April 2020 Volume 30 Number 2 Coronavirus hinders Bay restoration efforts, seafood industry ≈ Cleanup and planting in coming months, and projects, farm visits put possibly years, at a time when on hold; groups worry they had hoped to significantly increase spending on the Bay about funding for future cleanup. By Bay Journal Staff “There’s obviously going Watermen have no to be a delay in any new plans restaurants that can buy their and conservation work,” said catches. Help for farmers who Lindsay Thompson, execu- want to install runoff controls tive director of the Maryland has been sharply curtailed. Association of Conservation Streams throughout the region Districts. In a sentiment are missing their annual spring reflected by many, she added, cleaning. And many students “Right now, it’s really just are losing their chance to [about] trying to keep the experience the Chesapeake wheels rolling and keep Bay firsthand. everyone safe.” The impact of the new coronavirus, barely on the Delays & cancellations radar only a few months Tree plantings, school field ago, is rippling through the trips, citizen oyster restoration Chesapeake Bay region, with activities and the region’s larg- Brendan Burke, impacts felt from Pennsylvania est litter cleanup event are all president of the farm fields to Eastern Shore being postponed or altered as Maritime Heri- oyster grounds. While some environmental groups struggle tage Chapter of impacts are minor, such as with the sweeping disruptions. the Archaeologi- the postponement of meetings “We’re in uncharted terri- cal Society of and cleanup events, others tory,” said Willy Agee, vice Virginia, walks could become significant if president of the Chesapeake by the ribs of the COVID-19 crisis lingers, Bay Foundation. His his group, one of the Nan- potentially creating another as well as the Alliance for the semond’s ghost setback for Bay pollution Chesapeake Bay, have been ships.(Tamara control initiatives. forced to delay environmen- Dietrich) While some point to slivers tal field work. of positive news — air pollu- The immobilizing of tion is down — the near- construction contractors as a shutdown of business activity Bones of ‘ghost fleet’ haunt Nansemond is likely to slam state budgets See Virus on page 22 After the Civil War, to crabbing skiffs, these riverine shipping lanes, these ≈ vessels helped to resurrect this vessels were abandoned Suffolk, VA, became Virginia city after the ruin- near the wharfs they once a maritime industrial ous Civil War. They hauled serviced. They sank beneath powerhouse oysters and scallops up and the surface and settled onto the By Tamara Dietrich down the mid-Atlantic, sup- river bottom — lost to living In a muddy bend of the plying hotels and restaurants memory. Nansemond River, hidden from Chicago to New Orleans, Until now.

amid Suffolk’s bustling busi- all the while transforming Local history buffs explor-

LANC., PA 17604 PA LANC., ness district, lie the rotting Suffolk into an industrial ing the riverbank stumbled

PERMIT 280 PERMIT remains of old wooden boats. powerhouse of maritime trade. across the submerged wrecks

PAID From bugeyes to barges, In time, though, as railroads a few years ago during an

U.S. POSTAGE U.S. logboats to tugboats, canoes began to supplant traditional

NONPROFIT ORG NONPROFIT Bay Journal, P.O. Box 222, Jacobus, PA 17407-0222 PA Jacobus, 222, Box P.O. Journal, Bay See Boats on page 20 2 Bay Journal • April 2020

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Far left: Nassawango Preserve in Maryland was the setting for an early spring field test of plant ID apps for mobile phones.

Fire ants are marching northward as rising tem- peratures make areas once too cold for them attractive. See article on page 13. (U.S. Depart- ment of Agriculture)

WHAT’S INSIDE

News 20 EPA’s cutback of enforcement amid coronavirus draws criticism • Environmentalists say the move allows many 4 Decline of ruffed grouse linked to loss of young forest industries to skirt rules habitat • Warmer temperatures, West Nile Virus also taking their toll on game bird 23 Bay seafood industry suffers as coronavirus closes restaurants • Watermen try new marketing strategies as 6 MD officials zap electric ferry proposal for Chesapeake pandemic drives demand and prices down crossing • Report says idea won’t work as standalone option but state says it could be considered ‘in combination with 8282 Toxic chemicals found in tidal creek in St. Mary’s County, other alternatives’ MD • MDE plans to test waterway for PFAS delayed by coronavirus pandemic 8 As climate changes, longleaf pines move north – with help • Nature Conservancy tries ‘assisted migration’ on Travel former MD farmland 24 What’s that plant? A field test for Plant ID apps 10 Smart ponds making a splash in controlling stormwater runoff WE’RE JUST • Internet-connected sites adjust levels when rain is forecast 26 Susquehanna pontoon immerses you in river history A CLICK AWAY

12 Advocates press for more federal funding to help reach Columns Visit us online: Bay goals • Congress asked to fully fund conservation bayjournal.com program in 2018 Farm Bill 38 Steward’s Corner • Revive Earth Day’s roots: Celebrate its Like us on FaceBook: 50th by planting a tree this year Chesapeake Bay Journal 13 VA getting more antsy as climate change marches on • or send us a Tweet: Fire ants spreading northward as temperatures climb 39 On the Wing • Canada warbler goes the distance in its @ChesBayJournal journey of life 14 Climate, environment targets in limbo as virus cuts MD session short • Pesticide ban, oyster management among 40 Bay Naturalist • Forests’ hidden wetlands work for wildlife, bills passed before lawmakers hurry home water quality 15 VA legislature wraps up session packed with environmental Puzzles & Events issues • Reshaping the energy grid was focus of several measures 3 3 Chesapeake Challenge • The Joy of Junk & Bay Journal Boredom Busters 16 Farmers counting on sheep to bolster soil, bottom line • • Trash to Terrific Toys Smaller grazing animals have reduced startup costs and 33 Bay Buddies The Bay Journal is printed on 100% complement larger livestock operations 34 Bulletin Board • Volunteer Opportunities • Workshops • recyclable/recycled paper Events • Programs • Resources using vegetable-based 18 PA initiative to convert 10,000 acres of lawns into inks. meadows, forests • Campaign is a priority strategy to help Forum meet state’s Chesapeake cleanup goal Commentary • Letters • Perspectives 19 TakingTaking Nature Black celebrates environmental action • 32 Appalachian Trail hike reignites urgency to protect Conference attracted audience from around the nation landscapes 4 Bay Journal • April 2020 Decline of ruffed grouse linked to loss of young forest habitat ≈ Warmer temperatures, West depend on burrowing into Nile Virus also taking their toll snow to hide from predators on game bird and withstand the cold. In the fall, they grow fleshy bristles By Ad Crable along their toes that act like Ruffed grouse, a strikingly beauti- snowshoes. It is one of the ful bird that symbolizes wildness, is in great sights in nature to see a trouble across its native range, including grouse dive into a snow bank states in the Chesapeake Bay drainage. for the night. The decline is growing in Pennsyl- Grouse are one of the most vania, New York, Maryland, Virginia revered and challenging of and West Virginia, and biologists point game birds. They flush in to two main causes: widespread loss of a burst known to freeze a young forest habitat and deaths from the hunter into inaction and are mosquito-borne West Nile Virus. sometimes called the “King of Warmer winters aren’t helping matters Thunder.” Once flushed, they either, because grouse burrow into snow zigzag through trees and thick banks for protection from predators and cover. the cold. “There’s a lot of laughter They are a game bird associated with and stupidity that happens engraved shotguns and days spent walk- out there,” said grouse hunter ing mountains with dogs and friends, and Geoff Smith of Pennsylvania, concern over their unrelenting decline has describing hunters so startled prompted sportsmen’s groups and states by an explosive flush that to shift timbering priorities and take other errant shots strike nearby steps as part of a nascent conservation trees. “Lots of trees have lost movement to save the bird. their lives,” he joked. “A grouse sighting shouldn’t become Smith loves to walk the a rare bird alert on birdwatcher lists,” mountains and watch his said Linda Ordiway, a wildlife biologist trained dog work to flush a in Pennsylvania with the Ruffed Grouse grouse. That happens, on good Society. days, about twice an outing. A 2017 assessment by Northeast game Last year, he didn’t even take managers found that the grouse popula- a shot, but he says that doesn’t tion declined by at least 30% in Bay states diminish his passion for over the last three decades. grouse hunting. According to both biologists and Bagging one rewards a hunters, some localized populations are hunter with delectable game winking out entirely. Check it out, ladies! A ruffed grouse, in full display, struts his stuff in the snow. (Jason Wood) meat. The New York Department of Envi- ronmental Conservation says its grouse endangered status nationwide unless there they spend most of their lives. The birds’ Lack of young forests population has declined by an alarming is a concentrated effort to protect and fan-shaped tails and ruffed neck feathers The main reason for the loss of grouse 80% since the 1960s, and the Pennsylva- expand their habitat. are especially admired. Many paintings is clear: declining habitat — not from nia Game Commission estimates the state “Until we have large-scale habitat of grouse feature the pose of males when development, but the paucity of young has lost 20–30% of its grouse population management, the population is not going they puff up and fan out their tail feathers forests and brushy areas that grouse need in the last 4 years alone. to come back up, to be brutally honest,” and neck “ruffs” to attract females or to survive. Eighteen of the 38 states where ruffed said Chris Ryan, a biologist with the West defend territories. Those areas are disappearing as grouse are native now list it as a species of Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Grouse spend most of their time on abandoned farmland and areas targeted concern. Some even question whether recovery the ground or in small trees eating buds for massive clearcutting a century ago In Pennsylvania, Maryland and is possible. The 2017 game managers’ and do not migrate. They live out their grow into mature forests. Virginia, grouse is listed as a species of report concluded, “It is possible that lives within a few acres of woods, which Though grouse use all age classes greatest conservation need. Pennsylvania, the quantity of high-quality habitat on is why new efforts to improve habitat of forests, they cannot do without thick where the ruffed grouse is the state bird, the landscape has declined below some pivot on doing the work where remaining stands of young forests 5–25 years old for cut its grouse hunting season by more threshold to the point where the ability of grouse are located. Young grouse hens, cover, food, brood rearing and courting. than half in 2017 with the hope of stem- grouse populations to recover has been though, may fly up to 15 miles looking for Other species, such as turkeys, woodcock, ming the decline. suppressed.” the place they may spend the rest of their rabbits and migrating warblers, also rely Other states have taken action, too. lives. on such landscape. Indiana in 2019 placed the once-common ‘King of Thunder’ One of their most identifiable behav- “Grouse aren’t alone. It has other ruffed grouse on its endangered species Ruffed grouse are round, plump birds iors is when the males “drum” in the brothers and sisters out there in the list after populations declined by 99% in slightly larger than pigeons. They are spring, climbing on a log to beat their landscape that are suffering,” said Gary the last 40 years. New Jersey, in the same elusive birds — many people have never wings rapidly, creating a vacuum and Norman of the Virginia Department of year, canceled its grouse hunting season seen one, even though grouse is the most a noise similar to what happens when Game and Inland Fisheries. and is considering adding the bird to its widely distributed game bird in North lightning creates thunder. It is accurately Part of the challenge in cultivating endangered species list. America. Estimating populations is dif- compared to the sound of a distant young forest habitat is public resistance But advocates say more aggressive ficult, and state resource managers often tractor starting up. The sound of spring to tree-cutting. Fears of destructive steps are needed. The Ruffed Grouse rely on hunters for help. drumming is another aid in conducting clearcutting and sometimes any degree of Society, a 59-year-old nonprofit conserva- Grouse plumage consists of an population surveys. timbering can bring lawsuits and howls tion group with 17,000 members, thinks intricate blend of browns, blacks and In much of their native range, snow grouse may well be on their way to grays that match the forest floor where is part of a grouse’s existence. They Grouse continues on page 5 Bay Journal • April 2020 5

Grouse from page 4 way that will allow the regrowth men’s groups are united in their belief of 12,000 acres into a stage of that the best hope of getting grouse to of protests. That has held back woods that features tree seedlings, rebound to viable numbers is creating tree-cutting on national forests saplings, woody vines, shrubs, that critical young forest habitat. in particular. The result is that grasses and flowering plants. “Those birds don’t move. They don’t forests get older but less diversi- The Pennsylvania Game Com- migrate. They die within 2 or 3 miles fied, and thus less resilient, say mission increased by 50% the from where they hatch,” said Williams wildlife managers from Bay acreage of woods on state game of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. states and the Ruffed Grouse lands that are cut to create emerg- “We have to worry about those birds Society. ing forest habitat. The agency also finding each other to reproduce. We have There’s also less fire on has hired more people to work got to get active in creating habitat.” the forested landscape. For with owners of private forests, And it has to be done on a landscape centuries, forest growth often which account for 71% of all level, not isolated projects, for grouse to was disturbed by fires caused by woodland in the state. find each other, stressed Mike Schia- lightning strikes or intentionally A new online tool in the state, vone, game section leader for the New set by Native Americans or called Grouse Priority Area Siting York Department of Environmental settlers, leading to young-forest Tool, flags areas for ideal grouse Conservation. habitat with the stands of seed- habitat and invites private landown- It won’t be easy. Timbering costs lings and saplings that allowed ers to seek free technical support to money. The commercial logging market grouse to thrive. make habitat improvements. is down. Most woods are privately “You can love your forest to In Virginia, the Department owned. And improvements have to be death,” said Lisa Williams, the of Game and Inland Fisheries has done in the right places. Pennsylvania Game Commis- five biologists who work full-time “Many species you can save by just sion’s ruffed grouse biologist. with private landowners on forest preserving an area and stopping hunt- “I always say that I am a tree management, including creating ing,” said Bob Long, upland game bird hugger too, but, at the same Grouse hunting long ago often meant a full game bag. Today, early successional woods. biologist with the Maryland Department time, I realize that baby trees hunters are advocates for the bird. They were the first to alert An increase in the controlled of Natural Resources. “It’s a totally need hugs, too. We have several scientists about the population decline, and many have cut back burning of natural areas could also different type of effort that you have dozen species that are in trouble or stopped hunting altogether until their numbers rebound. help grouse recover, as it increas- when you’re trying to restore a species because they need these young (Historic photo / PA Game Commission) ingly becomes a tool in Bay states that depends on human disturbance. It’s forests.” to boost plant life on the forest not a popular thing. The public at large It’s no coincidence that two major Diverse, healthy forests may be the floor. doesn’t like cutting trees.” young-forest habitat projects that the best way to help grouse withstand the In West Virginia, resource manag- Still, as Field & Stream’s Phil Bour- Ruffed Grouse Society is spearheading virus as studies have shown that their ers are establishing early successional jaily wrote recently, “We have to roll up in Pennsylvania include the American populations rebound faster from virus- forest habitat along gas and power line our sleeves, fire up our chainsaws, raise Bird Conservancy and National Audubon related mortality in good habitat as rights-of-way and around field edges on our voices and work to make sure we Society as partners. opposed to marginal cover. state lands. aren’t witnessing the great entertainer’s In Pennsylvania, only about 8% of State wildlife managers and sports- final curtain call.” public and private forests are made up of Climate change effects young forests – a 70-year-low. Scientists fear that more frequent rainfall and warming temperatures from West Nile Virus climate change will mean more breeding If the habitat woes for grouse weren’t mosquitoes that worsen the effects of bad enough, it’s now been established that West Nile Virus on grouse. West Nile Virus has been killing grouse Other effects of climate change have in Pennsylvania, and almost certainly in wildlife agencies worried as well. other Bay drainage states, since the early The National Audubon Society 2000s. predicts that if temperatures rise as much “For grouse, the virus became the as projected, grouse will leave Pennsylva- straw that broke the camel’s back in many nia altogether and not be found south of areas of the state,” said Williams, who New York within 20 years — a prediction did the pioneering research on the virus that many wildlife managers think is in Pennsylvania. “Many populations that exaggerated. had hung on as they lost habitat winked It’s feared that reduced snowfall will out after [it] hit.” deplete winter cover and knock down She decided to look into the problem populations in some states. And grouse after veteran grouse hunters started won’t tolerate an area if it gets too calling her in 2013, insisting that places warm in summer. where they had hunted reliably for years If early springs cause insects to were suddenly grouseless. emerge sooner, they may not be as She calls grouse hunters “unsung plentiful for grouse chicks that depend Though heroes” for alerting scientists to the new on that high-protein source for nourish- in serious threat. “Hunters certainly are the biggest ment. Grouse chicks are also vulnerable decline, advocates for grouse,” she said, noting to the chilling effects of a cold spring ruffed that many have voluntarily cut back on rain; they are notorious for freezing to grouse are hunting or stopped altogether until grouse death in even moderately cool rain. the most numbers rebound. widespread Research has shown that the species Rescue attempts game bird of mosquitoes that affect grouse are In New York, a worried Depart- in North less prevalent at higher altitudes, ment of Environmental Conservation America. perhaps pointing the way for targeted launched a Young Forest Initiative in (Pierre habitat work. 2015 to adjust timbering procedures in a Gloutnay) 6 Bay Journal • April 2020 MD officials zap electric ferry proposal for Chesapeake crossing ≈ Report says idea won’t work ing a ferry service. as standalone option but state The legislative committees acknowl- says it could be considered edged in their written instructions to the administration that several previous ‘in combination with other studies cast doubt on its feasibility. alternatives’ But those reports, they added, didn’t By Jeremy Cox consider new technological develop- A new state-sponsored study argues ments, noting that all-electric ferries that a car-carrying ferry service would “have become more realistic alterna- not by itself alleviate traffic on Mary- tives.” By substituting electricity for land’s Chesapeake Bay Bridge. It would diesel fuel, such operations are greener also cost billions of dollars to build and and can sidestep seesawing fuel prices, operate. advocates say. The 43-page report by the Mary- The last ferry operation in Maryland land Transportation Authority and that transported vehicles across the state Department of Transportation Bay closed in 1952 with the opening of concludes that a ferry service wouldn’t the first bridge between Annapolis and resolve traffic woes “as a standalone Kent Island. The bridge and ferry fol- option.” At least one conservation lowed similar routes. A second, parallel group is skeptical of the state’s findings, span opened in 1973. saying it’s too early in the process to The Bay Bridge is part of U.S. Routes 50/301. It is the only Bay vehicular crossing The MDOT and MdTA report lays discount a ferry or any other option. in Maryland. (Dave Harp) out the pros and cons of restarting a For their part, state transportation ferry service. officials say that they’ll keep the idea Bay Bridge should be built. Backers three possible routes for a new crossing Improvements in battery capacity simmering, though on the back burner. say a new bridge is needed to ease as well as a “no-build” option. The and life have made electricity a more Ferries could be considered “in com- gridlock during weekday rush hours agency plans to release a draft of the viable option than ever for ferries, bination with other alternatives” if the and summer weekends. The backups study and recommend a single preferred according to the report. process to construct a third span across are expected to worsen as the region’s alternative by the end of this year. Around the globe, a handful of the Bay moves forward, the agencies population grows. The ferry study was quietly released systems have begun adopting the tech- said in the report. The Bay Bridge is part of U.S. in January in response to a Maryland nology in recent years. Those include Gov. Larry Hogan announced in Routes 50/301. It is the only Bay General Assembly order. The state the EF Ellen, a Danish ferry with a 2016 that the state would conduct a vehicular crossing in Maryland. House and Senate budget committees 26-mile range that began operating in $5 million National Environmental Last August, the MdTA, which owns jointly asked the administration last Policy Act study to decide where a new and operates the Bay Bridge, proposed year to study the possibility of launch- Ferry continues on page 7

March 12, 2020 — 150 local students gathered at the Ward Museum in Salisbury for a day of inspiration and celebration. They presented their ideas for addressing local environmental issues, and were awarded, in total, $10,000 in funding. Dream it. Be heard. Take action. #wegotthis

Join us Spring 2021!

A COMMUNITY PROJECT OF THE WARD MUSEUM yeasummit.org /yeasummit @y.e.a.summit Bay Journal • April 2020 7

Ferry from page 6 the endeavor would cost about $3.4 billion over 40 years. In contrast, earlier early 2019; the Amherst Island ferry in reports have pegged the cost of a new Canada, which is expected to launch Bay Bridge at up to $10 billion. an electric watercraft this year; and the The transportation agencies Washington State Ferries system, which ultimately rebuffed the ferry proposal, has begun converting its fleet from writing: “A MdTA-operated ferry diesels to hybrids. service utilizing all-electric ferries The state staff who authored the is not a feasible alternative to a third new report sought to find out whether crossing of the Chesapeake Bay. .... adding a ferry service could be the There are currently no existing all- sole solution for maintaining the electric vessels in operation that would Bay Bridge’s current level of service provide the capacity needs identified despite heavier travel between the above and the service would be cost shores. Looking forward to the year prohibitive from the user and operator 2040, that translates into removing standpoints.” nearly 900 vehicles from the span The MDOT and MdTA declined when traffic is expected to be at its to elaborate on the contents of the worst, the agencies wrote. report for this article. “We have been The only way a ferry system could The Olympic Class ferry, shown here in Elliott Bay off Seattle’s Discovery Park, swamped with coronavirus prep and come within striking distance of that was the type of vessel considered for the Chesapeake crossing. (Washington State response,” MDOT spokeswoman Erin figure would be to have it run near the Department of Transportation) Henson said. existing bridge, according to the report. Jim Campbell, vice president of the To operate efficiently, the system would time and boarding, the 4-mile trip is And there probably would be service Queen Anne’s Conservation Associa- require three large vessels as well as a estimated to take 50 minutes. disruptions because Port of Baltimore tion, said he hopes the state keeps a fourth for backup. The fare amount would depend on vessels would be given priority over ferry service on the table as part of an Each would have to be roomy the service’s popularity. If it runs at full passage, the report states. array of possible strategies to combat enough to carry 400 vehicles. No elec- capacity, travelers could expect to pay The Bay Bridge itself could serve bridge traffic. His group worries that tric ferries of that size exist. A hybrid $37; if it runs at 25% capacity, the price as a barrier to the service’s success, the the construction of a third Bay Bridge ferry operating in Scandinavia, though, tag soars to $150. transportation officials argue. As long will lead to more urban development on currently carries up to 460 vehicles. The service also would require as the structure stands, it will compete the Eastern Shore. Depending on the type of battery more infrastructure on both sides of with the ferry for vehicles. Typically, “That’s just one arrow in the quiver selected, it would take at least 10 the shore, including new approach ferries operate where no other options at most,” Campbell said of the ferry. minutes to charge the ferry either once roads, docking facilities, fare collection exist. The group has hired its own consulting every trip or every round trip. That stations and administration buildings. When considering all the costs, rang- firm to analyze the traffic problem, and could be done while vehicles are rolling The channel would likely need to be ing from the $780 million for the ferries it plans to publicly release the report on and off. Overall, including sailing dredged to accommodate the ferries. to compensation for the 45-person crew, later this year, he added. Want a diversified investment Environmental Quality portfolio with a low carbon footprint? Resources Your Money, Your Values. LEADER IN ECOLOGICAL SERVICES SINCE 1991 www.eqrllc.com Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investment strategies allow 410-923-8680 investors to put their money into corporations that are working towards: 1 Churchview Road Millersville, MD 21108 • Reducing carbon emissions • Respecting human rights • Harnessing renewable energy • Demonstrating accountability • Taking measures to reduce pollution …and much more.

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Valliant Wealth Strategies is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through RJFS Advisors, Inc. 8 Bay Journal • April 2020 As climate changes, longleaf pines move north – with help ≈ Nature Conservancy tries Yellow-garbed team ‘assisted migration’ on former members used “drip torches” to start the fire MD farmland on one 10-acre patch by By Timothy B. Wheeler pouring a thin stream On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, an of flaming diesel gas evergreen forest that’s never ventured along the edge of the so far north is slowly gaining a toehold field. Flames spread in fields where until recently corn and quickly through the tall soybeans grew. dry grass, producing a Spurred along by intentionally set but chorus of crackling as carefully controlled brush fires, hundreds grayish smoke billowed of longleaf pines are now reaching for skyward on a gentle the sky along Plum Creek, a meandering breeze. tributary of the Nanticoke River. The fire burned It’s all part of an experiment in itself out in short order, “assisted migration” being conducted by leaving the ground The Nature Conservancy. The nonprofit covered with white ash conservation group wants to see if human and blackened stems intervention can help an ecologically of vines. But the pine important forest ecosystem adapt as seedlings and saplings climate change alters its range. remained standing, Longleaf pine once blanketed the green and seemingly Southeast, covering an estimated 90 unaffected. The crew million acres from Florida to southeastern moved on to administer Virginia and west to Texas. Unlike dense similar treatment to hardwood forests, longleaf pines grew other patches. more widely spaced in parklike grass- Longleaf pine lands, which were also home to a diverse Dry grasses are deliberately set on fire to encourage the growth of longleaf pine at Plum Creek Preserve seedlings don’t grow array of plants and wildlife. in Maryland. Controlled burns help maintain grasses and spur longleaf pines’ growth. (Dave Harp) much at first, as they The trees’ straight trunks and tough start out by extending wood proved valuable, though, in early longleaf pine forest on a portion of its Plum a long taproot underground. But after shipbuilding and the construction of Creek Preserve, 300 acres of former crop- a few years, and with the heat of the homes and businesses. Centuries of lands near Sharptown. They planted about fire triggering germination, they grow harvesting and development have since 1,000 long-needled seedlings that year. In from clumps of grass-like needles to shrunk longleaf pine’s extent to just 2015, they put in another 500, followed by stubby saplings resembling a green 3.4 million acres — less than 5% of its 600 more on Feb. 27 of this year. bottle brush. As they continue to grow, historic range. In between plantings, the conservancy they finally begin to produce uneven With the forest’s decline, some of and its partners intentionally torch the branches that arc upward. the wildlife that once frequented its fields. Longleaf pines can survive such The conservancy and its partners hope savanna-like habitat also are threatened blazes and, in fact, need them to out- this experiment will give the trees a head or endangered, such as the red-cockaded compete other vegetation and trigger a start on relocating north to Maryland. woodpecker. The cardinal-size bird has growth spurt. “What we’re hoping to learn is how a distinctive black cap and white cheeks, “It opens up the site and dries it out,” these more southerly species do as tem- with the male sporting a barely visible Landau explained, adding that “by peratures increase, as we get more extreme red speck, or cockade. It nests in cavities pushing fire across the landscape, you weather events,” Landau explained. Long- dug out of the soft heartwood of mature encourage germination of a lot of native leaf pines can handle extended periods of pine trees, which are in short supply these species.” drought and rainfall, she noted, and their days. The fires also help warm-season deep taproots help them withstand the In an attempt to reverse those trends, grasses that the conservancy has planted strong winds of hurricanes. The Nature Conservancy has been to replace the crops once cultivated there, They also hope it might ultimately working with government and other species like arrowfeather three-awn, help re-establish red-cockaded wood- nonprofit groups to restore longleaf splitbeard bluestem and purple lovegrass. peckers in Maryland. The birds also nest pines throughout the South. In Virginia, Before civilization encroached, wide- in mature loblolly pine forests, which until now the northern edge of the trees’ ranging brushfires sparked by lightning once covered the Coastal Plain area in the range, the conservancy is recreating a strikes used to be a regular occurrence, state but have been lost to commercial longleaf pine forest on the 3,200-acre Bringing longleaf forest to Maryland sustaining the pines and the grasses that timbering over the years. Piney Grove Preserve it acquired in 1998 might also help to re-establish the red- grow on the forest floor. Now, human help “We had them in Cambridge,” Landau in Sussex County. cockaded woodpecker. (James Hanula / is needed. said of the birds, “and in the late 1960s, But changing climate conditions USDA Forest Service) So, on a chilly, cloudy January the last population of red-cockaded are posing a challenge for sustaining morning, conservancy staff and teams woodpeckers was lost when the stand of longleaf pine forests and the wildlife that “It’s no longer a static ecosystem,” of state and federal agency personnel loblolly pines that they were in was cut occupy those ecological niches. With said Deborah Landau, a concervancy gathered at Plum Creek Preserve to down. So perhaps one day we’ll be able temperatures rising at an unprecedented ecologist. “We can’t just buy it and protect administer another dose of fire to the to bring red-cockaded woodpeckers back clip, researchers have projected that plants it and hope for the best. The times are fledgling forest. The burn was carefully into Maryland.” in general could have to migrate up to changing, the climate is changing. We orchestrated, with a firefighting water It may seem incongruous for a conser- 3 miles a year to survive. That’s many have to try different things.” tanker truck from Blackwater National vation group to introduce a tree not native times the movement rate of many species, Since 2013, the conservancy has been Wildlife Refuge on hand to douse any particularly trees like longleaf pines. working with volunteers to establish a errant flames. Forest continues on page 9 Bay Journal • April 2020 9

Forest from page 8 Kate Tully, (far left) to Maryland. But Landau said it isn’t a Nature really a stretch. After the Ice Age, she Conservancy explained, longleaf pines slowly extended volunteer their range northward from Florida. from Cock- They had reached the James River in eysville, Virginia about 400 years ago, when pauses with English settlers arrived and began cutting her dibble, a them down. If that hadn’t happened, she tree-planting argued, they may very well have found device, and their way to the Delmarva Peninsula, as a handful other southern pines did. of seedlings Even so, it takes longleaf pines a during a century or more grow to their full height. planting at the The conservancy isn’t waiting that long Plum Creek to try re-establishing the endangered Preserve in woodpeckers, though. In another pre- Cockeysville, serve along nearby Nassawango Creek, MD. the group is also managing a stand of Nick Spara- native loblolly pines. That forest has cino of the been thinned and burned periodically for Chesapeake the last 16 years, she said, to cultivate a Conservati- similar savanna with big old trees like ion Corps, the ones where the birds once nested. measures a “Our hope is that in a few years longleaf pine we’ll have suitable habitat at Nassawa- tree planted ngo for red-cockaded woodpeckers,” about 5 years Landau said. ago. It was 80 But longleaf pines have shown inches tall. themselves to be so resilient to extreme (Photos / weather and storms, she added, they may Dave Harp) be better adapted to handling the chang- ing climate. “So, we’re hedging our seedlings planted in fall 2015 succumbed On that smoky day in January, been burned three times now. After each bets,” Landau said. to a hard freeze soon afterward that though, the progress to date was evident. fire, she said, “they really just kind of This experiment in assisted migration heaved them out of the ground. “It’s very Looking at a 6-foot sapling, Landau shoot up….The effects just speak for hasn’t always gone smoothly. Many of the much of a learning curve,” she said. figured it was planted in 2013. It has themselves. They’re just so satisfying.” 10 Bay Journal • April 2020 Smart ponds making a splash in controlling stormwater runoff ≈ Runoff retention sites adjust for as long as it levels when rain is forecast takes — or at least until the next deluge By Timothy B. Wheeler approaches — to One of the oldest methods for captur- settle out as much ing runoff, the stormwater pond, is sediment and nutrient getting a digital makeover. It no longer pollution as possible. simply collects rainfall washing off The status of the pavement and lawns. The new version pond is monitored on anticipates precipitation before it begins a digital dashboard and adjusts itself to reduce downstream that Bathurst can pollution and flooding. access with his Welcome to the dawn of “smart” smartphone. “You stormwater management. can see it’s in a A few dozen runoff collection retaining status right ponds that were built years ago in the now — we’re not Chesapeake Bay watershed have already discharging,” he said, been retrofitted to “smarten” them up. holding up his phone Equipped with real-time sensors and screen. Should any- cloud-based controls, they remotely thing go wrong, like release or retain stormwater in response a stuck valve, he said, to online weather reports. More — likely the system sends an many more — are on the way. alert, so a repair crew “I think we’re on the cusp of a great can be dispatched. transformation,” said David Rubinstein, The pond control chief executive officer of Opti, who said system also adapts his Massachusetts-based company has to seasonal condi- built 150 smart ponds in 20 states. It has Engineer Bob Bathurst overlooks a stormwater pond that his company retrofitted in suburban Windsor Mill tions. In winter, 18 so far in the Bay watershed, most of west of Baltimore. “This is going to do wonderful things,” he said of smart-pond technology, especially for when a deep freeze them in Maryland. existing stormwater facilities “that are out there, already paid for and underperforming.” (Dave Harp) is forecast, the water Others are more cautious, but still depth is lowered to optimistic about the promise of the new now is to fix the sins of the past,” said internet collects water-level and weather 2 feet or less for safety reasons. Though technology. Bob Bathurst, a principal with Century forecast data and manipulates the release the ponds are fenced off, it’s all too easy “It’s somewhat of a revolution,” said Engineering, a Hunt Valley, MD, firm valve. for someone to sneak in. But with the Tom Schueler, executive director of the that also works on smart ponds. “The “It’s all automatic,” Bathurst explained water drained down, there’s less chance a Maryland-based nonprofit Chesapeake stream channel erosion that’s ongoing, as he surveyed a large pond his firm con- trespasser could break through the ice and Stormwater Network. unless we control the runoff rate, we’re verted a couple years ago in the suburban drown. Likewise, in summer, pond levels For the last 30–40 years, Schueler said, going to continue to have it.” Windsor Mill area west of Baltimore. can be manipulated in an attempt to limit engineers have been relying on gravity Schueler said he sees wired, actively When heavy rain is forecast, Bathurst mosquito populations. alone to capture and treat runoff, mainly managed said, the Wired or not, the ponds still serve as to control flooding and stream erosion. smart ponds as control system neighborhood wildlife refuges. “I saw Dry and wet stormwater ponds pepper complements “So then, when it rains, other parts calculates the my first wood duck after we retrofitted a the landscape across the Bay watershed, to stream amount of pond,” Bathurst said. where they passively collect and hold restoration of the watershed are contributing runoff that’s Smart pond technology was developed runoff whenever it rains. projects. They to downstream erosion and flooding,” expected to six or seven years ago, according to Stuart But just as the “internet of things” has can curb the flow into the Schwartz, a senior research scientist at transformed daily life in other ways, from surge of runoff engineer Bob Bathurst said, while pond. A signal the University of Maryland, Baltimore smartphones to smart appliances, web- that erodes the smart pond “acts like a receiving vessel.” is sent over County. He said it’s a natural extension based technology is offering a new way to stream banks, the internet to of internet-connected systems that have deal with stormwater, one of the leading he said, and [It holds onto its runoff rather than adding open a valve been developed to operate wastewater sources of pollution in the Chesapeake. can enhance at the pond up treatment plants and water reservoirs. Runoff carries dirt, fertilizer, pet the pollution- to the flooding and the rush to 48 hours in Even so, he cautioned that smart-pond waste, oil, chemical contaminants and trapping of polluted water downstream.] advance of the technology is no cookie-cutter panacea litter into nearby streams. It accounts for performance of precipitation. for curbing polluted runoff. Not every 16% of the nitrogen, 18% of the phos- old stormwater The pond level stormwater pond is a candidate for phorus and 24% of the sediment fouling basins 25–50%. They can also reduce drops as the water is gradually released retrofitting, and there are other logistical, the Bay, according to the state-federal the frequency or severity of downstream into a nearby tributary of the Gwynns legal and political complexities that have Chesapeake Bay Program. Reducing flooding from intense rainstorms. Falls, until there is enough storage created held back a rush to install it. stormwater pollution has proven to be “You have potentially tens of thou- in the basin to accommodate the projected “Every pond has a different drainage difficult, as development spreads more sands of older stormwater ponds in the accumulation without overflowing. area and runoff potential and storage,” runoff-inducing rooftops and pavement. upland areas where this treatment can “So then, when it rains, other parts of he said. Their effectiveness also depends Local and state agencies have turned take place,” Schueler said. the watershed are contributing to down- on the reliability of weather forecasts. It’s increasingly to restoring eroding stream It doesn’t take a lot to convert an old stream erosion and flooding,” Bathurst a question, he concluded, of finding that banks in an attempt to reduce the flow of pond into a smart one. A sensor placed said, while the smart pond “acts like a “sweet spot” where a pond is big enough sediment and nutrients washing into the on the bottom monitors the water level, receiving vessel.” It holds onto its runoff or can be manipulated enough to provide Bay from existing development. Those while an electronically activated “actua- rather than adding to the flooding and the significant stormwater retention, even in projects have proven to be costly and tor” is used to open or close a butterfly rush of polluted water downstream. intense downpours. varied in effectiveness. valve installed in the pond’s water release Once the storm has passed, Bathurst “A lot of the money we’re spending outlet. A microcomputer connected to the added, the pond can hold onto the water Ponds continues on page 11 Bay Journal • April 2020 11

Ponds from page 10 credits will cost about $37,500 per acre, one-fourth of the $150,000 per acre Smart ponds have other challenges, the state has paid to put in runoff which are relatively easy to deal with. infiltration swales, bioretention cells and If the power goes out or the internet stormwater ponds. goes down, the gear is pre-programmed “Stormwater is one of the biggest prob- to keep the valve closed, and the pond lems facing the Chesapeake Bay right performs much like an old passive deten- now,” noted Mark Bryer, Chesapeake Bay tion basin. Most ponds are solar-powered, Program director for The Nature Conser- though, with batteries on site to provide vancy. “It’s the only source of pollution electricity during the night and on cloudy that’s increasing, and this partnership is days. There is also the risk of vandalism, an opportunity to reverse that and actu- which could impair their activities. ally save money at the same time.” The other hurdles to rapid deployment When the deal was announced last are more systemic. There are 65,000 fall, Ben Grumbles, Maryland’s secretary privately owned stormwater ponds in of the Department of the Environment, the Bay watershed, by the U.S. Environ- called it “a sneak peek into the future, mental Protection Agency’s estimate. the future of stormwater management But private landowners often have no around the country.” Diana Esher, the incentive to upgrade passive ponds, and EPA’s deputy mid-Atlantic regional government traditionally shies away from administrator, echoed that, describing investing public funds to enhance private the arrangement as a national model the property. federal agency hopes to see spread. Nonetheless, the Maryland Depart- Bathurst said that he envisions a ment of Transportation sees great time when all the stormwater ponds in a potential in the new technology, said Smart stormwater ponds can be monitored and even manually operated remotely. stream watershed are wired in a network, Sandy Hertz, assistant director of the Engineer Bob Bathurst shows a graph on his phone screen depicting how water and their retention and release is coordi- department’s office of environment. Her level in one pond had been lowered in advance of a deep freeze to reduce the risk nated to minimize water-quality impacts. agency owns about 800 ponds that could of drowning if someone stepped onto the ice and it broke. (Dave Harp) Opti’s Rubinstein said his company is be retrofitted, but it has been waiting for exploring a beta version of that now with state regulators to verify the technology’s Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club stores across financing the retrofits directly. Instead, it a municipality elsewhere in the country. effectiveness before taking the plunge Maryland. Opti, the Massachusetts-based will be buying credits from the partners “I would never dare say this is the only with its own facilities. company, forged a partnership with The that will help it meet its regulatory solution,” Bathurst said. “It’s just that this The department announced a public- Nature Conservancy to make the retrofits requirements to treat stormwater runoff is going to do wonderful things, particu- private partnership in November, though, and oversee the facilities’ operations for from thousands of acres of highway larly as it relates to existing stormwater where it pledged to pay $4 million to 20 years. pavement. Transportation officials said ponds that are out there, already paid for facilitate smart stormwater ponds at four The department won’t actually be they’ll be saving money that way. The and underperforming.” Time to plan your riparian buffers. Ernst offers mixes with switchgrass and other native grasses that can reduce runoff and absorb nutrients. These grasses can be harvested for forage or livestock bedding.

ernstseed.com [email protected] 800-873-3321 12 Bay Journal • April 2020 Advocates press for more federal funding to help reach Bay goals ≈ Congress asked to fully fund conservation region’s natural, historic and cultural conservation programs in 2018 dollars go to the heritage, up from the $2 million allocated Farm Bill areas of greatest for this year. Most of the funding is used need and impact, for grants to the parks, museums, natural By Karl Blankenship including South areas and historic sites that are in the Fresh off successful efforts to bolster Central Penn- network to help them improve public Chesapeake Bay-related funding for this sylvania where access and explain how those places fit year, advocates are hoping to secure even many farmers into the broader Bay story. greater federal support for cleanup and are working to The U.S. Geological Survey coor- restoration work next year. take important dinates much of the river and stream Many Bay efforts — from oyster steps for clean monitoring in the region. It also supports restoration to environmental education water but need research on fish and wildlife in the and the region’s cornerstone nutrient financial and watershed, as well as investigations into reduction objectives — face challenges in technical assis- the impacts of toxic contaminants. Fund- meeting their goals, but advocates hope tance,” Choose ing for its Chesapeake Ecosystem Science an infusion of funding will help push Groups are asking the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to allocate $5 Clean Water and Monitoring program was increased to them over the finish line. million for oyster restoration next year and the National Oceanic and said in letters $14.85 million this year, and the groups are “With multiple deadlines approaching, Atmospheric Administration to chip in another $4 million. (Dave Harp) to lawmakers seeking to maintain that level next year. federal investment has never been needed presented during They have also requested $105 more,” said Ann Swanson, executive money goes toward grants that support their visits. “These types of high prior- million for the Department of Defense’s director of the Chesapeake Bay Commis- pollution control projects by states, local ity areas have tremendous downstream Readiness and Environmental Protec- sion, which represents state legislatures. governments, nonprofit groups and others. impacts.” tion Program, which funds conservation “[Funding] must continue and be The administration has again proposed The groups also asked for increased easements on lands that serve as buffers strategically enhanced to better address a 90% cut for the 2021 fiscal year, which support for technical assistance programs around military bases across the nation. agriculture and land conservation — both begins Oct. 1, but Bay advocates are that support farmers’ conservation projects. The easements are intended to prevent vital to successfully achieving our shared hoping to instead boost Bay Program The Bay Program is also behind land use conflicts in areas used for goal of clean water by 2025.” funding again. They are seeking $90.5 schedule for its goal of restoring oyster activities such as training flights and The commission unveiled its fund- million, with the increase going to grant habitat and populations in 10 rivers by have become a major source of land ing requests for nearly a dozen federal programs that support on-the-ground 2025. Oyster reefs were once one of the preservation funding around the Bay. programs earlier this year. water quality improvement work. Bay’s most defining features — Chesa- Fourteen bases around the Chesapeake On March 4, more than 100 members The Bay region is off track to meet its peake means “great shellfish bay” in participate in the program, and last year of the Choose Clean Water Coalition, 2025 nutrient reduction goals aimed at Algonquin — but their population is at they received $8.4 million for easements, which represents more than 250 nonprofit cleaning its murky water and eliminating 1% of historic levels. though $23.4 million was requested. organizations in the Bay watershed, its oxygen-starved “dead zone.” With To help, the groups are asking the U.S. Other highlights of funding requests descended on the Capital to make the case much of the remaining reductions need- Army Corps of Engineers to allocate $5 included: for continued Bay support. ing to come from the agricultural sector, million for oyster restoration next year ≈ $3.5 million for NOAA’s Bay Water- Recent efforts have been successful in the groups are calling on Congress to and the National Oceanic and Atmo- shed Education and Training Program, warding off cuts proposed by the Trump fully fund conservation programs in the spheric Administration to chip in another which provides grants to support outdoor administration that would have slashed 2018 Farm Bill, which provide most of the $4 million. education programs for students. That funding for many programs affecting the financial assistance to the region’s farmers They also want $1 million to sup- would be an increase from $2.7 million Bay. For instance, the administration each for implementing runoff controls. port fisheries science grants by the allotted this year. year has proposed either eliminating or Among their requests is $1.8 billion NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, up from ≈ $1 million for NOAA’s Chesapeake making a 90% percent funding cut for the nationally for the U.S. Department of $240,000 this year. The office is the major Bay Interpretive Buoy System, which U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Agriculture’s Environmental Quality source of funding for much of the Bay- provides real-time data on water quality Chesapeake Bay Program Office. Instead, Incentives Program and $300 million for specific fisheries research that supports and Bay conditions and is used by boaters Congress — which makes final spending its Regional Conservation Partnership such economically important species as and scientists. decisions — increased its funding for this Program, which provides additional blue crabs and striped bass. ≈ $14.5 million for continued con- year to $85 million, up from $73 million. support in areas of special needs, such as The groups also are seeking $3 million struction of Poplar Island by the Corps of The office provides overall support the Bay region. for the National Park Service’s Chesa- Engineers, which uses material dredged and coordination for the state-federal Bay “As these Farm Bill programs are peake Bay Gateways and Trails program, from shipping channels to rebuild the restoration effort. About two-thirds of its implemented, it’s vital that limited a network of sites that highlight the Bay island and its wetland habitats.

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Watch on BayJournal.com or on YouTube Bay Journal • April 2020 13 VA getting more antsy as climate change marches on ≈ Fire ants spreading northward with burning welts that turn into itchy, as temperatures climb white pimples that last for days. In By Jeremy Cox extremely rare cases, the victim can suffer deadly anaphylactic shock. In Virginia, climate change is about Christopher Brown, who works in as welcome as ants at a picnic. But purchasing and product development across a portion of the state’s south- for the Lancaster Farms plant nursery in east, ants are part of the problem. Suffolk, knows the sensation all too well. Since 1960, the annual average tem- “It’s not like getting stung by a bee perature in Virginia Beach, the region’s where it’s one sting and that’s it,” he said. most populated city, has risen about “When you get bitten by a fire ant, you’re 3 degrees, according to the National going to get bit five to 10 times depend- Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- ing on how long it takes you to realize tion. That warming trend has opened you stepped on a fire ant mound.” the door for fire ants — normally living Suffolk was one of the first areas to in more southerly areas — to gain a be quarantined in 2009. The designation stubborn foothold in the state, Virginia prohibits transporting anything that can agricultural officials say. carry fire ants out of the area unless it And it’s growing larger. is certified as ant-free. Regulated items “It’s an unfortunate side effect” include gardening soil, plants, sod, used of climate change, said Eric Day, a farm equipment and freshly cut timber. Virginia Tech extension entomologist. At Lancaster Farms, workers blend “We have warmer winters and warmer an insecticide called Talstar into their summers, so it certainly makes for pine bark potting material to kill any good conditions for fire ants.” ants that may be there, Brown said. It The Virginia Department of Agricul- takes a few cents’ worth of the chemi- ture and Consumer Services announced cal to treat each pot, he estimated; a in December that it was expanding its 15-gallon pot includes about 10-cents’ fire ant quarantine to five new coun- Fire ants, above, resemble garden-variety ants, making them difficult to spot, worth. That expense adds up quickly ties and two separate cities. With the experts say. (U.S. Department of Agriculture) because the nursery churns out hun- addition, the quarantine now spans dreds of thousands of plants each year. one or two counties deep along the continued spread westward along “It’s a cost of business,” Brown said. North Carolina border from just west of Fire Ants in VA the state’s southern border in recent Fire ants are at the vanguard of Interstate 95 east to the Atlantic Ocean, 2009 quarantine areas: Counties years that colonies are now marching an army of pests expected to trudge an area nearly the size of Connecticut. of James City and York; cities of up from the South on their own, Day northward as fossil fuel emissions The quarantine applies to both the Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport said. That shift points for the first time continue to heat up the planet during black and red fire ant varieties, but the News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Ports- away from humans as a cause for their this century. A U.S. Department of red is more commonly seen in Vir- mouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, proliferation in the state and toward a Agriculture-sponsored study in 2005 ginia, officials say. Both damage crops Williamsburg new climate reality, he added. predicted that warming temperatures and deliver a nasty sting. Fire ants resemble garden-variety will increase the “habitable area” for Since their accidental transmittal 2019 quarantine areas: In ants, making them difficult to spot, red fire ants 21% by the end of this from South America to the United addition to those listed in 2009, experts say. Tell-tale signs of their pres- century, pushing their upper boundary States in the 1930s, red fire ants have the counties of Brunswick, Isle of ence are their mounds, which can reach about 80 miles northward. spread across most of the Southeast Wight, Greensville, Mecklenburg, up to 2 feet high and damage farm Some time between 2080–89, fire from the marshy tip of Florida to the Southampton; cities of Emporia equipment. The ants themselves prey on ants could occupy a swath of Virginia windswept plains of Oklahoma. and Franklin corn, soybeans and other crops, causing as far west as Roanoke and stretching When the first fire ant infestation further headaches for farmers. along a line bearing northeast toward was discovered in Virginia in 1989, Their sting, though, may be their the District of Columbia, according to agricultural officials blamed the state announced its first quarantine in defining attribute. Anyone who unwit- the study. Maryland and Delaware can interstate trade of plants and sod. They the Hampton Roads region. tingly wanders into a nest typically expect to see their first invasions by grew so widespread that by 2009 the It has become clear with their emerges with a foot or leg stippled that time as well, it says.

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400 Fourth St Annapolis, MD boatyardbarandgrill.com 410-216-6206 14 Bay Journal • April 2020 Climate, environment targets in limbo as virus cuts MD session short ≈ Pesticide ban, oyster it up to an oversight. management among bills passed Also falling short before lawmakers hurry home was a bill that would have curtailed plastic By Jeremy Cox & Timothy B. Wheeler bags by July 2021. It In a legislative session cut short by the would have further coronavirus pandemic, Maryland law- required businesses makers approved a ban on an agricultural to charge customers pesticide and passed a handful of other 10 cents for each environmental bills before hurrying home paper bag, though on March 18. they could have kept But the General Assembly’s first work the proceeds. The stoppage since the Civil War stalled measure passed the dozens of bills that looked highly likely to House but failed to pass. That number encompassed several get a vote before the environmental and climate change-related full Senate. measures that will have to wait until a Conowingo: A possible special session during the last measure that failed week of May. to get out of com- “I don’t think this is a session like mittee would have anybody has ever seen,” said Kristen Har- blocked the deal beson, political director for the Maryland Maryland struck last League of Conservation Voters. “There year with Exelon were a lot of things we were hoping to get Corp. over address- done that we just weren’t able to.” ing the environmen- Many bills that conservationists sup- Maryland officials encourage anglers to catch and remove as many snakeheads as possible. (Dave Harp) tal impacts of the ported sailed through one chamber or the Conowingo Dam. other. But as lawmakers and a skeleton the session. ily halt the construction of large-scale Environmental groups and Eastern staff rushed to finish the state’s business A bill backed by environmental- poultry farms on the Eastern Shore failed Shore local officials complain the deal during the session’s final days, some of ists would have accelerated the state’s to get out of committee. The bill would falls far short of remedying the ecological that legislation got left behind, groups say. reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, have prohibited the Maryland Depart- harm the dam has caused in the lower Here are the key environmental steps requiring a 60% decrease by 2030 instead ment of the Environment from approving Susquehanna River and Upper Bay. that were taken and not taken during the of the state’s current 40% goal as well as permits until Sept. 30 for any new or Exelon and state officials defend the legislature’s 71 days together. net-zero emissions by 2045. expanding farms with at least 300,000 agreement, saying it will start addressing Pesticide ban: In the session’s closing A similar fate befell a Hogan admin- birds. Supporters said their goal was to the harm now rather than continuing their minutes, lawmakers handed environ- istration bill that would have classified protect the region’s air and water quality years-long dispute. mentalists perhaps their biggest victory: certain nuclear and natural gas power until more can be done to deal with excess The Federal Energy Regulatory Com- a ban on the hard-to-pronounce pesticide facilities as “clean and renewable energy.” poultry manure generated by the industry mission is weighing whether to approve chlorpyrifos (klor-PEER-uh-foss). But an administration bill did pass that on the Shore. the settlement and issue a new 50-year “No one should learn how to say it provides fee and tax breaks for siting Oyster management: Early in the license for the hydropower facility. because no one should be able to use it,” renewable energy projects on brownfields. session, the General Assembly overrode PFAS: Lawmakers did enact restric- Harbeson said. Lawmakers also approved two bills Hogan’s veto of legislation passed last tions on the use of fire-fighting foam Pulled from residential use since 2000, that could provide “resiliency” funding year that called for a fresh approach to the that contains water-contaminating toxic chlorpyrifos has remained popular among to localities to help pay for infrastructure state’s fractious management of oysters. chemicals known as per– or poly- farmers for controlling crop pests. But it and other measures to mitigate sea level Hogan objected to lawmakers interfer- fluoroalkyl substances. has been linked to premature birth, child- rise or flooding. ing with his administration’s handling PFAS, as they are called, are widely hood cancers and asthma. It’s also been A measure died that would have of the ecologically and economically used in the foam that military and civilian found to harm wildlife. removed a paper-making byproduct important shellfish. But environmentalists fire companies spray on plane crashes and The U.S. Environmental Protec- known as black liquor and waste-to- contended that the Department of Natural other fuel fires. But PFAS contamination tion Agency had been on the verge of energy plants from the list of “Tier I” Resources has catered to watermen has been found in more than 600 sites banning it nationwide until the Trump renewable energy sources. by trying to open oyster sanctuaries to nationwide, including eight in Maryland, administration blocked the move. Agriculture: One bill that did pass harvest and by not moving forcefully many of them associated with use of the Maryland lawmakers came close to will make it easier for farmers to get enough to end overfishing. foam. Authorities are working to develop banning it last year. government funds to plant trees along The new law, which takes effect in less-problematic alternatives. In the The bill now heading to Gov. Larry streams and put in other permanent April, calls for the DNR to revise the meantime, the bill would allow the foam’s Hogan’s desk phases out its use, barring measures to filter nutrient pollution out state’s oyster management plan with the use for fighting actual fires, but not in aerial application by Oct. 1 and prohibit- of runoff. help of scientists and the consensus-based training exercises as of October 2021. ing virtually all uses by the end of 2021. Alison Prost, Maryland executive recommendations of a new advisory com- Snakeheads: The toothy, invasive fish Maryland is the second state after Hawaii director of the Chesapeake Bay Founda- mission. Legislators passed a separate bill known as the northern snake-head has to ban the chemical through a legisla- tion, called it “a step forward for the late in the session that gave the commis- been multiplying in many Chesapeake tive process; California and New York future of farming” in the state. In addition sion until Dec. 1, 2021, to make its final Bay tributaries since at least 2002. A blocked it through regulations. to helping finance more riparian buf- report. It also clarified that the agency recent study conducted by the U.S. Fish “Eliminating chlorpyrifos will protect fers, she said the bill could help farmers may not alter or reduce the sanctuaries and Wildlife Service and the DNR sug- our vulnerable populations, pollinators switch to more environmentally friendly until the rewrite is done. gests for the first time that the species is and Chesapeake Bay wildlife,” said Ruth rotational grazing of livestock. Litter: Environmentalists were sur- wreaking havoc on aquatic ecosystems. Berlin, executive director of the Maryland “These are practices we’ll need for soil prised to learn that a ban on intentionally Legislation passed this session allows Pesticide Education Network. health, carbon sequestration and for water releasing balloons failed, despite slightly snakeheads to be harvested commercially Climate change: No major climate quality,” Prost said. different versions being approved by wide using hooks and lines. Previously, only legislation passed the finish line during Meanwhile, an effort to temporar- margins in both chambers. They chalked bows and arrows were allowed. Bay Journal • April 2020 15 VA legislature wraps up session packed with environmental issues ≈ Reshaping the energy grid was if the state failed to adopt and enforce the focus of several measures plan, an action that would affect many small operations that catch the fish for sale By Jeremy Cox & Whitney Pipkin as bait. The Chesapeake Bay and other envi- Backers say the legislation will put ronmental issues had more floor time — science over politics when it comes to and legislative changes — than they have managing the fishery. Omega supported in years during Virginia’s 60-day General the move. Assembly session that ended last week. Sewage pollution: New legislation Some observers attributed the added would set a timeline for Richmond attention to a political shift in which to complete costly upgrades that will Democrats took control of both chambers eliminate sewage overflows into the and the executive mansion for the first James River by 2035. The city will submit time in a generation. Others said many progress reports to the General Assembly of the issues — from energy reforms to and may request additional funding for pollution deadlines — were simply ripe the expedited work. for action after years of advocacy. Lawmakers also set aside $50 million Reshaping the energy sector was a over two years to upgrade sewage plants, top priority as legislators moved to join a marking the first time in several years regional carbon-trading network, block they have invested in the sector. offshore oil drilling and make the electric- Environmental justice: Legislators ity grid carbon-free by 2045. passed several bills aimed at protecting Under new legislation, farmers and vulnerable communities from environ- cities will be seeing new deadlines — and, The Virginia General Assembly ended its most recent session after giving much mental threats. potentially, more funding — to curtail attention to environmental issues, including a move to reduce sewage overflows One measure establishes in state code pollution as the state nears its own 2026 into the James River near Richmond. (Dave Harp) a Council on Environmental Justice, deadline for achieving water quality goals. which Northam first created with an “This is what a ‘conservation major- The State Corporation Commission livestock out of streams or do not have executive order in January. Others add ity’ looks like,” said Michael Town, estimates that the legislation will boost nutrient management plans for crop- consideration of environmental justice executive director of the Virginia League the average monthly electric bill nearly lands. The legislation gives farmers five and climate change into the mission of of Conservation Voters, pointing to the $28 by 2027–30. Advocates dispute more years to voluntarily participate in the state Department of Environmental passage of renewable energy goals on the that. Their studies, they say, show it will cost-share programs that support those Quality. final weekday of the session. reduce costs. water-quality measures. If they don’t, the The changes came amid criticism from The bills still require Gov. Ralph Dominion Energy supported the state will impose deadlines that require the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Northam’s signature to become law, but bill. “Passage of this legislation sets a the farmers to act. Circuit over a state board’s approval of a the Democrat has given no indication that clear path forward for Virginia’s energy “It’s a bill that both acknowledges the compressor station in a historic, predomi- he will block newly passed environmental future,” spokesman Rayhan Daudani importance of farmers’ voluntary efforts nantly African American community and energy initiatives. He has already said. “Consistent with this legislation, our with support from cost-share programs that feared the project would impact air signed a measure into law, for example, focus has been and will continue to be on and also recognizes that, if we don’t get quality. creating a state council on environmental providing safe, reliable and sustainable there by 2025, it will be a requirement,” This effort, said Danielle Simms, interim justice. energy to our customers.” said Peggy Sanner, the Chesapeake Bay political director for the Virginia League of Clean Economy Act: In the session’s The utility giant separately announced Foundation’s Virginia executive director. Conservation Voters, “has helped ensure closing days, lawmakers struck a deal in February plans to reach “net zero” To help farmers, the legislature put a forum for communities of color and to put the state’s electricity providers on emissions of carbon dioxide and methane $88 million into the state’s two-year low-income residents… a place to discuss a path to eliminating carbon emissions by 2050. agricultural cost-share program. The state their concerns in an impactful way.” by midcentury. Dominion Energy will Carbon Credits: The legislature also Department of Conservation and Recre- Offshore drilling: The state banned need to be carbon-free by 2045 and removed a ban on Virginia’s participa- ation, though, estimates that the program oil and gas drilling within 3 miles of Appalachian Power Company by 2050, tion in the Regional Greenhouse Gas needs $125 million over that period. its coastline and repealed language that according to legislation. Initiative, a multistate program aimed Menhaden: In a move celebrated threw Virginia’s support behind offshore The wide-ranging Clean Economy at curbing carbon pollution from power by both conservation and fishing com- drilling. It will effectively bar drilling Act also requires most large oil– and plants. The state is poised to join the munities, management of Virginia’s beyond that 3 miles as well, advocates coal-fired power plants to shutter by the cap-and-trade program with Maryland, menhaden fishery will be moved from the say, because it prohibits any pipes or other end of 2024. It also ends power generation Delaware, New York and seven other General Assembly to the Virginia Marine industry infrastructure from being placed from wood-burning pellets by 2028 and states in the Northeast. Resources Commission, which manages in state waters. mandates that electricity providers begin The system would make it more other marine species in the state. The move comes after the Trump constructing wind and solar facilities. expensive to produce power from fossil The need was highlighted this past administration in 2018 proposed to open “It’s not a stretch to say this is probably fuels, requiring large power plants to pay year when a federal agency declared waters in the Atlantic, Pacific and else- the most forward-thinking energy bill to for “credits” for the carbon emissions they Virginia out of compliance with an where to energy exploration and drilling. come out of any Southern state’s legis- generate beyond a cap set by the initia- interstate management plan that limits the Plastic bags: lature in history,” said Will Cleveland, a tive’s member states. menhaden harvest. The General Assembly After several years of failed efforts, senior attorney for the Southern Environ- Half of the $100 million expected to had not officially adopted the plan, which supporters of a plastic bag tax passed a mental Law Center. be generated annually will be used to placed new limits on menhaden harvests bill in Richmond. If signed by Northam, it The bill falls short of the actions help low-income families improve energy within the Chesapeake Bay. When Omega will give cities and counties the authority sought by more-liberal Democrats. But it efficiency. Most of the remaining funding Protein, the largest harvester of menhaden to impose a 5-cent tax on certain retail still upset many Republicans, whose criti- will help communities with recurrent on the East Coast, exceeded the Bay cap bags. The bill requires local governments cism centered on an $8 billion offshore flooding. last year, the commission had no authority to spend funds raised by the tax on envi- wind project included in the legislation. Agriculture: The General Assembly to halt harvests, putting the state out of ronmental cleanups, education programs They warn that it will drive up customers’ also may be handing down deadlines compliance. As a result, the Virginia men- designed to reduce waste and provide utility bills. to some farmers who have not fenced haden fishery faced a complete shutdown reusable bags to welfare recipients. 16 Bay Journal • April 2020

Mike Sands leads his flock of sheep to a new pasture. “People used to be cattle people, sheep people, hog people,” said the Virginia farmer, who raises sheep, cows and a few goats. “Now, you’ ll find people with more than one iron in the fire who say, ‘I’m a grass farmer.’ ” (Wil Harlan) Farmers counting on sheep to bolster soil, bottom line ≈ Smaller grazing animals MD, said the emerging have reduced startup costs and trend follows the complement larger livestock growth of grazing operations in general operations in the Bay watershed. By Whitney Pipkin The more farmers When Mike Sands moved to embrace the use of Rappahannock County, VA, to take animals to improve over a family farm, he decided to raise soil health and water the animals he knew best — sheep — quality, the more despite their reputation for being a little they’re willing to try difficult to manage. new approaches. A previous career in agricultural “There’s greater research with a specialty in small interest in grazing grazing animals had often taken him than I’ve seen in the overseas, where raising lambs and 35 years that I’ve goats for meat is more common. That been in the grazing experience taught Sands that he could community,” Heller turn a few dozen sheep into a budding said. “This year, we’ll business more quickly and with less probably have a dozen upfront funding than he could by start- farm field days on ing with cows, which he later added. grazing, whereas, five He’s not the only one testing the years ago, there were a multi-species waters. couple.” Mike Sands looks over the flock of sheep on his farm in Rappahannock County, VA. “Sheep do take Though cattle are still king among Heller said he added a little more work, but I’ve come to really enjoy them,” he said. For beginning farmers, it can also livestock operations in the United sheep to his cattle- cost far less to enter the field with sheep than cattle. The smaller animals also have multiple births, States, more farmers are adding grazing operation a making it possible to double the size of a flock in a couple of years. (Whitney Pipkin) smaller animals to the mix to make the few years ago because most of their pastures. When grazed customers kept asking about grass-fed Sands and other farmers who manage sediment and nutrients washing into together or consecutively, sheep and lamb. grazers: Sheep and lambs, when added streams, the state-federal Chesapeake cows tend to eat different parts of “I resisted for a long time, because to a cattle or other livestock operation, Bay Program recognizes it as a the grass and reduce the number of a lot of people who used to raise sheep can bring extra income into the farm practice worth adopting. parasites that could infect the other got out of it and said, ‘Oh, sheep are without requiring additional acreage. Farmers say that grazing a mixture species. If well managed, often terrible. They do nothing but die,’” Generally, they say, an operation can of animals together can also help curb through rotational grazing, they can he said, noting the parasites that can add one ewe for every cow without the number of parasites impacting also help farmers make more money plague flocks. “Sheep do take a little needing more land because of the each species. If a cow eats a parasite off the same amount of land. more work, but I’ve come to really complementary way in which the that only impacts a sheep, the parasite “The focus now is on land manage- enjoy them.” animals graze. will die in the process, and vice versa. ment,” said Sands, who previously For beginning farmers, it can also Cows tend to eat taller grasses Rotating the animals through fields at worked for a decade as managing cost far less to enter the field with sheep while sheep prefer shorter forbs like a regular clip can also help cut back director at the organic farming-focused than cattle. The smaller animals not d lamb’s quarters. Together, they can the number of parasites that flourish Rodale Institute in Pennsylvania. only cost less but also have multiple take better advantage of the pasture overall. “People used to be cattle people, sheep births, making it possible to double while adding their own fertilizer to the Sands said multi-species grazing people, hog people. Now, you’ll find the size of a flock in a couple of years. soil to promote regrowth. and faster rotations are better ways to people with more than one iron in the Sands said that allows new farmers who The technique also allows farmers manage parasites such as the Barber’s fire who say, ‘I’m a grass farmer.’” may be struggling with startup costs to to harness the soil and water quality pole worm, which can devastate a Michael Heller, manager of get to a commercial scale more rapidly benefits of keeping the land in flock of sheep and has developed some the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s without a lot of debt. perennial pasture. Because managed Clagett Farm in Upper Marlboro, Heller echoed the remarks of grazing also reduces the amount of Gr azers continues on page 17 Bay Journal • April 2020 17

Gr azers from page 16 more holistic approach. “If you’re getting into resistance to medication. livestock now, you’re in a Bill Bryan shared many of different culture,” Sands said. the same insights at a recent “The whole issue of keeping farming conference, reflecting animals out of streams and on an experiment he conducted fencing is not a cost issue, it’s as a researcher at West Virginia a culture issue.” University in the early 2000s. At the Some research indicates time, managing spring-born lambs that more farmers are organically — without the help of considering sheep as lamb parasite medicines — was uncommon. meat grows in popularity in “Some of my sheep friends in the United States, especially West Virginia said that, in three around religious holidays in years, they’d all be dead,” Bryan said. the spring. “But, even with the animals on grass The American Sheep 365 days a year, our method was Industry Association successful. They didn’t die.” reported in 2019 that Bryan attributed his success to sheep inventory had seen quick rotations that, during peak a second consecutive year parasite times, moved sheep and lambs of expansion in the United through the fields faster than the six- States in 2016, the most day period it took a parasite to fully recent year recorded by form. the National Agricultural “Grazing management is such a Statistical Service. Of glorious, everyday decision-making Sheep and lambs, when added to a cattle or other livestock operation, can bring extra income the growing regions, the process that mostly deals with your into the farm without requiring additional acreage. Generally, an operation can add one ewe mid-Atlantic region ranked head, with animals and the soils,” he for every cow without needing more land because of the complementary way in which the second behind Texas for said. “There’s not much technology animals graze. (Wil Harlan) the highest rate of growth besides electric fencing.” in sheep inventory at a 4% A farmer who’s used to managing moving water, such as a stream running mention Mike Peterson, who used increase between 2014 and 2016. other livestock would have to make through the farm, operators say. to run a multi-species operation in For Sands, the main driver of his adjustments to begin grazing sheep or Unlike cows, which must be fenced Rappahannock County before moving sheep and lamb production is local goats. On the downside, the smaller away from streams to prevent them to run a sustainable farm in New York. demand for the meat, which he sells animals require fencing with more from cooling off and defecating directly Peterson sometimes grazed his animals directly to customers from a self- strands, which can be more expensive. into them, a stubborn sheep can hardly as a “flerd” — a flock of sheep with a service retail site on the farm and at a But sheep and goats require less be forced across a water crossing, let herd of cattle — in a rotation pattern local farmers market. For those at the drinking water than cows, especially alone be found standing in it. that meant crossing the Rappahannock market who don’t think they like lamb, at the peak of summer. That means “I don’t encourage my cows to River where a permanent crossing had Sands sways them by cooking up lamb smaller operations can sometimes use stand in the streams either, but that’s a been built. The cows went right across; sliders for sale with Middle Eastern buckets in lieu of expensive watering big behavioral difference,” said Heller, the sheep refused. spices, feta cheese and mint. systems. who installed stream fencing long But, Sands said, most farmers “We’ve been developing the Also — and here’s the kicker for before adding sheep to the operation. raising sheep in pasture-based market,” Sands said. “Now, I’ve got water quality — sheep don’t like to stand As an illustration of sheep’s distaste rotations are already concerned about more demand for lamb than I can in water. They don’t even like to be near for crossing water, farmers often protecting water quality as part of a satisfy.”

Mike Sands’ Bean Hollow Grassfed farm in Rappahannock County, VA, cozies up to the Jordan River, a tributary to the Rappahannock River. Though he has fencing to keep cattle from the streams, he says sheep prefer to stay far from moving water. (Above / Wil Harlan) (Right / Whitney Pipkin) 18 Bay Journal • April 2020 PA initiative to convert 10,000 acres of lawns into meadows, forests ≈ Campaign is a priority add conservation land- strategy to help meet state’s scaping to the list of best Chesapeake cleanup goals management practices eligible for existing con- By Ad Crable servation grants. But the Well-shorn lawns are still the norm reality for now is that, for on the grounds of parks, schools, conservation landscaping churches, hospitals, business parks to take off in a big way, and neighborhoods. While better than most willing landowners exposed bare earth, such swaths of will have to foot the bill green are still environmental mine- themselves. fields. “We hope that land- Rain flushes dog poop, pesticides, owners who have the fungicides and other chemicals from financial ability will those grassy surfaces into local take an interest and plant streams. The springtime spreading of these meadows and trees fertilizer to keep grass thick and green themselves,” Stark said. is a troublesome source of nutrients DCNR estimates that are harmful to the Chesapeake the cost to convert all Bay. 10,000 acres into forests Close-cropped grass grows from or meadows would be compacted dirt that doesn’t soak up around $17.5 million. much stormwater. The short, mono- Officials will pore over culture grass has no wildlife value. satellite images to find The army of lawnmowers needed to large swaths of turf and keep the grass cut to socially accept- approach landowners able length emits air pollution at three about making a change. times the rate of automobiles. The agency is hiring a And keeping everything a tidy This backyard in Lancaster County, PA, is slowly being turned into woods. (Ryan Davis) full-time lawn conver- green eats up mowing dollars that sion specialist, joining a could be better spent on the missions 20 turf-conversion demonstration shift, but we think the time is now. tree-planting specialist who has been of churches, schools and the like. projects for free on 60 acres in four Why not give it a shot?” said Teddi on staff for years. “It’s kind of tyrannical. Lawns control southcentral Pennsylvania counties tar- Stark, riparian forest buffer program One possible incentive for munici- us more than we control them,” said Ryan geted for stepped-up pollution reductions manager for DCNR. pal governments is that lawn conver- Davis of the Alliance for the Chesapeake in the state’s cleanup plan. The $400,000 In addition to the 100%-funded sions can help them meet mandatory Bay. “One of the most insidious parts of project is being financed with a grant pilot projects, how-to guides and stormwater runoff reductions required a lawn is it doesn’t do anything. It’s just from the National Fish and Wildlife resource materials are being drawn up by permits known as MS4s. “It’s not sterile and sitting there.” Foundation and others, with matching to help landowners make conversions the biggest bang for the buck for MS4 Pennsylvania has come to the same funds from the Alliance and DCNR. on their own. And a DCNR advisory reductions, but it will move the needle conclusion, launching a campaign to “Rewilding is kind of what we’re committee, with members from the and every bit helps,” Stark said. convert 10,000 acres of mowed grass doing,” Davis said. landscaping industry, wildlife groups, When lawn owners are encouraged by 2025 into meadows or forests in In one pilot project, in Franklin insect groups, conservation districts to allow their surroundings to grow up, parts of the state that are in the Chesa- County, several school campuses, and universities, has begun meeting they are often concerned about attract- peake drainage. There are an estimated totaling 20 acres, will have their neat to draw together partners who can ing snakes, ticks and mosquitoes. 1 million acres of lawn in Pennsylva- lawns planted in trees. Guidelines expand the initiative. When asked if a meadow may nia’s portion of the Susquehanna River call for 200 trees per acre and that no The project dovetails with the ongo- have more ticks, Davis was forthright. watershed alone. mowing can be done five to 10 years ing work of the nonprofit Chesapeake “Yeah, probably. But tick bites are The lawn conversion initiative, also later. At a church in Lancaster County, Conservation Landscaping Council. found around the house already. You’re known as conservation landscaping, the surrounding lawn will be dug up The organization has, since 2003, not safe anywhere.” Meadow habitat is contained in Pennsylvania’s latest and turned into a meadow with native been holding training programs for also attracts birds and other wildlife official plan for helping to clean up grasses that will attract pollinators and nonprofits, landscapers and landscape that eat ticks. the Chesapeake. It’s the first time that add to the area’s biodiversity. Smaller designers to help them motivate their Shade from trees can lower air lawn conversion has been included as a lawns of about 1 acre each will get a customers and community to want conditioning costs. Bay cleanup strategy for Pennsylvania, makeover around home sites in the more native plants and less impervious One obstacle program managers and a priority one at that. The project four targeted counties of Lancaster, surface around their homes and offices. will have to deal with is getting many will count toward the state’s nutrient York, Franklin and Adams. Training programs are taking place municipalities to revise old ordinances reduction commitments. To qualify, properties have to be throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, that restrict the height of lawn grass to The plan seeks to reduce storm- mowed lawns — not pastures or old Virginia and Washington, DC. no more than 6 inches. water runoff which, according to the fields — and cannot have more than “It’s a process. It’s not overnight,” But Davis and Stark hope the state-federal Bay Program, is the only 30% of grounds already in trees. said Beth Ginter, the group’s executive conservation landscaping movement source of pollution on the rise. The Even though the project has received director. “What we’re looking for is eventually goes statewide, similar to goal is convert half of the 10,000 acres little publicity, Davis said he was water quality benefits and reducing the the long-established push for stream- into meadows and half into forests. swamped by interested landowners. negative impacts of stormwater. Also, side buffers. And the more people The first focused project to move The hope is that the pilot projects the habitat benefits of using native plants, see meadows and treed areas around that charge forward has already begun will inspire other landowners — both whether meadow or tree planting.” schools, churches and the like, the with a swirl of interest. in the public and private sectors — to Lawn conversion organizers hope more people will accept it, they say. The Alliance has partnered with the convert their own green expanses into that nonprofit groups will make grants “If we can make it a normal thing as Pennsylvania Department of Conserva- more environmentally friendly habitat. available to landowners to help offset part of a green landscape, people will tion and Natural Resources to do about “We know it will take a paradigm costs. And plans are in the works to take off with it,” Davis predicted. Bay Journal • April 2020 19 Taking Nature Black celebrates environmental action ≈ Conference attracted audience A midday break brought music and from around the nation poetry from Word to Our Mother, a band led by Karen Wilson-Ama’Echefu, who By Lara Lutz emphasized the continuity of African- The Audubon Naturalist Society American connections to the land. “We hosted its third Taking Nature Black can look back for 400 years over the conference on Feb. 27 in Chevy Chase, African diaspora and transformation MD. And for the third time since the in the United States and for that entire inaugural conference in 2016, the number period, and before, we have explored, of participants doubled. embraced, and celebrated the natural The biannual conference, designed to world,” she said. “So we got to celebrate give African Americans in the envi- together at Taking Nature Black, and that ronmental field a space to share ideas, brings great joy.” network, and support one another, has Efforts of local governments to advo- begun drawing attention from across the cate for their residents and green their country as well. communities was explored by a panel that At least 450 people participated either included Jacqueline Goodall, executive in person or through a live video stream director for the Maryland Black Mayors. (weeks ahead of the coronavirus crisis), Goodall, former mayor of Forest Heights, with many groups watching online from MD, explained how creative funding for their workplace. environmental projects can bring many Conference organizer Caroline Brewer Ronnie Webb, a panelist at the Taking Nature Black conference, describes his benefits to communities. said in-person registration hit capacity work as co-founder of The Green Scheme, which conducts programs with students Awards were presented for national three weeks before the event, and they are in disadvantaged communities on environmental stewardship and community and regional leadership, including a looking for a larger venue in 2022. revitalization. (Don Baker/Courtesy of Anacostia Naturalist Society) national champion award to Patux- “The biggest challenge for us every ent Riverkeeper Fred Tutman, one of year has been meeting the hunger that’s amount of joy that was spread through the dance of the environmental burdens and the longest serving riverkeepers in out there,” said Brewer, director of experience of that conference,” she said. not enough environmental benefits,” the Chesapeake region and the only marketing and communications for the For those who could handle an early said Dawone Robinson of the Natural African-American riverkeeper in the Audubon Naturalist Society. “It’s a great start to the day, the conference began at Resources Defense Council. United States. challenge to have.” 6:30 a.m. with a meditation and woodland BeKura Shabazz Branch, a Virginia Among the regional champions were The nonprofit group, focused on walk led by Rabiah Nur, an indigenous activist, spoke about the disproportionate Akiima Price, who promotes nature as a building connections to nature in healer, activist and storyteller. impact of air pollution in black communi- powerful way to support stressed youth, the greater DC area, drew topics and Climate change panelists spoke to ties and the need to empower people with adults, and families; Tiaa Rutherford, panelists for the conference mostly from the importance of outreach and environ- information. She said that local activists manager of the litter reduction program the District of Columbia, Maryland and mental policies that are equitable for all are not brought into partnerships and in Prince George’s County, MD; and Virginia, but Brewer said that people communities, especially those that have conversations as much as they should be. Michael Carter Jr., an 11th generation from other areas, such as Florida, North shouldered the brunt of pollution. “Grassroots work is some of the most farmer in Orange County, VA. Carolina, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, “I have spent my career on trying to devalued and overlooked work that there Jerome Foster II received the youth either expressed interest or made the trip advocate for the inclusion of black and is,” she said. “When you all are looking environmental champion award. Foster, in person. brown voices in this space because too to get certain information you always 17, is a DC youth organizer for climate Brewer said the energy among attend- often, within the environmental move- look to those who are closest to our change action and voter registration. He ees was especially rewarding. “Numbers ment, blacks have had a lack of access, legislators… But you also can get very also founded The Climate Reporter, an don’t mean anything compared with the a lack of participation and an overabun- valuable work and very valuable contri- online publication with youth writers butions from those that are boots on the from eight countries. ground, that are in the communities.” “It’s amazing to see how young Panel presentations dealt with topics people are rising up in the movement,” ranging from climate change policy, Foster said. outdoor joy and environmental justice to Land ownership was highlighted in the youth in action, environmental careers, closing session. the greening of black and brown commu- Donna Dear and Paulette Greene are nities and the experiences of multigenera- the owners of Mount Pleasant Acres Farm tional farmers and land stewards. in Caroline County, MD. Parts of the Environmental education also gar- farm have been in Greene’s family since nered attention as panelists shared their 1900, and the land is part of the historic experience with a variety of programs Harriet Tubman landscape, traveled by and projects. Tubman as she led family members and Ronnie Webb of The Green Scheme others out of slavery. A tulip poplar, described how his environmental educa- approximately 25 feet in circumference, tion programs in DC schools motivated is considered a “witness tree” that would students to develop and market their own have been standing when Tubman passed bottled water, called “Corner Water,” in through. unique recyclable containers. At one point, Dear and Greene Symone Johnson, who manages declined a million dollar offer to sell the education programs at the National farm. Aquarium, talked about the importance Videos of this year’s sessions and Landscape architect Maisie Hughes speaks to the audience at Taking Nature Black of making aquarium experiences a award winners can be found on You- about opportunities and challenges for African Americans in the environmental resource for Baltimore youth and not Tube by searching for “Taking Nature field. (Don Baker/Courtesy of Anacostia Naturalist Society) just for tourists. Black 2020.” 20 Bay Journal • April 2020 EPA’s cutback of enforcement amid coronavirus draws criticism ≈ Environmentalists say the was tied to the coronavirus crisis. move allows many industries to The agency, though, will grant extraor- skirt rules dinary leniency to facilities determined to be “critical infrastructure.” Such plants By Jeremy Cox may be given “No-Action Assurance” As the new coronavirus spreads across notices to continue operating. the country, environmental regulatory Enforcement will continue in several enforcement is contracting. sectors, though. The U.S. Environmental Protection The waivers won’t apply to criminal Agency announced March 26 that it is violations, the EPA said. Nor does the “temporarily” suspending enforcement policy affect Superfund cleanups, though of environmental laws tied to a sweeping the agency said it would address that list of categories. The policy is retroac- program in a future announcement. tive to March 13, when President Trump Public water systems also must con- officially declared a national emergency, tinue normal operations and maintenance and includes no end date. while continuing to perform routine lab “EPA is committed to protecting tests to ensure their supplies are safe, human health and the environment, but according to the memo. recognizes challenges resulting from State environmental officials in the Bay A team from Longwood University investigates boat remains on the Nansemond efforts to protect workers and the public watershed said they were still responding River in Suffolk, VA, once the site of a busy maritime complex where fresh oysters from COVID-19 may directly impact the to environmental emergencies, such as oil were iced and packed into barrels to ship to far-flung cities. (Courtesy of ability of regulated facilities to meet all spills. But they were shutting down routine Longwood University) federal regulatory requirements,” EPA facility inspections and taking other steps Administrator Andrew Wheeler said. to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Boats from page 1 look. As luck would have it, they hit The federal action comes as many Offices have closed, turning most staff the site at low tide and noticed wooden states are also curtailing routine envi- members into teleworkers. exceptionally low tide. Today, archae- stakes jutting from the mud flats. ronmental monitoring and field work as In Virginia, the Department of Envi- ologists are studying and cataloging the Hobbs returned a few days later part of a larger effort to limit in-person ronmental Quality suspended all field Nansemond “ghost fleet,” reconstruct- when a full moon tugged the tide even interactions that could lead to the virus’ work temporarily and canceled all public ing the city’s neglected maritime past. lower and launched his drone out over further transmission. meetings through April. Pennsylvania’s Brendan Burke, president of the the flats. Environmentalists sharply criticized Department of Environmental Protection Maritime Heritage Chapter of the “That’s when I saw the outline of the EPA announcement, arguing that was prioritizing field work it deemed Archaeological Society of Virginia, several boats,” Hobbs recalled. “Some it effectively allows many industries to “critical” to public health and safety. worked the site last fall. of them were estimated to be about 80 skirt environmental rules, including oil “All permittees and operators are “Suffolk’s history in its purest sense feet long. Well, I was excited.” refineries and chemical plants. expected to meet all terms and conditions is maritime history,” Burke said. “It’s He uploaded his aerial footage to “We understand the coronavirus is a of their environmental permits, including based literally upon the Nansemond. YouTube and called around to find public health emergency that may require a conditions applicable to cessation of opera- The [river] was the reason Suffolk someone who could tell him more flexible response from EPA,” a coalition of tions,” the agency said on its website. “DEP exists. It put Suffolk’s legs under it and about the river’s history. 14 groups said in a letter to the agency. But is committed to its mission of protecting stood it up as a modern industrial city “But nobody ever really knew any- “that response must be tailored to specific public health and the environment and as in the commonwealth.” thing that could help me out,” Hobbs said. and appropriate circumstances and not such will continue to monitor these permit- Burke is also a research associate “So I just pretty much left it there.” offer a blanket waiver of requirements that ted facilities that have temporarily ceased for his alma mater, Longwood Univer- A year and a half later, a Smithfield many companies that are up and running operations.” sity, and invited his former professor, couple and members of the Archaeo- may have no trouble meeting.” The head of the Maryland Department Brian Bates, to join him in studying logical Society of Virginia working on a The Chesapeake Bay-region groups of the Environment didn’t criticize the the ghost fleet. logboat registry happened upon his video. signing the letter included the Chesapeake federal action. The state is also making dif- “The curious thing is, it was hidden The canoe — or, more properly, the Climate Action Network, Potomac ficult decisions to balance its regulatory in plain sight,” said Bates, executive logboat — was retrieved and put on Riverkeeper Network, PennEnvironment mission with protecting its employees’ director of the college’s Institute of display at the nearby Riddick’s Folly and Waterkeepers Chesapeake. health, Secretary Ben Grumbles said. Archaeology. “You look out there and House Museum. In its memo, the EPA said the action is “The [EPA] memo underscores you see just a bunch of little bumps Eventually, Burke saw the video, too. necessary because many companies are upfront that authorized states may take sticking out of the water at low tide. “We realized that there was a diversity suffering from worker shortages and may a different approach under their own But then when you actually get above of vernacular — watercraft types — not have the capacity to process lab results, authorities, and we certainly intend to it, you go, ‘Wow, that’s actually a boat. there in the Nansemond River,” he said. submit required paperwork or keep emis- do that,” he said. “We recognize the And there’s another one.’ ” “We also realized that what met the eye sions in check as they normally would. need for enforcement discretion in lim- Even Suffolk natives, some of was probably just the tip of the iceberg.” The EPA “does not expect” to seek ited situation on a case-by-case basis.” whom fished that very spot for years, He and Bates assembled a small penalties for failure to complete routine The MDE is allowing a grace had no idea what lay beneath. team; took tape measures and cameras; monitoring, sampling, training and certain period for state licenses and permits Retired mechanical engineer and pulled on waders and muck boots; types of reporting, according to the memo. facing expiration or renewal. And it amateur historian Kermit Hobbs, 76, and spent several weeks last October The policy states that regulators is reducing field work as well to only was one of the first to discover the cataloging 13 wrecks ranging in length may enforce at their discretion certain those visits deemed most critical. wrecks. In 2014, a friend told him from roughly 15 feet to 100 feet. What environmental violations caused, at least The agency is looking into ways to he’d found an old dugout canoe on they couldn’t eyeball, they detailed in part, by the pandemic. But entities must conduct inspections remotely using the banks of the river and Hobbs, with sonar and a 3D laser scanner. still “make every effort” to comply with digital technology, Grumbles said. intrigued, went to check it out. “What we ended up finding is a the rules and take steps to minimize any In the meantime, he added, “We’re In March 2017, Hobbs mentioned collection of derelict wooden vessels excess pollution. They also must fully putting our greatest priority on non- the dugout to a fellow history buff and document the episode and identify how it routine inspections.” the two of them trekked out for another Boats continues on page 21 21 Bay Journal • April 2020 21

Boats from page 20 now sits: a big packing house, cannery the ghost fleet are still littered with of modern buildings. and wharfs. Workboats navigated the century-old oyster and scallop shells. “They were wonderful ways to that had been [discarded] at the end of tidal river, up and down the Chesa- He ran his own fleet of oyster boats create cheap real estate,” Burke said. their useful lives,” Burke said. “And peake and Atlantic. A Standard Oil and was involved with the trucking “What is rare is when they’re well- that sounds like the end of the story, terminal stands near an icehouse. industry. He was instrumental in preserved and they’re accessible to right? A bunch of junk. A towering figure of that age was bringing the telephone to Suffolk — archaeologists.” “But that’s where archaeologists William Norman McAnge, a man Burke likely, Burke said, to keep in close Much of the Nansemond riverfront got begin our research — when something calls “an entrepreneur’s entrepreneur.” contact with customers. He also paved over. The remains of the packing goes into the ground or into the ocean Originally from South Carolina, helped bring in the automobile and house now lie under a Super 8 parking lot. or into a river, into mud, and we pull out McAnge arrived in Suffolk around earned one of the city’s first speeding But the boat graveyard lingers. the stories that get forgotten. Pull out 1880 with the means to lease hundreds tickets. He operated a kiln to burn The wrecks won’t be removed the parts of our heritage that are misun- of acres of river bottom to grow oyster shells for lime to fertilize from the Nansemond — their water- derstood, or not understood at all.” oysters and to build the packing house Virginia peanut fields. soaked wood would dry to dust, and The archaeologists consulted with and the wharfs.He then leveraged them The riverfront complex began to preserving them would be far too ship experts to identify the various into a local empire. falter sometime after World War I costly. Burke is preparing a report for types of workboats by what little “He’s often quoted as having taken as five railroad lines offered faster the Virginia Department of Historic remains of their wooden bones. the oyster industry from the bucket shipping, and major nearby ports had Resources, which provided an $11,000 The most accessible wreck is a trade to the barrel trade,” Burke said. deep-water terminals to handle big grant for the study. He hopes it will schooner-rigged bugeye, native to the “He was a master of systems, as most cargo vessels. Workboats became serve as a reminder of a common sea- Chesapeake Bay and one of only 25 entrepreneurs are. They don’t just do obsolete. Many were discarded, some faring history. known to be built. In its heyday. This one thing — they’re able to assemble as recently as the 1930s. “Every one of us has a significant vessel stretched about 50 feet from bow systems and get multicomponent parts “In the early 1900s, it probably maritime chapter in our past,” Burke to stern, although others were bigger. working smoothly.” seemed like a perfectly reasonable said. “If you dig back, everyone on Bugeyes had shallow drafts built Americans, for instance, were con- thing to do,” Bates said. “It was every continent — no matter how to navigate the tidal rivers, inlets, suming canned oysters. But McAnge probably quite informal — maybe one landlocked you are, no matter how sandbars and guts of the Chesapeake. had fresh oysters iced and packed into person let their boat die there and then much of a mountaineer you are — But they could also sail on the open barrels to ship to far-flung cities where someone else did the same thing. And you’ve got a sailor in your background. ocean through the canny use of a customers were willing to pay top after a while people figured, ‘Well, You’ve got somebody who made a centerboard that could drop through dollar for oysters on the half-shell. OK, this is where the boats go to die.’ ” momentous voyage onboard a boat the boat bottom to provide lateral “That changed the nature of the Every port city has an old ship dump, from one place to another. Somebody resistance, preventing the vessel from industry and began to grow it in new Burke said, and many put them to good that worked in the Atlantic trades, blowing sideways. ways for Virginia — which, of course, use. San Francisco, downtown Manhat- in the maritime trades. It’s a human During a recent low tide, the in the post-Civil War economy, was on tan and London, for instance, are built thing. It’s universal. bugeye’s keel and curved frames lay on its knees,” Burke said. atop old ships. In Alexandria, VA, ships “The boats are neat. But it’s the the riverbank like the spine and ribs of McAnge also had interests in wild were scuttled and buried to help expand people and their stories — that’s the a giant, decayed beast, next to rotting oyster fisheries here and in North Caro- land along the Potomac River shoreline. reason why we do this.” pilings. lina, as well as the ocean scallop fishery A handful of 18th-century vessels have Tamara Dietrich is freelance writer “To me,” Hobbs said, “it looks like out of New Jersey. The riverbanks near been found there under the foundations based in Virginia. an old trilobite fossil.” Log-bottom boats like the one Brendan retrieved from the riverbank are a Burke of the famous style in the Chesapeake, Burke Maritime said, but have deep roots in African Heritage culture. Chapter of To build it, tree trunks in groups of the Archaeo- three, five or seven are held together logical with iron pins, then hollowed out and Society of fitted with a sail. When they weren’t Virginia used for oystering and fishing, logboats looks over hauled a variety of cargo: firewood, the site of the watermelons and chickens. They were Nansemond a vessel of the working man, not the River ‘ghost wealthy. fleet.” “The appeal to me,” Bates said, “is Archaeolo- that it seems like these are more close gists’ work to the average person or the average begins, he circumstance sometime in the past. It’s a said, “when bit of the story that doesn’t often get told.” something Burke pored over library records, goes into historical documents, vintage fire the ground insurance maps, old Suffolk “snap- or into the books” and the like to piece together ocean or a history wholly at odds with modern into a river, Suffolk’s downtown business district into mud, of fast food restaurants, motels, and we pull pharmacies and gas stations, as well as out the sto- the din of traffic, car horns, sirens and ries that get train whistles. forgotten.” More than a century ago, he found, (Tamara a major business epicenter took root on Dietrich) the Nansemond waterfront complex, located at the site where the ghost fleet 22 Bay Journal • April 2020

Virus from page 1 the most farms in the Bay watershed — said that, as of March 20, no staff nonessential service was affecting many would be working in the field with on-the-ground conservation projects farmers. The timing is especially while the need to keep volunteers at home bad, he noted, because the recent is hamstringing others. The 10 Million influx of federal grant money to Tree Partnership in Pennsylvania, which help Chesapeake Bay conservation can often draw 50 to 100 volunteers to work in the state has to be spent by a planting event, is still undertaking the end of September or it will be projects this spring — but often with a reallocated. single person and a shovel. While conservation district The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay staff around the region are trying has been forced to postpone Project Clean to provide technical assistance to Stream, the largest network of stream farmers remotely, Mark Dubin, cleanups in the Bay watershed, to this fall. agriculture coordinator with the Likewise, the Alice Ferguson Foun- state-federal Chesapeake Bay dation, which has coordinated spring Program, cautioned that such efforts cleanups throughout the Potomac River have their limits because farmers watershed for 32 years, has had to in rural areas are often hampered postpone or cancel this year’s events. Last by poor internet connections. year, more than 9,500 volunteers partici- He operates his own farm on the pated in 267 cleanups coordinated by the Maryland-Pennsylvania border in nonprofit, collecting 346,000 pounds of an area where he described service trash in portions of Maryland, the District as “minimal.” of Columbia, Virginia and West Virginia. “There are definitely going to be Theresa Cullen, Alice Ferguson’s more challenges here,” he said. “It executive director, said she remained is inevitably going to cause some hopeful the cleanups could take place Cancellations and postponements of spring stream cleanups are among many impacts delays.” later this year. the coronavirus is having on environmental stewardship activities in the Chesapeake Bay Also, most conservation pro- In the meantime, individuals can still watershed. (Dave Harp) grams require farmers to share in help the Bay and their local rivers by the cost of the projects. But farmers picking up trash in their neighborhoods Virginia. processing applications for new conserva- have been suffering financially for several or planting native plants in their gar- Although the nonprofit had canceled tion infrastructure, such as manure sheds, years from collapsing dairy prices, tariffs dens, said Marissa Spratley, an Alliance all programming indefinitely, it is exam- because officials began limiting site visits and other economic hardships. The spokeswoman. “We’re encouraging ining ways to continue engaging with the to ongoing construction projects and coronavirus crisis adds a new layer of folks to remain positive because this, public, such as through digital learning, emergencies, said Lindsay Thompson, of financial uncertainty. too, will pass.” said spokesman A.J. Metcalf. the Maryland Association of Conserva- “If you are trying to survive,” Dubin Other volunteer efforts are also being Cullen, of The Alice Ferguson Foun- tion Districts. said, “the last thing that is on the list is hit. CBF’s oyster gardening programs in dation, which typically hosts students “If this is lifted in a month or six weeks, going to be implementing some new prac- Virginia and Maryland are expected to at the nonprofit’s farm for educational maybe it won’t be all that much of a back- tice while you’re trying to pay the bills.” be significantly reduced because of an outings in the spring, said some of that log,” Thompson said. “The magnitude will Ann Swanson, executive director of inability to gather volunteers in groups programming will be available online. be determined by how long it goes on.” the Chesapeake Bay Commission, which right now. Managers of the community- “We’re working on videos that can be In Virginia, farmers seeking technical includes state legislators from across the supported agriculture project on CBF’s useful for parents and teachers teaching assistance with conservation projects region, worries that the faltering economy Clagett Farm, which provides fresh about environmental topics,” she said. were still able to get it as of late March. will mean trouble for the future funding produce and meals to food banks and “There’s always something happening at Kendall Tyree, executive director of the of conservation programs. people living in poverty in and around the farm, even if they can’t visit.” Virginia Association of Soil and Water Most conservation improvements come Washington, DC, will have to find a way Conservation Districts, said most districts from programs with dedicated funding tied to distribute food other than through large Farmer assistance at risk were still doing site visits “as long as to tax revenue at the state or federal level, gatherings. Of particular concern for Chesapeake the farmer is comfortable keeping a safe she said. “When the going gets rough and Groups are trying to find creative ways restoration is the impact on efforts to distance.” cash gets limited, often those dedicated to stimulate environmental involvement reach out to farmers and support them in Any slowdown is a concern because funds get raided,” Swanson said. “So not during a time of year that is usually conservation efforts. All of the states in Virginia conservation districts have only are we looking at budget shortfalls but bursting with related events and activities, the region are relying on a massive ramp to spend funding for the current fiscal also at potential raids of those dedicated leading up to Earth Day on April 22. up in efforts to control farm runoff to year by June 30. Those expenditures funds. It’s not a pretty picture.” This year, hands-on opportunities are meet 2025 nutrient reduction goals aimed require approval from district boards more limited. The Alliance is encourag- at clearing the Bay’s murky water and — but the boards aren’t meeting Watermen hit on multiple fronts ing people to crowdsource and share ending its summertime oxygen-starved because of health concerns, and it is In the Bay, as is the case all along the knowledge on its Chesapeake Network, “dead zone.” unclear under state law whether they coast, the closure of restaurants has hit and stormwater and native plants web- But those efforts rely heavily on techni- could legally approve those projects the fishing industry hard. “It killed the sites. The Chesapeake Conservancy is cal assistance providers from agencies or through online meetings. last two weeks of oyster season. There’s highlighting opportunities to take “virtual nonprofit groups working one-on-one with “Right now, unless a meeting prevents been no market,” said Robert T. Brown, tours” of the rivers and other sites around farmers to plan and install various farm irrevocable public harm, districts are not Sr., president of the Maryland Watermen’s the region. conservation practices, such as stream able to have electronic meetings,” Tyree Association. Also eliminated are spring outdoor buffers or manure storage facilities. said. “We have reached out [to the state And it’s not clear the situation will get field trips for students. The Bay Foun- Most county conservation districts and attorney general] to find out if cost-share better with the opening of crab season, dation’s Agee said he expects such Natural Resource Conservation Service and conservation projects would fall into which began March 17 in Virginia and excursions will be lost for the spring, offices, which provide most of those that category and have not yet received April 1 in Maryland. With the foreign and perhaps the remainder of the school services to farmers, are either closed with that opinion.” workers essential for crab meat-process- year, removing a curriculum mainstay staff working remotely or open with a In Pennsylvania, Christopher ing being forced to stay home, the region’s for hundreds of teachers and thousands of single staffer to answer phones. Thompson, head of the Lancaster County students in Maryland, Pennsylvania and In Maryland, the state was no longer Conservation District — the county with Virus continues on page 23 Bay Journal • April 2020 23 Bay seafood industry suffers as coronavirus closes restaurants ≈ Watermen try new marketing in Virginia, where at least some water- strategies as pandemic drives men have pivoted to the new fishery. demand and prices down J. C. Hudgins, president of the Virginia Waterman’s Association, said the market By Timothy B. Wheeler for crabs has been slow so far, but there The Chesapeake Bay’s seafood are still some buyers for takeout sales industry has been especially hard hit by in places like Washington, DC, and the coronavirus pandemic, as buyers dry Baltimore. up for oysters and prices plummet for The prices watermen are getting for fish and crabs. their catch, though, are “about half what Watermen say they’ve given up on it was last year,” Hudgins said. Those the final weeks of the oyster season, as buyers interested in crabs are offering restaurant and raw bar closures have $40 to $45 per bushel for females and up deprived them of lucrative markets for to $125 a bushel for large male “jim- their catch. mies,” he said. “It’s very drastic,” said Robert T. Watermen and oyster farmers alike Brown Sr., president of the Maryland say they fear their livelihoods could be Watermen’s Association. “I’ve seen affected for some time to come, depend- things bad, but I’ve never seen them like ing on how long people are out of work this before.” and restaurants shut down. Even when Oyster farmers say they’re idled for Workers cull oysters at the True Chesapeake Oyster Company in 2015. Demand restrictions ease, they say, they expect the same reason, though some are trying for Chesapeake oysters is almost nonexistent as the coronavirus has closed a glut of fish and shellfish will sud- to eke out some direct sales to consum- restaurants in the region. (Dave Harp) denly flood the markets, keeping prices ers. Ted Cooney, founder of Madhouse depressed. Oysters on Hooper’s Island on Mary- ers Association. “The industry is pretty with paper flyers posted at the stores still Oyster growers also say the shutdown land’s Eastern Shore, said sales suddenly much at a standstill right now.” open. comes at a particularly inopportune stopped at a time when they’re usually Some oyster farmers who have state In the first week, the partners’ hustle time. Those who raise bivalves in cages selling 100 or more boxes of bivalves and federal licenses to do so are ped- brought in about 20% of the revenue they say they need to harvest them now so every week. dling their shellfish themselves. When normally make, Budden said.They are they can use that gear to plant the next The oyster shutdown extends restaurant orders stopped, Scott Budden, now looking into trying to expand their crop. Otherwise, they’ll lose a year of Baywide, as Maryland and Virginia co-owner of Orchard Point Oyster Co. market beyond the Shore by offering to production. have both limited food establishments to on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, said he ship refrigerated boxes of oysters via “We’re looking at different options of takeout or delivery. and his partners began offering their FedEx or UPS. what can be done,” said Oesterling of the “With no restaurants, there are no products for pickup at a bar in Chester- “We’ve got to keep the lights on if we Virginia Shellfish Growers group. “But sales,” said Mike Oesterling, executive town and at their offices on Kent Island. want to stay in business,” Budden said. right now, it’s just a matter of hunkering director of the Virginia Shellfish Grow- They spread the word via Facebook and Crabbing season began March 17 down, trying to survive.”

Virus from page 22 NASA and the European Space Concerns over new rules CBF’s federal executive director. Agency recorded substantial drops in A number of organizations, from As of late March, the EPA had seafood industry is entering rough waters. pollution concentrations over Italy and conservative think tanks to labor unions declined to delay its rule-making, with To protect its staff from the corona- China as those countries sought to lock to environmental groups, have asked officials noting that its regulatory website virus, the State Department announced down their populations. Such measures the Trump administration to alter its was fully functional and able to receive on March 18 a halt to processing most were only beginning to trickle into rule-making process while the president’s comments. temporary work visas in its Mexico American life in March, but there were national emergency declaration, issued offices. Mexico is one of the biggest already signs that they might be having March 13, remains in effect. Changes in & out of homes suppliers of labor to the Chesapeake’s an environmental effect. The groups argue that many stake- The large number of people staying crab-picking houses. “Trends aren’t entirely clear yet,” said holder organizations have been forced to home has raised special issues, too. The industry was already facing a Virginia Department of Environmental close their doors to prevent exposure to Wastewater treatment plant operators shortage of temporary work visas because Quality spokesman Greg Bilyeu, “but COVID-19, which hinders their ability are worried that people confronted with a employer demand nationwide far outstrips if traffic and commerce follow patterns to develop meaningful comments to agen- shortage of toilet paper will begin flushing the number that the government releases. we’ve seen elsewhere, we expect pollu- cies at a time when a number of proposals wipes, paper towels and other materials. On Hooper’s Island, the epicenter of tion to decrease more markedly. We have that would impact environmental regula- Those materials can clog sewer pipes and Maryland’s crab-picking operations, six started noticing some potential differ- tions are under review. cause backups or damage treatment plants. out of the nine processors did not receive ence in areas that typically experience In a letter to the White House, CBF said The Maryland Department of the visas this year before the virus-induced more traffic.” interested citizens may lack the technology Environment is conducting a “No Wipes interruption. Levels of nitrogen oxide and fine needed to weigh in remotely or may be in the Pipes” campaign while others are For watermen, Brown said, “It’s wait particulate matter, which are tied to unable to attend meetings or collaborate launching similar public awareness efforts. and see, pretty much, how bad it’s going soot from diesel trucks, were down with others to comment on proposals, If people become stir-crazy after to be — not how good, how bad.” along many busy highways, according such as changes to coal ash regulations, being homebound, they will find to DEQ’s air-monitoring sensors. which are under consideration by the many state and national parks and wild- Air pollution reductions Climate scientists caution, though, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. life refuges open, though visitor centers, All of the economic and social that if history is any guide, the emis- “Perhaps most importantly,” CBF wrote, bathrooms and campgrounds are closed. disruption wrought by the coronavirus sions will likely return once the virus “many will be consumed with taking care But some of those areas are in danger could contain a silver lining: a sharp — if runs its course. Meanwhile, some of themselves, their businesses, families, of being overcrowded: The Appalachian temporary — decrease in emissions of industries have already begun lobbying communities, and neighbors.” Trail Conservancy was urging people greenhouse gasses and other pollutants as against climate regulations, arguing that “For EPA and some other agencies to stay off the trail, sections of which people drive less, flights are grounded and they can’t bear the costs along with the to insist on proceeding with business as were becoming too crowded to practice the economy slows. slowdown caused by the pandemic. usual is unacceptable,” said Jason Rano, social distancing. 24 Bay Journal l Tr avel l April 2020

What’s that plant? A field test for Plant ID apps 10,000 acres of land along the 18-mile stream. On its way to the Pocomoke River, a significant Chesapeake Bay trib- utary, the Nassawango trickles past rare stands of seaside alder, bald cypress and Atlantic white cedar. There are also orchids and — just discovered last year — a meat-eating plant found nowhere else in Maryland. The conservancy operates a few free access points to the creek along its holdings there. On a crisp January afternoon, my 9-year-old daughter and I tromped down the preserve’s Prothonotary Warbler Trail which, from high above, resembles the upper half of a stick-man drawing. It starts with the semicircular outline of a torso topped by a loop trail (the head) that touches the riverbank. Then, two out-and-back lengths jut out like arms from either side of the “body.” The entire trail can be covered probably in a little more than an hour. But that’s pushing it when it’s 43 degrees and your companion’s age is not quite into double-digits. On the bright side: This is the Shore, so most of the going is flat. There are some surprisingly steep knolls, though, particularly on the eastern “arm.” During the winter, the landscape is a veritable rain- bow of browns and off-browns. That’s no strike against it; there’s still plenty to explore if you’re willing to look a little deeper. That’s how I discovered that these apps can really help to elevate your experience with the outdoors. To under- stand what I mean, it helps to know how they work. Signs point out trail routes at the Do these blue flowers belong to creeping The ppsa function largely the same way: You snap a Nassawango Creek Preserve in picture of a plant, upload it to the app and it spits out its Maryland. (Dave Harp) phlox or spiderwort? Is this thick-leafed plant best guess at what you’re seeing. Depending on the app, an American holly or southern wax myrtle? you can submit images of leaves, flowers, the bark or the whole plant. Is that poison ivy? All of the apps I used depend on image-recognition The ability to identify plants and trees was once the sole technology to suss out a plant’s identity. But at least one province of experts such as naturalists, botanists and mas- supplements that information with actual humans — un- ter gardeners. But with new technology just a download paid site contributors — who follow up via email with By Jeremy Cox away, anyone can do it. their own rulings. Their replies usually start trickling in Well, mostly do it. So I learned during a recent hike within a few hours. through a soggy portion of the Nassawango Creek Pre- A common critique of such technology is that its abil- serve in Worcester County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. ity to make accurate identifications hinges largely on the I field-tested four plant identification apps on my mo- quality of the information you feed into it. To borrow a bile phone to see whether they offer a friendly user experi- phrase from the computing world: garbage in, garbage out. ence and deliver reliable results. None of the apps emerged as a “winner.” Clearly, the technology could use more time to mature, but the day is probably close at hand when software overtakes humanity when it comes to singling out greenery. Plant identification can be a nettlesome task. To this day, scientists are still discovering an average of about 2,000 new plants per year. Sometimes, it can take years, even decades, for biologists to confirm whether one of those plants is a unique species. What hope do the rest of us have? Luckily, identifying your garden-variety plants isn’t usu- ally so complicated. But it can still be daunting for those of us without specialized degrees or a lifetime poring over field guides. From the comfort of my WiFi-enabled home, I down- loaded four apps — iNaturalist, PictureThis, PlantNet and PlantSnap — and hit the road. All were free. Or at least they started as free; some began asking for money after I reached a certain number of identification attempts. For nature lovers in search of a little botanical variety, Shadbush, also called serviceberry, shows off springtime Nassawango Creek Preserve is a great choice. Owned and blooms at the Nassawango Creek Preserve on Maryland’s managed by The Nature Conservancy, it protects nearly Eastern Shore. (Dave Harp) 25 Bay Journal l Tr avel l April 2020

Red maple buds at the Nassawango Creek Preserve, an early sign of spring. Bay Journal writer Jeremy Cox (right) photographs holly leaves to test plant ID apps. (Above, Dave Harp / Right, Charlie Cox)

An example: If you take a blurry ferent plant species along the hike. line up with one another. But with (PlantNet) picture of a leaf belonging to a Joe In more than half of the cases, I don’t four of the plants, I got two apps • “Lumpy bracket,” a fungi that at Pye weed (Eutrochium fistulosum) — think I could definitively identify that to produce identical answers. A least pops up quite often in the a stalky native bush with purplish plant myself. long-dead oak leaf I scrounged off a mid-Atlantic (iNaturalist) flowers — you could wind up with an The number of times all four apps wooden plank, for instance, gener- • “Oops, I couldn’t find plants in output on your screen of a different agreed on the identity of a plant? ated two guesses of northern red oak the picture.” (PictureThis) genus altogether. Once. Apparently, with its dark- followed by one each of white oak and I re-used the same photograph for The apps are finicky about photog- green, pointy leaves, American holly scarlet oak. each plant in the apps, so you can’t raphy. A whole leaf must be shown, cuts a distinctive figure. A close Three of the plants just gave the chalk up the variations to some differ- not just part. A wilted flower is no runner-up was the beech tree, whose apps fits. With four programs, I got ence in hue or angle. good. A leaf silhouetted by the sun fanlike leaves were recognized at the four different suggestions. I tried a Far from being disappointed, I was won’t work. Don’t be too far or too genus level by all the apps. There was mushroom and the apps replied: still impressed with the apps. We now close to your subject. some disagreement over whether • “Amanita franchetii,” which have in our pockets tools that can It’s not enough, then, to take a it was an American or European doesn’t appear to grow on this narrow down the identity of a plant quick pic of some random leaf with variety. side of the globe (PlantSnap) out of tens of thousands of possibili- your smartphone and move on. You At no time did exactly three apps • “Not a plant (may be fungi)” ties — and sometimes hit the mark. must spend a little time with your plant or tree to find a good represen- tative leaf. Be sure it’s not obscured Some plant ID apps to consider by other leaves or missing some vital There are several apps that claim to accurately identify plants and trees in the wild. Here’s a look at a facet — perhaps a serrated margin or few examples available on both Apple and Android phones: a fourth lobe. These things matter. Suddenly, before you know it, you l PlantSnap (plantsnap.com): Uses image-recognition software powered and your normally half-interested by machine learning. More than 600,000 plants in database, represent- child are communing with nature. It’s ing 90% of known plants and trees. Cost: Free with ads. A premium, like an open-ended scavenger hunt. ad-free version is available for $2.99/month or $19.99/year. You’re hunched over a log, paw- ing through a tangle of vines. You’re l iNaturalist (inaturalist.org): Uses image-recognition software backed stopping by a sapling, considering its up by crowd-sourced suggestions (emailed to you within hours or days). shape, its worth here in the forest. Operated by the California Academy of Science and the National Geo- For eons, critics have been railing graphic Society. Linked to its own social network. More than 250,000 about how technology distances us from the wonders of creation. In a species represented (includes fish, birds, etc.). Cost: Free. small way, these apps may help recon- l PictureThis (picturethisai.com): Uses artificial intelligence-powered, nect us, even if only for an afternoon. image-recognition software. Claims 99% accuracy identifying com- But do they work? The bad news is that you won’t know an answer is mon species and overall 95% rate with a database of more than 10,000 wrong unless you already know the plant species. Cost: Free. Also a premium service with 7-day trial, then answer. So I planned my experiment $29.99/year. with a different goal. I decided to PlantNet (plantnet.org): Uses image-recognition software. A database pit the apps against each other. How l often do they agree? of more than 27,000 species and growing. Can search by leaf, flower, To find out, I took photos of nine bark, fruit, habitat, etc. Cost: Free. leaves from what I believed to be dif- 26 Bay Journal l Tr avel l April 2020

Susquehanna pontoon immerses you in river history located nearby. There is a 1.5-mile trail from the center through the site of the settlement. The Zimmerman Center also serves as Pennsylvania’s official visitor contact station for the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, the nation’s first water trail. You can collect the popular National Park “passport” stamps here, too. At the end of the ramp leading to the boat, past a but- terfly garden, is a 10-foot-long reproduction of an 1810 survey painting by Benjamin Henry Latrobe of the river from its mouth to the town of Columbia, just north of the launch site. I climbed aboard last fall. Our guide, Sara Knudson, handed out headphones so you can hear her spiel above the wind, as well as life vests, sunscreen, bottled water and binoculars. The captain eased the boat past a small armada of moored sailboats and sailboards, rigging chains clanking in the wind, and we were off. Near here, Smith, one of the first Europeans to ex- plore the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers, met the Susque- hannock people in about 1608. He described them as “great and well proportioned men.” Lightly perfuming the air as we travelled was the occasional fertile smell of manure freshly spread on Lan- caster County’s famous farmland. To most on the boat, the scent was familiar and not unpleasant. Chugging past some river cottages, we were soon into the gorge proper. Ironically, thanks to a hydroelectric Guide Sara Knudson prepares to It was the hottest ticket in town during its dam downriver, which bought the surrounding hills for launch a boat tour during the 2019 a buffer a century ago, most of the landscape is wooded season for a 17-mile loop of the inaugural season last year — and free boat and preserved. In all, utilities in the area have donated Susquehanna River in southern tours of the gorgeous Lower Susquehanna about 2,500 acres to The Lancaster Conservancy and Pennsylvania. state agencies. Gorge in southern Pennsylvania will launch The landscape has changed little since the 1810 sur- again for its second season this year. vey, though the march of industrial time has certainly left its mark. Oozing with history and beauty, the Susquehanna Na- We passed an aqueduct built in the early 1900s, chut- tional Heritage Area River Discovery Boat Tours are one- Story and Photos ing streamwater over the old Low Grade Rail Line and hour and 20-minute loops on a pontoon boat, traversing By Ad Crable into the river like a water feature at an amusement park. 17 miles at the Susquehanna’s widest, fastest-dropping The former railbed, on the Lancaster County side of the and deepest point. river, is now the multi-use Enola Low Grade Trail. The tours, with a capacity of 10, are scheduled to take When the railroad was built with very low grades and place four times a day on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, curves, it was an engineering marvel, second only to the May 22–Sept. 27, as well as on Memorial Day and Labor Panama Canal in amount of earth moved. The jagged Day (but the tours may be postponed due to the corona- virus). The excursions are provided by the Susquehanna National Heritage Area with grants from the National Park Service and Pennsylvania Department of Conserva- tion and Natural Resources. Launching about 18 miles north of the Maryland line, the leisurely boat rides highlight one of the oldest rivers in the world as few others besides boating anglers see it. Embedded between steep hills, with few roads at river level, most people see this section of the Susquehanna by looking down into it. Jane Lindhorn, a York County resident who lives a mere mile from the river, was blown away by a boat tour on a glorious fall day. “It was really cool to go up the middle and see how it was on the sides. It’s totally different,” she marveled. The river contours are relatively flat where you board the pontoon boat at the Zimmerman Center for Heri- tage at Long Level, on the western side of the river in York County. Allow time to visit the center either before Participants on the Susquehanna boat tour will see an or after the trip. A striking stone mansion dating to the aqueduct that shoots stream water over the old Low Grade mid-1700s, the building displays old and new paintings of Rail Line. The railroad, an engineering marvel at the time, the river and artifacts from a 1670 Susquehannock village is now a public multi-use trail that runs along the shoreline. 27 Bay Journal l Tr avel l April 2020

Susquehanna Discover Boat Tours in 2020: Check the schedule, free tickets go fast

The Susquehanna National Heritage Area River Discovery Boat Tours are scheduled to start Memo- rial Day weekend but may be postponed due to the coronavirus. Use the contact information below to check for updates in late April. The tours will hopefully take place four times a day on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, May 22 through Sept. 27, as well as on Memorial Day and Labor Day. All tours are free but online reservations are required. Tickets will be available for book- ing online a month in advance through the season, starting in late April. Snagging a ticket can be difficult. The tours, on a 10-person pontoon boat, leave from the Zimmer- man Center for Heritage at 1702 Long Level Road, Safe Harbor Dam has transformed part of the Susquehanna into a tranquil reservoir called Lake Clarke, which is part of the travel route on the Discovery Boat Tours. Wrightsville, PA. For information and to reserve a seat, e-mail [email protected]; visit rock walls, blown asunder by ex- shore to shore. In 1806, anglers at Native Ameri- susquehannaheritage.org/programs/boat-tours; or plosives that killed more than a few two spots along the York County cans. This 30- call 717-252-0229. men, attest to the feat. shoreline recorded 22,000 shad in mile stretch is the Above the trail sits Lancaster their nets. Favored rocks and islands only place along County’s landfill, which has made to intercept the delicious fish were the Susquehanna hangs a frayed rope swing, the ve- Turkey Point one of the highest passed down in family wills. where they are found. hicle for daring plunges into the river spots above the entire Susquehanna. “For some people, the river runs “This river has been bringing in- on hot summer afternoons. It is marked by two giant wind tur- in their blood,” Knudson said. spiration to people for thousands and A symbol of recreation, that bines. Just beyond is the Turkey Hill The dam has made this section of thousands of years,” Knudson said. simple swing stood in contrast with Dairy, home to famous ice cream the Susquehanna a tranquil reser- We learned why she handed out the many industrial uses pressed on and teas. voir, called Lake Clarke. But it was binoculars when we passed well the Susquehanna through time. It The river here is 1.6 miles from not always so. In fact, this was once a within sight of a massive eagle nest drove home the point that, while the bank to bank, the widest spot of its treacherous stretch of rapids feared on the hillside. The great stick nest, river has had many faces, it continues 444-mile journey. by boatmen who shepherded great she said, has been active for years. to be important to the people who Other signs of human endeavor rafts of timbered logs from upstate. go back further in history: We Safe Harbor was Nearby on a large outcropping live near it. boated past one of the last vestiges a place of rest be- of the Susquehanna and Tidewater fore the raftsmen Canal. The canal system along the made the 50-mile river and other industrial fixtures or so trudge back almost made Columbia, within view to the mountains of the canal, the nation’s capital in on foot. 1789. The proposal came up a few The backwa- votes short, and political wrangling ter created by eventually placed the capital along the dam spurred the Potomac River, as preferred by another cot- Southern legislators. tage industry. A It was a wise decision, as canals ragtag fleet of and their ability to move the young boats known as nation’s goods later fell to railroads. the Susquehanna In fact, it was said that dignitaries Navy dredged coming to attend the dedication of more than 10 mil- the Susquehanna and Tidewater lion tons of coal Canal arrived by train. from the river The Safe Harbor Dam, where the bottom, washed tour necessarily turns back upriver, downstream from produces renewable electricity. But coal country, until it was cursed by many local residents the 1970s. when it began operating in 1931. Just below the The dam, and two others downriver, dam are hundreds blocked one of the nation’s most of petroglyphs prolific shad runs — a staple of the still visible on local economy. great rocks, 1,000 It was said masses of shad coming years after they This rocky bluff is a popular summer swimming hangout along the lower Susquehanna River in upriver appeared as a wave from were carved by Pennsylvania, a contrast to the historic industrial uses that once dominated this segment of the river. 28 Bay Journal • April 2020 MD to test water, oysters in St. Mary’s River for toxic chemicals ≈ State to check for PFAS near He said the Navy is focusing its investiga- naval airfields. Pat Elder kneels tion “on our installations where we have on the shoreline already identified releases.” By Timothy B. Wheeler of St. Inigoes That includes two locations at Webster Maryland officials say they plan to test Creek by his Field. He said that former base personnel a Chesapeake Bay tributary and oysters house, where had identified an area at the airfield where in St. Mary’s County after a local resident he collected a foam was sprayed and, as a precaution, the found high levels of toxic chemicals in his water sample. fire station on base would also be checked. tidal creek — a category of contaminants A Michigan lab Runoff from Webster Field is col- that have been traced to military and that analyzed it lected and discharged into the St. Mary’s industrial sites nationwide. found elevated River below St. Inigoes Creek, as is Lee Currey, director of the water levels of PFAS, treated wastewater from the facilities on and science administration for the state a family of the base, according to McDaniel. The Department of the Environment, said the widely used MDE plans to sample water and sedi- agency intends to sample surface water, “ forever chemi- ment in the creek as well as in the river sediments and oyster tissue in the St. cals” that now above and below the creek. Mary’s River watershed for per– and have caused Ira May, who oversees federal site poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. The widespread cleanups for the MDE, suggested that agency had hoped to begin by April and contamination. contamination in the creek, if it exists, have results by May, but an MDE spokes- The foam in could have another source. The chemicals man said sampling has been delayed photo is most are often found in landfills, he noted, as because field work has been suspended by likely a natural well as in biosolids and at sites where the coronavirus pandemic. byproduct of civilian fire departments sprayed foam. “It is a priority for us,” said MDE wind and wave “So, there are multiple potential Secretary Ben Grumbles. He noted that action. (Timothy sources,” May said. “We’re just at the he had formed an internal agencywide B. Wheeler) beginning of looking at all of those.” task force to deal with PFAS, which are Kathy Brohawn, chief of the MDE’s among the most widely used and persis- St. Inigoes Creek is a tributary of the take his test result seriously. public health section, said the agency tent chemicals in the world. They have St. Mary’s River. Across from Elder’s But Bob Lewis, executive director of plans to sample oysters in the creek, as increasingly turned up as a contaminant home is Webster Field, a naval air the St. Mary’s Watershed Association, well as above and below it in the river. practically everywhere — in air, water, research facility with a small airfield. It’s found Elder’s test results alarming and The agency also “tentatively” plans to test soil, food and even people’s bodies. an annex to Naval Air Station Patuxent posted them on the group’s website in oysters at Hog Point, she said. PFAS don’t readily break down in River, the sprawling base about a dozen February. Lewis said he didn’t want to J.D. Blackwell, who raises oysters in St. the environment, which has earned miles away. overreact, because the Navy said the Mary’s County waters, doesn’t think any them the nickname “forever chemicals.” Webster Field’s 1,000-acre site lab Elder used was not certified to test of his leases there are close enough to the They are a family of more than 4,000 includes a fire station. Fire-fighting foam for PFAS. But he said the results raised military sites to be at risk of contamination. chemicals that have been used in a containing PFAS was sprayed there questions that called for answers. “I don’t think eating my oysters or wide variety of products, such as food years ago, according to Lance McDaniel, “I don’t know how to quantify all oysters off most public waters presents an packaging, stain- and water-repellent environmental director for NAS Patuxent this,” he said, but the level reported by the elevated risk,” he said. “But I do wonder if fabrics and nonstick coatings on cook- River. Michigan lab “sounds like it’s a problem.” [oyster] bars and leases adjacent to bases ware. They are also used in fire-fighting The lab that analyzed Elder’s water On March 3, more than 275 people are a problem.” And, he said, “if there’s a foam, which has left contamination at sample found 14 different PFAS com- showed up for an open house the Navy problem, I want to know it.” hundreds of airports, military bases and pounds with a total concentration of 1,894 held to explain its plans for investigating Elder voiced no regrets about stirring firefighting training sites. parts per trillion of water. That’s 27 times PFAS contamination at the naval air public concern with his own test of the PFAS have been found in groundwa- the EPA’s recommended safety limit for station. Many wanted to know what was water, which he dubbed “guerilla science.” ter, streams and drinking water supplies drinking water. St. Inigoes Creek is not being done in response to Elder’s test “Call me a gumshoe or whatever,” he in nearly 1,500 places nationwide, includ- a source of drinking water, but Elder results. They left frustrated. said, “but at least it’ll get some action.” ing about four dozen sites in the six-state questions whether oysters harvested from The Navy and its contractors presented He noted that other states, such as Bay watershed. the creek and river are safe to eat. plans to test ground water in 18 spots New Jersey and Michigan, have already Most detections have been at very low Health effects of ingesting PFAS on the base. But David Steckler, who tested their fish and shellfish and set fish levels, but a number of sites exceed the haven’t been thoroughly researched, but runs environmental restoration efforts at consumption advisories. lifetime exposure level recommended the most frequently studied compounds, the naval air station, said there were no “It’s about protecting public health,” he by the U.S. Environmental Protection including the type used in fire-fighting, immediate plans to sample outside the said. “They’re years ahead of Maryland.” Agency for drinking water, including have been found to interfere with the fence line because there was no evidence Currey said the surface water and some in the Bay region. body’s natural hormones, increase cho- of contamination moving off-site through oyster testing are part of a broader Pat Elder, the St. Mary’s County lesterol levels, affect the immune system ground water. No information was approach to PFAS. The agency is final- resident who reported finding PFAS in St. and raise the risk for some cancers. presented about Webster Field. izing a statewide survey for sites where Inigoes Creek in front of his home, said PFAS have been found in oysters in “I think the Navy did a pretty good the chemicals may have been used, and he was glad the MDE was responding. He China and New Hampshire, among other job of assuring people there’s no threat to regulators will focus on investigating is a peace activist who’s been working to places, and even in St. Mary’s County the drinking water supply,” Lewis said. and remediating any sites with risks of raise awareness about toxic contamination nearly two decades ago. A 2002 study But, he added, “They didn’t do anything significant human exposure. around military bases. Using a testing detected seemingly significant levels to assure people about open water and The MDE’s Grumbles acknowledged kit he bought from a Michigan environ- in oysters along the Gulf Coast and in aquatic animals.” the public anxiety in St. Mary’s County. mental group, he collected water from the Maryland at Hog Point at the mouth of the Navy officials say they welcome “Every person who’s aware of a creek earlier this year and had it analyzed Patuxent River — at the northern tip of MDE’s testing plans. “Any opportunity potential risk wants to get real informa- by a laboratory in that state. the naval air station. That study drew little to learn more about these compounds is tion and understand the extent of the risk “My wife prompted me,” Elder said. attention and elicited no followup. a benefit to the public and the scientific or if it’s a false positive,” he said. “We “She said, ‘Why don’t we get our water Elder said he tried, initially without community,” Lance McDaniel, the base’s share the concern and we’re committed to tested?’ ” success, to get local or state officials to environmental director, said in an email. following through.” Bay Journal • April 2020 29 Readers, you dew dazzle us with you amazing generosity There’s no greater sign Friend of the Bay Journal’s suc- Robert Leedy Gettysburg, PA cess than the compliments Charlotte Letourneau and donations received Braddock Heights, MD from readers like you. 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Continued from 29 Mary Jo & Thomas Bosley Lori Romick Fishing Creek, MD Milford, CT Joyce Savage Beverly Browne Michael Schmitt Leonardtown, MD Arlington, VA Baltimore, MD Justine Schaeffer Caeser Butkiewicz Elaine Scribner Ellicott City, MD Mount Carmel, PA Havre de Grace, MD Henry Schaffer Mr. & Mrs. Roland Canoles Natalie Shrader Perry Hall, MD Timonium, MD Yorktown, VA Donald E. Schappell Susan Chaffinch Aaron Slattery Deltaville, VA Denton, MD Jarrettsville, MD Gill Schmick John Chester Samantha Spieth Bel Air, MD Jarrettsville, MD Severna Park, MD Jane Scott Kenneth Clare Ellen Starnes Chestertown, MD Olney, MD Bel Air, MD Carolyn & William Scullion John Conolly Jessica Strother Virginia Beach, VA Elkton, MD Arlington, VA Sea Tow Lower Chesapeake Roy & Deborah Cox Tim Tinker Seaford, VA Baltimore, MD Baltimore, MD Lamar Seats M. Hanford Day Mark Walther Baltimore, MD Silver Spring, MD Perkiomenville, PA Wendy Seifert Alan DenHerder Paul Lord Mount Wolf, PA Hebron, MD Cooperstown, NY Bruce Setzer David Drew Paul P. Abrahams Nazareth, PA Annapolis, MD Green Bay, WI Edward Shater Kathy Elliot David Behler Mechanicsville, VA Wilmington, DE Silver Spring, MD Jon Sidway Shirley Ann Ford Steve Berberich Exmore, VA Emmitsburg, MD Waldorf, MD John Siegling Mary Beth Friedel Molly Bonar Wadmalaw Island, SC Chestnut Hill Cove, MD Annandale, VA Christine Simmers David Fryauff Kenneth Bowser Rising Sun, MD Gaithersburg, MD Baltimore, MD Christian Simmons George & Christine Gaa Charles Brown Gloucester Point, VA Baltimore, MD Baltimore, MD K. George Skena Mark Gilbert Bill & Faye Byrne Virginia Beach, VA Jeannette, PA Tilghman, MD Charles Skinner Paul E. Grech, Jr. Michael Calabrese Baltimore, MD West Grove, PA Falls Church, VA Chris Smack Larry Grimes Marjorie Cichocki Boynton Beach, FL Chester, VA Pungoteague, VA Larry & Louise Smith Robert Groeber David Coakley Williamsburg, VA Warwick, MD Cockeysville, MD Lizanne Smith Kathleen & Harry Hadd Stan Cooley Forest Hill, MD Lancaster, VA Baltimore, MD Ted Snyder, Jr. Valli M. Hoski Mary Anne Cooling Oley, PA Crab buoys await a fresh coat of paint, a sure sign of spring. (Dave Harp) York Springs, PA Frederick, MD William J. Spake Barnett James Don Crook Queenstown, MD Kim Tayloe John Valliant Susan J. Wolfe Glen Burnie, MD Joppa, MD Karna Sparks Virginia Beach, VA Easton, MD Seaford, DE David A. Karpa James O. Crook Colonial Beach, VA Salem, VA Donald Theune Gary Vine Allison Wright Hampton, VA Charles R. A. Spence St. Michaels, MD Ophelia, VA Silver Spring, MD Michael Knapp Bill Curtis Powhatan, VA Wycombe, PA Gary E. Thomas Donna Volger Pamela & James Wroten Bel Air, MD Milford Sprecher Bendersville, PA Oneonta, NY Arlington, VA Tony Koszarek Catherine Devito Takoma Park, MD Severn, MD Jim Thompson Cathy Vrentas Mark Wynn Cinnaminson, NJ Wilma Starkey Hampton, VA State College, PA Artemas, MD Frank Kovaloski John Doscher Towson, MD Blandburg, PA Lockwood, NY Angela Thorp Reuben J. Waller, Jr. David A. Yannarell A Steadman Madison, WI Midlothian, VA Center Valley, PA Joseph Lewandowski Capt. Doug DuVall Virginia Beach, VA Baltimore, MD Ellicott City, MD Charles Tiedeken Frederick Walters Randal Yoder Gene Steele Newport News, VA Rockville, MD Eldersburg, MD In memory Bruce Eberle Frederick, MD of Joe Macknis Clarksville, MD Susan Titus Suzon M. Strack John M. Waud Annette Zigrossi from Robin J. Lewis Richardsville, VA Pittsford, NY Wexford, PA Vivian Ellison Queenstown, MD Mahanoy City, PA Farmville, VA Thomas Streett Bob Toner Alex Whan David L. Zonderman Keith Marks Exmore, VA Bluffton, SC Solomons, MD Bob Ferguson Fallston, MD Artemas, MD Silver Spring, MD Robin Stricoff Regina Tourville John White Irene Allen Barbara & Gerald Matacotta Leonardtown, MD Prince Frederick, MD Washington, DC Lee Fisher Easton, MD Elmhurst, NY Crofton, MD David Strom Jon Traunfeld Jeffrey Whitehead Karen & Chris Atwood David Ovesty Ellicott City, MD Charles Fletcher Chevy Chase, MD Keyser, WV Mechanicsburg, PA Achilles, VA Sykesville, MD John Sullivan Brian Treadwell Dorothy P. Whitfield George Baker Tom Payne Maurice Forrester Mechanicsburg, PA Saint Petersburg, FL Williamsburg, VA Southport, NC Chesapeake City, MD Williamsport, PA Supreme Seafood, Inc Shelly Tulowitzki & Family John C. Wilhelm Philip Barber John Pritts R. D. Frostick New Market, MD New Castle, DE La Plata, MD McLean, VA Devon, PA Heathsville, VA Chris Surowiec John Turgeon Sigrid Wilkinson Tim Blakely Hank Cole & Claudia Raskin Frank Gallagher Gwynedd, PA Annapolis, MD Athens, PA Towson, MD Upper Marlboro, MD Solomons, MD Jack Sutor Ed Tyler Steve Williams Matt Bley Betty Jean Rehill Frank Gostomski Hanover, VA Bremen, ME Towson, MD Montpelier, VA Severna Park, MD Bel Air, MD Ann Tamlyn Robert W. Tyndall Steve Wilson Rod & Lee Boer Richard & Alta Richardson Gregory Greene New York, NY Goldsboro, MD Monkton, MD Hatboro, PA North Chesterfield, VA Blue Point, NY David Tankard Kenneth Urfer Irvine & Lynn Wilson Michael & Sharyn Bolinger Wayne & Mary Lou Rodehorst Exmore, VA Severna Park, MD Sandston, VA Woodbine, MD Hampton, VA Continued on page 31 Bay Journal • April 2020 31

Continued from 30 Mr. & Mrs. Herbert K. Lodder Lutherville, MD Anne L. Hahn John F. Martin South Dennis MA Lititz, PA Bruce Hahn John Means Winchester, VA Hagerstown, MD Lindsay Hallerman Leonardtown, MD Warren Miller Beltsville, MD Dency Hanna Salisbury, MD Steve Morley John Harding Port Haywood, VA Burgess, VA Hank Moxley Doreen Hassell Galena, MD Middle River, MD Nancy C. Oberender James E. Hausamann Baltimore, MD Chincoteague, VA Marymac Hoffman Dennis Obermayer Redart, VA Fairfax, VA Joe Horchar Charles M. Pace Nottingham, MD Brooklyn Park, MD In memory Mary L. Pipkin of Howard Jackson Parkville, MD from Pamela Jackson Shelter Island, NY Barbara Possessky Narvon, PA Yvon Jensen Georgetown, TX Ellen Riley Linda Keefer Wilmington, DE Barboursville WV Inez Robb Jay Knight Baltimore, MD Smyrna, DE Shailesh Sharma Allan Kropkowski Silver Spring, MD Baltimore, MD Jaclyn Snow Bernadette Landgraf Washington, DC Rosedale, MD Dennis Staszak Steve Lukaczer Washington, DC Lakeland, FL Steve Lukaczer Lawrence & Gail-Ann White Washington, DC It’s the hand-to-paw/claw hunting season in these woods now that a tree has swallowed an important word on Essex, MD a sign in Tuckahoe State Park on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. (Dave Harp) Steve Lukaczer Susan Wiley Washington, DC Sandwich, NH James H. Payne, Jr. Renate & Eckart Schutz Al & Gloria Wajciechowski Beverly Castner Jack Lynch Manassas, VA Blacksburg, VA Gloucester, VA Selbyville, DE Guy Wilkerson Middletown, MD Sterling, VA Kathleen Petersen Ed Sendatch Lynn Wenger Biff Christensen Mike McNeill Chesterfield, VA Halifax, PA Schaefferstown, PA York, PA Charlotte Wozniak Mooresville, NC Adam Priestley Mary Sidlowski Robert Wilcox Steven Coffman Linthicum, MD Steve Mech Newport News, VA Baltimore, MD West Friendship, MD Alexandria, VA Hampstead, MD Norm Wurbach Joan Quigley Carolyn C. Smith Mrs. Joan Wilver Joseph Cook Brogue, PA Donald Merryfield Annapolis, MD Slippery Rock, PA St. Michaels, MD Baltimore, MD Pocomoke City, MD Kathleen M. Bell Brian Smith Tom Wiz Neal Meyerson Peter Quinn Mr. & Mrs. Lee DuBois Montgomery Village, MD Cabin John, MD Manchester, MD Philadelphia, PA Highland, MD Millsboro, DE Paul Farragut John Steel West Allen W. Wooldridge Edgar Miller William S. Reed, Jr. Ronald Hagarman Ellicott City, MD Chesapeake, VA Chester, PA Orlando, FL Hanover, PA Ruxton, MD Phillip Seidl Thomas Stetz Shireen M. Blair Mr. & Mrs. John E. Murray, Sr. Alan Richards Bob Hettchen Joppa, MD McClure, PA Hummelstown, PA Linthicum, MD Riva, MD Parkton, MD Isaac Lynch, Jr. William F. Rienhoff III Per Struck Douglas Valentine Dee Houston Lois O’Hara Petersburg, VA Inwood, WV Baltimore, MD Baltimore, MD Seaford, DE Mount Jackson, VA Donald Albitz Chris Owings Dick Ryan John Summers Cheryl Parrish & Michael Waltz Jim Johnson Catonsville, MD New Kent, VA Edgewater, MD Lutherville, MD Westminster, MD Pittsburgh, PA Nick Paradis Tom Scanlan Robert Taylor William & Joyce Anderson Susan Klingensmith Geo Greenlaw Fallston, MD Harrisonburg, VA Braddock Heights, MD Red Lion, PA Baltimore, MD Parksley, VA Robert Pawlowski Walter & Eileen Schauermann Mr. & Mrs. James Thorbahn John Bokman David Kohr West Mifflin, PA Finksburg, MD Lancaster, PA Lake Placid, FL Fredericksburg, PA Anonymous Thank You To These Philanthropic Donors

The Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation 32 Bay Journal • April 2020

Commentary • Letters • Pers pectives Appalachianorum Trail hike reignites urgency to protect landscapes By PFaul Farragut A job related to regional Chesapeake Bay planning attracted me to Maryland from New England more than 50 years ago. I worked as a planner at a regional agency, analyzing water and land use issues related to the Chesapeake Bay and its shoreline in the Baltimore region. When I first came to this region, I had worked on an analysis that found that water quality in the tidal areas of the Baltimore region were in rapid decline. On the land side, the study noted a lack of public open space compared with other bays around the country, as well as some poorly planned shoreline developments. This connection between water and land became more apparent to me soon after arriving in Maryland, when I visited my brother in upstate New York. On that trip, driving along the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania and New York, I began to appreciate the sheer size of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The river, on average, accounts for nearly half of the water in the upper Chesapeake Bay and is quite spectacular in its length, breadth and beauty. Driving along this important tributary, I realized that the health of the Chesa- peake Bay is directly related to good This section of the Appalachian Trail is between Buzzard Hill and Raven Rock, near Route 7 in Virginia. (Grant Blankenship) farming practices, forest conservation and the quality of treated effluent from finish my last hike near Troutville, VA, views to beautiful valleys below, Civil wastewater treatment plants. the trail’s southern terminus of the Bay War historical sites, vast forests, stream On March 24, the Appalachian In recent years, my interest and fas- watershed. The northern terminus of crossings, springs and interesting flora Trail Conservancy advised all cination with the size of the Chesapeake the watershed is west northeast of Port and fauna. In regard to the latter, seeing hikers to postpone their hikes on drainage centers around that portion of Clinton where streams on the other side extensive areas of mountain laurel and the Appalachian Trail to avoid the Appalachian Trail that traverses the begin to flow toward the Schuylkill River rhododendron in bloom along with black potentially spreading COVID-19. watershed. The 2,186-mile Appalachian and on to the Delaware Bay. bears in the Shenandoah National Park After multiple sections of the Trail Trail covers 14 states from Maine to The auto travel time between these were highlights. experienced large crowds over the Georgia. The Bay portion of this mileage, points is six hours and, if one averages my The trail is sometimes called the weekend, it is no longer a viable in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland 8 miles of hiking per day, it would take “green tunnel” because of the tree canopy space to safely practice social and Pennsylvania, makes up almost 25 about two months to complete the jour- overhead. With much of the trail traveling distancing. For information, visit percent of its length. ney. But I completed my goal largely by through protected federal and state parks appalachiantrail.org. Along the way one crosses the mighty day hiking from my home in Maryland. or forests, wooded areas are dominant Susquehanna, the Potomac, the Shenan- When I began hiking the trail with and beautiful examples of climax forests doah and James rivers. my sons and friends, I soon became are prevalent. As a person interested in also allows people to time their hikes At age 78, I am completing a 500-mile, enamored with its interesting geology, woodlands, some of my favorite sights to coincide with seasons of the year as multi-year hike of this area. I plan to varied topography, overlooks that feature were large groves of mature beech and a way of experiencing full streams in tulip poplar trees along the trail. spring, colorful foliage in fall, improved Proper stewardship and environmen- vistas in winter and warm weather in tal education is critically important if summer. When scheduling short day or Let Us Know we are to improve water quality in local overnight hikes, one can select the best The Bay Journal welcomes letters pertaining to Chesapeake Bay streams and the Bay. As a result, I am weather and off-peak times when there is issues. Letters should be no more than 400 words. Send letters to: Editor, encouraging trail management organiza- less foot traffic. Bay Journal, 619 Oakwood Drive, Seven Valleys, PA 17360-9395. tions to place small, attractively designed My hikes along the Appalachian Trail E-mail letters to: [email protected] signs for hikers to let them know when have emphasized to me that we are all Letter writers should include a phone number where they can be they are entering and leaving the Chesa- stewards of an incredibly large, beautiful reached. Longer commentaries should be arranged in advance with the peake Bay watershed. For those unable and fragile resource — one that I hope we editor. Call: 717-428-2819. or unwilling to walk the entire trail, will leave in an improved state for future Views expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect hiking sections of the Bay watershed generations. those of the Bay Journal or Bay Journal Media. portion is a worthy and enjoyable goal Paul Farragut can be reached at and a close-to-home adventure. This [email protected]. Bay Journal • April 2020 33 The Joy of Junk Bay Journal Going crazy trying to think of Boredom Busters things for you and your family to More than 20 years of do while riding out the corona- Bay Buddies and Chesa- virus at home? Here are crafts peake Challenge quizzes made from everyday items that and puzzles can be found might otherwise be heading to com/2013/06/06/plastic-it- at bayjournal.com. Put the trash or recycle bin. I have changed-our-world. Chesapeake Challenge selected projects that require or Bay Buddies in search little more than scissors, glue ≈ Coin Purse: (scissors, thread, engine to bring up hun- masking tape, zipper, needle or and thread to complete. Other dreds of puzzles. tools and objects for individual sewing machine) Visit: wecan- projects are also likely to be makeanything.net/2014/09/ recycled-coin-purse.html found in the home. This clutch was made out of a foiled coffee or snack pouch. (Kathleen A. Gaskell) Binge Watch ≈ Crocheted Flower Pot: (big filler for pet water bowl, mini glass-jam-jars-decoration- Plastic Grocery Bags crochet hook) Visit: mamima- the Bay ≈ Crocheted Rug: (big crochet camera tripod, citrus juicer upcycle-crafts. (The site uses a hook) There are no instructions deit.blogspot.com/2010/04/ and more. Visit: youtube.com/ glass jar, I suggest a plastic jar, Watch all of the Bay tutorial-recycled-plastic-bag- for this craft, but anyone who watch?v=xEAOvFG1AmM. which will not pose a hazard Journal-produced movies flowerpot.html can do a single crochet stitch in case someone strikes it with from Tom Horton, Dave will be able to figure this out Coffee Pouches / Foiled Chip a shovel when digging it up at Harp, and Sandy Cannon- Coffee Pods & Snack Bags / Magazines Brown for free online. Go just by looking at the photo. ≈ Seedling Starter Pots: (potting ≈ a later time. — KG) Visit: diyncrafts.com/27162/ soil or dirt, seeds) Visit: instruc- Coffee Pouch/Chip Bag Woven to bayjournal.com, click Purse: (scissors, needle thread, Junk Mail, Scrap Paper, on Films in the menu. repurpose/30-amazing-upcy- tables.com/id/K-cup-sead-start- zipper) Don’t be alarmed by the ers. (When seedlings become Old Calendars, Magazines cling-ideas-turn-grocery-bags- “Part 2” in the title, this remake The possibilities here are spectacular-creation. too big for pods, plant in the of an earlier version is slower ≈ Nassawango garden. No garden? Repot in endless: Cards, collages, paper Legacy (2019): A look ≈ (parchment paper, and easier to follow. Also, while mache, boxes, lampshades, Beads: larger plastic containers [yogurt, she uses coffee pouches, a at one family’s multi- iron, strong crafting glue, cookie tubs, etc.] Put container decoupage. Just put paper craft- generational efforts to toothpicks or similar, scissors, similar purse can be made from ing in your internet search engine gardens in your internet search foiled chip or snack bags that protect a Chesapeake Bay ruler): Visit thegreendivas. engine and look for ideas that and explore… I have chosen to stream and The Nature have been thoroughly washed highlight “junk journals” which best suit your patio, balcony or to clean the oil off. (See photo Conservancy’s work to window. — KG) can be made of any piece of assure that it continues to above) Visit youtube.com/ paper in a home. (See photo, ≈ (fresh herbs watch?v=7uGmQWdHl5g. flourish as an 11,000-acre Herb Ice Cubes: left) I recommend putting preserve. from earlier project?) Visit: viral- Or, if you are challenged when “treasure book youtube” in your nova.com/coffee-pod-crafts. it comes to zippers: search engine for a collection of An Island Out of (Used coffee is a great fertil- ≈ Woven Magazine Clutch tutorials on how to make elabo- ≈ Time (2019): Visit Mary izer for acid-loving plants. One Purse: (scissors, clear pack- rate journals out of anything: Ada and Dwight Marshall, website noted that the paper age tape, button, thread) junk mail envelopes, old books, liners are biodegradable and Visit: youtube.com/ cereal boxes…There are also whose lives personify can be put in compost. — KG) watch?v=bh9p6t16IKQ. tutorials on making several variet- the Chesapeake Bay’s ies of mini journals; exquisite seafood-harvesting culture Plastic Bottles Food Containers and history, and their four ≈ 38 Plastic Bottle Life Hacks: ≈ Time Capsule: What are pouches out of plastic cereal box liners, old newspapers; flowers children — who chose to (most use only scissors or you and your loved ones doing break with that tradition. The cover of this mini journal was craft knife, nail to punch during this history-making and other embellishments out constructed from a thick advertising holes) Magnifying lens, time? Fill this with thoughts, of scraps of paper, lace, yarn or postcard covered with a calendar sprinkler, camping drainboard memories of how you coped, items that would normally be ≈ High Tide in page and bound with a handle from and hand-washing sink, photos, etc. to share with thrown away. Dorchester (2018): If the a worn-out gift bag. It is embellished consequences of global with canceled stamps and a yarn scrap. outdoor faucet/electrical future generations. Visit: plug guards, automatic experthometips.com/empty- — Kathleen A Gaskell warming and higher sea (Project& Photo / Kathleen A. Gaskell) levels are distant concepts for you, come on down Bay Buddies to Dorchester County, Trash to Terrific Toys ground zero for sea level Parental supervision may (String, heavy cardboard scrap, ≈ Plastic Carrying Case: (20” rise along the Maryland be needed for some of these glue stick, scissors, kitchen length of cord / string or ribbon, portion of the Chesapeake. depending on the age of the child skewer) Visit: thecrafttrain.com/ punch strong enough to go how-to-make-a-whirlygig. through lid, glue) Visit: artistshelp- ≈ Beautiful Swimmers ≈ Nesting Animals: (paper ingchildren.org/plastic-containers- Revisited (2016): It’s been food boxes of different sizes, ≈ Rock Face Game & Free Print- artscraftsideaskids.html (rocks, face features from 40 years since William W. brush & paint or markers or ables: Warner’s Pulitzer Prize- magazines or download free ≈ crayons, scissors, glue [or glue Rubber Band-Powered Toy winning book, Beautiful gun w/parent’s help]) pages of human/animal eyes, Dump Trucks & Cars: (rubber bands, glue gun or strong glue, Swimmers, introduced ≈ Mini Helicopters: (egg car- ears, noses, etc.) Visit: right- us to the Chesapeake tons, paint & brush or markers, brainedmom.com/2016/06/23/ electrical or duct tape, old skinny markers or chopsticks Bay blue crab. Beautiful paper, brads, scissors) rock-faces-free-printable. Swimmers Revisited takes These are two of many ideas at for axles, caps for wheels) Visit: ≈ (glass jar, a journey around the Bay parentmap.com/article/upcycled- Ocean in a Jar: artistshelpingchildren.org/kid- water, blue food coloring, to look in on those who crafts-for-kids-and-families. scraftsactivitiesblog/2011/02/ cooking oil) See photo, right. how-to-make-rubber-band- catch, study and eat blue ≈ Whirlygig: (Your parents’ Visit: diyprojects.com/things- powered-toy-dump-trucks-and- Ocean in a Jar (Project & Photo / crabs. & grandparents’ spinner toy): to-do-with-glass-jars-diy/ cars-lesson Kathleen A. Gaskell) 34 Bay Journal • April 2020

to bring their own, if possible. Com- plants. Sign in for a safety orientation. munity service and service learning Gloves, tools provided. Info: 301-442- hours available. Info: 410-285-1202, Know Before You Go 5657, [email protected]. [email protected], Bulletin Board includes the BreadandCheeseCreek.org. most current information we had Cromwell Valley Park when the Bay Journal went to the Cromwell Valley Park in Parkville, Severn River Association printer. It is quite possible in these MD, needs volunteers of all ages (12 Volunteer opportunities with uncertain times that events may & younger w/adult) for its Habitat Volunteer Opportunities Severn River Association include: Restoration Team / Weed Warrior ≈ Water Quality Monitoring: April– have been canceled after that. Days, 2–4 p.m. April 25, May 9 & 16. Plant trees in Frederick, MD October. Crew needed to conduct Please check with the contact All ages. Remove invasive species, Stream-Link needs volunteers of all weekly boat tours to monitor the given with each event to see that it install native ones, maintain habi- ages to plant trees 9–11 a.m. April 25 Severn’s health. is still taking place before you head tat. Service hours available. Meet & May 2, 9, 16 in Frederick, MD. Tree ≈ Water Quality Crew: 4-hour at Sherwood House parking lot. care events are scheduled 9–11 a.m. tour Wednesday, Thursday or Friday out. Be safe. Registration required: Laurie Taylor- June 6 & 13. Registration required: morning. Morning river cruise collects Mitchell at [email protected]. streamlinkeducation.org/plantings. scientific data, monitors wildlife habitat. Training provided. invasive plants, removal & restoration MD Volunteer Angler Survey Swatara Creek tree planting ≈ Join the SAV Navy! Set your strategies. Wear sturdy shoes, long Become a citizen scientist. Help the Help the Manada Conservancy own hours June–September. Use sleeves, work gloves. Registration MD Department of Natural Resources in Hummelstown, PA, plant trees at kayak, canoe, small boat to map SAV required: 410-612-1688, 410-879-2000 collect data using its Volunteer Angler several sites along Swatara Creek on beds, identify submerged aquatic x1688, otterpointcreek.org. Survey. Anglers use smart phones April 24. Contact the conservancy vegetation. Paddlers of all skill levels to record data from their catch: spe- for information: [email protected], welcome. Training, gear supplied. Ruth Swann Park cies, location, size. The data is used 717-566-4122, www.manada.org. ≈ GEMS Expedition: Explorers, Help the Maryland Native Plant to develop management strategies. naturalists, foresters needed for a Society, Sierra Club and Chapman The artificial reef initiative, blue crab, Waynesboro, PA, tree planting land-based expedition to map 500 Forest Foundation 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the freshwater fisheries, muskie, shad and Help the Antietam Watershed ecological features throughout Severn second Saturday in April, May and June striped bass programs have upgraded Association and Waynesboro Fish watershed: wetlands, trees, ferns, remove invasive plants at Ruth Swann mobile-friendly methods, too. Win & Game Protective Association plants, wildlife, creeks, historical & Park in Bryans Road. Meet at the Ruth quarterly prizes. Info: dnr.maryland.gov/ (PA) plant 2,000 trees, shrubs 8 cultural features to create a GIS map Swann Park-Potomac Branch Library Fisheries/Pages/survey/index.aspx. a.m.–3 p.m. May 2, rain or shine, of watershed’s ecology. parking lot. Bring lunch. Info: at Waynesboro Fish & Game ≈ Tell Severn’s Story? Writers, [email protected], 301-283-0808, (301- Irvine Nature Center Association. Gloves, drinks, lunch photographers, reporters, memoirists 442-5657 day of event). Carpoolers Opportunities at Irvine Nature provided. Children must have adult needed to record story of river’s wild- meet at the Sierra Club MD Chapter Center in Owings Mills, MD, include: supervision. This is a PA Chesapeake life, people, forests, history, culture, office at 9 a.m. and return at 5 p.m. ≈ Spring Intern Symposium: 10 a.m.– Bay 10 Million Trees project. Reg- sailing. SRA can create internships for Carpool contact: 301-277-7111. 12 p.m. May 1. Learn about unpaid ister/info: [email protected], journalists of all ages who want to tell internships for college, high school [email protected], a story, cover meetings, take pictures, Mount Harmon Plantation students. Interns work with supervisors antietamws.org/events. build up their clip file. Info: Help Mount Harmon Plantation in in their field of interest and commit [email protected]. Earleville, MD, with school programs: to 10–20 hours per week, individual Quantico Creek monitoring manor house student tours, colonial semester-long project. Light refresh- Larry Heath and Professor Sha- Goose Creek Association crafts, hearth cooking, guided nature ments. Applications accepted on rolling bana Meyering of Virginia Commu- Opportunities with the Goose walks. Special event volunteers assist basis. nity College/Woodbridge will discuss Creek Association in Middleburg, with manor house tours, admission/ ≈ Weekend Weed Warriors: 10 a.m.– and conduct water quality monitor- VA, include: ticket sales, gift shop, and auction & 12 p.m. May 2, 30 & June 13, 27. Ages ing 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. April 28 at ≈ Canoe Cleanup: 8:30 a.m.–2 raffle fundraisers. Lead nature walks, 14+ Remove oriental bittersweet, Quantico Creek in Prince William p.m. May 2 (rain date May 3). work in herb garden. Training pro- multiflora rose in/around Woodland Forest Park in Triangle, VA. Park at Canoes, kayaks provided or bring vided. Docents are asked to commit Garden, Native American sites. Lot A on Scenic Drive. Info/registra- your own. Lunch included. Registra- to 8 hours of service per month during Training, tools provided. Wear sturdy tion: [email protected]. tion required. tour season: 10–3 p.m. Thursdays– shoes that can get muddy, bring water, ≈ 50th Anniversary Fall Festival: Sundays, May–October. Info: 410-275- nonrefrigerated snack/lunch. Bread & Cheese Creek cleanups 1–4 p.m. Sept. 20. Historic Aldie 8819, [email protected]. ≈ Citizen Science / Breeding Bird Volunteers of all abilities are Mill. Volunteers needed. Atlas 3: 10–11 a.m. May 16. Brand- needed to clean up Bread and Info: goosecreek.org/volunteer/, Patuxent Research Refuge new to expert birders, ages 10+ Learn Cheese Creek in Dundalk, MD. Help 540-687-3073, [email protected]. The Wildlife Images Bookstore at about the Third MD/D.C. Breeding to haul trash out of waterways; run the National Wildlife Visitor Center of Bird Atlas. This summer, search for water, tools to creek workers; sort Chemical monitoring team the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s signs of nesting among any/all bird recyclables; set up/take down; take Prince William Soil and Water Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel, species in the field, at Irvine or in one’s photographs, videos. Events: Conservation District needs vol- MD, needs volunteers to open and backyard. Learn basics of using Cornell ≈ Bear Creek & Chalesmont Park unteers for a chemical monitoring close the store, operate point-of-sale Lab of Ornithology’s eBird website. Shoreline: 9 a.m.–2 p.m. (register at 8 program to supply the VA Depart- register, help customers select merchan- Info: Ben Fertig at a.m.) April 25. British and American ment of Environmental Quality with dise. Training provided. Info: 301-497- [email protected]. troops set up defensive positions in the data. Contact: www.pwswcd.org, 5771, [email protected]. War of 1812’s Battle of North Point at this [email protected] CBL Visitor Center site. Register at tents near intersection of [email protected]. Little Paint Branch Park Volunteers, 16 & older, are needed Park Haven and Gray Haven Road. Help the Maryland-National at the Chesapeake Biological Labora- ≈ Stansbury Park: 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Anita Leight Estuary Center Capital Park and Planning Com- tory’s Visitor Center on Solomons (register at 8 a.m.) May 16. Anita C. Leight Estuary Center in mission remove invasive species 11 Island, MD. They must commit to Cleanups are rain or shine. Lunch, Abingdon, MD, needs volunteers for its a.m.–3 p.m. the last Saturday in April, a minimum of two, 3– to 4-hour snacks, gloves provided. A few tools Invasinators Workday 12–2 p.m. April May and June at Little Paint Branch are available; participants are asked 25. Ages 14+ Learn about nonnative Park in Beltsville. Learn about native Bulletin continues on page 35 Bay Journal • April 2020 35

ages (16 & younger w/adult) welcome. tor their local waterways. The toolkit Tools, water provided. Registration supports efforts to reduce impacts on required. Info: 410-414-3400, acltweb. WorkdayMake sure that when Wisdom you participate marine ecosystems through hands-on org, [email protected]. in cleanup or invasive plant removal citizen science, education, com- workdays to protect the Chesapeake Bay munity outreach. Info/search engine: watershed and its resources that you also marine debris monitoring toolkit for Magruder Woods protect yourself. Organizers of almost Help Friends of Magruder Woods 9 every workday strongly urge their vol- educators. a.m.–1 p.m. the third Saturday in April, unteers to wear long pants, long-sleeved Bulletin from page 34 May and June remove invasive plants in shirts, socks and closed-toe shoes (hiking Turf / lawn programs the forested swamp in Hyattsville, MD. or waterproof). This helps to minimize skin To learn about the Prince William shifts each month in the spring, Meet at farthest end of parking lot. Info: exposure to poison ivy and ticks, which (VA) Cooperative Extension’s 12 might be found at the site. Light-colored Steps to a Greener Lawn / Building summer and fall. Training sessions are [email protected], 301-283- clothing also makes it easier to spot ticks. required. Info: [email protected]. 0808, (301-442-5657 the day of event); Hats are strongly recommended. Although Environmental Sustainable Turf BEST or Colleen Aistis at 301-985-5057. some events provide work gloves, not all Lawns low-cost, research-based Creek Critters app do; ask when registering. Events near water programs for lawn education, Use Audubon Naturalist’s Creek Resources require closed-toe shoes and clothing contact: [email protected], Critters app to check a streams’ that can get wet or muddy. Always bring 703-792-4037. water. Sunscreen and an insect repellent health by finding, identifying small Track Severn River’s health designed to repel both deer ticks and organisms that live in freshwater, Check the health of the Severn mosquitoes help. Floatable monitoring program then creating a report based on what River online at cmc.vims.edu/#/ Lastly, most organizers ask that vol- The Prince William Soil & Water is found. Get the free app at the App home. All of the water quality data unteers register ahead of time. Knowing Conservation District in Manassas, Store, Google Play. Info: anshome. collected from the Severn River how many people are going to show up VA, needs volunteers to help assess, org/creek-critters. To learn about ensures that they will have enough tools trace trash in streams to reduce Association’s network of 41 monitor- and supervisors. They can also give direc- partnerships/ host a Creek Critters ing stations, from Indian Landing tions to the site or offer any suggestions nonpoint source pollutants in urban- event: [email protected]. near the headwaters to Lake Ogleton for apparel or gear not mentioned here. ized, industrialized areas in relation and the creeks of Whitehall Bay, are to the County’s Municipal Separate Little Paint Branch Park posted on Data Explorer, a data- Storm Sewers (MS4) permit. Cleanup Help the Maryland-National Capital sharing platform run by the Chesa- the important functions of watersheds, supplies provided. Info: Park and Planning Commission remove peake Monitoring Cooperative. The are available, first-come, first-served. [email protected]. invasive species 11 a.m.–3 p.m. the site also contains SRA water quality Info: pwswcd.org/capsules. last Saturday in April, May and June at monitoring data for 2018 and 2019 Baltimore Biodiversity Toolkit Little Paint Branch Park in Beltsville. and fecal bacteria levels collected Learn if your yard is Bay-Wise To help meet habitat needs of Sign in for a safety orientation. Gloves, by Operation Clearwater, run by Master Gardeners in Prince native plants, animals and people, tools provided. Info: 301-442-5657, Professor Tammy Domansky at Anne George’s County, MD, are part of the Baltimore Biodiversity Toolkit [email protected]. Arundel Community College. Anne Bay-Wise, a program offering free con- identifies species that represent Arundel County’s bacteria reports sultations on environmental practices habitats within and historic to a Become a VA Master Naturalist are also posted. to help county residents certify their community. It shows how to support VA Master Naturalists are a corps landscapes as Bay-Wise. Those who specific wildlife needs; helps citizen of volunteers who help to manage, Severn River video library demonstrate healthy lawn mainte- scientists monitor, collect data; protect natural areas through plant & The Severn River Association‘s John nance, efficient watering, pest control, develops a culture of conservation animal surveys, stream monitoring, Wright Speaker Series presentations creating habitat for native trees and and stewardship. The toolkit contains trail rehabilitation, teaching in nature are available online. Some of the titles plants for wildlife receive Bay-Wise 20 ambassador species from four centers. Training covers ecology, include Oyster Farming in St. Jerome’s signs. Homeowners can evaluate their habitats. Its multi-platform format geology, soils, native flora & fauna, Creek, The Demise of Our Yellow Perch property online using the MD Yard- helps to prioritize community green- habitat management. Info: Fishery, Land Preservation: How Does stick, which tallies pollution-reducing ing projects based on representative virginiamasternaturalist.org. it Work? and Will Butterflies & Bees gardening and landscaping practices. species, citizen science data and Survive? These, and other titles, are To be certified, though, a landscape spatial analysis that includes social, Bilingual educator resources available at severnriver.org/category/ must be visited and evaluated by a economic and ecological indicators. Educational programs are avail- speaker-series. Master Gardener. Info: Esther Mitchell Info: fws.gov. able in English and Spanish from at [email protected], extension.umd. the Interstate Commission on the Boating safety instruction edu/baywise/program-certification. Compost Awareness Day Potomac River Basin. Info: Boating safety classes are required Click on “download the yardstick” to The Prince William County Solid potomacriver.org/resources/educator. for operators of recreational boats evaluate a landscape and/or vegetable Waste Division’s annual International in Virginia, Maryland, the District of garden online. Compost Awareness Day takes place Adopt-a-Stream or Pond Columbia and most other states. Online 10 a.m.–2 p.m. May 9 at the Sean T. The Prince William Soil & Water opportunities include: Wetlands Work website Connaughton Community Plaza in Conservation District in Manassas, ≈ Virginians: boat-ed.com/virginia The Chesapeake Bay Program’s Woodbridge, VA. The event high- VA, gives stream cleanup events the ≈ Marylanders: boatus.org/maryland website, Wetlands Work, at lights the positive effects compost supplies, support they need for trash ≈ DC residents & nonresidents: wetlandswork.org, helps to connect has on plant growth, soil and lawn removal projects. Groups also receive boat-ed.com/districtofcolumbia agricultural landowners with people health, the environment and waste an Adopt-A-Stream sign recognizing ≈ Comprehensive list of training and programs that can support management and includes gardening their efforts. For info, to adopt a stream options: uscgboating.org/recreational- wetland development and restoration and soil experts. Info: dcampbell@ or get a proposed site: waterquality@ boaters/boating-safety-courses.php on their land. pwcgov.org, 703-792-5328, pwswcd.org. Register events at ≈ Free boating safety tools & materi- Fax 703-792-4617. trashnetwork.fergusonfoundation.org. als from the Coast Guard Auxiliary: Info/ Marine debris toolkit search engine: recreational boating The National Oceanic and Wildlife education trunks American Chestnut Land Trust safety outreach. Atmospheric Administration’s offices MD Department of Natural The American Chestnut Land of National Marine Sanctuaries Resources Wildlife Education Trunks Trust in Prince Frederick, MD, needs Watershed education capsules and Marine Debris Program have are available to teachers, home- volunteers for invasive plant removal Prince William (VA) Soil and Water developed a toolkit for students and school educators and naturalists. workdays 9–11 a.m. Thursdays and Conservation District’s Watershed educators in coastal and inland areas 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesdays. All Capsules, which teach students about to learn about marine debris, moni- Bulletin continues on page 36 36 Bay Journal • April 2020

the 1920 buyboat Winnie Estelle (weather permitting) at a discounted rate. Reservations are first-come, SubmissionThe Bay Journal regrets it is not always monthsGuidelines in advance. See below. first-served. Info: able to print every notice it receives ≈ Submissions to Bulletin Board must be cbmm.org/lighthouseovernights. because of space limitations. Priority is sent either as a Word or Pages document, given to events or programs that most or as simple text in the body of an e-mail. closely relate to the preservation and PDFs, newsletters or other formats may Music festival for CBF appreciation of the Bay, its watershed be considered if there is space and if The public is invited to Tributary Bulletin from page 35 and resources. Items published in Bulletin information can be easily extracted. Festival, an outdoor rock concert Board are posted on the online calendar; ≈ Programs must contain all of the to benefit the Chesapeake Bay Free, interdisciplinary tools are unpublished items are posted online if following information: a phone number Foundation, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. April designed to interest students in staffing permits. Guidelines: (include the area code) or e-mail address 25 at the Baltimore Museum of ≈ Send notices to of a contact person; the title, time (online local wildlife while building on art, [email protected]. Items sent to calendar requires an end time as well as Industry. Fifty to 100 high school and language arts, math, physical educa- other addresses are not always forwarded a start time), date and place of the event middle school students will serve as tion, science, social studies skills. before the deadline. or program. Submissions must state if the volunteer staff at the festival, which Trunk contains an educator guide, ≈ Bulletin Board contains events that program is free, requires a fee, has age includes three professional bands lesson plans, hands-on K–12 activi- take place (or have registration deadlines) requirements, has a registration deadline or and three youth bands. The event is ties, as well as supplies, books, furs, on or after the 11th of the month in which welcomes drop-ins. free, but donations are encouraged. the item is published through the 11th of ≈ May issue: April 11 replica tracks, videos, other hands- the next month. Deadlines run at least two ≈ June issue: May 11 These donations, plus proceeds from on items. Subjects include aquatic merchandise sales, will be given invasive species, bats, black bears, to CBF. Info: tributaryfestival.org,@ furbearers, white-tailed deer, wild plant sale includes more than 65 Rain or shine. tributaryfestival. turkeys. Trunks can be borrowed on varieties of native plants and shrubs. Info: [email protected], a first-come, first-served basis for up Most bloom March–October. Master 717-566-4122, manada.org. Broad Run water monitoring to two weeks. Info/search engine: gardeners, educational exhibits and Learn about benthic macroinver- Wildlife Education Trunks. other pollinator resources will be on Merrimac Farm bird walks tebrates and how they interpret a hand to answer questions, help with The Prince William Conservation stream’s health, 10 a.m.–12.30 p.m. Stormwater class plant selection. Free. Contact Josh Alliance offers a monthly bird walk April 25 at Broad Run, a tributary to The Alliance for the Chesapeake Hastings at 443-234-5587, at 8 a.m. the last Sunday of every the Occoquan River. Park at Victory Bay’s Municipal Online Stormwater [email protected]. month (except December) at Merri- Elementary School in Bristow, VA. Training Center’s Dig Once Course mac Farm Wildlife Management Area Register/info: suggests how local leaders can Corsica watershed presentation in Nokesville, VA. Everyone is invited [email protected]. integrate green infrastructure into The Corsica River Conservancy to walk the uplands to the edge of community capital projects such as invites the public to a free commu- the floodplain, covering a variety of Catharpin Creek monitoring road construction, and school and nity meeting April 30 at the Centre habitats. Bring binoculars, camera. Help monitor water quality at park improvements. Interactive les- for the Arts in Centreville, MD. Local Info/registration (appreciated): 703- Catharpin Creek 12–2 p.m. April 26 sons, videos in a user-friendly format student projects will be on display 499-4954, [email protected], at James S. Long Park in Haymarket, give communities the tools to build, at 6:15 p.m. From 7–9 p.m., a panel pwconserve.org/events/index.html. VA. Learn about creatures unique to enhance local stormwater programs. of experts will present results from a this site. Park at Old Library parking Info: mostcenter.org. state-sponsored study on the impact Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum lot. Spots are limited. Register/Info: of more than a decade of conserva- Upcoming programs at the Chesa- [email protected] Events / Programs tion and restoration practices on peake Bay Maritime Museum in St. water quality in the Corsica and Michaels, MD, include: Youth Fishing Rodeos VA Youth Conservation Camp its tributaries. It will also report on ≈ Island Life: Changing Culture, The Maryland Department of Applications are available for the local water quality test results from Changing Shorelines: Through Aug. Natural Resources and its partners, 44th Conservation Camp July 12–18 2019. Other topics include the status 30. Chesapeake photographer Jay U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. Stu- of cooperative efforts to restore Fleming’s work reveals how envi- Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration dent enrolled in grades 9–12 during Conquest Preserve, future restoration ronmental changes affect cultures, Program, invite children, ages 3–15, the 2019–20 school year are eligible projects. Preregistration is requested: shorelines of inhabited & formerly to this year’s Youth Fishing Rodeos, to attend. The $550 fee covers www.corsicariverconservancy.org. inhabited offshore islands in the Bay. which introduce Maryland’s youth meals, lodging, activities, transporta- Info: corsicariverconservancy Included in admission. Info: cbmm. to the sport of fishing in a safe and tion while at camp. Students are @gmail.com. org, 410-745-2916. interactive environment. To ensure responsible for their transportation ≈ Lighthouse Overnight Adven- participants can reel in a catch, to and from camp. Applications, due Manada Conservancy tures: Select Fridays & Saturdays the department raises and supplies to the District by April 15, can be Upcoming events from Manada through June 27 & Sept. 4–Oct. 30. thousands of hybrid sunfish, channel dropped off or mailed to: PWSWCD Conservancy in Hummelstown, PA, Youth groups, under the guidance catfish and rainbow trout. The events Attn: Conservation Camp, 8850 include: of a museum educator, experience are free, but require preregistra- Rixlew Lane Manassas, VA 20109, or ≈ Earth Week Wildflower Walk: the rustic life of a lighthouse keeper tion. Upcoming rodeos, by county, emailed to [email protected]. 1 p.m. April 26. Guided walk on while spending the night in the his- include: Info: pwswcd.org, 571-379-7514. Horse-Shoe Trail along Manada toric 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse, ≈ Allegany / Dan’s Mountain: 8 Creek. (Directions provided upon located on CBMM’s 18-acre campus a.m. May 2. Info: Dan Lewis at 301- Pollinator festival, plant sale registration). Free. along the St. Michaels Harbor. 895-5453 The Lower Shore Land Trust’s ≈ 20th Annual Spring Native Plant Activities include the keeper’s tradi- ≈ Baltimore City / Patterson Park: Delmarva Pollinator Festival & 13th Sale: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. May 2. Boro tional duties, stories, games, puzzles. 10 a.m. May 9. Info: Bob Wall at Annual Native Plant Sale takes place (Schaffner) Park, in Hummelstown. Fee of $40 per person, (12-person 443-955-0484 9 a.m.–3 p.m. May 2 at Sturgis Park View the perennials, trees, shrubs for minimum, 18-person maximum, for ≈ Carroll / Krimgold Park: 8 a.m. in Snow Hill, MD. The free event sale, or shop online through April 15 both students and their chaperones) April 26. Info: Lisa Carroll at 410- celebrates pollinators and educates for pickup on May 2 at manada.org/ includes one overnight stay, dedi- 386-2103 the public on their vital importance. native-plants/spring-native-plant-sale. cated museum facilitator, activities, ≈ Cecil / Rising Sun Pond: 8 a.m. It include live music, food, children’s Also present: art & food vendors, two-day admission to CBMM, May 2. Info: Judy Melton at activities, a pollinator parade, craft children’s activities, live music, souvenir patch. Weekend groups vendors, regional organizations. The gardening-for-nature consultant. Free. may add a scenic river cruise aboard Bulletin continues on page 37 Bay Journal • April 2020 37

registration unless otherwise noted. unpaved, non-strenuous trail. Free. Payment is due at time of registra- ≈ Earth Day Scavenger Hunt: tion. Info: 410-612-1688, 410-879- Know Before You Go 10 a.m. –3 p.m. April 25. All ages. 2000 x1688, otterpointcreek.org. Bulletin Board includes the Follow clues on map on to learn most current information we had about caring for the Earth. Moder- Cromwell Valley Park when the Bay Journal went to the ately difficult (not stroller friendly) Upcoming programs at Cromwell printer. It is quite possible in these hike takes 60–90 minutes. Return Valley Park’s Willow Grove Nature uncertain times that events may to center for prize. Fee: $2. No Bulletin from page 36 Center in Parkville, MD, include: registration. have been canceled after that. Bookworm Story Time: 410-658-5353 ≈ Saturday Morning Bird Walks: ≈ May Please check with the contact 1. Toddlers to age 6. Nature story, ≈ Frederick / Fountain Rock Park: 8–10 a.m. through May 30. Meet at sign in Willow Grove Farm gravel given with each event to see that it activity. Dress for brief outdoor 9 a.m. April 25. Info: Wayne Lead- parking lot. Free. No registration. experience. Free. No registration. better at 240-600-4460 is still taking place before you head TALMAR Spring Plant Sale: ≈ Cane Pole Fishing: 10 a.m.–12 Frederick / Middletown Pond: ≈ out. Be safe. ≈ 8 a.m.–12 p.m. April 25, May 9. p.m. May 2 & 3. Ages 5+ Fish (catch 8 a.m. May 2. Info: Phil Kefauver at Use Sherwood Entrance. Purchase & release) for bluegill, largemouth 301-600 -1778 of spring vegetables, herbs supports bass. Pole, worms provided. Ages ≈ Harford / John Carroll School: mission to serve individuals with Irvine Nature Center 16+ must have valid MD fishing 11 a.m. April 25. Info: Bob Wall at Irvine Nature Center in Owings disabilities. Info for this event: talmar. Mills, MD, invites the public to: license. Everyone, including adult 443-955-0484 org. companion, must register Fee: $5. ≈ Montgomery / Steven Park ≈ Tales & Tails: 10–11 a.m. every ≈ Wild Edible Spring Greens: 1–3 Friday. All ages. Story, songs, puppet ≈ Homeschool Nature Days / Pond: 12 p.m. May 3. Info: Preston p.m. April 25. Ages 12+ Learn to Something’s Fishy! 10–11:30 a.m. or King at 301-370-9706 show, animal. Free. identify, harvest, prepare season’s ≈ Warbler Walks: 8–10 a.m. May 1–2:30 p.m. May 8, 15, 22 and 29. ≈ Washington / Sharpsburg: 7 Ages 6–13 (parents welcome; no earliest wild edibles. Fee: $5. 1, 8, 15 & 22. Adults. Free. a.m. May 2. Info: Darryl Benner at siblings). Learn about streams, Bay ≈ Canoe the Dundee: 10 a.m. Lunch & Learn / Pollination 301-991-2230 ≈ watershed. Fee: $20 (includes all 4 2 p.m. April 26. Meet at Marshy Game: 12–1:30 p.m. April 28. Adults. ≈ Washington / Boonsboro Pond: Point Nature Center in Baltimore. sessions). Master Gardener and naturalist, 7:30 a.m. May 2. Info: Kim Miller at Ages 8+ Explore marshes of ≈ Spring Family Camp Out: 6 p.m. Clare Walker, will discusses the 301-432-5141 Dundee Creek in Middle River, net May 8 to 9 a.m. May 9. All ages. ≈ Washington / Beaver Pond: 8 for wildlife. Participants get basic world of pollination. Stroll through Bring tent, camping gear, bag dinner. a.m. May 2. Info: Jeremiah Corbin at paddling instruction before launch. the Woodland Garden after lunch S’mores, light breakfast provided. 301-842-2110 Bring lunch. Shoes will get wet. (provided).Fee: $20. (Limited number of tents available for ≈ Washington / Willow Pond: 8:30 Fee: $10. ≈ Gettin’ Fishy With It! 9 a.m.–12 rent / $10.) Fee: $10. a.m. May 2. Info: Steven Younker at ≈ Primitive Technology Weekend: p.m. May 9. All ages, families. ≈ Native Plant Swap: 1–3 p.m. 240-291-2845 10 a.m.–4 p.m. May 2 & 10 a.m.–1 Learn about the underwater lives of May 9. Come to trade at Lake Pavil- ≈ Washington / Tonoloway Lake/ p.m. May 3. All ages. Meet at Willow trout! See baby pictures of Irvine’s ion. Identification resources will be Picnic Area: 8 a.m. May 9. Info: Grove Farm. Share knowledge, Rainbow Trout in the Classroom available. Free. No registration. Leroy Mann at 301-302-9112 acquire hands-on experience in rep- then view how large they’ve grown Events take place rain or shine. Ages licating items of stone, bone, wood, in their short time at Irvine. Make a 15 & younger must be with an adult. Anita Leight Estuary Center natural fibers. Free. No registration. fishy craft. If you like, join a Trout Donations welcome for free programs. Upcoming programs at the Anita ≈ Night Out with Nature / Be Part Unlimited volunteer to tag, release Programs require preregistration C. Leight Estuary Center in Abing- of the Solution with GVC: 7–9 p.m. these fingerlings into the stream at unless otherwise noted: 410-887-181, don, MD, include: May 8. Meet in Sherwood House. Morgan Run Environmental Area [email protected]. ≈ Bush River Photography Pon- Amy Young, Clear Creeks Project in Carroll County, then search for Programs are for individuals & immedi- toon: 10 a.m.–12 p.m. April 25. Ages Volunteer/Outreach Coordinator macroinvertebrates. Optional: Bring ate families. Groups must schedule 8+ Venture north on Bush River to & Charlie Conklin, Gunpowder bagged lunch for a picnic. Fee: $10. programs. For disability-related accom- photograph wildlife of Grays Run & Valley Conservancy vice president Info: Stephanie Holzman at 443- modations, call 410-887-1815, 401-887- Church Creek. Fee: $10. of outreach, will discuss the 738-9221, ExploreNature.org. 5370 or 410-887-5319 (TTD/Deaf). ≈ Earth Day 2020 Celebration: Gunpowder watershed, source of 11 a.m.–4 p.m. April 25. Aberdeen almost two-thirds of Baltimore’s Oregon Ridge Nature Center Eden Mill Nature Center (MD) Festival Park. All ages. Stop by drinking water. Learn how to join Upcoming events at the Oregon Eden Mill Nature Center Upcom- Estuary Center’s face-painting booth. the conservancy’s environmental Ridge Nature Center in Cockeysville, ing events at Eden Mill Nature Center Live music, native animals, exhibits, stewardship activities, such as tree MD, include: in Pylesville, MD, include: “green” games, recycled crafts, local planting and stream clean-ups. ≈ Shoots & Letters: 10–11 a.m. ≈ Preschool Nature Series: food. Free. Dessert included. Fee: $10. April 30 (Worms); May 7 (Pollina- 10–11:15 a.m. April 28. Ages 2–5 w/ ≈ The Snail Life: 2–3 p.m. April 25. ≈ Orioles - Neo-Tropical Migrants: tors) Ages 3+ Outdoor adventures, adult. Nature games & activities, Ages 3–6 w/adult. Learn what snails 11 a.m.–1 p.m. May 9. All ages. Bring activities. Fee: $2 per child. No story, hike (weather permitting). Fee: eat, where they live, how they move. binoculars and join a naturalist to registration. $11. Take home a snail habitat. Fee: $5/ spot a nest, listen for their songs, and ≈ Bird Walk: 8–9:30 a.m. May 8. ≈ Preschool Nature Series: child. find out where they’ve been. Fee: $4. Adults. Bring binoculars (or borrow 10–11:15 a.m. May 5, 19 & 26. Ages ≈ Wandering for Wildflowers: Ages 12 & younger must be pair from center). Free. 2–5 w/ adult. Nature activities, story, 3–4:30 p.m. April 25. All ages. Hike accompanied by an adult. Except ≈ Cub Club for Preschoolers hike (weather permitting). Fee: $11. on/off trail; discover plants’ survival where noted, programs are free, / Springtime at Oregon Ridge: ≈ Homeschool / Nature Storybook secrets. Fee: $2. require registration. Info: 410-887- 10–11:30 a.m. April 28, May 5 & Art: 12:45–2:45 p.m. May 6, 13, & ≈ Drop-in Tails & Tots: 2 p.m. 2503, cromwellvalleypark.org, 12. Ages 3–5 (nonmobile siblings 20. Ages 5–12 years. Learn about April 26. Ages 0–6 w/adult. Learn [email protected]. Online only, adult is an active participant). books, illustrators & art techniques: about nature through stories, songs, registration: cromwellvalleypark. Investigate plant or animal. Story, drawing, painting, collage, crafting/ movement. Free. campbrainregistration.com. For lesson, snack, activity. Fee: $20. constructing. Fee: $45. Except where noted otherwise, disability-related accommodations, ≈ Senior Stroll: 10:30 a.m. May 2 Except where noted, Preregistra- ages 12 & younger must be accom- call 410-887-5370 or 410-887-5319 & 16. Adults. Stroll on paved, 0.3-mile tion is required for each program: panied by an adult at all programs. (TTY/deaf), giving as much notice as Marble Quarry Loop. Later, take part in [email protected], Events meet at the center and require possible. a guided reflection activity and/or hike edenmill.org. 38 Bay Journal • April 2020 Revive Earth Day’s roots: Celebrate its 50th by planting a tree this year By Ryan Davis

As a 30-year-old, I cannot personally speak about the first Earth Day. But I do know that 50 years ago we had no U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, no Clean Water Act and appallingly inadequate proto-versions of the Endan- gered Species Act and Clean Air Act. Rivers were burning, DDT was sprayed from airplanes across the nation and people were faced with the reality that, while we only have one planet, the status quo would not allow us to survive on it for long. The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, was the turning point for envi- ronmental awareness. It was a clear indication of public demand for better stewardship, galvanizing the nation and its leaders to take action. The years that followed mark an era of bipartisan accomplishments for environmental stewardship. New point source pollu- tion standards and regulations were enforced, and mechanisms for reining in nonpoint source pollution set up our modern fight for the Chesapeake Bay. “Tree planting magic” in action: This large, energetic group of volunteers planted approximately 600 trees in just a few The environmental awakening that hours at a school in northern York County, PA, in the fall of 2019. (Ryan Davis) gave us Earth Day also marks a turn- ing point for the Bay. states) are making much more head- 24 straight hours. Our “50th Earth Day Several organizations emerged, way than others. And on both fronts, it 24-Hour Tree Planting Relay” — or focusing on its restoration (including hasn’t been enough. “Treelay” for short — will consist of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay). So what can conservation profes- six volunteer tree plantings running Their increased scrutiny revealed that sionals and concerned citizens do? We back-to-back, around the clock. the Bay was home to the first marine are taking restoration action and reach- Because of the current public health “dead zone” documented in the United ing out to the public to inspire them to risk of large gatherings, the Treelay States. A dead zone occurs when do the same. We are working hard to will now be held in autumn. We’ll take excess nutrient pollution feeds algae achieve top-down political change and extra care that the spirit of Earth Day blooms, which are decomposed by simultaneously bringing resources to is still there, strong as ever! oxygen-consuming bacteria and other landowners so that conservation can An estimated 20 million people As fun as the Treelay is going to be, organisms, resulting in very little dis- happen on the ground. participated in Earth Day in 1970. it will not be written about in 50 years solved oxygen to support aquatic life. If you’ve ever attended a volunteer At the time, the U.S. population was as the tipping point that led to the It still haunts us every summer, but the tree planting, you’ve almost certainly around 200 million, meaning that restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and shock in the late 1970s and early 1980s felt what I call “tree planting magic.” approximately 10% of our nation mitigation of global climate change. spurred action. Volunteers will trickle into the planting participated in the first Earth Day. If it If 10% is still the number to reach, The Chesapeake Bay Program, a site, usually a cold Saturday morning. feels like this was a watershed moment we will need 1.8 million residents of state-federal partnership, was soon They’re often quiet and timid at first. it’s because it was. Perhaps residents the watershed to take action in order created, and after a few decades of hard When they get started, the work goes and politicians responded to a whop- to spur the remainder to join. For the work by scientists, activists and restora- slowly. Many people have never planted ping 10% of Americans demonstrating United States to take adequate action tion professionals, the EPA intervened. a tree before, and it takes a few trees to for our planet by joining the effort on climate change, we will need 37.2 Using its authority granted in the Clean get the hang of it. Gradually, the pace themselves. million residents. That is a wildly lofty Water Act, the EPA in 2010 issued picks up and the number of trees left to While I may not be able to get 10% goal, but imagine if that many people a Total Maximum Daily Load — or be planted looks much more feasible. of Pennsylvanians to join me in plant- joined a tree planting someday. “pollution diet” — that sets allowable Some people talk, others sing and ing trees this spring, it may be possible It is our duty, as the conservation- limits for pollutants reaching the Bay. almost everyone smiles. The air is loud to get that many to hear about what minded community, to bring our fellow The clock was also set, with a 15-year with pounding hammers and laughter. we’re doing and resolve to join a tree Americans with us. We need to make deadline for all of the states that drain And suddenly, far earlier than expected, planting as soon as they can. participation accessible by everyone, into the Bay to take the needed actions there are no more trees to plant. The In an attempt to tackle this huge everywhere. Not only because the to meet their pollution limits. muddy group will, one by one, turn task, the Alliance for the Chesapeake environment belongs to us all, but With five years left before the EPA’s around and marvel at the new forest Bay is going big for our celebration because we will need the participation deadline, I see stark parallels between that they helped to plant. Each volunteer of the 50th Earth Day. A regular tree of as many people as possible if we are the Chesapeake cleanup effort and leaves the site with a stronger steward- planting, even a huge one, won’t quite to have hope for the future. global climate change action. On both ship ethic than when they arrived. do. We need a planting that is so much And what better way to energize fronts, brilliant people have been doing The tens of thousands of residents fun, so novel, so absurd, that people your community than to commemorate their best for decades. On both fronts, who volunteer to plant trees each season will pay attention and want to plant the 50th anniversary of Earth Day? a majority of the public is in favor of are energized, empowered and eager trees themselves. Ryan Davis is the program manager dramatic action. On both fronts, some for the next planting. So my question is: What we came up with certainly is for the Alliance for the Chesapeake nations (or, in the case of the Bay, What if everyone planted a tree? absurd: We’re going to plant trees for Bay’s Chesapeake Forests Program. Bay Journal • April 2020 39 Canada warbler goes the distance in its journey of life By Mike Burke a row. Some have even reused their It was April 2015. Somewhere old nest sites. It on the eastern slope of the northern may be thousands Andes, a tiny wood warbler was of miles from the feasting on insects and spiders rich in warbler’s winter protein and fat. An instinctive drive home, but nest site was demanding an arduous 3,000-mile fidelity suggests trek north. The little bird would need that Canada all of those calories for its epic journey. warblers are as A month later, after several days of attached to their rain, the weather in Maryland turned summer homes as bright, sunny and warm. My wife they are to their and I were seized by a powerful case winter ones. How of spring fever. We simply had to get they find that natal outside. area is a wonder of The little bird had followed its own avian memory and irresistible urge up through Central navigation. America and Mexico and continued Although the through an expanding swath of the population of eastern United States, including the these warblers Chesapeake watershed. is rather large, Our paths crossed that May there has been a morning along Indian Creek in the precipitous drop Lake Artemesia natural area in Prince in its abundance George’s County, MD. We saw the bird over the last several streamside, actively capturing flying decades. Canada insects, which would power its flight warbler numbers even farther north. are down 60 The Canada warbler (Cardellina percent since canadensis) was at eye level, and we 1970, and the could see the bright yellow underside trend may be (from chin to belly) with the diagnostic accelerating. This is black necklace across its breast. primarily due to the The necklace, composed of black loss of appropriate streaks ringing the top of the breast, habitat. The was the key field mark, and it was massive die-off of unmistakable. insects throughout The bird’s face included a broad the Western bill, yellow spectacles, thin white May is the prime time to see Canada warblers in the Chesapeake region. (Mike Burke) Hemisphere and eye-rings, a black forehead and black global climate wedgelike sideburns. Up top, the bird typical of stopover landscapes: cool, change may also figure in the decline. was a solid dark gray with a hint of damp woods hugging a stream. Within a day or so, the warbler we blue. Canada warblers use a variety of were watching would be gone. With There were no wing bars or tail hunting techniques, from flycatching luck, we would see one of his brethren markings. The stark contrast in feather to hovering, from methodically during the fall migration in September. colors indicated this was a male. gleaning low branches to searching It seems remarkable, but the long- Females tend to be paler overall. leaf litter. distant migrant is merely following In the Chesapeake, May is prime In the fall especially, Canada the best path for its reproductive time to view wood warblers, that warblers may expand their diet to success. That path might involve delightful set of birds known for their include fruits. They are very active huge distances, but somewhere is the bubbling songs and flashes of bright feeders, often with tails cocked and perfect combination of food supply, colors. We call them neotropical wings flicking. temperature, nesting material and migrants, birds of the “New World” These warblers build nests on protection from predators, as well as (neo) that come to us from the the ground, in low branches or even other ecological factors that are the geographic region we call the Tropics. upturned tree roots. Females shape ideal fit for the species. It has taken Few migrate as far as the Canada crude cup nests and line them with centuries to develop this formula, and warbler. It winters in northeastern last migrants heading north and one deer or rabbit fur. They lay one egg it is both amazing and complex. South America, residing along the of the first to return south. Although a day for five or six days in a row. Spring is upon us. A universal leeward side of the Andean Range. they leave their winter territory in After the last laid egg, mom settles in biological clock ticks. We humans are Summer breeding territory in early April, it takes them until May to incubate the clutch. Ten or 12 days pushed outdoors. North America includes the sub- to reach Maryland. They arrive on later, the eggs hatch — more or less all Millions of birds heed the call boreal Canadian forests from Alberta their breeding grounds in Canada in at once. of the seasons in their own way. to the Maritime Provinces. In the June and start heading south again in Although they are born featherless Miraculously, both warbler and birder United States, the bird breeds in New August. and helpless, they develop rapidly. find themselves inexorably drawn to England, the Great Lakes region and Breeding territory is usually Chicks take just eight days before they the woods. When paths cross, it is a along the upper elevations of the characterized by forested wetlands leave the nest. joy not to be missed. Appalachian ridge. with dense, mossy understories. Banded birds have returned to the Mike Burke, an amateur naturalist, Canada warblers are one of the Our spot along Indian Creek was same nesting area for several years in lives in Mitchellville, MD. 40 Bay Journal • April 2020 Forests’ hidden wetlands work for wildlife, water quality By Kathy Reshetiloff flooding. And, as is the case in Diversity is the spice of life. coastal marshes, Nowhere is this more apparent than floodwaters are where land and water meet. The blend- slowly released, ing of terrestrial and aquatic environ- suspended ments creates a wetland, an ecosystem sediments and that often supports more life than pollutants are either the land or water alone. intercepted and When they hear the term “wetlands,” trapped, which many people in our region only envision cleanses the the marshes found mainly along the water before it shore of the Chesapeake Bay and tidal returns to local portions of rivers. They are aware that streams or the these areas are extremely valuable as water table. spawning and nursery grounds for fish, Forested blue crabs and other Bay aquatic life. wetlands literally These marshes are also important to breathe life into wintering waterfowl. Colonial water- the Chesapeake birds, shore birds and some waterfowl Bay ecosystem, feed and nest in coastal marshes in the supporting a spring and summer. huge diversity of The meandering flow of water plants from tiny provides opportunities for boating, mosses to huge fishing, crabbing and bird watching. trees. Low-lying marshes also store A multitude of floodwater, minimizing erosion. This animals use these water is cleansed while it is slowly areas for mating, released: Some nutrients are processed This lush forested wetland in Virginia is home to many types of wildlife. Wetlands like this also improve spawning, nest- by vegetation, and pollutants and sedi- water quality by storing excess rainwater and slowly releasing it over time. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) ing and rearing ments are intercepted and trapped. their young. The forested wetland, meanwhile, is their tracks, black bear, white-tailed Forested wetlands not only help just as valuable but often overlooked. deer, raccoon, beaver, opossum and protect our property but also clean our Many forested wetlands have stand- river otter are just a few of the larger waterways. ing water on a seasonal or temporary mammals who call these forested These often overlooked underap- basis. They provide the same benefits wetlands home. preciated swampy lands preserve the as marshes even if it is not as apparent. Just like marshes, forested wetlands biodiversity and healthy functioning of As with all wetlands, the hydrology — are great places to hunt, fish, watch our planet. or the movement of water — drives wildlife and explore. Expansive flood- Kathy Reshetiloff is with the U.S. the forested wetland ecosystem. The plains temporarily store water from Fish and Wildlife Service’s Chesa- hydrologic cycle has a wet and a dry shrubs. The forest floor explodes with excessive rains, reducing the threat of peake Bay Field Office in Annapolis. phase that is affected by local weather, a wide variety of flowering plants, climate and human activities. ferns and vines. From early summer to late fall, Spring moisture and warming precipitation in the Bay watershed temperatures promote a literal becomes less frequent. Vegetation, rebirth for some species. Small particularly trees, uses large amounts saturated areas and temporary of water to grow. As a result, the pools are critical for amphibians groundwater in forested wetlands may that gather in them to mate and drop to a foot or more below the sur- lay eggs. These pools are critical face. This is the dry phase and a casual nurseries for species like green observer would scarcely recognize the frogs, wood frogs, spring peepers, habitat as a wetland. red-spotted newts and spotted The wet phase begins in late fall salamanders to name just a few. through spring. Nourished by thaws, Bird watchers appreciate the spring rains and dormant vegetation, importance of forested wetlands, groundwater levels rise, often cover- which provide breeding and nest- ing the surface of the wetland. The ing habitat to both migratory and wetland habitat is strikingly apparent. resident birds. Common yellow This alternating dry/wet cycle influ- throat, black-and-white warbler, ences the diversity of plant life which, Kentucky warbler, oven birds, in turn, influences the types of wildlife tufted titmouse and wood thrush found here. are a few of the birds whose songs Many trees thrive in forested can be heard here. wetlands, including red maple, sweet Dead trees, known as snags, are gum, black gum, American holly, prime sites for cavity-nesting birds willow oak and loblolly pine. High- like wood ducks, many species of bush blueberry, spicebush and sweet woodpeckers and owls. Temporary, springtime pools in forests are critical breeding and nursery sites for a pepperbush are some of the common Although you may only spy number of amphibians, including the spotted salamander. (Evan H. C. Grant)