Have you ever wondered how protected land comes to be protected? In many cases, landowners choose to sell conservation easements through organizations like Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC). Landowners continue to own their lands, but those lands are then protected from further development. By working to secure easements that connect to one another, conservancies also […]
When you sit down to enjoy a fresh Eastern oyster, do you think about where it came from? Many of us are familiar with the challenges of regenerating oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay, so should we feel guilty about eating these precious commodities? The answer to that question is no, according Stephan Abel, president […]
Meet Chris Hopkinson, founder of Bay Paddle, an epic 45-mile, two-day staged paddle race. All of the proceeds from the event go to protect and conserve the incredible natural treasure that is the Chesapeake Bay. Hopkinson’s love of the Bay began six or seven years ago when he received a paddle board for his birthday. […]
You might not associate the phrase “advanced geospatial analysis” with conservation, but the Chesapeake Conservancy is out to change that. In fact, if you want to geek out on high-tech conservation, the Conservancy’s artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced datasets may be right up your alley. Based in Annapolis, MD, the Chesapeake Conservancy is a group […]
The Beach to Bay Heritage Area is one of 13 Maryland-certified heritage areas. Located on the state’s lower Eastern Shore, it extends from Smith Island in the Chesapeake Bay to Assateague Island along the Atlantic Coast and from the Nanticoke River to the Pocomoke River. It’s a place of incomparable shorescapes, storied spiritual history, and […]
If you’ve ever stood at the edge of the ocean and stared out into the waves, you know the beauty, tranquility, and healing power of water. Our bodies are 97% water, so it’s no surprise the Earth’s waters call to us. This is the Live Water Foundation’s mission: to bring the healing power of water […]
When we think about wetlands, we think about the native grasses and wildlife that exist in the coastal areas around our waterways. What we don’t often think about is how these ecosystems function and how they benefit our waterways, wildlife, and our quality of life. When our wetlands thrive, they improve water quality by filtering […]
Most of us learn from an early age about the dangers cigarettes pose to our health. But how many of us learn about the dangers they pose to the environment? For most of us, it never enters our minds. But consider these numbers: 25 million pounds of pesticides are used on tobacco crops each year. […]
“Is it safe to swim in the river?” This is one of the most common questions ShoreRivers hears from community members. It’s an understandable concern. Contact with bacteria- or toxin-laden water can result in eye, ear, and respiratory diseases, skin rashes, gastrointestinal issues, and even brain or liver damage. No one wants to get sick […]
If you spend any time working with the Anacostia Watershed Society, you will come to appreciate the humble mussel. Thanks to these filter feeders, the water of the Anacostia River is growing cleaner by the day. Today, the Anacostia River meets standards for swimming 60% to 70% of the time. “Our goal is to restore […]
