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Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Saving a National Treasure
A white egret wades through a wetland in front of a wooden dock.

SAVE THE BAY

CBF's Weekly Newsletter

Special Series

Dear Friend of the Bay,

This week’s rains have brought about a burst of blooming tulips and dogwoods in my neighborhood—a welcome sight in the midst of so much unease in the world. And while my neighbors’ faces are now mostly covered by masks or bandanas, I can tell (or at least I hope), that they too are feeling this optimistic burst of life.

This week we’ve been embracing spring—and everything this season of rebirth represents. Before the stay-at-home mandates, we visited with John Page Williams, a familiar, comforting face (and voice) to many. This long-standing friend of the Bay and former senior naturalist at CBF talked with us from his new home along the James River about the Bay coming back to life this time of year as well as the return of the osprey. Take a look at these and other stories on our new Bringing the Bay Home webpage.

In the third set of prompts in our Nature Journaling series, we challenged students to document springtime observations in their own backyard: What do they see, hear, smell, taste? Meanwhile, our educators have been hard at work crafting investigations and videos to help keep students engaged and learning at home. We’ve loved hearing from many of you who are already using these lessons, including a middle school teacher all the way out in Oregon! Stay tuned for more.

Thank you for standing with us in these difficult times, now and always. And please enjoy this week’s Bay stories and resources while you’re soaking in that late afternoon sun that stretches out a bit longer each day now. Be safe, healthy, and well.

—Emmy Nicklin, Director of Digital Communications

P.S. If you haven’t already, be sure to vote for your favorite photo in our annual Save the Bay Photo Contest! Viewers’ Choice voting ends next week.

Bringing the Bay Home

Uplifting and educational Bay stories, inspirational videos, and more to bring the Bay home to you and your loved ones.

A female and male osprey sit on a nest of sticks. Dave Gelenter/CBF Staff

Ask an Expert: Why Do Ospreys Come to the Bay?

In the next episode of our weekly Ask an Expert video series, CBF’s retired Senior Naturalist John Page Williams discusses ospreys—quintessential Chesapeake birds and unofficial symbols of spring’s return. Why do ospreys return to the Bay and its rivers every spring? How do they expertly use aerodynamics to fish? Take a look and find out!

An oyster farmer sorts oysters by hand. Greg Khan

Oyster Farming on the Bay

In our latest webinar, we explore the world of oyster farming—what it is, its benefits to our region, and CBF’s recently commissioned report on the industry in Maryland. Featured guests include CBF’s Maryland Fisheries Scientist Allison Colden, Virginia Tech Economist Jonathan van Senten, and Orchard Point Oyster Company co-owner Scott Budden. Watch the recording now, and stay tuned for more virtual events coming your way.

A hand holds a dozen mussels. Rachel A. Freedman

The World Is Awake Again

Wondering what's happening around the watershed while we're staying home? Wonder no more! Wildflowers are blooming, migratory songbirds are back, and the tidal creeks are full of perch and herring. It’s springtime in the Bay watershed. The legendary John Page Williams joins us for another special video this week to show us how the watershed is waking up this time of year.

Learn Outside, Learn at Home

Our new initiative to provide students, teachers, and parents with valuable, curriculum-based resources to connect with the Bay and its rivers while at home.

Liz Yocom kneels along a stream. Liz Yocom

Riparian Buffers and Clean Water

Join CBF Field Educator Liz Yocom as she shows us how riparian buffers can improve stream health and the health of waters downstream. She also identifies several important macroinvertebrates that can be found in streams. After watching, dive deeper with our hands-on investigation exploring the importance of buffers.

A bee crawls along the stem of a plant. Nathan Hesse

Understanding Water Runoff

Join CBF Educator Nathan Hesse as he examines different gray and green filters that make up our landscapes and how they affect water quality. After watching, check out the two investigations we’ve crafted to better understand polluted runoff and the value of green filters. Keep an eye on our Student Investigations and Activities page for more fun learning opportunities.

A bee crawls along the stem of a plant. Jared Planz/CBF Staff

Nature Journaling: Tune in to April

The first full month of spring, April is when our world reawakens from its winter slumber. It's a time of rapid rebirth and growth. The days grow longer and the nights get shorter. What springtime changes can you document in your part of the watershed? Take a look at our latest set of nature journal prompts perfect for students stuck at home or teachers conducting virtual lessons.

What You Can Do

  • Get out your crayons or colored pencils! We now have Chesapeake Bay coloring pages (for kids and adults) courtesy of local artist David Scheirer.
  • Cast your vote for who should win the Viewers' Choice award in our annual Save the Bay Photo Contest.
  • Explore our new Bringing the Bay Home webpage featuring inspirational stories and activities to enjoy at home, from weekly virtual events to videos to blogs.
  • Were you forwarded this email? Like what you see? Sign up for our weekly Save the Bay e-newsletter—a roundup of uplifting Bay stories, inspirational videos, helpful teaching resources, and much more.
  • Help us continue to bring the Bay to you at home each week. Give today!

Donate

Don’t itemize? No worries. Your contribution to CBF is now “above the line” tax-deductible up to $300, thanks to the COVID-19 Relief Bill. Consult your tax advisor for more details.

Header Image: Miles Wong
Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Saving a National Treasure

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