Scientists from state and federal agencies have now set standards to define what a ‘successful’ oyster reef looks like. Though they do not dictate that oyster reefs look like they once did in John Smith’s time, these new oyster metrics give agencies a new way to keep track of their efforts and measure impact. New oyster reefs established through restoration will have six years to grow until they are held to these new standards.
In other Bay news…
- New evidence suggests the Chesapeake might have harbored ancient Stone Age migrants from Europe 20,000 years ago. With the discovery of mastodon tusks with stone arrowheads lodged inside, new facts are coming to light about the Bay’s first inhabitants.
- A new report concluded that Roxarsone, a component from chicken feed that includes arsenic, finds its way into both ground and surface water after chicken litter is applied to farm fields as fertilizer. The longer the litter sits on the field, the more rapidly Roxarsone converts to a harmful inorganic form of arsenic.
- At a wastewater treatment plant in Chambersburg, PA, municipal officials found a way to reduce the cost of upgrading the facility by 50 percent! These new, less-expensive options will still reduce nutrient pollution running into the Conococheague Creek and eventually the Chesapeake.
- If done properly, nutrient trading can be a cost-effective way of reducing nutrient pollution from entering the Chesapeake. Through this process, municipalities can cut back on nitrogen and phosphorus from sources that are much less expensive to mitigate.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities for the Bay
March 2 – St. Michaels, MD
- Celebrate National Invasive Species Week by removing invasive species from 3 pm to 5 pm at Environmental Concern in St. Michaels. The cost is free, though an RSVP is required. You are welcome to bring your own work gloves if you like. Students may receive Service Learning hours for participation!
March 9 – Harrisonburg, VA
- Volunteers are needed for a stream restoration project along Muddy Creek in the Shenandoah Valley. Along with removing invasive species, we will be planting native wildflowers along the stream. Please RSVP!
March 10 – Harrisonburg, VA and Henrico, VA
- Volunteers are needed for a stream restoration project along Muddy Creek in the Shenandoah Valley. Along with removing invasive species, we will be planting native wildflowers along the stream. Please RSVP!
- Put on your work clothes to help CBF clean up the Upland Brook floodplain near Three Lakes Park in Henrico, VA! From 10 am to 12 pm, volunteers will be picking up trash to prevent it from running downstream into the James and eventually the Chesapeake. Bags and materials will be provided, including a free coffee. RSVP is appreciated.
—Adam Wickline
Photo: Jeanie Free
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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