This Week in the Watershed: Threats and Resilience

Like the victim of Chinese water torture, the Chesapeake Bay seems afflicted by a constant stream of assaults, most of them man-made.

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, the construction of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline threatens to seriously damage local waterways, causing irreparable harm. Current construction plans will cut a wide path of destruction, disturbing more than 9,000 acres and crossing more than 1,000 streams. This will clear acres of mature forests, destabilize stream banks, and warm stream waters. With much of the pipeline route traversing rugged terrain and steep slopes, massive trenching and in-stream blasting will increase sediment and nutrient pollution in local waterways and the Bay.

Further north in Maryland's Severn River, a major mahogany tide threatens local water quality and the critters that call the river home. While mahogany tides occur naturally, the size and severity of this bloom points to excess nutrients in the water from agricultural and urban and suburban runoff.

Nature is resilient. To a point. Just this week, a survey of the Bay's blue crab population found it relatively healthy and stable, despite a harsh winter. But when facing bulldozers and an onslaught of polluted runoff, local water quality inevitably suffers.

We can't sit on the sidelines and allow these threats to come to fruition. Virginians can join us in urging the State Water Control Board to hold the construction of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to the strictest environmental standards. And throughout the watershed, we can all take steps to alleviate polluted runoff in our communities.

While the threats to clean water are constant, so too are those who will rise to defend it. Join us in saving the Bay!

This Week in the Watershed: Menhaden Matters, Mahogany Madness, and Resilient Crabs

• Virginians in the Hampton Roads region have the opportunity to grow oysters in their backyard as part of CBF's oyster gardening program. (Chesapeake Bay Magazine) BONUS: Register here!
• Good news for Maryland's crab fishery, as a survey found the population size healthy, despite a harsh winter. (Daily Times—MD) BONUS: CBF Statement
• A large mahogany tide appeared in Maryland's Severn River, influencing water quality. (Capital Gazette—MD) BONUS: CBF Blog
• A crab crisis is ensuing on Maryland's Eastern Shore as new immigration policies are hamstringing operations. (Washington Post)
• Trees play a critical role in restoring the Keystone State's rivers and streams, writes CBF's Pennsylvania Executive Director Harry Campbell. (Scranton Times Tribune—PA)
• The Chester River on Maryland's Eastern Shore received a grade of C+ by the ShoreRivers, the local riverkeeper organization. (Chestertown Spy—MD)
• The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission warned Virginia for failing to comply with a new limit on menhaden harvest. Pending enforcement actions could include a moratorium on menhaden fishing in Virginia waters. (Free Lance Star—VA)
• Fones Cliffs, a treasured and historic site along Virginia's Rappahannock River, is facing an imminent threat. (Bay Journal)

What's Happening Around the Watershed?

May 16

• Virginia Beach, VA: Join us for a boat trip on the Lynnhaven River. Examine what is living in this diverse and dynamic part of the Chesapeake Bay, and learn about the recovery of the oyster population in the Lynnhaven. Register here!
• Annapolis, MD: Come on board for a sail on our historic skipjack the Stanley Norman. While aboard, you'll be invited to help hoist the sails or simply enjoy the view! You will leave with a better understanding of oysters and their role in keeping the Bay clean as well as what CBF is doing to restore the oyster stocks to save the Bay. Register here!

May 19

• Annapolis, MD: Come on board for a sail on our historic skipjack the Stanley Norman. While aboard, you'll be invited to help hoist the sails or simply enjoy the view! You will leave with a better understanding of oysters and their role in keeping the Bay clean as well as what CBF is doing to restore the oyster stocks to save the Bay. Register here!

May 30

• Annapolis, MD: Come on board for a sail on our historic skipjack the Stanley Norman. While aboard, you'll be invited to help hoist the sails or simply enjoy the view! You will leave with a better understanding of oysters and their role in keeping the Bay clean as well as what CBF is doing to restore the oyster stocks to save the Bay. Register here!

May 31

• Easton, MD: Join us for a screening of High Tide in Dorchester, a film which explores the impacts of climate change on our coastal communities. A cash bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres are available and the filmmaker will speak following the screening. Learn more and register!

June 2

• Throughout Virginia: Join us for the 30th annual Clean the Bay Day! One of the largest volunteer efforts in Virginia, roughly 6,000 volunteers each year remove more than 100,000 pounds of harmful debris from Virginia's waterways and shorelines. With sites all across the Commonwealth, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Learn more and register!
• Annapolis, MD: Join us out on the water for a morning of fishing, learning, and fun! Spend the morning aboard the Marguerite in search of whatever is biting! Our experienced crew will provide all the knowledge and equipment necessary—just bring your enthusiasm! Register here!
• Annapolis, MD: Come on board for a sail on our historic skipjack the Stanley Norman. While aboard, you'll be invited to help hoist the sails or simply enjoy the view! You will leave with a better understanding of oysters and their role in keeping the Bay clean as well as what CBF is doing to restore the oyster stocks to save the Bay. Register here!
• Columbia, PA: High school students from across the Keystone State team up in pairs of two to test their canoeing skills against other high school teams. This year's event will be part of the Riverlands Trail Festival and Lancaster Water Week. In addition to the canoeing competition, there will be educational exhibits, live music, and an awards ceremony. Register here!

June 7

• Easton, MD: Come on out to the Chesapeake Book Club to dive into local author Kate Livie's book Chesapeake Oysters: The Bay's Foundation and Future. The event is free and open to the public but registration is required. Register now!

June 9

• Annapolis, MD: Join us for a party with a purpose at the 13th annual Bands in the Sand! Enjoy amazing live music, cool drinks, and awesome grilled food on the water's edge. Buy your tickets now!

June 12

• Hopewell, VA: Join us for the first of three Gardening for Life Workshops. This workshop will focus on unlocking the secret of soils, with featured speaker Dr. Leonard Githinji, Virginia Cooperative Extension Specialist, Sustainable & Urban Agriculture. Register here!

June 16

• Talbot County, MD: Hit the water and join us for a paddle on Harris Creek. Witness the abundant wildlife and beautiful expanses of tidal marsh and learn about the site of the largest oyster restoration project in the United States. Register here!
• Easton, MD: Come on out to the first event in the Clean Water Concert Series featuring the U.S. Navy Band Country Current. All concerts are free and open to the public. Learn more here!

June 20

• Hopewell, VA: Join us for the second of three Gardening for Life Workshops. This workshop will focus on gardening in small spaces, learning how to make the most of your space when gardening. Register here!

June 23

• Easton, MD: Come on out to the second event in the Clean Water Concert Series featuring Cantare, music from Central and South America. All concerts are free and open to the public. Learn more here!

June 26

• Virginia Beach, VA: Join us to explore the fascinating history and origins of America that happened on and around the Chesapeake Bay as part of the second installment of the Brock Environmental Center Learning Series. Register here!
• Hopewell, VA: Join us for the third of three Gardening for Life Workshops. This workshop will teach you how to create a fruit orchard in your own backyard. Register here!