Here at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, we're often asked, "What can I do to help save the Bay?" While there isn't just one answer to that question, one of my favorite idioms is relevant—90 percent of life is showing up.
This fall, our calendar is chock full of events. These events range from grabbing breakfast with us at sites throughout Virginia, to cleaning up waterways on the Eastern Shore, to learning how to become an oyster gardener at workshops throughout Maryland. If you're looking for a good time, join us at our Save the Bay Family Day in Virginia Beach, join us on our sustainable farm for a fun-filled afternoon at our 3rd annual Burgers and Brews for the Bay, or come on board our historic skipjack, the Stanley Norman, for a unique perspective on Bay history and culture. For a full list of events, look below!
If you want to help save the Bay, join us out in the field, on the water, or in a classroom this fall. No single event, no matter how awesome, can save the Bay. But collectively, when we come together, we have the power and the influence to set a chain of events in motion that will leave a legacy of clean water to future generations.
This Week in the Watershed: Negative Ripples, Crab Concern, and Virginia Good News
- CBF's Pennsylvania Executive Director Harry Campbell, writes on the negative ripple effects of failing to fund clean water programs throughout the Keystone State. (Lancaster Intelligencer Journal—PA)
- Great news in Virginia, as portions of the Chesapeake Bay, James River, and Rappahannock River are showing promising signs of recovery due to restoration efforts, meeting state standards for dissolved oxygen for the first time since the benchmarks were adopted in 2005. (CBF Press Release)
- Way to go, Lea Bonner, a Girl Scout recognized as a National Young Woman of Distinction! Bonner worked with CBF to establish a recycling program for oyster shells from local restaurants in her community. (Girl Scout Blog)
- Lovers of soft crabs take note, scientists are investigating a virus that's killing crabs before they can shed their shell. (Bay Journal)
- This fall, officials at the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, which oversees migratory fish along the coast, is looking to update its management plan on menhaden, often called the "most important fish in the sea." (Bay Journal)
- More great news in Virginia, as the Bay cleanup received $6.7 million from the EPA to reduce nutrient and sediment overloads. (Daily Press—VA)
What's Happening Around the Watershed?
September 6
- Richmond, VA: Join us at the Virginia Clean Water Gubernatorial Forum! During staggered appearances by Mr. Ed Gillespie and Lt. Governor Ralph Northam, you'll hear their thoughts on issues impacting the James River and the Chesapeake Bay. After a question-and-answer session moderated by Dr. Quentin Kidd of the Wason Center for Public Policy, we'll host a light reception, giving you an opportunity to mingle with other citizens interested in clean water. Click here to register!
- Easton, MD: Why should you care about menhaden? Learn about this incredibly important critter and join us for a film screening of "Menhaden: The Most Important Fish in the Bay," followed by a discussion with CBF Maryland Fisheries Scientist Allison Colden. All attendees will be eligible to win a goodie basket chock full of fun, fishy menhaden swag. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Click here to register!
September 10
- Virginia Beach, VA: Help us celebrate our 50th anniversary—join us at Save the Bay Family Day! Bring your family and friends for a thrilling day of educational experiences, local bites, live music, and more. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Click here to register!
September 13
- Williamsburg, VA: Join us for a Clean Water Breakfast to learn how Virginia is faring toward reaching its water quality goals and what you can do. With the gubernatorial election right around the corner, discover what's needed in the next four years to sustain the recovery of the James River and the Chesapeake Bay. Click here to register!
September 14
- Henrico, VA: Come paddle Four Mile Creek and the James River with CBF's education staff. We will explore the flora and fauna of the river, seine for critters, and investigate the marshes of the James. The paddle is free and all equipment is provided. Click here to register!
September 16
- Easton, MD: Join us on International Coastal Cleanup Day to clean ponds and streams that lead to the Tred Avon River. All participants will receive a free, reusable CBF tote. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Click here to register!
September 21
- Baltimore, MD: Join us for a fun and educational trip out of Baltimore's Inner Harbor. CBF's workboat Snow Goose provides a unique platform from which participants study the dynamic relationship between the Port of Baltimore and the Chesapeake Bay's Patapsco River. Click here to register!
- Annapolis, MD: Come on board for a sail on our historic skipjack the Stanley Norman. While aboard, you'll be invited to help hoist the sails or simply enjoy the view! You will leave with a better understanding of oysters and their role in keeping the Bay clean as well as what CBF is doing to restore the oyster stocks to save the Bay. Click here to register!
September 22-23
- Virginia Beach, VA: Join us for our 7th Annual Clean Water Captains' workshop. This annual training provides Captains and prospective Captains the most up-to-date, actionable science and policy information available. The training also provides opportunities for networking, paddling on Crab Creek, and bird watching at the Brock Environmental Center. Click here to register!
September 23
- Annapolis, MD: Join us out on the water for a morning of fishing, learning, and fun! Spend the morning aboard the Marguerite in search of whatever is biting! Our experienced crew will provide all the knowledge and equipment necessary—just bring your enthusiasm! Click here to register!
- Baltimore, MD: Help grow the Bay's beloved bivalve–the mighty oyster–in the Inner Harbor! Activities at this oyster gardening workshop include Oyster and Bay 101, building oyster cages, and installing cages of baby oysters (spat on shell) in the harbor at the Downtown Sailing Center. Click here to register!
September 24
- Easton, MD: Help grow the Bay's beloved bivalve–the mighty oyster! Join us for a new oyster gardener workshop to the supplies and training necessary to grow your own oysters. During the two-hour workshop, you will learn about oyster ecology, the importance of oysters to the Chesapeake Bay, and how to care for your oyster garden. You will also construct four oyster gardening cages that you will use to grow your oysters. Click here to register!
- Easton, MD: Returning oyster gardeners can pick up their spat for the fall/winter season. Click here to register!
September 25
- Cambridge, MD: Join us for our most in-depth adult education program available to our members and the public. VoiCeS, which stands for Volunteers as Chesapeake Stewards, is a program to reach out to local volunteers and their communities to create a deeper understanding of the Bay and the efforts to restore it. The Dorchester VoiCeS class is a six-week course meeting on Mondays, starting September 25! Click here to register!
September 26
- Edgewater, MD: Returning oyster gardeners can pick up their spat for the fall/winter season. Click here to register!
September 28
- Lynchburg, VA: Join us for a Clean Water Breakfast to learn how Virginia is faring toward reaching its water quality goals and what you can do. With the gubernatorial election right around the corner, discover what's needed in the next four years to sustain the recovery of the James River and the Chesapeake Bay. Click here to register!
September 30
- Baltimore, MD: Help grow the Bay's beloved bivalve–the mighty oyster–in the Inner Harbor! Activities at this oyster gardening workshop include Oyster and Bay 101, building oyster cages, and installing cages of baby oysters (spat on shell) in the harbor. Click here to register!
October 1
- Upper Marlboro, MD: Join us for a fun-filled afternoon with friends, live music, craft-brewed beers, and mouth-watering food created by area chefs using local ingredients at CBF's Burgers and Brews for the Bay. A family friendly event, it features live bluegrass music, hay rides, fish printing, and educational stations. Buy your tickets now!
