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In This Issue
- Upcoming Meetings
- Network Updates
- Trainings, Workshops, & Conferences
- Recommended Reads
- Jobs & Internships
- About the DRCN
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Steering Committee Meeting (virtual)
October 15, 2024 (9:00 - 10:00 am)
For more information please contact Chair, Steve Kline (skline@eslc.org) and DRCN Coordinator, Sophia Seufert (sophia_seufert@fws.gov)
DRCN Leadership Elections (virtual)
November 21st, 2024 (2:00 - 3:00 pm)
For more information please contact Chair, Steve Kline (skline@eslc.org) and DRCN Coordinator, Sophia Seufert (sophia_seufert@fws.gov)
To Be Announced: Fall Operating Committee Meetings
and Winter All-Network Gathering (virtual)
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Updates from the Town of Crisfield |  | |
Crisfield Resilience Academy
The City of Crisfield, Maryland, is announcing a new program as part of a partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to mitigate current environmental challenges in Crisfield related to coastal flooding. Since Crisfield’s founding on the Chesapeake Bay, the environment has been an important part of community life, economy, and culture. Over recent years flooding has impacted local fisheries, residences, drinking water, tourism, and business. To combat these issues, the city of Crisfield is partnering with the EPA and Salisbury University’s Business Economic and Community Outreach Network program to explore coastal resilience solutions through an educational training opportunity called the Crisfield Resilience Academy. If you’re passionate about the environment and live in the Crisfield area, this educational opportunity is for you! Participants will attend six training sessions in Spring 2025 and could receive a stipend of up to $300 for participating.
Learn More
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Southern Crisfield Flood Mitigation Project
The City of Crisfield, Maryland has been selected for over $36 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding to assist in protecting the City from flooding. The City worked with a team from FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Direct Technical Assistance (DTA) to create this application. The resulting project that has been developed to protect the City from flooding includes the work of many hours by the BRIC DTA team including engineers and coastal scientists.
The project is also informed by the study conducted by The Nature Conservancy with partners George Mason University (GMU), the University of Maryland's Environmental Finance Center (EFC), and the EPA Office of Research and Development (EPA ORD). Crisfield is grateful to TNC for their work with a Citizen’s Advisory Committee and committing to fund $200,000 in green infrastructure as match to this project. The TNC project will be informed by community input.
It is estimated to take over a year before the project is formally awarded, which will be followed by a design, engineering and permitting phase of about two years and a construction phase of approximately a year and a half. The current design is still in a concept phase. Community members will have many opportunities for input on these projects prior to any construction beginning.
The City of Crisfield is also delighted to share a new video produced by a partnership between The Nature Conservancy and Modulation Studios which addresses the challenges of flooding and celebrates the heritage and hope of Crisfield. The video is available at CrisfieldFloodMitigation.com.
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DNREC Coastal Program Welcomes
New Restoration Coordinator
| Chloe Hickman will be joining DNREC as the new Coastal Program Restoration Coordinator. Chloe will serve as the coordinator for BIL-funded restoration projects and initiatives in both the Delaware Coastal Management Program and the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve. She will also be working with our various partners across state agencies, NOAA and local municipalities. | | | |
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Launches "Vote for the Bay" | |
It’s a big election year, and what’s one simple, powerful way you can do something for our environment and people? Vote! Participation in our democracy is critical to save the Bay and all our waterways. While candidates are running for elected office, we need to urge them to support policies friendly to clean water that are essential to our health, economy, and way of life.
The Bay can’t vote, but you can! Join us in pledging to vote for the Bay.
Learn More
Spread the Word
Sign the Pledge
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ESLC and Urban 3 to Present at American Planning Association Conference in October
On Monday October 21st, ESLC and Urban3 will present at the "2024 APA MD & MPCA Conference." Register below for their talk "Research on Land Values: Informing Local Governments on Sustainable Growth."
The Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC), in partnership with Urban 3, conducted a study of eight counties on the Eastern Shore analyzing land use data to help local governments implement more environmentally sound and sustainable land use practices and to best utilize their limited land resources to prepare for the impacts of sea-level rise. CM Category: Sustainability & Resilience
Register Here
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Events, Workshops and Conferences | | |
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Oyster Reef-A-Palooza
Join the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays as we create a new oyster reef! Oysters are a keystone species for our Bays, helping to improve water quality and providing habitat for other marine life. The preferred habitat for baby oysters to grow is on other oyster shells, which is why we are building a new oyster reef at Pasture Point at the James Farm Ecological Preserve–but we need your help! Each step/activity requires working outdoors, lifting heavy objects, and possibly getting wet.
Learn More
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Picture the Shore Photo Contest:
Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust
Picture the Shore is a photography contest and art exhibit designed to highlight the work of student, amateur, and professional photographers and to connect the public to the beauty and natural environment of the Eastern Shore through visual art. Exhibit and Reception will be held November 8, 2024 at the Barrier Islands Center.
Learn More
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ESLC Party to Preserve
What could be better than joining together with Eastern Shore Land Conservancy and friends, old and new, on one of the most beautiful properties in Caroline County? Now is the time to prioritize local agriculture, outdoor recreation, and resilient communities. Join ESLC for an elegant evening of food, drinks, music and a live auction at Caroline County’s beautiful Daffin House on Saturday, October 12, 2024 @ 4:00 PM.
Register Here!
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Please join us on 15 October (9:00am –11:00am) for the Chesapeake WILD Roundtable Fall meeting and celebration of this year’s highly competitive and successful Chesapeake WILD grant cycle, including a few highlights, lessons learned/growth, and near future work direction.
This time together is also an opportunity for us to again ask partners and grantees for their feedback to refresh the next RFP and continually improve our process to ensure equitable access to Chesapeake WILD grants.
Our vision is of a healthy, interconnected network of land and water that supports vital fish and wildlife resources and connects people with nature for recreational and other human health benefits. To achieve it, the individual, place-based conservation and restoration actions we take - and the projects we fund - must be cumulatively connected in ways and at scales that also support regional and national goals. Help us align our collective funding and work to support one another, and to support our shared purposes across local, regional, and national scales. Help us make Chesapeake WILD grant-making better connected, more strategic, and equitable!
More details, RSVP link, and an agenda will be shared closer to meeting. Please feel free to share with your networks. Contact Faren Wolter (faren_wolter@fws.gov)
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Managing Expectations in Wildlife Management
Tune in for the October installment of University of Maryland's "Land & Wildlife Speaker Series." Taking place October 16, this talk will feature Sheldon Owens, Wildlife Management Specialist, University of West Virginia.
Learn More
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Bay Banter and Brews: Oysters
Join DE Center for the Inland Bays at Ocean View Brewing on October 16th from 3-5 PM for Bay Banter & Brews – Oysters!
The popular Bay Banter and Brews series is back, and this time, we’re talking all about oysters! Come out and learn about the incredible Crassotrea Virginica (the Eastern oyster) and how this bivalve benefits our Inland Bays. Dive into the fascinating world of oysters, oyster aquaculture, the Don’t Chuck Your Shucks oyster recycling program, and restoration efforts that the oyster plays a part in.
Learn More
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Discover Your Watershed
Discover your watershed by volunteering with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program this fall.
Saturday October 19th:
Attendees will join MCBP staff at Ilia Fehrer Nature Preserve for seasonal maintenance of existing trails, and development of additional trails.
Tuesday November 19th:
Help MCBP install split rail fence along the entrance and parking area. Trail maintenance is ongoing and will also be an option to those interested.
Learn More
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Rendezvous at the Farmstead
October 20th, guests will enjoy an autumn afternoon on Thompson Creek, celebrating the people and programs of ShoreRivers over casual cocktails and canapés. Funds raised through sponsorships, ticket sales, and program stations support healthier waterways through ShoreRivers’ focused mission of science-based advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement.
Learn More
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Deal Island Wildlife Management Area
Volunteer Planting Day
Join us at Deal Island Wildlife Management Area to learn about the recent marsh restoration project and help replant native marsh vegetation. Learn about how the added sediment has increased the elevation and life span of the marsh, and the important role native plants play in a healthy coastal ecosystem. Come out to participate yourself or help us spread the word about this event to nearby community members!
Register Here
Download Flier
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Grateful Shellabration
The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays is celebrating the big 3-0 with a Grateful Shellabration... a day full of bay fun at scenic Camp Arrowhead:
- Live music all day
- oyster shucking contest
- Beer garden
- games and hayrides
- Hands-on environmental education
- Raffles
- Volunteer appreciation and Friends of the Bays Awards
- Local artisans
Learn More
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Lower Shore Land Trust
"Flannel Formal" Benefit
Saturday, November 9th, join Lower Shore Land Trust for their Annual Flannel Formal Celebration. This years event will feature:
- Live Music by Fil Rhythm Band w/Special Guest Margot Resto
- Pit & Pub BBQ
- Shucked Oysters
- Yard Games
- Bonfire
- George's Bloody Mary Bar
- Beer & Wine
- Sweets by Baked Dessert Cafe
- Silent Auction
And the presentation of the Stephen Parker Conservation Legacy Award.
Learn More
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2024 Horseshoe Crab Hustle
5 Miler & 1 Mile Walk
The Horseshoe Crab Hustle is back for another run. It’s once again hosted by Bethany Brewing Company to benefit the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays, but this year it’s a 5 Mile Run and a 1 Mile Fun Walk. The event begins and ends at Bethany Brewing Company and will primarily take place on the trails of Fresh Pond State Park. Registrants will not only enjoy a fall run/walk surrounded by the beauty of nature, but they will enjoy fresh brewed craft beers, tasty post-race fare, fresh shucked oysters, live music, and raffles to benefit the Bays.
Learn More
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All About Marshes: Marsh Threats
As part of the Marshes for Tomorrow Initiative, Lower Shore Land Trust's Land Program Manager Jared Parks is breaking down the basics of salt marshes in a series of beginner friendly articles. Check out the latest article on the DRCN Website.
Read Here
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Maryland Transportation Secretary Announces Development of New Statewide Transportation Trails Plan
Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld today announced the Department is developing a landmark action plan to improve and expand trail connectivity in MD.
Read Here
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About the Delmarva Restoration and Conservation Network (DRCN) | |
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The Delmarva Restoration and Conservation Network (DRCN), formed in 2017, is a collaborative of local, state, and Federal government agencies and NGOs working with private and public landowners and local governments to identify the most important places to protect and restore, and to obtain support and funding for voluntary restoration and conservation.
The DRCN Mission is to restore and conserve Delmarva’s landscapes, waterways, and shorelines that are special to its people, fundamental to its economy, and vital for its native fish, wildlife, and plants.
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Want to be featured in next month's newsletter?
Email submissions to delmarvarcn@gmail.com
| Delmarva Restoration & Conservation Network | delmarvarcn.org | | | | |
