Legacy Institute for the Environment (LIFE)

Nature’s Toolbox: The Hammer and Chisel

November 6, 2025, 1 to 3 pm

Did you know a Pileated Woodpecker’s tongue stretches up to 4 inches, wraps all the way around its brain when not in use and anchors near its right nostril? Wild, right? And here’s the twist—despite that impressive setup, it actually has the shortest tongue in its woodpecker family!

Join naturalist Judy Wink for a lively presentation diving into the fascinating world of our local woodpeckers—their quirky behaviors, how to identify them and surprising facts that’ll leave you wide-eyed. Afterward, we’ll head outdoors for a relaxed half-hour walk to explore woodpecker homes and feeding spots in the field. This is a fun indoor/outdoor event, so dress for the weather and get ready to discover the hidden lives of these incredible birds!

SHELL, Yeah! Turtles and Terrapins Are Awesome

July 1, 2025

If you see a turtle on top of a fence post … you know it needed help (a famous quote by Unknown). We won’t see one atop a fence post, unless we stage it, but we will search for and find some turtles in CBEC’s swale habitats. Join Judy Wink for a humorous take on CBEC’s turtle and terrapin population, and gain a little knowledge of these herps on the side.

Judy will discuss CBEC’s turtles and terrapins and where to find them on the property, then go afield for a “look see.” This adventure will include how to handle a turtle safely—for your sake and the turtle’s. We will start with lunch (please bring it) and a short indoor presentation, then head outdoors for our turtle hunt. (Wear closed-toe shoes—the ground may be a little mushy).

CBEC’s Aquatic Life, Part 1: Crabs, Fish, SAV and Other Surprises

August 20, 2025

Come explore CBEC’s aquatic life with fish biologist Rudy Lukacovic. He’ll be joined by additional guest speakers as we learn about all the animals and plants that inhabit CBEC’s brackish waters.

Rudy will talk about his favorite fish, and we’ll learn about crabs and the submerged aquatic vegetation that thrives in a healthy Bay environment. After lunch, we’ll trek down to CBEC’s beach and, using dip nets and seine nets, discover all kinds of aquatic life. Every net brings up different surprises. Be ready to get your feet wet and possibly wade into thigh-deep water with a sandy bottom. Water shoes are recommended.

The Bug: Architect of an Ecosystem

September 9, 2025

Mike Raupp, professional entomologist and engaging speaker, will talk about “everything you ever wanted to know about bugs,” and then take us afield for a bug hunt. You will learn about bug categories: predaceous bugs, stinging and biting bugs, butterflies and more, in his informative and humorous explanation of what’s bugging us. You will master the sweep net technique when you go out to locate bugs—it’s easy!

This will be a fun learning experience that moves you up in knowledge of bug architects. Dress for the weather, including closed-toe shoes.

CBEC’s Aquatic Life: Oysters A to Z

October 8, 2025, 9 am – noon. Optional lunch to follow at Harris Crab House.

“It was a bold person who ate the first oyster.” – Unknown

Now we know—they’re delicious! Want to learn more about oysters and their vital role in the Bay’s ecosystem and seafood industry? Join us for a unique morning experience on Wednesday, October 8, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon, with an optional lunch afterward.

We’ll kick off the day at Harris Seafood, where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour of their oyster sorting and shucking operations. Watch oysters move from boat to market and maybe catch a glimpse of oystermen bringing in the morning’s haul. Then, we’ll head to the Hyatt, board the Coastal Waters Pontoon Boat and cruise to CBEC’s oyster bottom lease site. CBEC has its own oyster brand, Pearly Girl Oysters. Along the way, Vicki Paulas (Executive Director of CBEC) will share fascinating insights into the life cycle, planting and harvesting of oysters. She’ll even bring up live oysters to show what’s happening beneath the surface! You’ll have the opportunity to get hands-on with them and other residents of the reef.

After our return, join us for an optional lunch at Harris Crab House (meals ordered from the menu, not included in program cost). This is a first-of-its-kind event for CBEC, and we’re excited to share it with you—whether you’re a seafood lover, Bay steward, or just curious! The cost is $95 for members and $100 for non-members.