Longer and warmer days, blue blue skies, birds and insects and flowers just waking up to the world . . . all this makes spring pretty great. We thought we'd take a moment to celebrate all there is to love about this incredible season. Here are seven reasons:
- The return of familiar friends like the osprey! Every spring, these quintessential Chesapeake birds travel thousands of miles to return to the same nests, where they reunite with their mate, breed, and fish for menhaden. Often called the "osprey garden," the Chesapeake Bay has the most concentrated population of osprey in the world! And now you can watch them from the comfort of your own screen (though they're much better in person) through our Osprey Web Cam. Recently our web cam nest was claimed by a pair of geese, who are equally entertaining.
- Taking pictures! Spring's early morning light, sweetbay magnolias stretching their newly blooming branches to the sky, a river's still, quiet surface just before twilight—these moments can inspire even the most photographically uninclined individuals. And what better way to showcase these images than through our Save the Bay Photo Contest. But hurry! We’re accepting submissions through Friday, April 2. Viewers’ Choice voting opens soon after.
- Walking the Watershed. For the second year in a row, we’re challenging Bay lovers to get outside and walk, run, bike, paddle, or swim the watershed starting April 5 and running through May 15. Join a virtual team and commit to walking, running, biking, swimming, or paddling a combined 200 miles, the approximate length of the Chesapeake Bay. The goal is to raise critical funds while encouraging time outdoors, connecting with the natural resources we work to defend. Do something great for you and great for the Bay in our 2021 Walk the Watershed event!
- Strawberries! Our sustainable Clagett Farm bursts with life every spring, including the juiciest, sweetest strawberries you've ever tasted. Learn more about our farm and how you can get your hands on some of these life-altering strawberries, by joining our CSA or volunteering on the farm.
- Planting trees! Remember your childlike self while doing something amazing for the Bay and its rivers. Dig in the dirt and plant trees which help clean and filter our waters. Check out some of the plantings we're hosting in Maryland over the next few weeks and take a look at our events calendar for other volunteer opportunities.
- Cleaning the Bay Your Way! Our annual Clean the Bay Day event has a new twist this year. Now, taking place over the span of Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week the first week in June, we challenge Virginians to get outside and do something great for the Bay—picking up trash, planting a rain garden, and more. Stay tuned to our website for details. Registration will open April 30.
- Spring Peepers! On spring nights in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, a chorus of high-pitched peeps rings out from marshy woodlands and swamps. It's magic. Breathe deep and take a listen. Ahhhhh, spring!
