President's Message

ILLETTE

President’s Message W AHON M C M ELLY America’s Next President K Must Help to Save the Bay

t is time for the President of the United we believe that 80 percent of the gain can States to make saving the Chesapeake be achieved with 20 percent of the funding IBay a national priority. In fact, one —$6 billion. Over the past four years, CBF could argue that without this executive has pursued this target. level of support, it may be nearly impossi- CBF President Will Baker ble to overcome the pressures of a rapidly The result has been approximately $2.5 increasing regional population and actual- billion in new government commitments, Michener's novel, and documentary films. ly put the Bay and tributary rivers on the most of which have come from the states. With Washington, D.C. at the very center of road to recovery. the Bay watershed and more than half a mil- While more must be done by the states, lion federal employees living in and impact- While these pressures are daunting, they are the federal government has been missing ing the region, the federal government has a not insurmountable. Few people know that in action. President Bush has simply not clear responsibility to be a leader. And the across the vast 64,000-square-mile water- made saving the Chesapeake Bay a prior- President must be the standard bearer. shed of the Bay, some 39 “tributary plans” ity of his administration. His approach have been developed, each of which will contradicts a history of bi-partisan execu- So we are doing what CBF does best: contribute to the restoration of the overall tive leadership, beginning with President launching a comprehensive campaign to Chesapeake system. The total price tag for Nixon and his environmental deputies get the candidates running for president to full implementation is nearly $30 billion. Bill Ruckelshaus and Russell Train, who commit themselves to saving this great national treasure. We call on all CBF members to make their voices heard by contact- ing the candidate of their choice. Go to Presidential leadership and federal involvement cbf.org/decision2008 today to see specifi- “are highly appropriate for an environmental system cally what you can do to help. that has been called a national treasure. We have momentum. Prior to the so-called Chesapeake Primary of February 12, several candidates spoke out in support of sav- ” ing the Bay. Now we must build even more momentum. We will be reaching out to When the states and federal government led the early fight for the Bay with partner organizations across the watershed signed their historic Bay restoration agree- Senator Charles Mathias. to join with us. And we will be issuing a ment in June of 2000, it was envisioned presidential blueprint for saving the Bay that this work would be complete by the Presidential leadership and federal involve- and providing it to the media and the pres- end of the year 2010. ment are highly appropriate for an environ- idential candidates later this spring. mental system that has been called a nation- Realizing just how overwhelming a $30 al treasure. Central to our nation’s history CBF has members in all 50 states. What a billion price tag is, CBF has been pushing from the earliest colonial settlements, the powerful demonstration of the national an incremental approach using the 80/20 Chesapeake Bay has been immortalized in importance of the Chesapeake Bay if the rule. With careful targeting and laser focus, National Geographic features, James candidates were to hear from all of us.

William C. Baker President, Chesapeake Bay Foundation

2 Spring 2008 ● cbf.org Contents

Spring 2008 Vol. 34 ● No. 1 6 Destination Chesapeake: Nanticoke River Ever since the explorations of Captain John Smith, the Nanticoke has been a route to the heart of the Chesapeake. A rich history and abundant resources keep citizens committed to rescuing the river. 10 Poster Pups for Conservation Fun-loving, furry, and thriving in a newly expanded habitat, Pennsylvania river otters symbolize the success of watershed clean-up efforts. 14 Growing Greener Lawns How can you help save the Bay at home? Re-think the way you care for your yard. Try these simple tips to make a difference. 20 Getting Kids Back to Nature Author Richard Louv coined a phrase—“nature deficit disorder”—that became the rallying cry for a nation- wide effort to re-connect children to their environment. 6

10 14 17 20 Departments 5 MAILBOX 22 PROFILE 26 OUR GIVING COMMUNITY Members recount their experiences on Maryland Teacher of the Year April Todd CBF recognizes friends and supporters. CBF’s Bay Discovery Trips. keeps her love for the Chesapeake front and center, in her classroom and her life. 28 DRIFTWOOD 13 REFLECTIONS Events, tips for greener living, and Bay Dropping anchor in the environs of the 24 CAMPAIGNS bits and pieces. Chesapeake Bay. A federal court rules EPA evaded standards on mercury pollution; a vote on 30 LAST LOOK 16 BAY BRIEFS the federal Farm Bill stalls; new pollution Alive, but not well—that’s the diagnosis CBF activities in the Bay states and the regulations are on the horizon. for the Chesapeake’s oysters. Though the District of Columbia. days of record harvests are past, there’s a glimmer of hope for the future.

PHOTOS THIS PAGE: UPPER RIGHT,DAVE HARP; LEFT TO RIGHT,HAL S. KORBER,MARCY DAMON/CBF STAFF,MATT STERN/CCAN, BILL PORTLOCK/CBF STAFF 3 GETTY IMAGES 4 C ila .Baker C. William Richman I. Arnold ua .Phillips S. Susan ae .Rogers E. James Campbell Keith D. OFFICERS 2008 h iefrpluinrdcini now. is reduction over. is pollution postponement” for of time politics “the The for offi- time elected the our that let know With we’ll cials members, watershed. 200,000 nearly Chesapeake of the support the in YEAR progress CRITICAL environmental A for BE TO 2008 EXPECTS CBF s h neoeecoe nti su ohl slaealega- a children. leave our us for help water to clean issue of this cy in enclosed envelope the Use Moment Watershed A HESAPEAKE Spring President Treasurer Secretary ieChairman Vice Chairman 2008 laeji si h ih orsoeteBay the restore to fight the in us join Please ● cbf.org B AY F n t iesadstreams. and rivers its and OUNDATION oenrEwr .Rendell G. Edward Governor Kaine M. Timothy Governor O’Malley Martin Governor ee Gnoffo Peter Clagett B. C. Hal Berkley S. Joanne Fenty M. Adrian Mayor TRUSTEES OFFICIO EX okChapter York Chapter Care Bay lgt Trustee Clagett ar .Lester T. Harry Kinsley A. Robert Kell B. Randal Horton B. Jennifer Holton R. Virginia Hanley J. Michael Groobey Carolyn Griffith R. Alan Garrett Waddy G. Franyo L. Richard III Casteen, T. John Ph.D. Boesch, F. Donald Allen L. Myrtha TRUSTEES 2008 lnL Wurtzel L. Alan Williams A. Anthony Whitmore R. John Watson Michael Stoner H. Thomas Stanley Jennifer Sidamon-Eristoff Simon Semans T. Truman Sant G. Alexis Ridder W. Marie Jr. Murphy, Tayloe W. IV Moorman, W. Charles Mills A. Wayne oadH atro,Jr. Patterson, H. Donald hret B ebr yteCeaek Bay Chesapeake the 21403. by MD Annapolis, Avenue, members Herndon 6 CBF Foundation, to charge Bay the Save pig aeawl ntewl side. wild This the Simple. on suggestion? walk His a outdoors. take spring, the los- with are children touch our best-selling ing how explains with We who otters. Louv, disorder” Richard at author deficit look “nature a investigate for Pennsylvania head- the also Delaware to track its head we to issue, then Bay waters, this the from In River there. Nanticoke out storied watershed wild a It’s Note Editor’s i,arnwbevgtbeoldrvdfo lxand toxicity. flax low from for linseed derived known on oil vegetable based renewable are a publication oil, this for used inks The Trees Waste Solid Gases Greenhouse Energy Total Wastewater pounds 75,763 pounds 29,329 BTUs million 506 gallons 233,086 tons 11 publication: this of production the in following resources the saved Foundation Bay Chesapeake The oe ant pe,Drco fCetv Services Creative of Director Appel, Barnett Loren niomna Awareness Environmental er oe eesn rpi Designer Graphic Peterson, Coker Terry htoet pick-up to Whitmore © Spring acltr www.papercalculator.org Calculator. Paper Defense Environmental the using made were estimates impact Environmental E spbihdqatryadpoie reof free provided and quarterly published is hspaeByFoundation Bay Chesapeake enfrCso,AtDirector Art Cassou, Jennifer mi:STBeditor -mail: 8/AEA cbf.org • 888/SAVEBAY S graphic FSC 08Vlm 4•Nme 1 Number • 34 Volume 2008 ao en,Editor Denny, Carol Statement ila .Warner W. William Train Bowdoin Aileen Jr. Stanley, A. Edmund Scott C. Russell Rockefeller A. Godfrey McKnight Turney H. Mathias McC. Charles Marston Lee M. Lenfest H.F. III Layfield, Gaylon T. Lapham B. Burks Hopkins Porter A. C. Duemling C. Louisa TRUSTEES HONORARY @ cbf.org 2008 CrlDenny —Carol Mailbox

Members Make Discoveries CBF members who experience our Bay Discovery Trips find that sailing, fishing, and paddling with our experts is a delightful way to deepen their knowledge of the Bay.

We loved this sail! Thank you so much. The education These Bay Discovery Trips are still available for the spring: was awesome…the oysters and what they do, how important they are, the runoff, the dead zones. It was May 31: Fishing trip near the Bay Bridge in Annapolis, Maryland, a lovely group of people, and a great trip all around. aboard the Marguerite Your staff did an excellent teaching job. May 31: Canoe trip on the Lynnhaven River in Virginia Beach, Virginia —Kathy Ryan, Baltimore, MD June 7: Canoe trip on the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania I strongly believe in learning by doing...I’ve told [my June 7: Canoe trip on Dundee Creek/Gunpowder River, Middle River, kids] for years that the drains on our street lead to the Maryland Bay and that is why we go out after the winter snows and shovel up all the salt. I don’t think they will truly connect with it until they spend some time in “the Bay.” This photo was credited incorrectly on the Mailbox page of our fall issue. The photographer —Pam Ray, Arlington, VA is John J. Young of Chesapeake Beach, MD. We regret the error.—Ed. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and would definitely rec- ommend it...the level of presentation was just right, with plenty of enthusiasm by the educators. I found at Get in touch with Save the Bay! one point that all I wanted to do was enjoy the ride, Talk to us online and it was nice that was also encouraged. E-mail the editor at [email protected]. —Bonnie Burgess, Baltimore, MD Write us a letter Book A Bay Discovery Trip Save the Bay Editor, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, CBF members can join CBF experts aboard a skipjack, fishing 6 Herndon Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403 boat, or CBF canoe for a hands-on seminar on the Chesapeake. Give us a call Visit cbf.org/discovery to reserve your place, or call 410/268-8816. 888/SAVE-BAY or 888/728-3229

5 Destination Chesapeake: The Nanticoke River A Lifeline through the Heart of the Chesapeake

By John Page Williams Photos by Dave Harp

hen Captain John Smith and his crew entered the river now known as the Nanticoke on June 8, 1608, he and his men were in sad shape. They had just W endured a shortage of fresh water, two bad Tangier Sound thundersqualls, and several days on an inhospitable island (today’s Bloodsworth) while they repaired damage to their Discovery Barge sustained during the second squall. For a day and a half, they searched for drinking water and worked through skirmishes with the local tribe, the Nantaquake. On June 10, however, Smith made peace, then began trading and talking with the tallak (chief) and his people. He spent only one more day on the river, but somehow—by travel in a native canoe or information from the chief—he mapped the river with extraordinary accuracy up to the present site of Vienna and beyond, into present-day Delaware at Phillips Landing, at the mouth of Broad Creek.

6 Spring 2008 ● cbf.org Four hundred years later, a visitor follow- Victory Chimes, a 108-year-old, three-masted Today, there are still people living along ing Smith’s trail in a canoe, kayak, or out- ram (a type of lumber schooner) launched in the river who farm, trap, and fish com- board skiff will marvel at how many rich- 1900 into Broad Creek at Bethel, Delaware. mercially, but the number in the last cat- es this beautiful river appears to retain, She has been a fixture of the Maine windjam- egory has dropped precipitously as over- from marshes and deep woodlands to mer fleet for the past 50 years. fishing and pollution have ravaged the bald eagles and other wildlife. It is on the short list of favorites for anyone who loves PA NJ exploring the Chesapeake. 0 50 Miles MD DE Moreover, the Nanticoke offers a wealth of history down through those intervening Washington Cambridge centuries. River towns like Vienna and C h e Salisbury s Sharptown, Maryland, and tiny wharves a p e a like Woodland Ferry and Blackwalnut k VA e B Landing, tell stories of outlaw slave dealers, a Atlantic y Harriett Tubman’s bravery on the Ocean Underground Railway, and the steamboats that tied these communities to urban centers from 1870 to 1930. More recently, in the 1940s, DuPont established its first nylon plant on the river —at Seaford, Delaware— and brought raw materials to it by tug and barge until the plant closed several years ago. Tugs still push barges up the river with fuel oil, and down with construction sand and gravel.

The maritime industry has had a robust pres- Modern-day explorers on the Nanticoke, left, can ence, too, from the 18- to 24-foot shad barges, enjoy vistas resembling those once seen by used for commercial fishing during the twen- Nantaquake warriors. They might also encounter tieth century, to shipyards that built sailing tugboats and barges carrying commercial loads, ships up to 200 feet long. The last surviving below. For centuries, the river has served as a example of a Nanticoke-built schooner is conduit from the Bay to inland ports.

7 once-abundant stocks of oysters and CBF made a significant commitment to “We firmly believe that enlightened devel- American shad (for which the shad barge the Nanticoke fifteen years ago, and the opment and agricultural conservation was developed). Rockfish (striped bass), river remains a major priority of the practices can turn the Nanticoke’s declin- though plentiful, are stressed by poor Foundation’s Heart of the Chesapeake ing health around and allow the river to water quality. office in Salisbury. Over the ensuing become a natural magnet again for appre- years, CBF has partnered closely with ciative residents and respectful tourists,” Herein lies the essential paradox facing The Conservation Fund and The Nature said Alan Girard, Director of CBF’s Heart of the Nanticoke. It is still beautiful, with Conservancy in preserving large tracts the Chesapeake project. numerous sections where a modern-day of forest and wetlands in the river’s explorer might expect a couple of watershed, and with the grassroots Both goals are shared by mayors and coun- Nantaquake natives to appear silently at Nanticoke Watershed Alliance. Advo- cils of rural towns along the river, who want the edge of a marsh. But surrounded as cacy work with the latter focuses prima- to grow enough to support necessities like it is by fast-growing, intensely-farmed rily on public education, agricultural local grocery stores and pharmacies without Wicomico and Dorchester Counties practices, and land-use policy that helps losing their character as beautiful, historic (Maryland) and Sussex County rural towns grow and prosper without centers. The leader in this enterprise is Dr. (Delaware), it is showing signs of stress allowing sprawling development that Russell Brinsfield, Mayor of Vienna and to those who look beneath the surface. further damages the river. Director of the University of Maryland’s

8 Spring 2008 ● cbf.org oiyadfrigpatcsaogthe along practices farming land-use and both policy to approaches progressive n ihCFt ul togspotfor support strong build to CBF work- are with others ing and Pretl, Mike President Nanticoke. w ftergo’ otscesu projects successful most region’s the of Two oio ae ult n h overall the and quality Nanticoke water to monitor volunteers and trains which Creekwatchers, activists; Program munity com- guides and Stewards Volunteers educates which (VoiCes), CBF’s Chesapeake building as been have e red fteNnioeRiver Trust Nanticoke Salisbury Environmental of Wicomico the Stribling University, Judith of Dr. President Friends He, ar .Hge etrfrAgro-Ecology. for Center Hughes R. Harry ilb h etrto foeo the of one of restoration the be will aeaoti?Ys hyfr powerful a form river They Yes. the Yes, it? around about alike? people care the visitors Do and indeed. fasci- residents to there nate resources cultural and ural hspaestu jewels. true Chesapeake’s oc otr t elhaon.Tepayoff The around. health its turn to force eiieynt r hr tl nuhnat- enough still there Are not. definitely ih h utr ftervr especially river, the of culture the high- that light events Family river. the of health n apdfu ude er g?No, ago? years hundred four pristine mapped the and still River Nanticoke the Is engaged also community. have Nanticoke Vienna year), the this in 26th (April ShadFest longstanding CBF’s aewyta ati onSihvisited Smith John Captain that waterway urudda ti yfast-growing, by is it as Surrounded h ie hw in fstress. of signs shows river the nesl amdareas, farmed intensely xlrdeeyrvrsse ntewatershed. the in system has river ad- he every writer, program explored staff educator, and field fundraiser, a ministrator, As 1973. staff since Foundation Bay Chesapeake the a of been member has Williams Page John Naturalist Senior osdo on e,lf,agetbu heron blue great a left, net, pound a on Poised at o inr wm iics above, hibiscus, swamp A dinner. for waits lwr yteNnioesedge. Nanticoke’s the by flowers 9

LOREN BARNETT APPEL/CBF STAFF Aquatic Ambassadors River Otters are Poster Pups for Conservation

By Julie Dunlap Photos by Hal S. Korber

10 Spring 2008 ● cbf.org Once trapped to near-extinction for their glossy fur, river otters have made a comeback. Populations in Pennsylvania have been boosted by the introduction of otters from Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

ith the help of remote video cameras along two W Pennsylvania rivers, researcher Sadie Stevens has spent hours filming the droll capers of wild river otters. Her sleek sub- jects inhabit streams throughout Chesapeake country, but are so elusive that few have the opportunity to view them as she does.

Stevens’ window into otters’ secret lives Chesapeake marshes remained a refuge, reveals their well-known penchant for but the weasel relatives, which average wrestling, rolling, sniffing, and sliding in about two pups per litter, could not sus- mud and snow. She’s even grown fond of tain the heavy harvest. Trapping pres- their “latrine dance,” a foot-pumping rit- sures were compounded by the growing ual performed while depositing scat. loss of wetland and riparian habitats, as “Otters are great to watch,” she says of well as water pollution from mining and the footage. industrial development.

Once, the Bay region teemed with otters. By the 1980s, only remnant populations Two centuries ago, naturalist John James survived. In Pennsylvania, a small commu- Audubon could count 46 of the “singular nity of 350 persisted in the Pocono quadrupeds” on a single river in two Mountains, isolated from their Bay-area hours. But unregulated trapping for their brethren by cities and dams along the glossy brown fur swiftly exhausted otter Susquehanna River. But graduate student populations across the continent. Tom Serfass, encouraged by water quality

11 Spotting River Otters Description: River otters have long, streamlined bodies and short, powerful legs with webbed feet. Size: The average otter weighs 18 pounds and is 40 inches long. Where and when to look: Keep an eye out along rivers and marshes throughout the Chesapeake’s tidewater areas around sunrise and sunset. Because otters are such shy animals, you are more likely to discover evidence of their presence: tracks, slides, or scat. Tracks: River otters have webbed feet with five toes. Tracks are about the size of the bottom of a soda can. Slides: Usually found along muddy banks, otter slides are about six inches wide and two-to-three feet long. Scat: You will recognize a latrine site by remnants of the otter’s fishy diet: scales and bones.

improvements in the area, thought that activists, busloads of school children, and Conservation Fund, “they’re an indicator reintroduction was possible, and pioneered television crews at future releases. Their species to the nth degree. They’ll be out of an the first restoration efforts. Now a professor diverse support didn’t surprise Serfass, area before people know what’s going on.” at Frostburg State University, Dr. Serfass who calls otters “ambassadors for aquatic recalls feeling nervous when he freed his conservation.” The successful reintroduction has cast the first four otters from their cages into Kettle curious, playful creatures in a new role as Creek, a tributary of the west branch of the Actual counts of the notoriously shy crea- conservation icons. Otter releases came to Susquehanna, in 1982: “We didn’t know if tures are hard to come by, but every symbolize river cleanup, says Serfass, they were going to survive.” Pennsylvania watershed now hosts river because “Pennsylvania realized otters’ otters, and populations are believed sta- appeal promotes conservation—not just of Radio telemetry data from the released (and ble or growing in other Bay states. otters, but conservation of other species thriving) otters restored his confidence. The and associated habitats.” He advocates program grew quickly, ultimately releasing Serfass urges continued vigilance through- more public education about otters in over 150 animals, including 40 captured out the Bay watershed. “It’s great to point aquatic environments, especially for from Maryland’s Eastern Shore. to successes,” he says, such as well-regulat- schoolchildren. The reason is simple, he ed trapping, “but we still have abandoned states. “The river otter is a very attractive Some fishermen originally opposed rein- mine drainage...We’re not making any face that can be put forth as a reason to troduction, believing that otters would more of these [otter] habitats.” conserve the bigger picture.” deplete trout populations. But studies revealed that Pennsylvania’s river otters Otters play a vital role in their own protec- Julie Dunlap often covers natural history, primarily consume crayfish, minnows, and tion. Because of their sensitivity to human and is author of a children’s book, other non-game species. The scientific evi- activity, says Frank Felbaum, former execu- Extraordinary Horseshoe Crabs (Carolrhoda dence convinced fishermen to join river tive director of Pennsylvania’s Wild Resource Books, 1999).

12 Spring 2008 ● cbf.org Reflections Choosing the Chesapeake By Admiral Joseph Wilson Prueher, USN (Ret.)

BETH STORRS One of the great estuaries of the world, the Chesapeake offers a myriad of pleasures.

y wife Suzanne and I are often asked why, Nearly three decades ago, on liberty from This rich source of beauty and bounty— Mafter living in far-flung parts of the the USS Eisenhower, anchored in Piraeus, unique in the great estuaries of the world, U.S. and the world for many years, we Greece, my path ashore led to a private home for 17 million people who reside in chose to return in 2001 to settle at our shipyard where I liked to look for nautical the watershed—this waterway of once place on the water in Virginia Beach. My artifacts, and perhaps meet some different prolific fishing, unparalleled recreation, short answer is that, “Suzanne wanted to people. Striking up a conversation with a home of safe harbors large and small, lit- live here, and I wanted to live with her.” Greek charter captain who cruised the eral and figurative, provider of livelihood This response is true, but of course there Greek isles, I mentioned that I had always for hundreds of thousands of families—is are other reasons, equally obvious, but a harbored a real desire to sail those islands, in critical condition. It has lost critical bit more complex. so full of timeless beauty and history. He habitat—as much as 125,000 acres of grasses. It has lost oyster population to less than one percent of previous levels, It took a simple story and lost many of its tributaries’ utility, owing to water unsafe for fishing, swim- from a set of Greek eyes to realize the ming, and drinking. “treasure we hold right here. This decline has been caused by our human activity, and it can be reversed by Foremost was our choice to be proximate stared at me momentarily,” then replied in our activity. CBF has taken a major part of to many of our good friends, as well as our salty English, “Why would you want to do the lead to try to coordinate the efforts of children and their families. Near the top of that when you have at home the the states surrounding the Bay. Along with our list of priorities, though, was the Chesapeake Bay? That is where I have commitments from other organizations, chance—and really the privilege—to be in always wanted to sail.” there exists both a goal and a plan to the environs of the Chesapeake Bay and restore our Bay to health. It is an honor to the eastern seaboard of our nation. Well, after living twice—early and later in support these efforts. life—in Annapolis, living in Virginia Beach The underlying reasons for that are familiar many times, living in Patuxent River, Admiral Prueher served to any who are blessed enough to live near Maryland, for three years, and sailing the as Ambassador to the these waters: the low winter sun reflecting off Bay many times, Suzanne and I truly People’s Republic of the water, dappling the interior of our house; delight in all that the Chesapeake provides. China from 1999 to having a guest “birder” identify 41 bird But it took this simple story from a fresh 2001. A 1964 graduate of the U.S. Naval species in our yard in a single afternoon; set of Greek eyes to realize the treasure we Academy, he is a veter- boating with friends in fair weather and foul; hold right here. There is no way we could an of thirty-five years in cruising to dine on fish and shellfish caught be more gratified with where we the United States Navy. His last command only minutes before; exploring and anchor- live…unless we got to spend a bit more was Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Pacific ing in the marvelous tributaries that feed time on the water. Command (CINCPAC). He is a consulting our Bay. One could cite these pleasures ad Professor at Stanford University’s infinitum. But let me tell you a short story But this story has another twist. Our won- Institute of International Studies and a that will give you the idea in a few lines. derful Chesapeake, our old friend, is sick. director of numerous corporations.

13 Growing Greener Lawns

Tips for Saving the Bay in Your Own Backyard

By Alex MacLennan Photos by Marcy Damon

sk Marcy Damon for pointers on Bay-friendly lawn care and she has a ready answer. What’s the simplest, easiest-to-implement advice she has A for homeowners who want to do their part to help the environment? “Test your soil, mow high, and reduce the size of your lawn,” she says. When Damon talks about lawncare, people and parking lots) shortcuts the natural be considered “a kind of green impervious listen. As CBF Maryland Grassroots process of absorption and forces rainwa- surface,” and actually increases polluted Restoration Coordinator, she advises thou- ter, sediment, and pollutants directly into runoff to local waterways. He cites proof sands of members, volunteers, homeown- the nearest creek or stream. So a “great that, on average, it actually costs less to ers, and weekend gardeners across the green” lawn must be a good thing, right? establish and maintain a wildflower mead- watershed on a regular basis. Damon has ow than it does grass. His advice for Bay- been coordinating large-scale restoration In some ways, yes, says Damon. But there’s area homeowners: “Plant trees—plant lots projects for CBF for over eight years, and a catch: Certain lawn care activities actual- and lots of trees!” has plenty of expertise on how to improve ly add to the pollutants choking the Bay. yards across the region without uninten- “It’s a choice people make,” says Damon. tionally polluting our waterways. “Many people—and the majority of lawn- “When you’re trying to decide how you care companies—use a significant amount can help the environment in your own Many people don’t see the connection of chemical fertilizer to maintain their backyard, think about how you care for between their lawns and the Bay, she says. lawns,” she explains. “Those fertilizers your lawn and how your landscape affects After all, one of the most precious include nitrogen and phosphorus—the the Bay.” resources of the Chesapeake region is its chief pollutants in our rivers, streams, and “great green filter” of natural lands. the Bay.” And while it’s clearly not the Development (in the form of “impervious” intent of homeowners to pollute, she notes, surfaces like rooftops, driveways, streets, most simply don’t realize the impact that added chemicals can have. Damon sug- To read or download the CBF gests easy landscaping options that can brochure Healthy Lawns, improve the environment all the way from Healthy Waters: A Guide to your backyard to the Bay (see sidebar). Effective Lawncare for the Chesapeake Watershed, CBF’s Harry Campbell, Pennsylvania Marcy Damon, CBF Maryland Grassroots visit cbf.org/landscaping. Science Advocate, adds that an improperly Restoration Coordinator, promotes Bay- cared-for lawn—impacted by excessive friendly landscaping. fertilizer use on non-native grasses—can

14 Spring 2008 ● cbf.org Tips to Make Your Lawn Bay-Friendly

TEST YOUR SOIL Have a professional soil test done to determine what your lawn actually needs to thrive (see resources at cbf.org/landscaping), then find organic, local materials to provide it. Choose natural, organic fertilizers, or create your own organic compost to give your lawn the nutrients—and only those nutrients—it needs.

APPLY FERTILIZER CAREFULLY Avoid putting more than the recommended amount of fertilizer on your lawn. Applying it at the wrong time of year, or just before a heavy rain is forecast, can send it directly to the nearest storm drain (and eventually, the Bay).

MOW HIGH Set your mower gauge to 2½ to 3 inches high to beauti- fy your lawn. Taller grasses help prevent weeds, allow roots to reach deeper and reduce runoff, and stay green longer during drought. Do your research and select the best grass for your lawn, and don’t overwater! During droughts, it is normal and healthy if the tops of grass blades go brown.

Reduce Your Lawn REDUCE YOUR LAWN A great expanse of grass is not the only landscaping option. Consider enlarging flower beds, letting fallen leaves serve as compost, and creating a rain (or wetland) garden in wet areas. Plant native trees and shrubs to create forested glens and shady areas. Bonus: Smaller lawns also eliminate the need for extensive mowing.A gas-pow- ered push mower used for one hour produces as much air pollution as ten cars driven the same amount of time.

Reduce the size of your lawn by enlarging flower and shrub beds, extending mulch areas, or planting native groundcovers.

15 Bay Briefs PENNSYLVANIA

$10 million in 10 days for REAP applications surpass pollution limits to meet the state’s obligations REAP requests available funds as farmers under the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement. Unlike Maryland and Virginia, however, Pennsylvania farmers have flooded the demonstrate they are willing to Pennsylvania implemented the permit pro- State Conservation Commission (SCC) invest in conservation. gram without significant new funding to with applications for a new, CBF-support- assist local government with implementing ed agricultural program to improve water the upgrades. quality. The remarkable response—more than 260 applications in ten days, that need—but clearly, additional funds are A Senate resolution has called for develop- requesting $10 million in project sup- necessary in order to meet the demand. ment of a cost estimate for implementing port—maxed out the program’s first-year the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy, budget of $10 million. “We’d like to thank our legislators and the which lays out pollution reduction require- Governor for enacting REAP,” said Ehrhart. ments, and recommendations from a task STEVE SMITH “These tax dollars will make significant force are expected to be presented to improvements to our statewide water qual- Governor Rendell in time for his 2009- ity. But given this strong response in only the 2010 budget request. first few days, I hope that they’ll recognize the demand, and increase the REAP budget CBF will work closely with the to the originally proposed $50 million.” Pennsylvania legislature, the governor, and other parties to craft a successful solution. Municipalities ask for help in reducing wastewater pollution DERRY TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY

Higher standards for Pennsylvania’s wastewater treatment plants, required by the federal Clean Water Act to clean up the Projects to improve water quality, like fencing Bay, are causing concern among local and trees along a stream at this Tioga County municipal authorities, who say they sup- farm, are eligible for new REAP tax credits. port the goal but cannot afford to pay the full costs of upgrading their sewage treat- Under the state’s recently enacted Resource ment systems. Enhancement and Protection Act (REAP), applicants can receive tax credits for CBF continues to support funding for the installing a variety of practices that keep pol- plant upgrades, which are essential for pollutants out of local waterways. The $10 mil- lution reduction in Pennsylvania streams lion in funding will leverage almost another and the Chesapeake Bay. At a state hearing $10 million in private investments by farm- in February, CBF submitted testimony ers. “It’s a unique opportunity for farmers to explaining Pennsylvania’s obligation to put conservation measures on their farms reduce nitrogen and phosphorus from both without applying for government grants or wastewater and agriculture, and outlined loans,” explained Matt Ehrhart, CBF the high costs of compliance. Joining rep- Pennsylvania Executive Director. “And it’s a resentatives from the PA Municipal practical solution that’s going to help farmers Authorities Association, the PA Building The recently upgraded and expanded waste- better protect water quality while at the same Industries Association, and local govern- water treatment plant for the Derry Township time helping their bottom line.” ments, CBF called on the General Municipal Authority, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Assembly and Governor Rendell to provide included facilities allowing the plant to meet Agriculture contributes a significant financial assistance. The groups cited cuts the new PA DEP limits, established to fulfill the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus pollu- in federal and state assistance over the past Chesapeake 2000 Agreement requirements. tion to the Susquehanna River, and ulti- years that have saddled local communities Other municipalities face similar substantial mately to the Chesapeake Bay. With with an array of infrastructure costs. costs for upgrades to their systems. increasing pressure on Pennsylvania to improve water quality, farmers needed new Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental For more information on how CBF is working options to help them decrease pollution Protection has begun to issue new permits to protect Pennsylvania rivers and streams, visit and soil erosion. REAP was designed to fill for wastewater treatment plants with stricter cbf.org/Pennsylvania or call 717/234-5550.

16 Spring 2008 ● cbf.org Bay Briefs MARYLAND

Report calls for reform in Under existing Critical Area Save the Bay: Cool the planet Maryland’s Critical Area law regulations, laws to protect A January snowstorm didn’t keep hun- A new CBF report confirms that fragile shorelines are routinely dreds of activists from CBF and other Maryland’s Critical Area law, passed in circumvented. organizations from rallying at the Maryland 1984 to protect the land that buffers the State House, where they urged legislators state’s waterways, is broken. to pass one of the strongest climate change

CBF research revealed that variances to the Wagner, who built a massive house on

law—through a legal loophole that allows Little Dobbins Island, a small island in /CCAN

development in protected Critical Areas— the Magothy River near Annapolis. TERN S were often approved in four counties sur- Wagner tore down trees, armored the ATT shoreline and built an M LOREN BARNETT APPEL/CBF STAFF in-ground pool and faux lighthouse. He applied for variances to the Critical Area law only after local residents applied pressure. Despite CBF appeals, the Anne Arundel County Board of Appeals approved the majority of Wagner’s post-construction vari- Supporters rallied in a snowstorm to call for ance requests. (The passage of the Global Warming Solutions Act, which would establish rules to reduce Critical Area Commission, emissions and conserve energy. which oversees development near shorelines, bills in the country: The Global Warming does not have the Solutions Act. The proposed legislation authority to override would require Maryland to institute pro- At a March press conference at CBF, Governor Martin O'Malley urged such decisions.) grams to reduce greenhouse gas emissions reform for the Critical Area law. Joining him were Brad Heavner, by 25 percent by 2020 and 90 percent by state director for Environment Maryland; Kim Coble, CBF According to the CBF 2050. It would require timelines from state Maryland Executive Director; former Governor Harry Hughes; and report, the 1984 law has agencies to meet emissions limits and cre- Margaret McHale, chairman of the Critical Area Commission been significantly cir- ate a cap-and-trade system so that compa- for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays. cumvented and under- nies can continue to search for the cheap- mined, and is not strong est ways to comply. rounding the Bay, demonstrating the need enough to keep pace with current pres- for reform to present statutes. sures. CBF and a coalition of partners pro- Reducing greenhouse gases like nitrous posed reforms to the Critical Area Act that oxide (which traps 300 times more solar As Kim Coble, CBF Maryland Executive would: energy than carbon dioxide) will not only Director, explains, “It’s like a death by a • empower the Critical Area Commission help cool the planet, but will also help thousand cuts. The cumulative impact is to write its own regulations, like other reduce nitrogen pollution in the Bay. steadily destroying the last buffers parallel state agencies; between development and our water- • develop new Critical Area regulations Legislators considered the bill during the ways.” During the 2008 legislative ses- to be uniformly applied by local gov- 2008 General Assembly session. For an sion, Coble led CBF and partner organi- ernments; update on the the Global Warming zations to lobby for changes that would • enforce those regulations fully, levying Solutions Act and more on climate strengthen the current law and protect significant penalties as appropriate; and change and the Chesapeake Bay, go to the state’s fragile shoreline from further • revise out-of-date Critical Areas maps cbf.org/climatechange. development. using current technology. For more information on how CBF is work- A notorious example of the law’s weak- To read or download CBF’s Critical Area ing to protect Maryland waters, visit ness is the case of landowner Daryl report in its entirety, go to cbf.org/Maryland. cbf.org/Maryland or call 410/268-8816.

17 Bay Briefs DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Decision 2008: Campaign for the Bay Budget cuts for Bay programs committed to expand its green infrastructure in several ways. As part of the plan, Capitalizing on the upcoming presidential are proposed, but could public buildings constructed or renovated election, CBF has launched an effort to focus be overridden if citizens by the Office of Property Management national attention on the restoration of the take action. will be required to include green roofs Chesapeake and its tributary rivers. This wherever feasible. initiative—designed to rally public engage- ment and persuade the presidential candi- Green roofs absorb rain and limit stormwa- dates to go on record regarding their support cuts to federal programs that are critical to ter runoff, and provide extra insulation that of the Bay—is documenting the failure of pollution reduction, species preservation, reduces the energy needed to heat and cool environmental leadership for the Bay from and habitat restoration in the Chesapeake buildings. CBF helped to pioneer the con- the Bush Administration and suggesting Bay. At a time when the governors and leg- cept in the District in 2004, when it devel- steps needed for better water quality. islatures of Maryland, Virginia, and oped a program to distribute incentive Pennsylvania have all made progress grants to generate green roof projects in the “The federal government has not done its towards achieving the commitments made Anacostia River watershed. part to support the Bay and its rivers,” said in the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement, the CBF President William C. Baker. “Now is the administration again failed to request the SUSAN RILEY, DC OPM time for the next President—whoever that funds needed for the federal government to will be—to clearly state their intent to pro- be a full partner in the restoration effort. tect and restore the Chesapeake, and make it the national priority that it deserves.” The good news is that Congress can and often does ignore the President’s request for To learn more, go to cbf.org/decision2008. specific programs. CBF’s 200,000 members can play a huge role in encouraging Federal assistance in jeopardy Congress to add funds to the President’s budget to upgrade sewage treatment plants, In February, President George W. Bush sent fund oyster research and restoration, assist his administration’s fiscal year 2009 budget small watershed groups, and support almost three dozen additional programs.

) A completed green roof at Washington’s Reeves

ONG Center absorbs stormwater and adds insulation. Y CBF is asking members to contact their ENG

H Congressional representatives and request

HUI support in getting Bay funds back into the Today, several of CBF’s roof projects are (S federal budget. Please keep an eye out for— complete. The largest tops the new fed- and respond to—our requests for help in this eral Department of Transportation 水恒涌 effort. Encouraging elected officials ranks building, but the most visible example right next to personal actions to reduce pol- opens in April at the new Nationals lution as an effective way to help save the Bay. Stadium. The stadium’s relatively small demonstration roof will allow hundreds Green roofs grow as a solution of thousands of visitors annually to learn for urban runoff about the importance of keeping runoff Congress can restore funds to the president’s from polluting our waterways. budget that are critical to pollution reduction. Mayor Adrian Fenty has announced an agreement between the District of The District has announced that it is proposal to Congress, beginning the appro- Columbia and the U.S. Environmental exploring other green roof incentive pro- priations process needed to keep the gov- Protection Agency (EPA) to implement grams, as is New York City, whose city ernment running past September 30, the one of the nation’s most aggressive green council passed a resolution last month end of the current federal fiscal year. The cities strategies aimed at reducing calling for the creation of tax and other appropriations bills will set the funding lev- stormwater runoff, a major contributor to incentives for green roofs and other els for federal assistance to restore the pollution in our waterways. stormwater control measures. Chesapeake Bay, as well as other functions. The District, which already ranks second For more information on federal funding As has been the case in recent years, the in the country in the number of green for the Bay and other Washington issues, visit President’s latest request makes significant roofs built or under construction, has cbf.org/dc or call 202/544-2232.

18 Spring 2008 ● cbf.org Bay Briefs VIRGINIA

Citizen boards preserved After a “David versus Ann Jennings named to global warming panel In a tremendous victory for citizen partici- Goliath struggle,” citizens pation in environmental decision-making, maintain their voice in CBF Virginia Executive Director Ann the 2008 Virginia General Assembly environmental decisions. Jennings has been named by Governor approved legislation preserving the exis- Tim Kaine to serve on Virginia’s tence and authority of Virginia’s citizen envi- Commission on Climate Change, a 32- ronmental boards. These boards review reg- person advisory panel ulations and permits that control pollution. Reducing farm runoff of fertilizer, soil, and charged with prepar- animal waste is critical to restoring the ing a climate change TAFF

The compromise measure was the result of health of Virginia rivers and the action plan for the CBF S intense negotiations between Virginia’s con- Chesapeake Bay. Scientists estimate that Old Dominion. servation community, including CBF, and farm practices such as those used at the state’s business, industry, and farm inter- Pamunkey Farm can reduce nitrogen The commission “is a ests, who had proposed merging the state’s runoff by nearly 12 million pounds if broadly representative air pollution, water control, and waste man- installed on farms across the Bay watershed one,” Kaine said in agement citizen boards and stripping them in Virginia. Combined with state efforts to appointing members of their permitting authority. reduce pollution from sewage treatment last month. “It reflects CBF’s Jennings joins the plants, they could achieve 90 percent of my goal to consider Governor’s advisory “Thanks to the efforts of CBF and other Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay pollution reduc- the impacts of climate panel on climate change. committed conservation advocates, tion goals. change and responses Virginia’s citizen boards will continue to to those changes from economic, envi- play a major role in the protection of the “The key to the success of this project was ronmental, social, and governmental Commonwealth’s natural resources,” the funding brought to the table by the part- points of view.” said CBF Virginia Staff Attorney Joe ners,” said Ann Jennings, CBF Virginia Tannery. “This was another David versus Executive Director. “So often, that money is “I’m honored and humbled to be named to Goliath struggle, and David won.” lacking. That’s why it is so important that the commission,” Jennings said. “Global Virginia fully fund the cost-share partnership warming is among the most serious chal- Partnership protects miles of programs that help Virginia farmers grow lenges facing Virginia, the nation, and the Pamunkey River our food and protect our environment.” world, and it is gratifying that Governor Kaine has made a place at the An extensive soil table for the Chesapeake Bay Pamunkey River

✫ and water conserva- TAFF Foundation. I look forward to tion project at the working with my fellow com- Virginia Department /CBF S missioners in the days and PES of Corrections’ Pamunkey Farm in E months ahead.”

Hanover County, accomplished by CBF HUCK C and a host of partners, has brought bet- Commission members include ter water quality to the Pamunkey River state legislators; scientists; in eastern Virginia. economists; and representatives from energy, transporta- The cooperative project between CBF, four tion, manufacturing, develop- state agencies, two federal departments, ment, agricultural, environ- and two other nonprofits put “clean-farm” mental, and local government practices, often called best management organizations. practices, or BMPs, on the property to improve and protect the water and wildlife A commission report and rec- habitat of the river. ommendations are due to the governor December 15. Using streamside fencing, vegetated shorelines, restored wetlands, and other tools, For more information on how more than eight miles of the Pamunkey CBF is working to protect Virginia River and 510 acres of riparian buffer, for- A cooperative project at a Department of Corrections farm rivers and streams, visit cbf.org/ est, and wetlands are now protected. will reduce pollution along eight miles of the Pamunkey River. Virginia or call 804/780-1392.

19 Back to Nature Strengthening the Essential Link Between Kids and the Environment

By Tom Waldron TAFF

It’s not often that a single book inspires a movement, CBF S Louv writes that this leads to a condition but Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv he tentatively names “nature-deficit disorder”—a phrase that has resonated is doing just that. with thousands of readers.

The book, published in 2006, documents stretches plugged into electronic devices “Nature-deficit disorder describes the how American children and families are and an increasingly regimented schedule human costs of alienation from nature, increasingly losing touch with nature. of indoor activities for kids. Many young among them: diminished use of the Building on interviews with parents and people rarely have the chance to freely senses, attention difficulties, and high- kids, Louv examines how unstructured wander and explore nature, as Louv did er rates of physical and emotional ill- play time outdoors has given way to long as a child growing up in Missouri. nesses,” he writes.

20 Spring 2008 ● cbf.org URROUGHS B OBERT R

We have to make sure kids are concerned about the environment, not just in an intellectual way but in a visceral way.

—Richard Louv

Louv attributes the troubling trend to a says. “But there still is a” relatively small variety of factors, including parental anxi- window of opportunity to deal with this. ety—a fear of kids getting hurt playing out- We have to make sure kids are concerned doors or a concern that their children about the environment, not just in an aren’t doing enough extra-curricular activi- intellectual way but in a visceral way.” ties to compete academically.

Building on Louv’s observations, the No CHRISTY URBAN/CBF STAFF “We’re living in a state of fear” brought on Child Left Inside Coalition—led by the by a sensationalized media culture, Louv Chesapeake Bay Foundation—is working At left and above: Experiences in the outdoors, said in a recent interview. to increase federal support for environ- like the ones enjoyed by 40,000 students every mental education and outdoor learning year on CBF field trips, have a powerful positive Louv’s book has struck a chord with many activities. Louv strongly supports the effect on students’ classroom performance. parents, educators, environmentalists, goals of the Coalition’s legislation, known Author Richard Louv, above left, says they’re equally important to children’s health and policymakers, who worry about as the No Child Left Inside Act: better and development. alarming rates of childhood obesity, teacher training, funding for high-quality depression, and attention deficit disorder. outdoor learning activities, and incen- fundamental to a child’s health, devel- The author has been deluged with interest tives for states to develop environmental opment, or learning, you come to the in the issue, and crisscrosses the country literacy plans. natural conclusion in education, as well giving lectures and interviews. as health care and mental health, that Getting kids outside to learn is critical to we need to add this to the list of things “I get tons of email from parents who have their development, Louv believes. He cites we need to do,” he says. “It’s fundamen- made different decisions about their research documenting that students who tal to the well-being of children and lives,” Louv says. “They tell me they have take part in environmental learning activi- their ability to learn.” decided they’re going to get their kids ties do significantly better on test scores outdoors, and they’re going out with than other students. In the end, Louv says, getting kids out- them. I’ve also heard from a lot of high doors to learn and play is a potent way school and college kids deciding to “Some of this we don’t understand,” he to kindle their natural sense of wonder. change their career plans to something says. “But when you’re out in nature, that’s “These early experiences in nature are related to the environment.” about the only time you’re using all your so awe-producing. The last time I senses. That’s the optimal way to learn.” checked, it’s pretty tough to get a sense Around the country, dozens of states, of wonder playing [the video game] regions, and cities are responding with a Louv thinks schools can take several steps ‘Grand Theft Auto.’” push to encourage children—and their to strengthen students’ ties to nature— parents—to spend more time outdoors using a green-themed curriculum, training The Children & Nature Network is work- connecting with the natural world. Louv teachers to get students engaged in out- ing to encourage local efforts to reconnect strongly supports such efforts. But he wor- door learning activities, greening school people to nature. Learn more at its website, ries that the momentum to re-connect kids grounds, and establishing high school eco- www.cnaturenet.org. For more information to nature may ebb quickly. clubs, to name a few. on the No Child Left Inside Coalition, visit www.eenclb.org. Last Child in the Woods: “The most surprising thing is that [this “If you begin to see nature experiences Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit movement] didn’t last just ten days,” Louv not as an extra-curricular activity but as Disorder is available at bookstores.

21 April Todd’s Recipe for Success Knowledge, Discipline, and a Generous Scoop of Movement By Alice Christman Photos by Matthew Gunby

22 Spring 2008 ● cbf.org eet April Todd, a Language Arts each activity with a zeal that impressed the “Unfortunately, with testing, we are limited to teacher at Somerset Intermediate teenager deeply. a few field trips a year.” That could change M School in Crisfield and Maryland’s when Somerset Intermediate completes its 2007 Teacher of the Year. The first thing “It was a defining moment for me to see a move into a new building: a “green” school you’ll notice about her classroom of sixth teacher love their content so much,” says with a nature trail, among many other envi- and seventh graders is that no one sits still Todd. “I knew I wanted to share that… I ronmentally friendly features. very long, the students are expressive and want to bring that passion to my class- enthusiastic, and Todd is right in the thick of room.” She took an affinity to the “reflec- Todd recently had the opportunity to go on a things, encouraging discussion and action. tion journals” that were required writing at field trip of her own and revisit CBF’s envi- “This is group time,” she says as she turns on Fox, and subsequently majored in litera- ronmental philosophies. She joined 15 other the stereo. “You can move.” ture at Washington College. But before the Teacher of the Year nominees for a four-day end of high school, she visited every other experience, sponsored by Northrup Her students are working in small groups CBF Island Center on field experiences, Grumman, at CBF’s Smith Island Study throughout the room, determined to com- and brought those lessons home with her. Center. “What a great experience to work plete their project on reusable products with such enthusiastic teachers, in a won- before the music ends. Todd observes with “April was a shining star,” says Carson, derful environment,” observed Steve a watchful eye. One part hostess, one part who continues to teach science classes at Smalley, a Northrup Grumman advisory educator, and one part disciplinarian, she Crisfield, where she has been on the facul- engineer who attended. “It’s critical that we has the ability to speak one-on-one with a ty for nearly three decades. “She walked develop our next generation of problem student while quieting another with a look the talk, and was always willing to think solvers, and equip them with the tools to or gesture. Her skill at multi-tasking con- outside the box.” make a major difference in the world.” tributes to an effective teaching style that keeps students engaged and on their toes. While exploring Fox together on that first Now, Todd’s days are a mixed bag of teach- trip, both teacher and student found arrow- ing and Maryland Teacher of the Year When you ask students about their experi- heads hidden among the reeds and mud of responsibilities. She handles both of these ence in her classroom, they describe “Mrs. the marsh. Carson’s arrowhead is tucked safe- with input from her students and family. Her Todd” as “fun” and “spontaneous,” a “good ly away in her vast collection, but Todd’s is husband, Andrew, plays the part of unofficial listener with cool ideas.” Tia Crosell, a con- fashioned into a bracelet that she wears as a public relations assistant as she adjusts to templative seventh grader in the group, daily reminder of her connection to the Bay. her new schedule. As the 2006 Teacher of sums things up: “She just breaks lessons the Year for Somerset County, he under- down so you understand.” Today, the Chesapeake comes alive in her stands the demands. classroom. Her students read Jacob Have I In an interview, Todd explained that her Loved and Oyster Moon, and learn about the What is her recipe for success? Todd journey to this day in a portable classroom oyster industry first-hand from her father, described it recently in a speech at Towson in Somerset County, one of the poorest who operated a family business in University: “Blend humility with knowl- counties in the state, began 17 years ago on Crisfield. They use nature in the poetry edge. Add discipline when needed (I prefer a Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) trip to unit, and frequently refer to the three R’s in the fair brand), limitless kindness, a daily Fox Island. The future educator was a their lessons—reduce, reuse, recycle. dose of assessment, an unlimited amount of Crisfield High School student when she knowledge, and endless bowls of love. All joined a CBF trip led by Pat Carson, a Whether they are working in small groups or are integral ingredients to student and teacher who has been going to Fox for participating in an exercise outside, Todd’s teaching success. And last but more than 20 years. Carson mentored Todd students are in constant movement. “I would not least, always include a during that experience and participated in love to go on a field trip everyday,” she says. generous scoop of movement.”

Todd’s students learn to “reduce, reuse, and recycle” through classroom projects.

23 Campaigns

Court Declares EPA’s Mercury Rule Illegal

In an overwhelming victory for public and Mercury is one of the planet’s most potent and water legislation by passing illegal reg- environmental health, a federal appeals court neurotoxins. Power plants, the largest ulations at the expense of public health. panel unanimously invalidated EPA rules source of manmade mercury in the coun- We applaud the U.S. Court of Appeals for that would have allowed coal-fired power try, spew 48 tons of it into the air each year, the District of Columbia for seeing through plants to continue to contaminate water- contaminating waterways throughout the this charade.” ways, fish, and communities with harmful country. Nearly one-fourth (24 percent) of levels of mercury for decades to come. America’s rivers and one-third (32 percent) With EPA’s action declared illegal, the Agency of our lakes were subject to advisories for is now obligated to develop “Maximum CBF, joining a coalition of public health mercury contamination in 2003. Achievable Control Technology” standards and environmental groups, fourteen states, for power plant mercury emissions. Several and dozens of American Indian tribes, To demonstrate that mercury is a threat to U.S. Department of Energy studies conduct- launched its challenge of EPA’s mercury Bay-area residents, CBF Litigation Director ed over the rules over two years ago. In February, the Jon Mueller asked CBF trustees and staff past few years

U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of for hair samples when the suit began in have demon- ARTCORN Columbia ruled that the EPA had indeed 2006. Thirty volunteers submitted sam- strated that H AVE violated the Clean Air Act by failing to pre- ples, which were analyzed by a laboratory more than 90 D scribe stringent reductions in toxic mercu- for mercury content. Results showed that percent of ry pollution from power plants. several, including women of child-bearing power plant age, had significantly high levels of mercu- mercury emis- The decision invalidates the agency’s so-called ry in their bodies. sions can be “Clean Air Mercury Rule,” which would have eliminated allowed dangerously high levels of mercury Of the appeals court decision, Mueller said, using afford- pollution from power plants under a weak “This ruling is a victory for the rule of law. able and avail- cap-and-trade program that would not have This administration has repeatedly able reduction Jon Mueller, taken full effect until after 2020. attempted to reverse decades of clean air technologies. CBF Director of Litigation

24 Spring 2008 ● cbf.org Campaigns Farm Bill Stuck Between Congress, White House On the Horizon: New Pollution Limits Passage of the At its December 2007 meeting, the TAFF 2007 Farm Bill, Chesapeake Executive Council (the

CBF S which contains Governors of Pennsylvania, Maryland, ground-break- and Virginia, the Mayor of the District ing provisions of Columbia, the Chairman of the to assist with Chesapeake Bay Commission, and the pollution Administrator of the EPA) conceded reduction in that the region would not achieve the the Bay, has goal of removing the Chesapeake Bay bogged down from the EPA’s “dirty waters” list by over how the 2010. Under the nation’s Clean Water Doug Siglin, bill should be Act, this failure to restore the Bay trig- CBF Director of Federal Affairs paid for. gers the need to develop a new federal pollution budget (called Total Although the versions passed by the Maximum Daily Load, or TMDL) for the House and Senate contain many program Bay. Dr. Beth McGee, CBF Senior Water differences, both would substantially Quality Scientist, explained what’s increase conservation payments, as well ahead. as food assistance to many Americans in need. In order to pay for such increases, How will the new pollution limits both bills would raise additional revenue affect Bay restoration efforts? through changes in the tax code. The The new federal pollution budget will White House objects to what it calls rais- specify reductions that are needed from ing taxes and members of Congress each pollutant source in order to meet the LOREN BARNETT APPEL/CBF STAFF describe as closing loopholes. target. In many ways, current restoration efforts have mimicked this process. We Dr. Beth McGee, CBF Senior Water Quality In theory, Congress could reconcile the have already established a pollution Scientist, says new pollution budgets would two differing versions and send the bill to budget of 175 million pounds of nitrogen set limits on a smaller geographic scale. the White House for the president to sign per year—the maximum allowable for or veto. However, Congressional leaders clean water and a healthy Bay. We have sewage treatment plants. The TMDL will have preferred to opt for negotiation, as identified the amount of pollution that expand this authority to include other President Bush has repeatedly threatened must be reduced from each source, and discharges, like those from urban to veto any farm bill sent to him with rev- created river-specific plans, known as stormwater systems, and possibly other enue provisions. Tributary Strategies, to achieve those non-regulated sources, such as agricul- reduction goals. But the TMDL makes tural runoff. “It’s a real shame that after all the success- these goals mandatory. ful outreach by CBF members to get Why now? strong Chesapeake Bay provisions in the What will they do? If the signers of the Chesapeake 2000 House and Senate bills, we’re bogged With the new pollution budget, the EPA Agreement had established the programs down somewhere halfway down can allocate pollution limits on a smaller and funding necessary to reduce pollu- Pennsylvania Avenue,” said Doug Siglin, geographic scale. (For example, county tion, they could have avoided the com- CBF Federal Affairs Director. “I’m pretty level allocations would help each local plexities and oversight involved in estab- confident, though, that some compro- government direct pollution reduction in lishing federal pollution budget regula- mise can be reached for the bill to its area.) Such local caps would also make tions. But they have failed to do so, and become law before planting season begins municipalities more aware of the impact the 2010 deadline will soon be upon us. in most of the nation.” that their land use decisions have on pol- A Bay-wide TMDL will protect each citi- lution loads, and promote informed, eco- zen’s right to clean water and a healthy Stay tuned as we work to ensure that the logically-sound decisions. We currently ecosystem by reducing pollution, and final Farm Bill promotes the best possible have enforceable limits in pollution dis- ensure smarter pollution management water quality improvements in the Chesapeake charge permits from some sources, like and growth. Bay watershed. Visit cbf.org/farmbill.

25 Our Giving Community

New Trustees Appointed hree new trustees have joined the CBF Board, bringing impressive resumes and varied professional Tbackgrounds to the organization’s governing body. Each will serve a three-year term.

CHARLES W. “WICK” MOORMAN is ALAN L. WURTZEL is Chairman ROBERT A. KINSLEY is Chairman and Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Emeritus of Circuit City Stores, Inc. He is CEO of Kinsley Construction, Inc., in Officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation. also a director of Dollar Tree Stores, Inc., York, Pennsylvania. He is currently The corporation supports many environ- and serves on the boards of five privately Chairman of the Board of Trustees of York mental causes, including CBF’s environ- held companies. He has a long-standing College of PA and Chairman of The mental education programs, the Virginia commitment to public education, and has Gettysburg National Battlefield Museum Institute of Marine Science, the Nature served as an active member of numerous Foundation. A well-known preservation- Conservancy, and the Elizabeth River state and national education commissions. ist, Mr. Kinsley is a board member of Project. Mr. Moorman is a graduate of A graduate of Oberlin College and Yale Better York, which advocates the concept Georgia Tech and Harvard Business School, Law School, Mr. Wurtzel is also a trustee of “urban growth boundaries,” and and is a dedicated CBF oyster gardener. emeritus of The Phillips Collection. numerous community organizations.

Save the Date for ILBAHL B

OHN Bands in the Sand J Saturday, June 21 oatyard Bar and Grill will present the third Bannual Bands in the Sand, an evening of cool drinks, hot music, grilled food, and a live auction of Chesapeake Bay art—all to benefit CBF.

Join us on Saturday, June 21 from 5:00 to 10:30 p.m. on the beach at CBF’s Philip Merrill Environmental Center in Annapolis, Maryland. Performers include Anthem, a reggae group from Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Misspent Youth, a Maryland rock band, to get folks dancing in the sand.

For more information, including ticket purchase and sponsorship opportunities, visit cbf.org/bandsinthesand.

26 Spring 2008 ● cbf.org Our Giving Community Randy Klinefelter’s Legacy n December 2007, CBF lost a friend, trustee, and one-of-a-kind donor. IG.R. “Randy” Klinefelter gave a remarkable gift to the Foundation in 1988: a 250-acre island. In doing so, he and his family established Port Isobel, CBF’s largest residential education center, and shared a treasured and historic part of the Chesapeake with thousands of students, teachers, and visitors.

Named after his wife, Isobel, Klinefelter’s former family getaway is a stone’s throw from Tangier Island, home to one of the Chesapeake’s last remaining watermen’s communities. Over the past 20 years, youth groups, educators, and decision makers have traveled by boat to Port Isobel to explore the island’s marshes, beach, and woodlands. Often, visiting Tangier to learn about a vanishing way of life is part of the trip.

The Klinefelter family owned the property for 30 years before donating it to CBF, and during that time instituted soil conserva- CBF STAFF CBF’s Port Isobel Education Center tion measures and other environmental improvements. Residents of Ephrata, Pennsylvania, the Klinefelters recognized and cher- Klinefelter served on the CBF Board of Trustees from 1988 to 1999. ished the connection between their home state and the down- Memorial gifts in his honor can be sent to Randy Klinefelter Memorials, stream Chesapeake Bay. CBF, 6 Herndon Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403. CBF Member Puts Stock in Bay’s Future obert Dwight remembers when you could favorite winter visitor to Gibson Island When asked what kind of legacy he hopes R look out over the Bay and observe ducks during its migration. These days, he says, to leave through his gift, Dwight says he as far as the eye could see. “There were 30 they seem to keep on flying—a sign, to wants to see the Bay at the optimum or 40 thousand out there,” he says of the him, of the Bay’s decline. health Captain John Smith saw when he scene. Now, he laments, one never sailed here in the 1600s. “It may take 100 glimpses them in such large numbers. A CBF member for almost 15 years, years,” he says, “but we are heading Dwight learned in 2006 about a planned there.”Healsohopestoseenodead giving option that could increase his abili- zones, and wants to bring back oysters, TAFF ty to support CBF. “I was able to donate crabs, and of course, the birds.

/CBF S shares of appreciated stock through a char-

ENNY itable gift annuity,” he explains. “And curi- CBF’s planned giving staff can give poten- D ously enough, that does something for CBF, tial donors a true idea of what a charitable AROL

C and it does something for me.” gift annuity would pay each year—and of the kind of work it would help support. Dwight made a gift to CBF to fund a char- “During any of my visits,” adds Dwight, itable gift annuity. In exchange, he receives “CBF has always been easy to meet with fixed quarterly payments from CBF for the and very informative.” Robert Dwight’s pledge to CBF rest of his life, providing him with a reli- took the form of a charitable gift annuity. able income stream and a rate of return To learn more about making a planned that is often higher than many conservative gift to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Dwight, a native of New York City, made investments. This type of gift also provides through a charitable gift annuity, please his home in Gibson Island, Maryland, for significant tax savings. contact Vollie Melson, Director of Individual almost 50 years. An engineer by profes- and Planned Giving, at [email protected] or sion, he developed an appreciation for “Your investment is totally secure and total- 443/482-2104, or consult your own finan- his Chesapeake surroundings, especially ly fixed,” explains Dwight. “This is an cial advisor. the birds. The whistling swan, also investment in the Bay and a great way to known as the tundra swan, was once a support something you believe in.” —Joni Sralla Turken

27 Driftwood Music Makers UBBIN C AC Soon, thanks to the vision of three CBF supporters M MILY and their Chesapeake Bay Guitar Project, you won’t E just be able to sing about the Bay, you’ll be able to make music with it.

For several months, David MacCubbin and Craig Lavin have been building a number of hand-made acoustic guitars that feature exquisite inlaid fret- work and headstocks capturing Bay scenes. The guitars will debut during a special showcase on May 17 at Emory Knode’s Appalachian Bluegrass store in Catonsville, Maryland; proceeds from the sale of the unique instruments will benefit CBF. “Our mission is to showcase the splendor of our Bay and how we can help to preserve it,” said Knode.

Visit the CBF blog at cbf.typepad.com (select “guitars”) or call 410/744-1144 for news on the project and the May 17 event at Appalachian Bluegrass. The Chesapeake Bay Guitar Project will benefit CBF.

Events Around the Watershed Virginia April 19-20: Virginia Fly Fishing Festival, Waynesboro. The state’s April 13-19: National Environmental Education Week is the largest largest fly fishing event, on the banks of the South River. 540/836- organized environmental education event in the U.S. Register and get 9367 or www.vaflyfishingfestival.org resources at www.eeweek.org May 12: Blue Planet Forum: Exploring the Bay and Beyond, Pennsylvania Nauticus, Norfolk, 7PM. James Woolsey, former U.S. Central Intelligence Director, kicks off a new CBF/NOAA environmental lecture series with April 26: Rotarians at Work Day Tree Planting, Deibert Farm, Glen “Energy, Security, and the Long War of the 21st Century.” Free; limited Rock, 9AM-2PM. Help CBF plant native trees and shrubs along a seating. Register: 757/622-1964 or [email protected] Gunpowder Falls trubutary. Register: 717/234-5550 or [email protected] June 7: 20th Annual CBF Clean the Bay Day, Hampton Roads Area. May 3: Trees for the 21st Century Tree Planting, Wenger Farm, near Join thousands of volunteers to remove trash and debris from local Mt. Joy, 9AM-12PM and 1-4PM. Help CBF plant native trees and shrubs waterways. Choose your location. Sign up at cbf.org/clean. along Conewago Creek and two of its tributaries. Register: 717/234- 5550 or [email protected]. West Virginia Maryland May 3: Stream Buffer Planting, Charlestown (Jefferson County) 9AM–1PM Help plant 1,000 native trees and shrubs to improve water April and May: Tree Nursery Workdays at CBF’s Clagett Farm, Upper quality. Register: 443/482-2156 or [email protected] Marlboro, Consecutive Sats. 10AM–2PM, and Tues. through Thurs. each week. Help CBF pot thousands of tree seedlings for restoration projects. Register: 443/482-2156 or [email protected] Planked shad is on the menu at CBF’s annual April 5: Stream Buffer Planting, Adamstown, Frederick County, ShadFest, scheduled for April 26 in 9AM–1PM. Help build a forested buffer along Tuscarora Creek. Register: Vienna, Maryland. 443/482-2156 or [email protected] April 19: Bay Day Celebration at Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels, 10AM–5PM. www.cbmm.org April 26: ShadFest, Vienna waterfront, 10AM–4PM rain or shine. Cele- brate the culture and wildlife of the Eastern Shore at this free CBF family festival. 410/543-1999 or cbf.org/events. April 26-May 2: Baltimore Green Week, Baltimore. Begins with

EcoFestival at Druid Hill Park on April 26 (rain date April 27) and OSSEY T

continues with five days of workshops on sustainability topics. ISA www.baltimoregreenweek.org L

28 Spring 2008 ● cbf.org Driftwood

W TAFF A L T H K E I N Testing the Waters G /CBF S T A L K from our members

This spring, students on ORTLOCK P

many CBF field programs ILL Are you planning home improvements this B spring? Begin by checking out your local will use new water quality building or home center for green materials monitors to learn about to use in your projects. If you’re replacing the health of Chesapeake or building a deck, for instance, choose waterways. The high- lumber that has been certified as environ- tech equipment instantly mentally sound by the Forest Stewardship generates data including Council (FSC). FSC-certified wood is harvested in an ecologically responsible way pH, temperature, dissolved (avoiding clear cutting and other harmful oxygen, salinity, chlorophyll, lumbering methods) that benefits the peo- and other indicators to ple and the economy of the region. build a complete picture —SCOTT WALDMAN, Pasadena, Maryland of a river’s condition. Participants can compare Send your green ideas to [email protected]. their findings to the data of professional Bay scientists via on-board, CBF is reading… wireless laptops.

Earth: the Sequel, written by Fred Krupp, President of Environmental Defense, and Miriam Horn, is the story of a race that has already begun—a race to invent and invest in new, clean energy technologies to grow the economy and fight global warming. It profiles the entrepreneurs, companies, states, and nations that are finding solutions that conserve energy and reduce the unintentional side effects of over-con- sumption—while creating jobs and establishing a new standard of sustainability for the future. With a smarter national policy, the authors contend, emerging new technologies can come online and reverse the unintended consequences of our national energy appetite.

GIVE US YOUR BEST SHOT—and your photo couldendupinCBF’s 2009 calendar! Look for details and prize info beginning April 15 at cbf.org/contest.

29 Last Look The Nellie Crockett's last load: 2,000 bushels of oysters. HOWNING C

ARRY By the mid-1990s, the Bay oyster harvest L Seeds of Hope had plummeted to 100,000 bushels annu- By Larry Chowning ally, with Virginia and Maryland hitting all- time lows. The James River, where histori- cally more seed oysters have been pro- duced than anywhere else in the world, was closed to harvest.

The 21st century, however, has brought some encouraging news. The James oysters rebounded, and the river was reopened in 2003. Growing oysters in cages through aquaculture is making strides, and oyster gardening programs like ones sponsored by CBF are becoming more popular. Commercial fishermen are targeting over- abundant cownose rays, the number one oyster predator, as state agencies try to establish markets for ray meat. Strong education efforts are creating an understanding he end of an era often passes unnoticed. The oyster is a filter feeder, sucking up of the environmental importance of the T That was certainly the case in 1985 on water and removing sediment and micro- oyster in bringing back the Bay. Although Urbanna Creek, Virginia. A fog hovered scopic plants known as phytoplankton, commercial harvests have been up and over the water as the Chesapeake Bay oys- then spitting it back in a clear, clean fash- down, mostly due to weather conditions, ter buyboat Nellie Crockett meandered ion. there has been slight improvement. towards the Rappahannock River, loaded down with 2,000 bushels of seed oysters The growth of Chesapeake country, bring- Some two decades after the Nellie Crockett bound for private oyster beds in the river. ing a multitude of houses and people to the carried that historic last catch, the 42-foot land surrounding the Bay, has also brought round stern deadrise workboat Michelle Who would have thought it would be the an excess of nitrogen and phosphorus pol- Dawn made her way down Deep Creek in last buyboat filled with oysters to pass lution to its waters. From sewage treatment the James River. She was loaded from through? Just two generations before, plants, agriculture, and stormwater, mil- washboard to washboard with seed oysters 100,000 bushels of bi-valves were being lions of pounds of these nutrients annually piled taller than a man. Michelle Dawn was off-loaded annually onto docks and wheel- fuel the growth of phytoplankton. bound for shore, where a truck would take barreled into the three oyster houses lining the seed to an oyster grower on the the creek bank. If the oyster population was what it once Northern Neck of Virginia. She had 250 was, the filter-feeding oyster would be bushels on board. That’s a far cry from the Interestingly, just as the oyster has received sucking up and cleaning 18 trillion gallons 2,000 bushels on the Nellie Crockett, but attention of late, the Nellie Crocket has gone of Bay water every four to five days. But it’s given the gloom of the 1990s, it’s a glim- on to receive national recognition. The 60- not. The number of oysters needed to legit- mer of hope. foot deckboat, built in 1926 in Crisfield, imately contribute to cleaning up the Bay is Maryland, is listed in the National Historic no longer here. Larry Chowning has cov- Landmark Program. She’s alive and well at ered the Chesapeake her homeport in Georgetown, Maryland. Just five years before the Nellie Crockett Bay for 30 years and is made her last trip into Urbanna Creek, author of six books, Wish we could say the same for the over two million bushels of oysters were including Deadrise and Chesapeake Bay oyster. She’s alive—but harvested on the Bay. But the 1990s Cross-planked, released not well. The oyster is one of several living brought havoc and despair to the oyster. A in November, 2007. He thermometers used to monitor the health perfect storm of weather and water condi- is currently a reporter for of the Bay, but unlike some creatures, she tions enhanced a disease epidemic caused the Southside Sentinel in Urbanna and Field Editor gives back more to the environment than by MSX and Dermo, two microscopic par- for National Fisherman Magazine. she takes. asites deadly to the oyster.

30 Spring 2008 ● cbf.org Imagine... a gift to CBF that would provide

quarterly income,

a fixed rate of return,

immediate tax savings,

and a legacy of a saved Bay. TAFF /CBF S ARROLL C RISTI K

A charitable gift annuity can benefit you while it supports CBF’s initiatives throughout the region. For more information on this exceptional opportunity, we invite you to contact our planned giving director, or consult with your financial advisor. Your charitable gift annuity to the the Chesapeake Bay Foundation can offer: ❑ The security of quarterly income payments for the rest of your life, ❑ A fixed rate of return between 5.7 and 11.3 percent annually, ❑ Tax savings you can take advantage of now, and ❑ An investment in the future of the Bay and its rivers and streams. Vollie Melson Director of Individual and Planned Giving 410/268-8816 [email protected] Do it for Tyler.

Save the Bay Will we tell our children that we cared about the Bay —just not enough?

On the cover: Paddle at the ready, a smudged student explores by canoe during a CBF field experience. Photo by Dave Harp.

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Chesapeake Bay Foundation Southern, MD Philip Merrill Environmental Center Permit No. 305 6 Herndon Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403 410/268-8816