Adult Learning

Birding Poplar Island with CBEC’s Judy Wink

Tuesday, April 7, 9 am – noon

Join CBEC ornithologist Judy Wink for a 2-hour bus tour on Poplar Island. We will board a Maryland Department of the Environment boat at their Tilghman Island land base dock. The tour includes a 30-minute boat ride to the island, a 2-hour bus tour with stops at points of interest and a tour room with bathroom facilities, and a 30-minute boat ride back. This should be a great time for birding, as many migrants should be passing through. And in addition to birding with Judy, we’ll learn about the beneficial use of dredged material for habitat restoration, salt-marsh habitat, island history, and the construction timeline.

Participants will meet at the land base dock for a 9 am departure and will return around noon. Bring a snack and a drink if you wish.

We will send a follow-up message prior to April 7 with the location of the dock and any last-minute information. This trip is limited to 20 participants.

The Incredible Egg: Beyond the Shell

Thursday, May 14, 9 am – noon

Think you’ve seen one egg, you’ve seen them all? Think again! Join Judy Wink for a fascinating two-part presentation and hands-on investigation into the incredible world of eggs. We will begin with the delicate artistry of bird eggs—from tiny hummingbirds to massive shells—before diving into the unique biology of reptile and amphibian eggs. Discover the diverse challenges embryos face and get an “inside look” at the sheer variety of life found in nature. Indoor activity.

The Estuary Explorer: Diamondback Terrapin

Wednesday, June 3, 10 am – noon

This presentation starts in the field, finding, tracking and observing egg-laying terrapins, and then will reconvene indoors for a presentation on what we observed afield and the natural history of Maryland’s state reptile. It will run the full gamut on terrapins, including how to handle nesting of these critters around your house and property. Judy Wink will lead the Great Terrapin Hunt. Dress for the weather; it’s a rain or shine event.

Catch a Bay Critter and the Remarkable Oyster

Wednesday, August 19, 9 am – noon

Come explore CBEC’s aquatic life with fish biologist Rudy Lukacovic. Rudy will talk about the plants and animals that inhabit CBEC’s brackish waters. 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. Later, we’ll venture to CBEC’s beach pavilion where we will explore the ecosystem of our Remarkable Oysters. Be ready to get your feet wet and possibly wade into thigh-deep water with a sandy bottom (or stand on the beach and watch). Water shoes are recommended.

CBEC’s Aquatic Life:  Oysters A to Z

Wednesday, October 14, 9 am – noon

“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, 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). It’s a great way to enjoy the camaraderie of CBEC staff, volunteers, and fellow attendees.

The cost is $95 for members and $100 for non-members.

Tree Talk: The Social Network

Thursday, November 5, 10 am – noon

Have you ever wondered what the trees in your backyard are “talking” about? Join us for a fascinating indoor/outdoor program that will reveal the hidden, dynamic world of forest communication. Enjoy a compelling presentation on the “roots and shoots” of the tree social network. Learn exactly how trees communicate within the forest and the vital information they share, including “the good, the bad and the ugly” of forest life. We’ll take an easy walk to a nearby woodlot to bring these fascinating concepts to life. This is a chance to understand the secret language of the forest. After this program, a walk in the woods will never be the same again. Don’t miss this chance to understand the secret language of the forest! Dress for the weather, rain or shine.