Volunteers Needed for Eastern Shore Living Shoreline

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is seeking volunteers this summer to help maintain the Royall Woods living shoreline, located in Belle Haven on the Eastern Shore. 

This project uses natural methods to protect Eastern Shore tidal shorelines from erosion. 

 “As an Eastern Shore local, I’m excited to showcase a resiliency practice made possible through community effort 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. It is also a great way to get outside, work alongside your community, and help the local environment.” 

Living shorelines use natural 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. Over four days, the volunteer work will involve adding sand, biodegradable coir logs, loose oyster shells, and planting native wetland grasses.

It’s a chance for residents to take a break from the gym for a day or two, have fun in the sun, and help CBF improve water quality and protect shorelines through one of our many living shoreline projects.

Volunteers will have four dates to choose from to join CBF for the maintenance work:

• Monday, July 15 (10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) - Placing three coconut fiber coir logs, pushing wheelbarrows of sand to the shoreline, and grading sand using rakes.
• Tuesday, July 16 (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) - Pushing wheelbarrows of sand to the shoreline and grading using rakes.
• Wednesday, July 17 (12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) - Pushing wheelbarrows of sand to the shoreline, grading the sand using rakes, and placing loose oyster shells.
• RAIN DATE Thursday, July 18 (2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.) 
• Friday, July 19 (3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) - Planting and installing goose fencing. 

Volunteers can sign up here.