Inspiring. That's the first word that came to mind when hearing the story of Walter Zadan, an integral volunteer for our Virginia oyster restoration team, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday. Not to be outdone, this week our hearts were warmed watching six-year-old Graham Mitchell describe his love for oyster gardening. Clearly, love for oysters, clean water, and the Chesapeake Bay, spans generations.
This inspiration is needed in a week where we learned of an anticipated larger dead zone, an invasive species wreaking havoc, and of course, the continued threat of eliminated funding for EPA's Chesapeake Bay Program. But citizens throughout the watershed are speaking up and taking action for the Bay.
Hundreds of paddlers joined a "floatilla" in Baltimore's Inner Harbor to rally for clean water; environmentalists in Pennsylvania are raising alarms on the negative impacts fracking can have on water quality; and just two weeks ago, thousands of volunteers traversed Virginia's shorelines and riverbanks, removing thousands of pounds of trash on Clean the Bay Day. Despite the threats, with inspiring individuals like Walter, Graham, and all who take action for the Bay, we have no doubt clean water is within our reach.
This Week in the Watershed: An Adorable Oyster Gardener, Fracking Concerns, and a Big Dead Zone
- Balloons that don't reach a trash often have a devastating impact on Bay critters. (The Virginian-Pilot—VA)
- An innovative approach to reaching water quality goals in Pennsylvania is potentially a win-win-win for all partners involved. (CBF Press Release)
- Concerned citizens are raising alarms to fracking in northern Pennsylvania and the possible negative repercussions on the Susquehanna River and all those downstream. (Lancaster Intelligencer Journal—PA)
- After heavy amounts of precipitation this spring, scientists are predicting a larger than average dead zone in the Bay this summer. (Star Democrat—MD)
- Good news for Maryland's Severn River, as a report by the Severn River Association reveals improved underwater grasses, lower bacteria levels, and steady water clarity. (Capital Gazette—MD)
- Blue catfish are an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay and are making a significant impact in the Bay's ecology. (Washington Post—D.C.)
- This six-year old might be the youngest oyster gardener in the Bay watershed! (WVEC—VA)
- Students from Booker Elementary School in Hampton, VA swelled with pride as they planted the oysters they grew over the past year. (Daily Press—VA)
- Hundreds of paddlers joined a "Floatilla" in Baltimore's Inner Harbor to draw attention to clean water efforts. (Baltimore Sun—MD)
What's Happening around the Watershed?
June 20
- Norfolk, VA: Become an oyster gardener in Virginia's tidal waters and help Save the Bay! All new oyster gardeners should attend a New Gardener Seminar, which will instruct on how to maintain an oyster garden throughout the coming year. Register here!
June 22
- Newport News, VA: Become an oyster gardener in Virginia's tidal waters and help Save the Bay! All new oyster gardeners should attend a New Gardener Seminar, which will instruct on how to maintain an oyster garden throughout the coming year. Register here!
June 24
- Easton, MD: The Clean Water Concert Series continues with the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters. The Navy's official chorus performs pieces ranging from Broadway tunes to sea chanteys and everything in between. Top-notch entertainment you won't want to miss! The concert is free and open to the public. While enjoying the music, be sure to stop by the dozens of environmental and community exhibits, including CBF's, so that you can learn more about the Bay and how you can be a part of the movement to restore it. Click here for more information!
- Lancaster, VA: Become an oyster gardener in Virginia's tidal waters and help Save the Bay! All new oyster gardeners should attend a New Gardener Seminar, which will instruct on how to maintain an oyster garden throughout the coming year. Register here!
June 27
- Hampton, VA: Become an oyster gardener in Virginia's tidal waters and help Save the Bay! All new oyster gardeners should attend a New Gardener Seminar, which will instruct on how to maintain an oyster garden throughout the coming year. Register here!
July 8
- Easton, MD: The Clean Water Concert Series wraps up with a performance by one of the best bands in the D.C. area – The XPD's. Playing Motown, R&B, and funk tunes, The XPD's will have you on your feet! The concert is free and open to the public. While enjoying the music, be sure to stop by the dozens of environmental and community exhibits, including CBF's, so that you can learn more about the Bay and how you can be a part of the movement to restore it. Click here for more information!
