May 1, 2007
WADE-IN FESTIVAL CELEBRATES THE MAGNIFICENCE OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY
Come play by the bay during the Annual Wade-In Festival on Saturday, June 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center in Grasonville, minutes from the Bay Bridge. Admission to this 610 acre waterfront campus, along with all activities, is free, thanks to support from local businesses.
EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Bring your family and enjoy kayaking, bird walks, trail hikes, picnicking under the big tent, live bluegrass by the Bay Country Gentlemen, bay-related art exhibits, wildlife photography sessions, and a variety of children’s programs—all free.
Guided canoe and kayak excursions help visitors wander the wondrous wetlands along Marshy Creek.
Over 200 species of migratory birds stop here annually to enjoy the native habitats—the forests and meadows are alive with birdsong, come enjoy a bird hike!
Amateur and professional photographers have the opportunity to shoot owls, hawks and eagles up close, during a wildlife photography session.
The little ones can tong for oysters at Oyster Recovery Partnership's Lil' Nipper, discover the Great Horned Owl, seine for species and learn to navigate a remotely operated vehicle using satellite technology!
Visitors are invited to bring picnic baskets and enjoy dining under the big tent by Lake Knapp, or indulge in fresh-off-the-grill hot dogs from our hot dog stand, while enjoying the rhythmy blues of the Bay Country Gentlemen.
OPEN YOUR EYES TO BAY HEALTH
Numerous bay-related exhibits help visitors discover the environmental benefits of gardening with native plants, oyster gardening, bay-friendly erosion control, lawn care, septic care, recycling and more.
Tributary team members will be on hand to answer your questions about the health of your nearest river or stream. Residents learn to advance bay health as they discover that a few minor lifestyle changes—like not over-fertilizing, using the appropriate amount of laundry detergents, recycling, carpooling, and picking up behind your pet—can improve environmental health now and for future generations.
WADE INTO THE BAY
Mid-day, visitors, together with local representatives, join hands to wade into the bay until they can no longer see their feet—a symbolic measurement of water quality, as clear water is clean water. Maryland Tributary Team members will share data on water quality.
SPONSORS
The event is absolutely free, thanks to support from local businesses, working to unite the community in bay restoration. Special thanks to our title sponsors, Atlantic Broadband and What’s Up Eastern Shore Magazine, and our contributing sponsors, the Queenstown Bank, The Centreville National Bank and WCEI radio 96.7 fm.
WCEI radio will broadcast live from the campus for two hours during the event, so if you can’t make it, tune in to hear bay restoration tips.
The event is organized by Maryland’s Upper Eastern Shore Tributary Team and the Wildfowl Trust of North America, Inc., working together to advance environmental health. Coolers are allowed, but no dogs. For more information, call 410-827-6694 or visit online at BayRestoration.org.