Pickering Creek Audubon Center’s Something of the Marvelous spring fundraiser for 2026 is a dollar-for-dollar matching challenge with every dollar being matched up to $60,000!
These funds support Pickering Creek’s science and nature education programs in Talbot, Caroline and Dorchester counties for students from at least one grade level in each school system, ensuring that every student in the grade level, regardless of background, has great outdoor learning experiences with Pickering’s talented staff of educators and scientists.
In addition to supporting school programming, these matching gifts help connect adults and families with the habitats and wildlife that call the midshore home, and support summer EcoCamp scholarships. Generous gifts provided by community members to this matching challenge also help ensure that Pickering is open to the public free of charge every day of the year, to enjoy the center’s beautiful trails and habitats indicative of the Eastern Shore.
Three marvelous donors have stepped forward to collectively offer this year’s dollar for dollar match. Each is a long-time supporter of the Center’s work to connect people to nature. Each supporter who contributes over $125 before June 2 will be eligible to explore Myrtle Grove and it’s magnificent grounds.
“The Miller’s have been tremendously supportive of this year’s Something of the Marvelous event,” said Mark Scallion, Pickering Creek’s Director. When asked why they would open their delightful retreat to guests, Patrice Miller responded, “We know how impactful experiential learning is and we are delighted to support the efforts of Pickering Creek by welcoming their supporters to Myrtle Grove.”
Myrtle Grove’s original owner, Robert Goldsborough, arrived in America from England, and settled on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. At age thirty he bought a tract of land on the Miles River known as Ashby, which was deeded to him on October 16, 1690. Robert Goldsborough of Ashby deeded the Myrtle Grove land, carved from the Ashby tract to his son, Robert Goldsborough II. As a wedding gift, Robert Goldsborough also built his son a small frame house on the Myrtle Grove parcel, which still stands today.
The oldest portion of the Myrtle Grove house, constructed between 1724 and 1734 using wide beaded clapboard over logs, was built in the early Georgian style. This older part of the telescope house has an “L” shaped central hall with one room on either side. The sitting room—called the prayer room by the Goldsborough family—is located across the hall from the dining room and contains fireplace walls that are entirely paneled.
The newer, brick wing of the house at Myrtle Grove was built in 1790 by Robert Goldsborough III, a judge and twice-serving United States Senator. The bricks of the house were made onsite, and the outline of the excavation where the clay was dug may still be traced. The bricks were laid in a Flemish bond pattern.
In front of the main residence stands a small, one-story building, which Judge Robert Goldsborough (Robert Goldsborough III) erected and used as an office. The building dates to 1770 and is believed by some historians to be the oldest law office in the United States. The 18th century paneling remains intact. Inside the office, a narrow staircase to the left of the fireplace leads to a small room where students slept after reading law during the day with Judge Goldsborough.
Guests of Something of the Marvelous will tour several first-floor rooms of Myrtle Grove, which are decorated with both colonial and contemporary furniture, art and unique surprises.
At the conclusion of the interior tour, guests will move to enjoy spacious green behind the home, wandering amongst towering trees, exploring the living shoreline and enjoying grand views of the Miles River.
Timed entrances scheduled from 3-6 on June 6th will include complimentary beverages, nibbles, time to explore, and a special thank you gift.
Unlike Pickering Creek’s pre-Covid era Tour Toast and Taste, Something of the Marvelous has no tent, no auction, and no dinners for sale. It is all outdoors- just soaking in the marvelous blooms and scenery of the wonderful Myrtle Grove!
For over 30 years, Pickering Creek Audubon Center has provided environmental education opportunities to students of the Eastern Shore, moving them from awareness of their watershed to conservation action in their communities. Since establishing a well-reputed elementary education program in partnership with Talbot County Public Schools over 25 years ago, Pickering has added meaningful watershed experiences for middle and high school students to our continuum of education along with community outreach education about our region’s unique ecosystems. Pickering Creek reaches the people of the Eastern Shore throughout their academic careers outdoor learning experiences that encourage them to continue interacting with the outdoors frequently.
School groups, families, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers from far and wide visit Pickering Creek Audubon Center throughout the year to participate in hands-on outdoor learning, volunteer experiences and immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the Eastern Shore.
More information is available online at www.pickeringcreek.org/marvelous
