Our historic bivalve could be the next comeback kid…
In Virginia, there is good news about the iconic Chesapeake oyster! The 2011 harvest of 236,000 bushels is ten times what it was in 2001. With a dockside value of $8.2 million and positive ripple effect for other industries such as restaurants and shucking houses, it is clear that our native oyster can provide not only clean water and habitat but a powerful job-creating economic engine as well.
In other Bay news…
- One good way to help improve water quality in your area is to reduce your use of lawn fertilizers. By making a few changes in how you manage your lawn, you could save money and help save the Bay.
- Maryland’s Governor O’Malley renewed his commitment to limiting sprawl development by introducing a bill that would limit the use of septic systems.
- Lawmakers in Hampton Roads, VA want to commission the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to complete a study regarding the effects of sea level rise on their city.
- A Maryland delegate is working to ban arsenic in chicken feed. The chemical roxarsone, which is added to chicken feed to help growth, contains the known carcinogen.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities for the Bay
February 11 – Arlington, VA and Annapolis, MD
- Take part in the Grasses for the Masses workshop in Arlington. Learn how you can grow underwater grasses in your home and later plant them in the Bay to help restore a vital Chesapeake habitat.
- Come out to St. John’s College for the Annapolis Green Film Fest from 5 pm to 8 pm! Learn more about the issues, see some good films, and connect with fellow citizens.
February 15 – Richmond, VA
- Take part in the Grasses for the Masses workshop in Richmond. Learn how you can grow underwater grasses in your home and later plant them in the Bay to help restore a vital Chesapeake habitat.
February 16 – Charlottesville, VA and Annapolis, MD
- In Charlottesville, join CBF and the Rivanna Conservation Society for a free Clean Water Breakfast and Lunch to find out what a ‘river-friendly’ landscape could look like. Please RSVP!
- In Annapolis, join fellow Bay enthusiasts and CBF for our annual Wine and Cheese Open House. Chat with your compatriots while hearing about our priorities for this year’s legislative session in Maryland. Please RSVP.
February 17 – Stanardsville, VA
- Join CBF and the Rivanna Conservation Society for a free Clean Water Breakfast to find out what a ‘river-friendly’ landscape could look like. Please RSVP!
—Adam Wickline
Photo: John Bildahl
If you have an upcoming Bay-related restoration event and you need volunteers, please let us know: awickline@cbf.org. Do you enjoy working with fellow Bay Lovers to help save the Chesapeake? Become a CBF Volunteer to receive notifications about upcoming volunteer opportunities.
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