By the end of September, fewer ospreys are wheeling through Chesapeake skies and striped bass are gorging on food before winter—so tells John Page Williams, retired CBF Senior Naturalist, in his Chesapeake Almanac podcast about how fish and wildlife are responding to the changing season. Williams was the first director of CBF’s award-winning environmental education programs, which after 50 years are still grounded in immersive experiences like the one educator Adaiah Bauer describes on the Susquehanna River this month. But climate change continues to reshape the watershed in many ways. CBF’s Maryland Senior Scientist Doug Myers recently joined Seth Coffman of Trout Unlimited to discuss what rising water temperatures mean for restoration and which management efforts can help. Two of the most effective are planting streamside trees and protecting forests, which can be enjoyed this time of year from many great leaf-peeping hikes and bikes around the watershed. Another important way to mitigate climate change and improve water quality is through regenerative farming practices. To see these practices at work and celebrate the season with some local food and brews, you can head out to the family-friendly Food & Farm Fest at CBF’s Clagett Farm on Oct. 14. Happy fall!
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Food & Farm Fest
Did you know CBF operates a 283-acre working farm in Upper Marlboro, Maryland? Wonder why? On Oct. 14, the farm invites the community for Food & Farm Fest to learn how regenerative farming can help improve water quality, soil health, biodiversity, and the climate all while enjoying local food, brews, hayrides, and more things we love about fall at this family-friendly event!
Dead zones and algal blooms, which rob our waters of oxygen, often result in devastating "fish kills" like this.
John Surrick/CBF Staff
Keeping It Cool
Record-high temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean are contributing to an above-average hurricane season this year, and warming waters are also reshaping conditions in the Bay and its rivers and streams. CBF’s Maryland Senior Scientist Doug Myers joined Seth Coffman of Trout Unlimited recently to discuss the latest science and what hotter water means for restoration moving forward.
After canoeing to sheltered shallows on the Juniata River, students explore the habitat, resident creatures, and water quality.
Adaiah Bauer/CBF
Up a Creek (and Loving It)
Back to school for students means back into the field for CBF educators. More than 1.5 million people have learned with our award-winning education program over the past 50 years. Adaiah Bauer, who works on CBF’s Pennsylvania Rivers and Streams Environmental Education Program, describes how the magic happens when students and teachers exchange desks for paddles and canoes on the Susquehanna River.
Public lands across the Bay region offer the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in fall foliage.
Benjamin Hoffman
Fall Leaves and Saving Trees
Throughout the Bay watershed, red, orange, and yellow leaves are starting to make their appearance. Check out our list of great leaf-peeping hikes, bike trails, and more to enjoy them. Then, learn how you can help us stop the loss of tree canopy and forests to keep our waterways clean and our falls full of beautiful leaves for generations to come.
Adam Van Grack
Signs of the Season
Fewer ospreys, striped bass feeding frenzies, blustery cold fronts—the signs of fall are all around us by late September. In this podcast episode, retired CBF Senior Naturalist John Page Williams, Jr. reads from his book, Chesapeake Almanac, to describe how fish and wildlife respond to the changing season and environmental cues like daylight and water temperature.
In the News
- Striped bass face growing challenges from climate change: Fisheries experts say suitable habitat is shrinking, but pollution reductions have prevented more severe degradation.
- White House drafts guidance on valuing nature’s benefits in federal decision-making: CBF applauds effort to account for ecosystem services, but urges officials not to limit it to regulatory decisions.
- CBF appeals court decision upholding wastewater discharge permit in Maryland’s Talbot County: The state has not effectively proven the discharge from the Lakeside at Trappe development won’t increase pollution in already impaired rivers.
- Pennsylvania considers bill to plant native trees and plants along highways: You can take action now to show your support.
- Maryland taking comments on permit that governs stormwater pollution from industrial facilities: Written public comments will be accepted until Nov. 25.
- Virginia legislators agree to significant investments in clean water programs: The agreement supports programs that reduce pollution from sources including farms, wastewater treatment plants, and stormwater.
- New 3D models of imperiled freshwater mussels can help save them: The models will support public outreach and education and help train conservation biologists.
What You Can Do
- Join us on the farm October 14 for Food & Farm Fest. Enjoy an afternoon full of mouthwatering food, refreshing craft beverages, lively music, and family-friendly activities like pumpkin painting, scavenger hunts, and free professional family portraits. Get your tickets today! Plus, keep an eye on our calendar for other exciting events and volunteer opportunities this fall.
- As temperatures get cooler, the CBF Store has some exciting new fall designs to spice up your wardrobe! Stay cozy in our crewneck sweatshirt, watch the game in our vintage ball cap, and customize your gear with CBF stickers.
- Stay up-to-date on the latest Bay-saving efforts and opportunities by joining our SMS Action Network.
- Match Alert: Right now, your gift to save the Bay will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000 thanks to our friends at Leidos.
