Phillips Wharf Environmental Center (PWEC)

Learn to Grow Your Own Oysters This March 21

March 9, 2020 by Phillips Wharf Environmental Center (PWEC)

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center on Tilghman Island, Md. is offering a course on growing oysters from your own dock on Sat., Mar. 21 from 10 to 3 p.m., with oyster farmer Lawrence Rudner of St. Michaels, Md. leading the course. The event includes a shuck-your-own lunch of a dozen oysters, with participation limited, and advance registration needed.

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center on Tilghman Island, Md. is offering a course on growing oysters from your own dock on Sat., Mar. 21 from 10 to 3 p.m., with oyster farmer Lawrence Rudner of St. Michaels, Md. Participants will learn about all the steps of oyster growing and harvesting off your private dock, while taking advantage of a Maryland tax credit for growing your own oysters. Participation is limited, with advanced registration needed.

“You can grow healthy, delicious oysters for your own use off your dock with minimal effort, all while helping to clean the Chesapeake Bay,” said PWEC Executive Director Kelley Cox. “The state of Maryland is offering a tax credit of up to $500 per person for the purchase of new floating oyster cages. This course will help folks to use that credit, while teaching the practical aspects of oyster gardening.”

The oyster gardening workshop will cover information on oyster history, biology, and regulations; gardening and equipment options and sources; seed types; processing and harvesting techniques; ways to safely shuck an oyster; and more.

PWEC’s oyster gardening workshop takes place on Sat., Mar. 21, and will cover information on seed types, like these shown here, along with oyster history, biology, and regulations; gardening and equipment options and sources; processing and harvesting techniques; ways to safely shuck an oyster; and more.

Lawrence Rudner has been growing oysters dockside for more than 10 years, and has recently applied for two aquaculture leases to raise and commercially sell oysters under the Oyster Girl Oysters brand.

The cost of the workshop is $99 and includes lunch. To reserve, please send a check made out to ‘PWEC,’ along with your phone number, email address, and postal address to: PWEC Oyster Gardening Class, 6129 Tilghman Island Rd, Tilghman, MD 21671.

PWEC’s Mar. 21 oyster gardening workshop includes a shuck-your-own lunch of a dozen oysters, in addition to detailed instruction on how to grow oysters from your private dock. The program takes place in PWEC’s classroom from 10 to 3 p.m. with participation limited, and advance registration needed.

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center’s mission is to encourage, educate, and engage Chesapeake Bay stewards of all ages through interactive experiences highlighting the Bay’s ecosystem and its inhabitants.

For more information, visit phillipswharf.org.

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March 22 Oyster Growing Workshop at Phillips Wharf

February 25, 2020 by Phillips Wharf Environmental Center (PWEC)

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center on Tilghman Island, Md. is offering its second course on growing oysters from your own dock on Sun., March 22 from 10 to 3 p.m. Oyster farmer Lawrence Rudner of St. Michaels, Md. will lead the workshop, which includes a shuck-your-own lunch of a dozen oysters. Participation limited, with advance registration required.

“We’re offering this workshop again, after our March 21 session filled quickly,” said PWEC Executive Director Kelley Cox. “This workshop will help you learn to grow oysters for your own use, off your dock, and with minimal effort, all while helping to clean the Chesapeake Bay. Plus, Maryland is offering a tax credit of up to $500 per person for the purchase of new floating oyster cages. This course will help folks use that credit, while teaching the practical aspects of oyster gardening.”

All participants must pre-register, with the cost of the workshop at $99, which includes lunch. To reserve, please send a check made out to ‘PWEC,’ along with your phone number, email address, and postal address to: PWEC Oyster Gardening Class, 6129 Tilghman Island Rd, Tilghman, MD 21671.

Blue Crabs and the Bay at Phillips Wharf Feb. 22

February 21, 2020 by Phillips Wharf Environmental Center (PWEC)

Blue crabs and the Bay will be the topic for the Sat., Feb. 22 Sip & Socialize speaker event at Phillips Wharf Environmental Center on Tilghman Island. Phillips Wharf’s newest staff member and marine estuarine scientist Dr. Kristen Lycett will lead the discussion on the reasons for the blue crab’s population fluctuations over the years, along with the crab’s life cycle and the impact of disease.

The event starts at 5 p.m. in Phillips Wharf classroom, beginning with wine, refreshments, and light snacks served before the presentation. Following the speaker presentation will be time for discussion.

“The blue crab, Callinectessapidus, is an important crustacean species along the Atlantic coasts of North and South America. In the Chesapeake, it serves as prey for a variety of other species and serves as an important fishery,” said Lycett. “In fact, the U.S. blue crab fishery brought in $197 million in 2017, $48 million of which came from the state of Maryland. However, blue crab populations along the eastern coast of the United States have seen major fluctuations and even declines in recent years.”

Lycett received her Ph.D. from the Marine Estuarine Environmental Science program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where she studied the parasite Hematodiniumperezi, which infects blue crabs and other crustaceans.

Bring your curiosity and questions to the Sip & Socialize, as Dr. Lycett has a wealth of knowledge to share.Phillips Wharf Environmental Center’s Sip & Socialize Winter Speaker Series is free, with donations gratefully accepted.

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center’s Sip & Socialize Winter Speaker Series features volunteers, experts, and Chesapeake Bay industry professionals on topics pertinent to the Chesapeake Bay, wildlife and environmental changes, with more in the series posted at phillipswharf.org.

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Learn about Chessie at Phillips Wharf Feb. 15

February 11, 2020 by Phillips Wharf Environmental Center (PWEC)

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center on Tilghman Island, Md. is inviting the public to its Sat., Feb. 15 Sip & Socialize Speaker Series for a talk on the Chesapeake Bay’s Chessie, and the story of the legendary serpent’s rise and fall, and the many ways in which the creature’s career intersected with life on the shores of the nation’s largest estuary.

Sip & Socialize speaker Eric A. Cheezum, PhD will share the story of the legendary sea monster that surfaced in 1978 out of the Potomac River’s waters. Cheezum is a Preston, Md. native, where he operates a family farm and researches, writes, and teaches history. He received his PhD in U.S. History from the University of South Carolina in 2007.

Chesapeake Bay serpent Chessie.

“Initially reported in rural Virginia, the serpent was propelled to stardom by newspapers looking for stories to offset the August news doldrums,” says Cheezum. “By 1980, the creature—now dubbed “Chessie”—had migrated into the Chesapeake Bay’s northern section. Reputed to be friendly and non-threatening, the estuarine serpent quickly became a major pop culture sensation in Maryland.”

Cheezum says in 1982, a couple filmed what they thought was the monster, beginning a serious scientific debate over the existence of what zoologists and video analysts termed the “Chesapeake Bay Phenomenon.”

“Three years later and now at the zenith of its celebrity, Chessie was nearly protected under state environmental law, and for the second half of the decade its image was appropriated for use in environmental advocacy,” continued Cheezum. “Then, after fifteen years of fame, sightings stopped coming in.”

Bring your curiosity and questions to the Sip & Socialize, as Eric has a wealth of knowledge to share.Phillips Wharf Environmental Center’s Sip & Socialize Winter Speaker Series is free, with donations gratefully accepted.

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Mallows Bay Ghost Fleet Explored at Phillips Wharf Feb. 8

February 4, 2020 by Phillips Wharf Environmental Center (PWEC)

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center on Tilghman Island, Md. is inviting the public to its Sat., Feb. 8 Sip & Socialize Speaker Series for a talk on Mallows Bay, Beyond the Ghost Fleet.

Each Sip & Socialize speaker event begins at 5 p.m. in Phillips Wharf classroom, with wine, refreshments, and light snacks served. Following the speaker presentation will be time for discussion.

Mallows Bay—known as a ship graveyard—is located along the Potomac River in Charles County, Md. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently designated an 18-square mile stretch of the area as the Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary.

Mallows Bay is most renowned for its “Ghost Fleet,” the partially submerged remains of more than 100 wooden steamships that were built in response to threats from World War I-era German U-boats that were sinking ships in the Atlantic.

Photo Attribution: F Delventhal from Outside Washington, D.C.

Susan B. M. Langley, PhD will present the history of the largest fleet of wooden shipwrecks in the world. Langley will also speak on Mallow Bay’s most prominent vessels and its recent designation as a National Marine Sanctuary. The history of Maryland’s other maritime heritage resources, and the integral role the fleet now plays in the environment will also be explored.

Dr. Langley has been the Maryland State Underwater Archaeologist for more than 25 years directing the Maryland Maritime Archaeology Program within the Department of Planning’s Maryland Historical Trust. She is an adjunct professor at several colleges and universities, where she teaches underwater archaeology and the anthropology of piracy.

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center’s Sip & Socialize Winter Speaker Series is free, with donations gratefully accepted.

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Falconry & Red-Tailed Hawks at Phillips Wharf Feb. 1

January 17, 2020 by Phillips Wharf Environmental Center (PWEC)

Eastern Shore Experience Owner and falconer Eric Werner kicks off Phillips Wharf’s Sip & Socialize Winter Speaker Series on Sat., Feb. 1, at Phillips Wharf’s classroom on Tilghman Island, Md. The speaker sessions are free, with donations gratefully accepted.

Werner will share details of the 4,500-year-old sport of falconry with a red-tailed hawk. As a falconer for more than 20 years, Eric is one of 3,400 licensed falconer’s in the United States.

“Falcons are brilliant birds and have been trained for thousands of years to work with hunters in the field,” said Werner. “Now, you have an opportunity to get up-close and personal with one of the Eastern Shore’s top predators, a Red-tailed Hawk.”

Falconer Eric Werner kicks off Phillips Wharf’s Sip & Socialize Winter Speaker Series.

Each Sip & Socialize speaker event begins at 5 p.m. in Phillips Wharf classroom, with wine, refreshments, and light snacks served. Following the speaker presentation will be time for discussion.

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center’s Sip & Socialize Winter Speaker Series features topics focused on the Chesapeake Bay, its wildlife and environmental changes.Future Speaker Series events will be posted at phillipswharf.org.

Based on Tilghman Island, Eastern Shore Experience provides wildlife and adventure educational experiences, and relies on Werner’s experiences as a local hunting and fishing guide, federally licensed falconer, and wildlife rescuer. More is at easternshoreexperience.com.

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center’s programs and services support the nonprofit’s mission to encourage, educate, and engage Chesapeake Bay stewards of all ages through interactive experiences showcasing the Bay’s ecosystem and its inhabitants.

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Phillips Wharf Announces 2020 Fishmobile Program

December 11, 2019 by Phillips Wharf Environmental Center (PWEC)

This spring, Phillips Wharf Environmental Center is bringing the Chesapeake Bay to area schools, summer camps, and private events, with its Fishmobile. The non-profit is now accepting 2020 reservations for the traveling aquarium, with dates beginning Apr. 13 and continuing through Nov. 1.

“Our traveling aquarium provides students with hands-on learning experiences that help us better understand the Chesapeake Bay’s creatures and science,” explained Phillips Wharf Estuarium Manager Sarah Moffat. “Imagine comparing your arm span to an osprey’s wingspan, or seeing the differences between a turtle and a terrapin, or touching a horseshoe crab for the first time.”

The Fishmobile is equipped with 13 estuarine tanks, two touch tanks, and interactive displays and exhibits focused on the Chesapeake Bay and its inhabitants.

“It’s an unforgettable experience,” continued Moffat. “It’s great to see children’s faces light up as they explore our oyster reef tank with blennies, gobies, toadfish, grass shrimp, and more.”

Other animals include the Chesapeake’s diamondback terrapin, horseshoe crab, northern pufferfish, lined seahorse, American eel, flounder, snapping turtle, blue crab, spider crab, and more.

Phillips Wharf also offers customized, age-appropriate educational programs in school classrooms, with K – 5^thgrade students learning about critters of the Chesapeake Bay, and 6^th – 12^th grade students learning the science behind oyster restoration, aquaculture, and nurseries by utilizing a simulated oyster set.

horseshoe crab

The Fishmobile’s operations are made possible through the generous sponsor support of its sponsors, including Perdue, Choptank Electric Cooperative, Christmas in St. Michaels, and the Mid-Shore Community Foundation.

For pricing and more information about Phillips Wharf’s Fishmobile and classroom programs, go to bit.ly/fishmobile, or contact Missy Cannon Helgason at missy@phillipswharf.org or at 410-886-9200.

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Tilghman’s Boat Parade, Tree Lighting is Dec. 14

December 2, 2019 by Phillips Wharf Environmental Center (PWEC)

On Sat., Dec, 14, the residents and businesses of Tilghman Island invite the public to an evening of cocktails and Santa visits, before the annual Great Crab Pot Tree Lighting ceremony and Lighted Boat Parade at Knapps Narrows.

The event kicks off at Character’s Bridge Restaurant with a cocktail party at 5:30 p.m. Then, Santa will be on Tilghman Island from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in the Phillips Wharf classroom to greet guests while they enjoy hot cocoa and cookies.

The Great Crab Pot Tree Lighting takes place at 6:30 p.m. at Phillips Wharf Environmental Center, followed by the lighted, Knapps Narrows boat parade beginning at 7:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs, with free parking and space for parade spectators at Phillips Wharf.

Immediately after the boat parade will be a live auction and awards ceremony at Character’s Bridge Restaurant, with auction proceeds benefiting the Tilghman Island Volunteer Fire Department. Auction items include an original painting by a local artist, a custom oyster knife, NFL tickets, and more.

“This has become a highlight of the Christmas season for the island,” explained Kelley Phillips Cox, executive director of Phillips Wharf Environmental Center, the organization that started the Great Crab Pot Tree celebration.The event is made possible by a committee of community members working together to create a fun event for all ages.“While it’s a local tradition, we welcome everyone to come enjoy the beauty of the season.

“And, we’ve coordinated our date this year with Christmas in St. Michaels, to give people more reasons to enjoy all of the Bay Hundred area this holiday season.”

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Juvenile Terrapins Released on Tilghman Island

November 2, 2019 by Phillips Wharf Environmental Center (PWEC)

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center staff recently released four juvenile diamondback terrapins along Black Walnut Cove on Tilghman Island. The baby terrapins were rehabilitated at PWEC over this past year, after being rescued from harmful conditions in the local area.

Native to the Chesapeake Bay region, diamondback terrapins are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Newly hatched terrapins are roughly the size of a quarter, and are often preyed upon before they have the chance to reach adulthood. Other threats include habitat loss, and impacts from human recreation such as drowning in crab traps. Hatchlings are also susceptible to a number of health issues such as respiratory infections and an occasional eye infection.

“Phillips Wharf was able to treat these conditions in the juveniles and rehabilitate them to a size that would be favorable for their survival in the wild, which is approximately three times the size of when they were brought in,” said PWEC Aquaria Manager Sarah Moffat. “Another juvenile terrapin release is planned for fall 2020 for the five hatchlings still in our care.”

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center is currently accepting donations and sponsorships for their Terrapin and Turtle Rehab efforts. These donations help fund the care needed for the terrapins while at the center—including medical treatments and prepared diets—as well as for habitat improvement projects, including PWEC’s outdoor terrapin and turtle habitat center.

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center’s mission is to encourage, educate, and engage Chesapeake Bay stewards of all ages through interactive experiences showcasing the Bay’s ecosystem and its inhabitants. To become a supporter of PWEC’s Terrapin and Turtle Rehab program, contact PWEC Aquaria Manager Sarah Moffatat 410-886-9200 or at sarah@phillipswharf.org.

Oystering Demos at Nov. 2 Oyster & Brew Festival

October 20, 2019 by Phillips Wharf Environmental Center (PWEC)

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center will be providing oystering demos at its Oyster & Brew Festival, taking place from noon to 4p.m. on Sat., Nov. 2 at its waterfront campus on Tilghman Island. The event is an annual fundraiser for the nonprofit, with a VIP dinner and auction hosted the evening before.

Guests to the Nov. 2 Oyster & Brew Festival will be able to visit Phillips Wharf’s oyster nursery to see how oysters grow from seed to table, learn how oyster gardening works, and hear more about the Marylanders Grow Oysters program. Festival-goers can even test their skills at nippering for oysters along Knapps Narrows, and tour the Fishmobile estuarium.

Wild and aquaculture oysters from throughout the region will be offered, with oysters served raw, fried, steamed, in stew, and in signature dishes from select, local restaurants. The Oyster & Brew Festival also brings together local craft breweries serving a variety of craft beers, along with Bud Light and Shock Top, all served on tap. Live music will be performed by Southbound.

Advanced tickets and more information about the festival are at bit.ly/oysterjam. Tickets will also be sold at the door, the day of the event, with cash and credit cards accepted. Parking is free.

Oyster Jam proceeds benefit the people served by Phillips Wharf Environmental Center’s programs and services, and its mission to encourage, educate, and engage Chesapeake Bay stewards of all ages through interactive experiences showcasing the Bay’s ecosystem and its inhabitants. For more information, call 410-886-9200 or visit phillipswharf.org.

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