Chesapeake Bay Foundation Volunteers Maintain Eastern Shore Living Shoreline

A living shoreline on the Eastern Shore will protect land and residents from erosion thanks to a crew of volunteers who worked with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) throughout this week to complete maintenance projects. 

In addition to moving 20 tons of sand to the shoreline, the volunteers also placed three coconut fiber coir logs, graded the sand using rakes, and placed loose oyster shells. On Friday, the volunteers are expected to install fencing to protect the project.

The Royall Woods living shoreline, located in Belle Haven, uses natural methods to shield Eastern Shore tidal shorelines from erosion.  

“As an Eastern Shore local, I’m excited to showcase a resiliency practice made possible through community dedication and support projects that will benefit my hometown for years to come,” said Kati Grigsby, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Restoration Coordinator. “Volunteering allows CBF to implement and maintain these amazing projects. These terrific volunteers got outside, worked alongside the community, and helped the local environment.”  

Living shorelines use materials such as plants and oyster reefs to protect tidal shorelines from erosion. However, like a garden, living shorelines require maintenance to function correctly and maintain their aesthetic value. Other than improving water quality by filtering pollutants, living shorelines beautify waterfronts and provide better habitat for wildlife like turtles and shorebirds. 

Learn more about living shoreline projects.