This Week in the Watershed: A Little Spark

When Robert Dean was planning the first Clean the Bay Day 29 years ago, his greatest worry was getting enough volunteers to leave the comfort of their homes on a Saturday morning to get dirty and tired picking up trash. But he underestimated the love Virginians have for their waterways.

As we approach the 30th anniversary of Clean the Bay Day, Robert and the other founders gathered on Tuesday to reminisce, pick up trash, and encourage others to join them on June 2. Reflecting on their legacy, Robert commented how it's remarkable a little spark of an idea grew into a full-fledged bonfire.

And the fire is still raging. There's still time to join thousands of other Virginians to clean the Old Dominion's rivers and streams. With hundreds of sites throughout the Commonwealth, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Find a site near you and register here!

For more on the origins of Clean the Bay Day, check out this Facebook Live of Robert talking with Tanner Council, CBF's Hampton Roads Grassroots Manager.

This Week in the Watershed: Picking Up Trash, Learning Outside, and Pipeline Permits

• There is some confusion over whether a court ruling voiding a necessary permit will stop the construction of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline in its tracks. (Richmond Times-Dispatch—VA) BONUS: Sign our petition and add your name to hundreds of other Virginians urging the State Water Control Board to hold the construction of the pipeline to the strictest environmental standards!
• The founders of Clean the Bay Day gathered to promote the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Virginia cleanup event. (Virginian Pilot—VA) BONUS: Register here!
• A large group of Pennsylvania seventh graders learned outside, studying water quality and planting trees. (PA Environment Digest)
• CBF is looking for volunteers throughout Virginia to pick up trash as part of the 30th annual Clean the Bay Day. (Alexandria News—VA) BONUS: Register here!
• We must fight to protect Virginia's rivers and streams from the construction of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, writes CBF's Virginia Executive Director Rebecca Tomazin. (Free Lance Star—VA)
• A community in southern Maryland is rallying behind efforts to restore the native oyster population in Breton Bay. (Bay Journal)

What's Happening Around the Watershed?

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!

July 7

• Easton, MD: Come on out to the final event in the Clean Water Concert Series featuring the XPDs, playing Motown, R&B, and your favorite pop hits. All concerts are free and open to the public. Learn more here!