonprofits whose mission statements include environmental, medical, health, wellness, and fitness advocacy. ShoreRivers is honored to be a beneficiary again this year. The Chester Riverkeeper is pleased to provide on-the-water safety support as well as water quality and bacteria testing results.ShoreRivers’ swim caps are available for $10, which provide direct support to the Swimmable ShoreRivers’ bacteria monitoring program.

Visit ShoreRivers.org/events for information and to register. Volunteer kayakers to serve as safety support are also needed for the event, please email [email protected] if you’re interested and available.

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

shorerivers.org

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Something of the Marvelous Challenge Features Tour of Harleigh’s Magnificent Woodland Gardens

May 26, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Pickering Creek Audubon Center’s Something of the Marvelous spring fundraiser for 2023 is a dollar for dollar matching challenge with every dollar being matched up to $50,000.

These funds support Pickering Creek’s science and nature education programs in Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester and Wicomico counties for students from at least one grade level in each school system, ensuring that every student in the grade level, regardless of background, has great outdoor learning experiences with Pickering’s talented staff of educators and scientists.

In addition to supporting school programming, these matching gifts help connect adults and families with the habitats and wildlife that also call the midshore home, and support summer EcoCamp scholarships. And finally, generous gifts provided by the community to this matching challenge ensure that Pickering is open to the public for free everyday to enjoy the center’s beautiful trails!

Two marvelous donors have stepped forward to collectively offer this year’s dollar for dollar match. Both are long-term supporters of the Center’s work to connect people to nature. Supporters who contribute over $100 between May 15 and June 9 will be eligible to enjoy an evening stroll through the gardens of Harleigh, Chip and Sally Akridge’s beautiful estate off of the Oxford Rd.

After dropping off their car, guests will walk down the main lane to take in views of the impressive home that center’s Harleigh’s manicured grounds. Strolling through a formal rose garden, followed by a classic fernery/stumpery, the walk then winds through quiet wonderful woodlands along the banks of Trippe Creek.

Guests will be able to enjoy these paths by early evening light or in the day’s waning light at sunset amongst a beautiful arrangement of lit passageways and lumieres. Guests then proceed through the English-inspired open-arched pavilion, finding their way to the Harleigh House waterside portico to sip a Martha Washington lemonade, and to ponder the gloaming.

The final place to explore on this exceptional journey is the Akridge’s Monticello-style vegetable and cutting garden. Staff will be available along the stroll to answer question botanical and otherwise.

The home’s stunning gardens and grounds will be open on June 10 to approximately 200 supporters of Pickering Creek Audubon Center’s award-winning education programs participating in the Something of the Marvelous Challenge.

Timed entrances scheduled throughout the evening on June 10^th will include complimentary beverages, time to explore, and a special thank you gift.

Unlike Pickering Creek’s pre-Covid era 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 Harleigh!

Pickering Creek’s fundraising goal for the 2023 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.

For more information, please visit www.pickeringcreek.org

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