John Smith Water Trail

Listen to the Water

The fourth 'smart buoy' of the Capt. John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail was deployed Saturday off Stingray Point. Left, members of the Army Corps of Engineers lift the new buoy into the water.

Events Along the Trail This Summer

If you're looking for something to do this summer that is connected with the Trail and our nation's history, check out the Friends of the John Smith Trail website. You'll find events ranging from river festivals and historic programs to Native American powwows.

Fourth Buoy to be Deployed Saturday

Join the Deltaville Maritime Museum in celebrating the 400th anniversary of Capt. John Smith's infamous landing at Stingray Point, VA. A reenactment of the landing is scheduled for July 17. It will be repeated on July 19 along with the official deployment of the Capt. John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail's fourth Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy. These unique "smart" buoys provide real-time weather and water observations along with historical and interpretive information at locations along the Trail. Their information can be accessed by RSS feed, mobile browser, or phone at 1-877-BUOYBAY.

New Octoraro Creek Walking Trail Now Open

Not only does the new half-mile trail along the Octoraro Creek follow the path of Capt. John Smith and the hunting grounds of the American Indians he met in 1608, it also supposedly leads to one of the best fishing spots on the river. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a good website with trail info. You can get quick directions from Brigitte Carty's forum post, and I presume the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership has more details.

Dobbins Island Boat Parade Scheduled for Sept. 1

CBF and the Magothy River Association are sponsoring a boat parade and rendezvous to support the purchase of Dobbins Island and its consolidation as a port for the Capt. John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

When: Saturday, September 1, 2007 @ 1pm
Where: Parade starts near Henderson Point in the Magothy River and will progress along the channel to Dobbins Island
Why: An opportunity now exists to purchase Dobbins Island and consolidate the Island, beach, sandbar and anchorage as a port for the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. Making this Historic Island an open space park is a better use of Critical Areas.
What: From 1 to 4 pm MRA volunteers will hand out petitions and educational materials to passing boaters.
RSVP: Contact Paul Spadaro, President Magothy River Association at president@magothyriver.org

New Bay Game Kickoff Saturday Morning

Saturday, June 23rd, 10:00 a.m. at Susan B. Campbell Park at the Annapolis City Dock.

Join Judge Katie O'Malley, DNR Secretary John Griffin, Capt. John Smith and other special guests as they kickoff the 2007 Maryland Bay Game.

Bring the kids! There will be a staffed educational exhibit with live horseshoe crabs and/or a working watershed model.

This year the Bay Game will be available at libraries and welcome centers across Maryland, as well as toll facilities.

James River 400 Sets Off

The Rockbridge Weekly revealed another step in establishing the 400-mile James River Heritage Water Trail was taken today, with a canoe flotilla setting off from the confluence of the Jackson River and Cowpasture River. The water relay to the mouth of the river is expected to take about 30 days. To follow the expedition, visit www.jamesriver400.org.

Onancock recalls Capt. John Smith this May

Onancock's big Capt. John Smith/NOAA weekend will begin with a kickoff event featuring well-known Smith biographer Aleck Loker on May 18. The Friday through Sunday public showcase is a signature event in Onancock's year-long celebration of marking the 400th anniversary of British colonists' landing at Jamestown in 1607. The replica of the shallop in which Smith made his voyage will be on hand at Onancock's wharf on May 19. (The Daily Times)