Spots still available in Ocean City Summer Camp!
There are still a few spots available in our 2020 summer camp! This week-long camp, run in conjunction with OC Recreation and Parks Dept., is a hands-on, experiential nature camp that dives into the wonders of our Coastal Bays watershed. Please check out
https://camps.oceancitymd.gov/estuary-explorers-camp/
for more information on the camps and how to register.
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Ocean Pines Bay Day
Due to the current COVID climate, MCBP and Ocean Pines have decided to officially cancel Bay Day for 2020. Keeping our communities safe is our top priority, so despite this being a hard decision, we know it is the right one. On the flip side, we are thrilled to announce the 2021 Bay Day date!! Mark your calendars for May 16th, 2021! We look forward to delivering a fun-filled, impactful Bay Day next year.
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MCBP Partners with the OC Bay Hopper!
MCBP and the OC Bay Hopper are partnering to lead three bay cruises this summer. Join us as you learn about our Coastal Bays and their natural resources. Dates are available on July 9th, July 30th, and August 27th. Click
here for more information or to book a trip! Also, 50% of the proceeds will go to MCBP!
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Coastal Resiliency - A Word from Our Director
Resiliency is a word we hear a lot these days. But what does it mean and what does it look like here along the mid-Atlantic coast? Particularly in the context of rising seas and increased tropical storms.
Those of us who have chosen to live here on the shore, are generally aware of how vulnerable we are living just a few feet above sea level. Nor'easters can bring in higher than normal tides which flood our roads, our yards, and sometimes our homes. Storm waves which erode shorelines and make us even more vulnerable to the wrath of storms and tides. Summer rains which can produce inches of rainfall in an hour or two (sometimes called microbursts). All these events highlight how vulnerable we can be to the whims of Mother Nature.
Resilience is a way to address these issues. At Maryland's Coastal Bays Program, when we talk about resilience, we are generally referring to the ability of natural systems to rebound or heal from injurious events and continue to function as protection against storm surges and heavy rainfall.
In its simplest form, resilience is simply the ability to bend and not break. Like a blade of grass, bending in the breeze. But even more so, resiliency can mean the flexibility to endure some kind of injury but recover and heal over time. Maybe even get better.
Continue reading
here on our website.
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MCBP welcomes Collin Ludwig and Will Fox as our summer interns!
My name is Collin Ludwig and I am a summer science intern here at the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. I am originally from Mount Airy, Maryland and I am going to be a senior at Salisbury University this fall. I am an environmental studies major with a minor in urban and regional planning and I hope to work in the environmental field after I graduate working with conservation and restoration, which I am getting experience with here at the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. I am really excited to have this opportunity to work with such a committed organization!
Will is currently a senior at Towson University pursuing a degree in environmental science with a minor in biology. During his time at Towson, he interned with the University of Miami's Shark Research Program. He also helped start We Are Water Collective, a 501(c) non-profit that's mission is to connect people to the environment through art, activism, and awareness. In the past, he has volunteered with Maryland's DNR Coastal Fisheries Program. Will plans on applying to graduate school after Towson to pursue a masters in marine conservation.
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Open for Business... with some changes.
Assateague Outfitters, MCBP's largest fundraising initiative, is now open for business at the Assateague National Seashore. As with all businesses, we have been faced with many challenges and are working to the best of our ability. Visitor and staff safety is of the upmost importance to all parties involved. Tours are limited, equipment and surfaces are continually being sanitized, and customers are constantly reminded to keep safe distances. Due to the size of the concession buildings, there is no public access; therefore, and very patient staff work through windows and protective shields to provide the best possible service. Last year we experienced a banner year, this year we are already down 47% in gross sales but hope the next eight weeks will change that statistic.
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Small Scale, Large Impact
Throughout the last week of June, local photographer Sarah Murray (
Sarah Murray Photography) went to all of the spotlighted Living Local farms to capture some beautiful socially distanced photos! Sarah is an incredibly talented photographer who captured some absolutely amazing images at each farm. Stay tuned for the next steps in the Living Local initiative!!
When you chose to buy local, you are supporting committed and passionate farmers like the
ones we have featured throughout Living Local. We invite you all to actively engage with the farmers of our community in order to learn how our food is grown, where it comes from, and support those who want the best for our community. We encourage you to learn more about these small-scale farms by reading their spotlights at https://mdcoastalbays.org/living-local.
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