“I love helping younger generations learn to appreciate, preserve and protect our planet for their future and future generations. Volunteering helps kids be aware that any little thing they can do can make a huge difference. Being a part of CBEC has given me a sense of accomplishment, pride, and dignity … most importantly, it is my happy place.”
Louise Zeitlin“I love volunteering at CBEC because it makes me feel part of a community that shares my desire to sustain and restore the environment of the Chesapeake. When I first moved here in retirement, I was looking to develop a network of friends and become integrated in the community—CBEC offered me a place for both.”
Mary Ann Gorman“The first time we visited CBEC, we became members. We were greeted with ‘Welcome to your new backyard.’ It has been a joy to have a playground where we can bring our grandchildren to walk the trails, observe nature, and kayak out on Marshy Creek. So many opportunities to connect with nature that we would never have in our semi-urban neighborhood. We will be lifetime members.”
Cat and Eric Volkmann“Our 5th and 6th grade classes LOVE visiting CBEC every year. The children learn so much about our unique environment with lots of hands-on activities from knowledgeable and friendly volunteers at CBEC. What could be better than having fun AND learning? We get the best of both worlds at CBEC!”
Renee Stover, Granite Baptist Church“Volunteering at the CBEC has been a fulfilling way to support environmental education and community engagement. Helping to coordinate the Little Bobbers Fishing Derby allows me to connect with young anglers, foster a love for nature, and contribute to an event where families can enjoy the Bay’s natural beauty.”
Liz Koh“I have been visiting CBEC since 2001 when I attended a field trip as an estuarine biology student at Anne Arundel Community College. Since then, I have returned many times as a volunteer and visitor with my family to this serene setting. My son Tristan even became a counselor at CBEC and was trained to handle the birds of prey during his high school years! As a high school science teacher, I have been thrilled with CBEC’s education programs. For over a decade, my environmental science and zoology students have looked forward to the Birds of Prey program that supports our curriculum on adaptations, predator-prey relationships, food webs, and conservation. This past fall, we also tried the Remarkable Oyster as our second program during the field trip, and it was the highlight of the trip! Being able to participate in the hands-on learning of examining an oyster reef and the organisms that use it as a home offered a perspective most students had never experienced despite living in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. We can’t wait to return next year!”
Christina Mohs, Archbishop Spalding High School“I’ve been passionate about environmental advocacy for most of my working life—from raptor surveys, to Appalachian Trail maintenance, to promoting outdoor discovery programs, to my recent experience as a K-8 STEM teacher. CBEC’s well-developed, hands-on education programs have given me the opportunity to share the treasure of the Chesapeake Bay with students, teachers, and parents from all walks of life. It’s been a rewarding experience to build enthusiasm about the bounties and potential of the Chesapeake Bay, and I’m happy to be a part of CBEC’s education outreach.”
Tony Littlefield“CBEC has played a key role in student education during my wetland ecology classes at the University of Maryland. Thanks to CBEC, each fall about 25 undergraduate and 10 graduate students carrying out immersive, hands-on field research exercises on the soil, vegetation, and hydrology of the tidal brackish marshes at the Center. CBEC’s support has been key to deep student learning about wetland ecosystems and an appreciation of nature that will persist and reverberate during their careers.”
Andrew Baldwin, Dept. of Environmental Science & Technology, University of Maryland“To me CBEC means community and conservation. I have the privilege of assisting with this community of people who work hard to protect everything from critical bird migration, waterfowl habitats, breeding grounds for our bay critters, to the education of people near and far.”
Lindsey Hicks“I volunteer at CBEC so people can keep enjoying the Chesapeake Bay and learn how to take care of it. A vibrant bay is so important to not only the birds, animals, and plants, but also to the millions of people living in the Bay’s watershed.”
Merideth Menken“CBEC’s LIFE class for adult students concluded a few weeks ago. When I signed up, I was unsure what to expect. Now I can say that a paragraph of superlatives wouldn’t be enough to describe my experiences. All the lectures were so informative and were complemented by stimulating hands-on outdoor activities. We all wished the days at CBEC could have lasted longer. I have learned so much about nature and human impact on the Chesapeake Bay!”
Joy Mayfield“CBEC has been a blessing during Covid, for me as a volunteer and for so many people who come to visit. As a Visitor Center volunteer, I enjoy acquainting guests with the property and love to hear the many interesting experiences our visitors have at CBEC. I know so much more about native birds—and reptiles!—due to what visitors share with me. In short, CBEC is my happy place—I am always so relaxed and rejuvenated after visiting CBEC.”
Donna Moran“CBEC has become my second home. Having retired from a 38-year career at Maryland DNR, I love sharing what I’ve learned about the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Nothing is more rewarding than the expressions of excitement when young people dip a net into the Bay and discover the amazing array of life that occupies our shorelines. I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed monitoring wood duck boxes, helping with the Little Bobbers Fishing Derby and meeting other like-minded folks.”
Rudy Lukacovic“As a high school student, I had the privilege of interning at CBEC. The ecologically diverse property and passionate staff fostered my love of nature and science. Thanks in large part to my amazing experience at CBEC, I went on to pursue undergraduate and master’s degrees in biology and am now
working on a PhD with the aim of becoming a research ornithologist.”
Jonathan Clark