Tag Archives: Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center

Saturday with Santa at the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center

Join the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center for the second annual “Saturday with Santa” on December 1st! Festivities begin at 9am, with a guided nature hike for the whole family to collect greenery and pine cones for crafts. At 10am, a local artist will lead adults in making greenery arrangements, while kids will make pine cone Christmas trees, beaded ornaments, and treats. Santa arrives at 11am for story time, holiday carols, and pictures! Hot cocoa, coffee, and treats for all. Silent auction and gift items for sale throughout the day include locally grown poinsettias and gift memberships to CBEC.

December 1st from 9-1pm
Tickets: $8/members, $10/non-members. Children 2 and under are free.
Ticket price includes guided hike, crafts, pictures with Santa, and treats.

Reservations encouraged by 11/24!
Contact Katey Nelson at knelson@bayrestoration.org or call 410.827.6694.
For more information about CBEC, visit www.bayrestoration.org

All proceeds from this event go towards supporting CBEC’s education programs. We need your help to continue our mission of creating the next generation of Chesapeake Bay stewards. Thank you for your support and happy holidays!

Legacy Institute for the Environment – Now Accepting Applications for Class of 2013

The Legacy Institute for the Environment (LIFE) is seeking adults who are interested in learning more about environmental education, restoration, protection, and research programs, and would like to help environmental nonprofit organizations in their stewardship activities.

Our 2013 Institute offers an opportunity for participants to learn more about the Chesapeake Bay’s fragile ecosystem and then join with others in volunteer service on behalf of the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC) in Grasonville.

The Institute provides environmental education, service learning opportunities through engaging and flexible educational sessions and field experiences. Many leading governmental agencies and an array of environmental organizations join us in offering this program that seeks to enhance CBEC’s efforts to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.

Beginning February 2013, we will hold weekly educational sessions for 9 weeks from 9:00a.m. – 2:30p.m. at CBEC. This will be followed by opportunities for hands-on activities at the center and elsewhere over the course of the year. The Institute is both informative and fun, and it offers involvement in stewardship activities that fit the time and talents of older adults.

This program is partly funded through a grant received from the United Way. We are grateful to the United Way for their support and look forward to improving upon an already successful program. If you are interested or have questions contact Courtney Leigh at 443-262-2032 or cleigh@bayrestoration.org.

Explore Paranormal Experiences at CBEC – Nov. 2-4

Paranormal Conference, Lecture Series, Bigfoot Investigation, and Ghost Hunt – November 2-3

Have you always wanted to ghost hunt?? Now is your chance to learn how and support CBEC at the same time! Join the Scientific Investigators of Ghosts and Spirits (SIGNS) and North Eastern Anomalous Research (NEAR) at the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center for a series of lectures and an overnight camping experience that includes paranormal teachings, stories, investigating and fun!

Schedule:
Friday, November 2nd, 5pm-8:30pm
Lectures – see descriptions online!
$20/person

Saturday, November 3rd,
12pm – Sunday morning (camp out!)

Ghost Hunting 101, Lectures, Ghost Stories around the fire, and Paranormal Investigations around CBEC
$50/person

All events at Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, 600 Discovery Lane, Grasonville, MD.

If camping out Saturday night, Bring your tents and camping gear and be ready for an incredible night! THIS EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE. In the event of inclement weather you may sleep inside the education center. Still bring your own sleeping bag/air mattress!

Proceeds benefit CBEC and SIGNS.

All participants must be 18 and over.

For more information, visit: http://journeyparanormal.wix.com/journeys#!home/mainPage

Register and Pay Online!
http://journeysparacon.eventbrite.com/#

Questions, Contact journeysparacon@gmail.com, 443-305-9817

Lend A Hand: Mining a Treasure – Meet Volunteer Merry Tobin

By Avra Sullivan

For the last eight years, Chester resident Merry Tobin has been helping to bring awareness about the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center to residents and visitors alike. As the chair for their largest fundraiser held each fall, she is acutely aware of the influence she and other volunteers make towards CBEC. “Many people do not know that CBEC receives no federal, state or county funding. Funds are raised through grants, fundraising, camps, memberships and school programs. CBEC is very fortunate to have a large number of very dedicated volunteers.”

She says living in Queen Anne’s County, she has “never experienced so many people giving back to the community”. Amazed that so many people have never been, or have not even heard of, the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, which she says is a Queen Anne’s County treasure, she is “personally trying to bring awareness to the community.” One of the best ways she is doing that is through the Wet & Wiled fundraiser which will be held September 22nd from 4-8pm at the Environmental Center. An auction, this fundraiser helps raise money for the continuation of the many programs CBEC offers. Merry has chaired this event for the last six years.

Originally from the Midwest, Merry and her husband Pat moved to Stevensville from Montgomery County in 1999. She is co-owner on Chesapeake Real Estate Associates, LLC. In addition to her work with the Chesapeake Environmental Center, Merry has been on the board of Directors for the United Way of Queen Anne’s county, and has been involved with the Chesapeake’s Women’s Network and Queen Anne’s County Chamber of Commerce. She believes that “volunteer work is the heart of the community”. They have a son in Colorado and “two great Labrador Retrievers.”

For tickets or more information on the Wet & Wild fundraiser, or the Chesapeake Environmental Center, please visit www.bayrestoration.org or by calling 410-827-6694

Chesapeake Bay Enviromental Center’s Wet & Wild Auction

Tickets are still available! Event to be held Saturday, September 22nd, 4-9 pm at the Chesapeake Bay Enviromental Center.

The theme this year is “An Autumn Garden Party,” in honor of the beauty of CBEC in the fall. Tickets are $85/person and include heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and cocktails. A $25 portion of each ticket is tax deductible. Dress casual!

Tickets are on sale now. Deadline to purchase tickets is September 15! Deadline will be extended if tickets are not sold out, but we need a head-count ASAP.

To purchase tickets online and for more information, visit us at http://www.bayrestoration.org/auction.

To purchase tickets by phone or make a donation, please call 410-827-6694. We NEED your support!

Sneak peek of auction items and a list of our current sponsors: http://www.bayrestoration.org/wet-wild-auction-2012.

Guided Kayaking Tours of the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center

Join us for Guided Kayaking Tours of the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center

Explore the tidal inlets of Marshy Creek and the pristine marshes along the shoreline. This is a guided kayak tour, with kayak instruction provided; appropriate for paddlers ages 5+ with any level of kayaking experience. Led by CBEC Naturalist and experienced kayaker, Courtney Leigh.

Due to the limited number of kayaks, PRE-REGISTRATION is required. Call 410-827-6694 or email jwink@bayrestoration.org to register.

Dates:
Wednesday, August 29th, 6:00-8:30pm
Sunday, September 9th, 2:00-4:30pm

Local Outlet Stores Support CBEC

Two stores located at Queenstown Premium Outlets—Harry & David and Ultra Diamonds— teamed up to support Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC).

As part of its recent “Girls Night Out” event, Harry & David sponsored a raffle for a yellow diamond pendant donated by Ultra Diamonds. All proceeds from the raffle were donated to CBEC. Merry Tobin, the winner of the pendant, is donating the necklace back to CBEC to be one of the auction items at its Wet & Wild Silent & Live Auction fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, September 22, 2012.

As additional support for CBEC, Harry & David has sent up a display with brochures, maps, and information about CBEC for its customers to pick up while they shop. The store offers custom gift baskets, gift towers, appetizers, rich chocolates, specialty coffees, and gourmet sauces and condiments. Ultra Diamonds is the 5th largest U.S jewelry brand and offers real diamonds, for real people, at real deals. CBEC, located in Grasonville, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmental education, research and restoration for the benefit of the Chesapeake Bay. At the center, hikers, joggers, kayakers, birders, and nature enthusiasts can enjoy a myriad of habitats ranging from freshwater ponds, wetlands, forests, to meadows. CBEC is open to the public every day from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission to the center is free for CBEC members. Non-member admission is: $5/adults, $4/Seniors (55+), $2/youth (5 to 18), and free for children under 5. For more information about CBEC and becoming a member, visit bayrestoration.org or call 410.827.6694.

In photo: Harry & David Store Manager Dan Slagle presents the proceeds from a raffle of a diamond pendant donated by Ultra Diamonds to Vicki Paulas, CBEC Assistant Director. Ultra Diamonds Store Manager John Ratcliff (far right) was also on hand for the presentation.

Kayak Rentals at Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center

Attention CBEC members: Kayak season is finally here! The waters around the center have warmed up enough to begin the season a week early. As always, members have free use of all kayak equipment. Please check in the visitor center to sign the release waiver and grab a water trail map. We will hold your drivers’ license to make sure you made it safely back. Please remember to be back to the visitor center by 4:30pm with your paddle and life jacket to receive your drivers’ license. We’d appreciate your help in bringing your kayak back to the rack area. Members also have the opportunity to reserve kayaks in advance so please call CBEC at 410.827.6694 and leave a message. (Please note that our school programs and camps have priority in use so we will contact you if your there is a conflict with your date.). For more information: http://www.bayrestoration.org/recreation/kayaking.

2012 Kayak Rental Rates
Members: Free
Non-Members: $15/Vessel + Admission Fee/Person

CBEC 2012 Fleet:
12 single sit-in kayaks and
13 tandem sit-a-top kayaks and
1 canoe

Very Important: We will not rent kayaks if the weather service has issued a small craft advisory or thunderstorm warning…so it is YOUR responsibility to check the weather before you leave your house. www.weather.gov

ENJOY the beauty and wildlife of CBEC from the water!!!

Wet & Wild Auction to Benefit Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center

Every year over 15,000 students come to Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC) to learn about the Bay and environmental stewardship. To continue this educational mission, CBEC needs the support of the community for its 8th Annual Wet & Wild Live and Silent Auction fundraiser on Saturday, September 22, from 4 to 8 pm in CBEC’s Education and Arts Building in Grasonville.

In honor of the beautiful setting at CBEC, this year’s theme is “An Autumn Garden Party.” Tickets for the event are $85/person, which includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and cocktails. Attendees will also get a chance to bid on unusual and unique auction items.

CBEC encourages community members and businesses to support the event by becoming sponsors or by donating auction items. CBEC is one of the last pristine areas on the Chesapeake Bay, and it’s right here in our own backyard!

CBEC is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmental education, research and restoration for the benefit of the Chesapeake Bay. The center offers 4 miles of hiking trails for walkers, joggers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts to enjoy a myriad of habitats ranging from freshwater ponds, wetlands, forests, to meadows. For more information about CBEC or to become a member, visit bayrestoration.org.

To purchase tickets, to become a sponsor, or to donate an auction item for the Wet & Wild Auction, email jwink@bayrestoration.org or call 410-827-6694.

In photo: CBEC’s Wet & Wild Auction committee members gather at CBEC to plan the upcoming event set for Saturday, September 22 (left to right): Leilani McGrath, Kathy Comegys, Annette Potts, Eileen Nonemaker, Kathy Deoudes, Carolyn Case, Kate Halla, Susan Vianna, Merry Tobin, Diana Carlson, Sherry Black-Thomasson, Judy Wink, and Howard Bernstein. Committee members not pictured: Vicki Paulus, Katey Nelson, Angie Bechtold, Leigh Longenette, Alisa Pipkin, and Gail Ruppe.

Flock to Queen Anne’s County for Birding Weekend!

Queen Anne’s County Tourism in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center is hosting a birding weekend April 20-22.

Take part in nine different birding experiences over three days. The featured events include a lecture on ospreys, owls, a birding photography class, birding hikes, banding demonstrations and more, a package deal for $90.

Or come to the events open to the public; an Osprey Lecture held on Friday, April 20th and an Owl lecture held on Saturday, April 21st which cost $5 per person. The birding activities will be led by Judy Wink, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC), certified with an MS in Ornithology, Raptor Specialist.

“Birding is a great outdoor experience for a variety of reasons; the subject matter (birds) are always available, it doesn’t cost much to do, it gets you in a variety of natural habitats and it’s something almost any person of any age can enjoy,” said Wink.

The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center in Grasonville will host the majority of the events. For a more detailed listing of the events, the fees and to register, please call 410.604.2100 or check www.discoverqueenannes.com