On Thursday, May 7, community members, supporters, and leadership from the Waterfowl Festival and the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC) gathered to celebrate the renewal of a meaningful partnership focused on expanding access to nature and environmental education for local families.
As part of the partnership renewal, the Waterfowl Festival donated 55 family memberships to CBEC in honor of the festival’s 55th anniversary. These memberships will be distributed to 55 families from local Title I schools, giving them the opportunity to experience all that CBEC has to offer, including trails, waterfront access, educational programming, wildlife experiences, and family-friendly events throughout the year. In addition, the families will also receive family passes to the 55th Waterfowl Festival, taking place November 13-15, 2026.
The evening began with remarks from Vicki Paulas, Executive Director of CBEC, who thanked attendees for their support and expressed appreciation to the Waterfowl Festival for continuing the partnership.
“This partnership goes beyond memberships,” said Paulas. “It is about creating opportunities for families to connect with nature, spend time together outdoors, and experience the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay environment in a welcoming and meaningful way.”
Paulas also spoke about CBEC’s plans to develop accessible trails within the next year, an initiative designed to make nature more accessible for individuals and families with physical disabilities or mobility challenges. She shared how the project will help ensure that more people can experience the healing and educational benefits of the outdoors regardless of physical limitations.
Deena Kilmon, Executive Director of the Waterfowl Festival, then addressed the group and reflected on the long-standing relationship between the two organizations. The partnership dates back decades, with the Waterfowl Festival’s first gift to CBEC made in 1982.
“The Waterfowl Festival and CBEC share a deep commitment to the importance of conservation initiatives and environmental education,” said Kilmon. “We are honored to continue this partnership and celebrate over five decades of supporting our communities by helping 55 families experience the incredible resources CBEC provides.”
Following the remarks, attendees toured the grounds and visited the future location of the accessible trails, gaining a firsthand understanding of how the project will positively impact individuals with mobility challenges and create greater inclusivity within the natural environment.
The renewed partnership reflects both organizations’ shared mission of conservation, education, and community engagement while helping ensure that access to nature remains available to all.
About Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center
The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC), located in Grasonville, Maryland, is dedicated to environmental education, habitat restoration, and outdoor recreation along the Chesapeake Bay. Through educational programs, conservation initiatives, and public access to nature, CBEC works to connect people of all ages to the natural world.
Website: https://bayrestoration.org
About Waterfowl Festival
The Waterfowl Festival, based in Easton, Maryland, is one of the nation’s premier wildlife and conservation festivals. Celebrating its 55th year, the organization supports conservation, education, and community initiatives throughout the region while honoring the heritage and traditions of the Chesapeake Bay.
Website: https://waterfowlfestival.org
