Phillips Wharf Environmental Center (PWEC)

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

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

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.

Oyster & Brew Festival on Tilghman Island this Nov. 2

October 19, 2019 by Phillips Wharf Environmental Center (PWEC)

On Sat., Nov, 2, enjoy a day by the water, slurping oysters and sipping craft brews at Oyster Jam, Phillips Wharf Environmental Center’s annual fundraiser on Tilghman Island, Md. This year’s waterfront event features oysters and other foods, craft beer, and live music with Southbound.

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. Phillips Wharf’s Fishmobile aquarium will also be open for tours, along with the Center’s historic Oyster House and its aquaculture operations.

Oyster vendors include Fisherman’s Daughter Oysters, Harris Creek Oyster Co., Madhouse Oysters, and Hollywood Oyster Company. Restaurants offering signature dishes include Wylder Hotel Tilghman Island, and Awful Arthur’s Seafood Company, St. Michaels, Md. Vendors include Brackish Life.

Admission to the rain or shine Oyster & Brew Festival includes a Commemorative Pint Glass and 10 Oyster Bucks to use with the event’s oyster vendors. Additional Oyster Bucks will be available for purchase.

The festival takes place on Nov. 2 at Phillips Wharf Environmental Center from noon to 4p.m., with admission set at $30, with advanced tickets 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.

On the evening of Fri., Nov. 1, Phillips Wharf will also be hosting a private, VIP Oyster Jam banquet and auction, with table and sponsor information available by calling 410-886-9200.

Phillips Wharf Celebrates 9th Oyster Planting Day

July 3, 2019 by Phillips Wharf Environmental Center (PWEC)

On Saturday, June 1st Phillips Wharf Environmental Center celebrated its 9th Oyster Planting Day. Staff and volunteers collected oyster growing cages from participating residents in the Bay Hundred area and planted the oysters in the Harris Creek Oyster Sanctuary to aid in oyster restoration efforts. Phillips Wharf, located in Tilghman, Maryland hosts the Tilghman Islanders Grow Oysters Program or TIGO for short, which is a part of the Marylanders Grow Oysters Program (MGO).

Oyster Planting Day was well attended with 57 volunteers consisting of youth programs from The National Aquarium and Digital Harbor High School as well as staff and members of Phillips Wharf. Together they collected, organized and prepared the oysters for their final destination in Harris Creek. This year an estimated 478 cages were collected allowing 73 bushels of oysters to be planted.

As part of the TIGO program, Phillips Wharf Environmental Center is actively looking for residents with waterfront properties to host oyster growing cages for an 8-month period. This allows the spat to grow in a protected environment before they are released on Rabbit Point in early June. The oysters require minimal care for participants as they are suspended below docks in small cages. Anyone interested in hosting cages or participating in the Tilghman Islanders Grow Oysters program is encouraged to call Phillips Wharf at (410) 886-9200 or email oysters@phillipswharf.org.

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center is located in Tilghman Island, Maryland and looks to provide education and aquaculture training programs to excite, educate and engage generations of stewards through interactive experiences showcasing the Chesapeake Bay and its inhabitants. Phillips Wharf is funded through public support, education programs and sales from its aquaculture business Fisherman’s Daughter Oysters. Guests are encouraged to visit the campus located just over the Knapps Narrows Bridge in beautiful Tilghman Island or visit www.phillipswharf.org.

Phillips Wharf Taking Applications for New Aquaculture Class

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

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center on Tilghman Island is sharing their aquaculture pearls of wisdom.

Anyone interested in becoming an oyster farmer is invited to apply for the Center’s new aquaculture training program. Participants will learn everything they need to know to begin an aquaculture operation of their own.

In addition to the training, the center supplies the necessary equipment needed to participate in their aquaculture incubator. Students must complete an aquaculture lease application to graduate from the program.

Equipped with knowledge and gear, trainees will be able to work the Center’s lease and raise their own oysters. Phillips Wharf supplies the seed stock and will buy back the oysters when they are large enough to harvest.

The program is funded by a grant from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Applicants must be able to lift 50 pounds and be comfortable on a boat. Though anyone is welcome, working watermen are encouraged to apply.

“Our program is open to anyone with grit and determination,” says Phillips Wharf Executive Director Kelley Phillips Cox. “Aquaculture presents an opportunity to supplement the wild harvest fishery, but it’s also a way to learn about the Bay. If you are interested the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay, this class is for you.”

Phillips Wharf is currently recruiting for its second cohort, with applications due February 1. Five students graduated on May 15 from the first class.

The next aquaculture training program begins Saturday, February 16 and runs through Sunday, March 31. Classes are held on each Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 1p.m.

For more information about Phillips Wharf and their aquaculture program contact Kelley Phillips Cox at (410) 310-0312 or kelley@pwec.org.

Tilghman Aquaculture Incubator will Become National Model

July 22, 2018 by Phillips Wharf Environmental Center (PWEC)

Beginning in Fall 2018, an innovative oyster aquaculture incubator at Phillips Wharf Environmental Center on Tilghman Island will serve as a national model for traditional working waterfront communities seeking to strengthen the local economy. With support from a $95,000 grant from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this new incubator will build an industry workforce on Maryland’s Eastern Shore using hands-on training on the Phillips Wharf oyster farm to teach watermen how to add aquaculture revenues to their existing businesses or transition to aquaculture entirely.

Phillips Wharf is one of seven organizations nationwide chosen out of 65 applicants for this highly competitive grant support.

To meet growing demand for seafood, aquaculture technology is making possible increased food production, restored habitat and replenished wild stocks, and rebuilt populations of threatened and endangered species. By providing a pathway for traditional seafood harvesters to move into aquaculture, the ASMFC grant will support infrastructure upgrades to Phillips Wharf oyster farm for training generations of future aquaculture practitioners. Phillips Wharf will serve as a regional incubator where watermen can learn the technical and business elements of surface, cage and bottom shellfish culture and transition into a viable, sustainable and environmentally green industry. This new program will improve the ecosystem through additional filtration and nitrogen removal while helping the region’s existing watermen bring direct economic returns to their coastal communities.

Aquaculture trainee Stacy Helgason sorting oysters on the farm.

“We are delighted to receive this prestigious grant,” Phillips Wharf Environmental Center Executive Director Kelley Cox said. “Recognizing that the community of Tilghman Island, like many others, is slowly losing its native population and maritime culture, we sought this funding to help watermen meet the increasing challenge of earning a reasonable living without harming the complex ecosystem in which they work.”

Given the complexities of federal grants, in order to start the project, Phillips Wharf must raise $95,000 in unrestricted funds by the end of August to start the project. “We hope our friends will recognize the value of this program and join us by providing financial support to meet this challenge,” added Cox, a biologist whose family can be traced in Eastern Shore history to the 1600s.

Participants will be recruited through county oyster committees, local and state watermen’s associations and by seafood dealers. Once graduated from the program, participants can continue to use Phillips Wharf’s equipment at a reduced cost until they can purchase their own. Phillips Wharf is also prepared to purchase oysters for resale from program graduates, reducing the marketing and sales efforts needed for participants’ start-up operations.

Additional support may include sub-leasing space from the Phillips Wharf oyster farm, and Phillips Wharf will also work with some students to help them connect with job opportunities if they choose not to start their own aquaculture business.

Phillips Wharf was founded on Tilghman Island in 2006. A traditional fishing community located at the tip of a 20-mile peninsula reaching out into the center of the Chesapeake Bay from Maryland’s Eastern Shore, like other traditional fishing villages across the Atlantic seaboard, Tilghman Island faces pressure from diminishing seafood stocks, development, and loss of fishing industry jobs. The median income for a family on Tilghman Island in 2010 was $38,304 compared to the Maryland average of $68,854 (US Census.)

In 2014, Phillips Wharf purchased “the Oyster House” – a historic property at Knapp’s Narrows that has been a focal point for the seafood industry for over a century and is part of the island’s maritime heritage on the island’s working waterfront. Now part of Phillips Wharf, the Oyster House is an economic driver on Tilghman Island, encouraging tourism, supporting the working waterfront and educating residents and visitors about protecting the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Just last year with donor support, Phillips Wharf purchased an existing oyster farm consisting of five acres of leased bottom in the Choptank River with oysters ready to harvest, an on-site nursery adequate to grow out oyster larvae to supply the farm and to sell, two boats, and a facility for post-harvest cleaning, grading, washing and packaging with refrigeration for aggregation. This revenue generating operation will sustain Phillips Wharf’s youth education programs.an additional 10 acres pending approval in nearby Harris Creek (a tributary of the Choptank River) will triple the size of Phillips Wharf’s oyster operation and support even more future Aquaculturists-in-training. By siting the aquaculture farms in the Harris Creek restoration sanctuary, watermen can reap immediate economic gains from an area designed to provide benefits over a longer time horizon. The oyster sanctuaries are designed in such a way as to export larvae to other areas in the Bay to support wild harvest.

Phillips Wharf is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering hands-on education for children and adults, a “Fishmobile” marine science outreach program that reaches tens of thousands of children in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia each year, a citizen-based oyster restoration program and most recently, an aquaculture training program designed to help working watermen incorporate sustainable aquaculture practices to supplement their traditional wild seafood harvest operations.

New Native Garden in Bloom!

July 8, 2018 by Phillips Wharf Environmental Center (PWEC)

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center in Tilghman Island is host to a new native plant garden that is not only attracting butterflies and bees but also visitors who want to learn about plants for pollinators. Donated and installed by local author and artist Ann Hymes, the garden provides a focal point at the parking area and offers free brochures.

“I wanted a location that would value the importance of native plants,” said Hymes, “and Phillips Wharf is dedicated to education and environmental stewardship. Founder Kelley Cox, a marine biologist, and her terrific staff are creating a legacy of the importance of the Chesapeake Bay. Native plants are part of that history.”

More than two dozen varieties of plants, all perennials, are clearly marked with their common and botanical names. The season began with the blossoms of Beard-Tongue Foxglove, Ninebark, and three different Chokeberry bushes. Now color is popping forth with Wild Bergamot, Butterfly Weed, Stokes Aster, Bee Balm, and Wild Quinine. Hymes had 20 yards of composted top soil brought in to establish the new garden.

“The strong sunshine precluded some of my favorites, like Cinnamon Ferns,’ added Hymes, “but there are tall and short plants that any gardener can manage. Beware of Obedient Plant, so named because it isn’t! I surrounded it with a stone wall, but it will find a way out! I love the late summer blooms, and it’s easy just to pull out when it’s naughty.”

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center is located just over the bridge on Tilghman Island Road — and well worth a visit. (410) 886-9200.

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