For more than 40 years, CBF Senior Naturalist John Page Williams has explored the many waterways in the Chesapeake Bay, particularly his home Severn River. And despite all that time on the water, he often says, "Every time I go out on my river, I learn something new."
Following recent events, it's easy to understand why. Relentless rains have pounded the region, and the consequences of all that excess water are vast. Sea nettles have all but disappeared from the Bay and the full consequences on oysters and underwater grasses are yet to be seen. And there are other striking changes unrelated to the rain, such as a recent 310-pound bull shark caught at the mouth of the Patuxent River.
With the countless variables influencing water quality, the Bay and its rivers and streams are constantly changing. This makes the work to save the Bay both fascinating and challenging. But as the implementation of the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint continues, all signs point towards a healthier Bay, to the benefit of all who call the Bay watershed home, both critter and human alike.
This Week in the Watershed: Rainy Days, Dam Problems, and a Surprise Shark
- Scientists are concerned that the relentless rain has harmed oysters and underwater grasses, but there aren't clear results yet. (Baltimore Sun—MD)
- A 310-pound bull shark caught in the Bay off southern Maryland is a sign of strong water quality, according to CBF Senior Scientist Doug Myers. (Baltimore Sun—MD) BONUS: CBF Blog
- Join CBF for the first annual Clamboree, with all-you-can-eat clams and oysters on the half shell. (WTKR—VA) BONUS: Get your tickets here!
- The legal battle surrounding cleanup behind the Conowingo Dam continues, as CBF backed Maryland in their decision to force Exelon Corporation, the owner of the Dam, to contribute to cleanup efforts. (Kent County News—MD)
- CBF is introducing farmers throughout Virginia to an innovative watering station for cattle which improves local water quality, herd health, and the farmer's bottom line. (Rappahannock News—VA)
- Join CBF at its second annual Save the Bay Family Day on September 9 for a day of fun and education. (WTKR—VA) BONUS: Register here!
- Paddle competitions are bringing more folks to the water, connecting them with the Bay and cultivating concern for its health. (Virginian Pilot—VA)
- To the joy of swimmers, the recent heavy rains have decreased the number of sea nettles in the Bay. (Capital Gazette—MD)
What's Happening Around the Watershed?
August 18, 22, 25, 29
- Upper Marlboro, MD: What's better than the taste of fresh vegetables, just picked from the farm? Ones you've picked yourself! Join the staff of CBF's Clagett Farm, a 285-acre working, sustainable farm, in harvesting vegetables for their CSA and workshare program. Put in a few hours work and bring home your own share of fresh produce. Register here!
August 21
- Annapolis, MD: Brides-to-be, join us for an intimate evening on the Chesapeake Bay and explore the possibility of hosting your big day on the shores of a national treasure. Learn more and register here!
August 24, 31
- Shady Side, MD: Break a sweat and help Save the Bay—join CBF in cleaning the "homes" of the next generation of Chesapeake Bay oysters! Help restore the Chesapeake's native oyster population by cleaning oyster shells. We'll be shaking off the dirt and debris on shells so baby oysters can successfully grow on them. This "shell shaking" event is a bit of a workout but a fun, hands-on experience. With lifting involved, it is not recommended for individuals with bad backs or other health concerns. A tour of our restoration center will follow the shell shaking. Register here!
August 23
- Virginia Beach, VA: Join us for an evening of cocktails, live music, and oysters galore with a beautiful view at CBF's Brock Environmental Center. Register here!
August 25
- Wrightsville, PA: Join CBF, Heroes on the Water, and local Trout Unlimited chapters for a day of fishing, paddling, and fly-fishing lessons on the Susquehanna River as we celebrate our veterans and the value of clean waterways. Veterans, community members, paddlers, fishermen, friends, and family are welcome at Shank's Mare Outfitters from 1 to 5 p.m., to discover and appreciate the Susquehanna. From 5 to 7 p.m., CBF will host a dinner and open bar with live music for all participants. There is a $5 entrance fee for dinner and drinks. Register here!
September 9
- Virginia Beach, VA: Join us for the second annual 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. Register here!
September 11
- Salisbury, MD: Join us for a Wicomico County Council Candidate Forum, a great opportunity to hear from the candidates about their vision for the future of Wicomico County and their ideas for overcoming the environmental challenges facing our communities. Attendees will also have the chance to submit questions to be asked during the forum. Register here!
September 12
- Newport News, VA: 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 Hampton Roads VoiCeS class is a six-week course meeting on Wednesdays, starting September 12. Learn more and register here!
September 13
- Cambridge, MD: As more local oyster farms are producing oysters, join us to indulge in some this beloved bivalve and learn more about this growing industry from a local oyster farmer. Learn more and register here!
- Wye Mills, MD: Join us for a Queen Anne's County Board of Commissioners Candidate Forum, a great opportunity to hear from the candidates about their vision for the future of Queen Anne's County and their ideas for overcoming the environmental challenges facing our communities. Attendees will also have the chance to submit questions to be asked during the forum. Register here!
September 15
- Wachapreague, VA: Join us for the first annual Clamboree—a wonderful night of all-you-can-eat clams, live music, crab cake dinner, oysters on the half shell, and stunning views all supporting the important work of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in our community. Get your tickets here!
September 17
- Annapolis, MD: Join us for an Anne Arundel County Executive Candidate Forum, a great opportunity to hear from the candidates about their vision for the future of Anne Arundel County and their ideas for overcoming the environmental challenges facing our communities. Attendees will also have the chance to submit questions to be asked during the forum. Register here!
