Longer and warmer days, blue bird skies, bees 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 around the watershed. Here are nine reasons:
- The return of that familiar cheep cheep cheep of 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.
- Photos of the Bay. Spring's early morning light, sweetbay magnolias stretching their newly blooming branches to the sky, a river's still, quiet surface just before twilight—there are so many beautiful moments to capture across the watershed at this time of year. And what better way to showcase these images than through our Save the Bay Photo Contest. Though submissions are now closed, you can vote for your favorite Bay image starting next week in our Viewers’ Choice Gallery. Stay tuned to our website.
- Walking the Watershed. For the third year in a row, we’re challenging Bay lovers to get outside and walk, run, bike, paddle, or swim the watershed starting April 15 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 2022 Walk the Watershed event!
- Burgers and Brews are back! After a five-year hiatus, we're bring back one of our favorite events, celebrating local food, beer, and healthy farming. Get your tickets now for a day of learning about regenerative agriculture while sampling pasture-raised meats, dairy, and local vegetables. This is a family friendly event with hay rides, fun educational stations, and opportunities to view grazing cows and sheep and historical barns on our beautiful Clagett Farm in Prince George's County.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cleaning the Bay. Our annual Clean the Bay Day event is back for a 34th year! You can either take part in a clean up of your favorite backyard river or stream on your own or join us on Saturday, June 4 for group clean-up events across the state of Virginia. With 2022 marking the 50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act, there's no better year to celebrate this extraordinary anniversary and all it has meant for clean water by getting outside and doing something great for the Bay. Stay tuned to our website for details. Registration will open in late April.
- Bands in the Sand. Live music, local cuisine, and cold drinks on the beach all while supporting CBF's education, restoration, and advocacy programs! Come join us for one of our favorite events of late spring/early summer. VIP and Committee tickets on sale now; general admission opens May 2.
- 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!
