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July 18, 2025

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

Ecosystem Eco Notes

Waterfowl Announces New Event “Local Catch Feast” – A Celebration of Chesapeake Flavor

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The Waterfowl Festival invites you to “Local Catch Feast” — a delicious celebration of local seafood, community, and conservation — taking place on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM at 40 S. Harrison Street, Easton, MD.

This special event features a menu of the invasive Chesapeake Channa (Snakehead), Blue Catfish, and crab soup. Enjoy local beverages, delicious sides, and desserts as you mingle with fellow supporters and conservationists. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet our 2024 and 2025 conservation grantees, whose innovative work is helping to protect the natural heritage of the Chesapeake region.

Guests will get an exclusive preview of this year’s Waterfowl Festival Poster, browse new Waterfowl Festival merchandise, take a chance on a raffle or two, and take a sneak peek inside our newly redesigned Waterfowling Museum! Be the first to hear exciting updates about new venues and attractions coming to Festival 54 this November!

Come hungry. Leave inspired.

Our Local Catch is a celebration of what makes the Eastern Shore unique — its bounty, its beauty, and its commitment to protecting our shared resources for generations to come.

Many thanks to our sponsors: Fello., Eastern Shore Tents and Events, Dorchester County Tourism, Four Dogs Brewing Co.

Event Details:

  • Date: September 15, 2025

  • Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

  • Location: Waterfowl Festival Building, 40 S. Harrison St, Easton, MD

  • Admission: Tickets for sale online at waterfowlfestival.org/feast

About the Waterfowl Festival

Since 1971, the Waterfowl Festival has raised nearly six million dollars for conservation and education efforts. Proceeds from the festival support various environmental, art, student scholarships,  and cultural initiatives, ensuring that future generations can understand and enjoy the beauty and diversity of waterfowl and their environments. The festival also plays a vital role in supporting the local community, drawing visitors from around the country and boosting the regional economy.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Waterfowl Festival, Inc. grants $30,000 in scholarships to local students

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The Waterfowl Festival is pleased to announce that they have selected 15 qualified recipients of this year’s William H. Perry Scholarships with a combined total of  $30,000.

The scholarship recipients are William Sherwood, Chesapeake College; Liam Swadley, Rochester Institute of Technology; Lavinia Tindall, University of Maryland; Pippa Milhollan, University of Maryland; Robert Norbury, Wor-Wic College; Viviana Morris, University of Chicago; Joshua Sherwood, University of Maryland; Jack Townsend, Salisbury University; Isabella Jobeck, James Madison University; Graham Willis, Chesapeake College; Charles Kaminskas, Coastal Carolina University; Brian Milhollan, University of Kentucky; Billy Haufe, University of Maryland ; Ashton Milhollan, Loyola University; Cole Paradine, University of Maryland.

Ernie Burns, Chairman of the Waterfowl Festival Scholarship Committee, shared, “We are incredibly proud of our recipients. Their dedication to volunteerism truly embodies the spirit of the Waterfowl Festival and the Eastern Shore.”

Each year, students from across the region who have served as “duck sitters” or youth volunteers for the Festival are invited to apply for academic support through the William A. Perry Scholarship Fund. This scholarship recognizes the young volunteers whose energy, dedication, and enthusiasm have been an important part of the legacy of this family friendly event for over fifty years.

Created in honor of Festival co-founder William A. Perry and his wife Betty, this fund supports students from across the region for their post-secondary education.

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be high school seniors or current students enrolled in an accredited college, university, trade school, or graduate/post-graduate program. They must also be in good academic standing and have contributed significant time and service as a volunteer for the Waterfowl Festival. To volunteer, please email [email protected] or call the festival office, 410-822-4567.

About the Waterfowl Festival

Since 1971, the Waterfowl Festival has raised nearly six million dollars for conservation and education efforts. Proceeds from the festival support various environmental, art, student scholarships,  and cultural initiatives, ensuring that future generations can understand and enjoy the beauty and diversity of waterfowl and their environments. The festival also plays a vital role in supporting the local community, drawing visitors from around the country and boosting the regional economy.

The Waterfowl Festival gratefully acknowledges the support of the Maryland State Arts Council, the Maryland Historic Trust, the Town of Easton, Talbot County Government, and all of our incredible community partners including the hundreds of volunteers that make all the magic happen.

For more information about the Waterfowl Festival, including ticket sales and a full schedule of events, please visit www.waterfowlfestival.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Easton Fills Final Two Spots on the Waterfowl Festival Commission

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Earlier today, Peggy Moray and Dennis Cassidy were sworn in by Mayor Megan Cook to serve on the Easton Waterfowl Festival Commission. Their appointments fill the final two spots on the five-person commission. Moray’s appointment was confirmed by the Easton Town Council at the April 7 meeting, and Cassidy’s was confirmed at the council meeting on April 21.

These appointments follow three others made earlier this month, with Amy Horne, Pat Ragan, and Dan Ketelsen also sworn in to the commission on April 14.

“We’re thrilled to have the final two positions appointed to the Waterfowl Commission,” said Waterfowl Festival Inc. Executive Director Deena Kilmon. “Over the next few weeks our commissioners will be reviewing the logistical plans for the 54th Annual Waterfowl Festival this fall. We are grateful to have their input and expertise leading up to this year’s event.”

Once sworn in, commission members serve terms of 3 years, after which they are eligible for reappointment. The commission works to provide logistical input and support for the festival, helping to plan for transportation, food, and other efforts to ensure the event is safe and successful.

“We’re pleased to see that the Waterfowl Festival Commission is once again at full capacity,” said Mayor Cook. “This is the biggest event in Easton, economically and culturally, and we want to ensure that they have the necessary support to continue its success. I thank all five of them for their commitment to this event, and to our town.”

The 54th Annual Waterfowl Festival will be held in Easton from November 14-16. More details about the event can be found at their website: https://waterfowlfestival.org/. More information on the Waterfowl Festival Commission can be found on the Town website at https://eastonmd.gov/541/Waterfowl-Festival-Commission.

Formally recognized in 1710 by the Province of Maryland, Easton is the county seat of Talbot County. Encompassing over 11 square miles including almost two dozen public parks and open spaces, the town has a growing population of over 17,000 residents. For more information please visit: eastonmd.gov.

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Easton welcomes three new members to Waterfowl Festival Commission

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On Monday, April 14, 2025, Mayor Megan Cook swore in three new members of the Easton Waterfowl Festival Commission. Amy Horne, Pat Ragan, and Dan Ketelsen were each sworn in at the Easton Town Hall, just one week after their appointments were unanimously approved by the town council at the council meeting on April 7.

“Since 1985, the Waterfowl Festival Commission has supported the Waterfowl Festival with creating a town logistics plan that is supportive and responsive to our community’s needs,” remarked Waterfowl Festival Inc. Executive Director, Deena Kilmon. “We are excited to see three new members join our commission, and thank them for their dedication.”

Once sworn in, commission members serve terms of 3 years, after which they are eligible for reappointment. A fourth new commission member, Peggy Moray, was also approved by council, but was unable to attend the swearing in. She could be sworn in at a later date to begin her term.

“The Waterfowl Festival is not only our biggest event and a major economic driver  — it is an integral part of our culture and identity as a Town,” added Mayor Megan Cook. “The Waterfowl Festival creatively brings together regional art and culture, sporting, and conservation in a unique package that fits Easton so well. We support them in all of their efforts, and we hope that these new commission members will be able to get more involved and assist the Waterfowl Festival staff with logistics and planning efforts to make our future events as safe and successful as possible.”

The 54th Annual Waterfowl Festival will be held in Easton from November 14-16. More details about the event can be found at https://waterfowlfestival.org/. More information on the Waterfowl Festival Commission can be found on the Town website at https://eastonmd.gov/541/Waterfowl-Festival-Commission.

Formally recognized in 1710 by the Province of Maryland, Easton is the county seat of Talbot County. Encompassing over 11 square miles including almost two dozen public parks and open spaces, the town has a growing population of over 17,000 residents. For more information please visit: eastonmd.gov.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

2025 Waterfowl Community in Conservation Grant Fund open for applications

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Easton, MD – The Waterfowl Festival is excited to match resources with environmental needs across the region through its annual “Community in Conservation” funding program. These grants, supported by proceeds from the annual Waterfowl Festival event offer non-profits and community entities the chance to receive monies for projects and initiatives at the intersection of conservation and community.

“Each year, we are proud to offer this support to deserving conservation and allied organizations,” remarked Chip Heaps, Conservation Committee Chairman, Waterfowl Festival Board of Directors.  “Now more than ever, it is critical that we provide resources to those who are working hard to preserve our open spaces and wildlife habitats for future generations.”

Over the past five decades, dozens of organizations have been supported by the Waterfowl Festival, creating a legacy of education, leadership, and engagement in the conservation space. Recent projects and grantees include Ducks Unlimited, the Wellington Wildlife Management Area, Phillips Wharf Environmental Center,  and ShoreRivers.

Maryland, Virginia, or Delaware organizations are encouraged to reach out to the Waterfowl Festival with their unique projects needing crucial funding through this grant program. The 2025 grant cycle will begin April 1, 2025 and continue through July 1, 2025. Grantees will be announced and funds distributed by September, 2025 in advance of the 54th Annual Waterfowl Festival in Easton, MD.

Guidelines to apply:

Please submit your application via our online portal (mailed copies will not be accepted)

Application portal: https://waterfowlfestival.org/conservation/

Deadline: July 1, 2025

With this focus on connecting our financial resources to local environmental needs we now support projects in these four priority areas:

  1. Initiatives at the intersections of waterfowl conservation and community
  2. Education programs on Delmarva focusing on current and future generations of conservationists, enthusiasts and educators
  3. Research and scientific work of graduate students, volunteer groups
    and non-profits on Delmarva
  4. Restoration and conservation of projects that benefit waterfowl and
    regional habitat enhancement in ways that connect with larger bay habitat
    restoration goals

About the Waterfowl Festival:

Since 1971, the Waterfowl Festival has raised nearly six million dollars for conservation and education efforts. Proceeds from the festival support various environmental, art, student scholarships,  and cultural initiatives, ensuring that future generations can understand and enjoy the beauty and diversity of waterfowl and their environments. The festival also plays a vital role in supporting the local community, drawing visitors from around the country and boosting the regional economy.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Waterfowl Festival, Inc. announces 2025 featured artist Al Barker

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The Waterfowl Festival’s 2025 Featured Artist has been announced, naming a legendary festival favorite, Al Barker. Barker has displayed his work at every festival since its inception in 1971. His quintessential scenes of hunting, the outdoor lifestyle, and nature flawlessly capture a quiet and breathtaking beauty, bringing the viewer intimately into the scene without disrupting the magical and private moments his subjects are experiencing.

“The Waterfowl Festival is about tradition – preserving our heritage and sharing it with the new generation,” remarked Deena Kilmon, executive director. “Al’s works are the perfect way to seduce anyone who is viewing them to fall in love with the romance of the outdoors. His works are generally not large which makes them the perfect size and price point for the new collector -a key element of the festival that is very important- making sure art is accessible to everyone.”

Al Barker, was born in New Jersey and was raised within the New York Metropolitan area where he learned to appreciate the outdoors by spending a great deal of time hunting and fishing. These activities, no doubt, influenced his decision to pursue academic studies in Environmental Science where he earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in forestry and later received a National Fellowship for Doctorate work. After these academic studies, Al became a Forestry educator and worked in private industry and eventually taught his trade on the post- secondary level. Without formal art training, he began drawing and painting wildlife scenes to assist with his teaching curricula and has been influenced by the works of Milton Weiler and Don Stone, N.A. Presently, as a full-time professional artist, Al specializes in smaller sized paintings, completing works in both oil and watercolor, as well as rendering many small editions of etchings.

Al Barker is the only professional artist that has exhibited continuously at the Easton Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Maryland, since its inception over fifty years ago. Al has won over fifty major awards in premier art competitions and principal exhibitions such as the Grand National American Artists Professional League, New York; Greenwich Workshop Galleries, Connecticut and California; Settlers West, Arizona; Gallery One, Ohio; and the prestigious Salmagundi Club in New York City in which he’s been a member and on exhibit for more than 50 years. Al’s work is displayed in many National Miniature Exhibitions in the continental United States. Notably, Al’s work has been purchased by Museums for permanent collections, many private collections, as well as The White House fine arts collection.

Look for the release of Barker’s  Featured Art piece this summer! Posters from the featured piece will be printed in limited edition, pre-orders are available by calling the Waterfowl Festival office 410-822-4567 or find the link online later in the summer in the Waterfowl store. Previous year’s prints on for sale now at this site: https://waterfowlfestival.org/festival-posters/

About the Waterfowl Festival

Waterfowl Festival Inc. is dedicated to wildlife conservation, the promotion of wildlife art, and the celebration of the life and culture of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The 54th Festival will be held November 14-16, 2025 in historic Easton, Md. VIP and corporate sponsorship packages are also available. For more information, to volunteer, or donate, visit www.waterfowlfestival.org or call 410-822-4567.

 

To learn more about Barker, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/albarkerpainter/

images courtesy Al Barker.

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Waterfowl Festival Inc. welcomes Austin Durrer and Ernie Burns to Board of Directors

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Waterfowl Festival Inc. have recently welcomed two new additional members to the Board of Directors for 2025.

“As our organization continues to grow, we are pleased to announce the addition of Durrer and Burns to our team. Durrer was a key member of our volunteer core in 2024, chairing two separate committees and supporting our operations downtown. Burns is a respected, second-generation life-long volunteer, carver, and chairman of the scholarship committee. Both individuals exhibit the highest commitment level to the mission of the festival.” remarked executive director Deena Kilmon.

Over his 20 years working in the federal government and in national politics, Austin has served as Chief of Staff for multiple Congressmembers on Capitol Hill, in the Executive Branch, and as campaign manager for a major statewide campaign. Through this experience, Austin has developed exceptional relationships, knowledge, political expertise and the ability to develop and communicate complex issues designed to advance client interests at the federal, state and local levels. As a partner at Moran Global Strategies, a leading government relations consulting firm, Austin is an expert on the appropriations process, focused on the defense technology sector.

Burns has worked as an educator for over two decades with Talbot County Public Schools and is a graduate of the University of Maryland College Park and Johns Hopkins University. Burns lives on West Sherwood Farms, his family farm, located outside Bozman, Maryland. Ernie continues to create bird and duck sculptures in the studio that inspires him and serves on the scholarship and carving committees for the Waterfowl Festival.

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Waterfowl Festival recognized Waterfowl Festival Volunteer Awards for 2024

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Outgoing President Eric Milhollan and 2025 President Julie Susman

The Waterfowl Festival and the Maryland State Arts Council, is pleased to announce that ten volunteers were recognized this year at the annual volunteer appreciation party as follows:

Richard Allison – For Music Direction at the 2024 Festival
Daniel Ketelsen – Artifacts Support Chairman – 2023 and 2024
Dennis Cassidy & Archie Tinelli – Bus and Logistics Chairman – 2024
Katie Ewers & Caroline Spurry – Cocktail Decoy Auction, multiple years
Jon Walzack – Calling Contest Support Chairman, 2024
Christine Spears & Carrie Spears – Special recognition for year-round festival administration and office support, 2024-2025
Eric Milhollan – President, 2024

“For over fifty years, the Waterfowl Festival counts on the support of hundreds of volunteers to help us create an incredible event for the community.” remarked Deena Kilmon, Executive Director. “These ten outstanding individuals were honored this year in recognition of their passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our organization.”

The Waterfowl Festival Award was presented this year along with a custom sterling silver goose pendant provided by community partner, Nelson Coleman. The event, held at the iconic Waterfowl Festival building in historic downtown Easton,  was catered by 4 Dogs Brewing Co. and attended by well over two hundred volunteers. The event was sponsored in part by PNC, The Ward Foundation, Guyette & Deeter, Ducks Unlimited, Pella, Eastern Shore Tents and Events, The Tidewater Inn,  and Coastal Style.

Interested community members are encouraged to reach out to find out how to volunteer for this year’s event, being held November 14-16, 2025, by emailing [email protected] or calling 410-822-4567. Student volunteers will receive service hours and may be eligible for the William A. Perry Scholarship after completing specific requirements. The fund has awarded over $100,000 in grants to college students since 2015.

About the Waterfowl Festival

Since 1971, the Waterfowl Festival has raised nearly six million dollars for conservation and education efforts. Proceeds from the festival support various environmental, art, student scholarships,  and cultural initiatives, ensuring that future generations can understand and enjoy the beauty and diversity of waterfowl and their environments. The festival also plays a vital role in supporting the local community, drawing visitors from around the country and boosting the regional economy. Website: waterfowlfestival.org

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Waterfowl Festival makes donations of 53 guidebooks to Talbot County Free Library

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In celebration of over five decades of community involvement and environmental stewardship, the Waterfowl Festival is excited to announce a significant donation to the Talbot County Free Library: a complete collection of guidebooks from the festival’s 53-year history. These guidebooks, available for public use, chronicle the rich heritage, artistry, and conservation efforts that have made the Waterfowl Festival a beloved tradition in the Chesapeake Bay region.

The guidebooks serve as a historical archive, showcasing the evolution of the festival, the talented artists and craftsmen who have participated, and the vital role the event has played in promoting wildlife conservation. Spanning from the inaugural 1971 guide to the most recent edition, this collection is a treasure trove for researchers, historians, and festival enthusiasts alike.

“Preserving our cultural history and making it accessible to the community has always been a priority for the Waterfowl Festival,” said Deena Kilmon, Executive Director of the Waterfowl Festival. “We’re proud to partner with the Talbot County Free Library to ensure that future generations can explore the stories and milestones that have shaped our festival, the town of Easton, and our extended community over the years.”

The Talbot County Free Library welcomes this valuable addition to its collection. Library Director Dana Newman shared their enthusiasm, stating, “This donation enriches our local history archives and provides a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to engage with the history of an event that has had such a profound impact on our community.”

The donated guidebooks will be housed in the library’s Maryland Room, where they will be available for in-library use. Patrons can explore the artistic and cultural legacy of the festival while gaining a deeper understanding of its commitment to waterfowl conservation and the Eastern Shore way of life.

About the Waterfowl Festival

Since 1971, the Waterfowl Festival has raised nearly six million dollars for conservation and education efforts. Proceeds from the festival support various environmental, art, student scholarships,  and cultural initiatives, ensuring that future generations can understand and enjoy the beauty and diversity of waterfowl and their environments. The festival also plays a vital role in supporting the local community, drawing visitors from around the country and boosting the regional economy.

About the Talbot County Free Library
The Talbot County Free Library provides resources, services, and programs that enhance the lives of all Talbot County residents. Through its commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement, the library preserves and shares the region’s rich history for future generations.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Waterfowl Festival announces 2025 Board Members

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Waterfowl Festival Inc. have recently welcomed new additions to their Boards of Directors in January. Jonathan Rondeau, Kim Newcomb, and Amy Horne have joined the organization this month.

“As we enter into the New Year, we are pleased to have three new board members that have a diverse array of skills and capabilities, each one uniquely important to the continued success of our historic festival, “ remarked Deena Kilmon, Executive Director. “Rondeau and Horne will bring fresh ideas and new energy. Newcomb, a thirty-year chairman and returning board member, will offer a wealth of knowledge and historical perspective.”

Jonathon Rondeau is President & CEO of the Arc Central Chesapeake Region. He partners with The Arc’s board of directors to set the strategic vision and direction of The Arc to make a lasting impact on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Anne Arundel County and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Over the last 6 years, Jonathon has championed transformational change and growth by expanding services, increasing The Arc’s regional presence, and developing leadership at every level of the organization. His past roles include President & CEO of Family League of Baltimore; Vice President, Community Services and then Chief Program Officer of Melwood; and Director of Camping & Therapeutic Recreation, Autism Services & Transportation for The League for People with Disabilities. He is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Maryland and Baltimore’s The Leadership 2017 program.

Rondeau holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Notre Dame of Maryland University and a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and disability studies from Springfield College. Jonathon resides in Catonsville with his husband, Matt and his son.

A native of Easton, Amy Horne is a life-long participant in the festival, having begun her journey as a youth volunteer or “Ducksitter” while still in high school. Horne currently serves as the Executive Director of the St. Michaels Community Center. Her recent past role as the Executive Director of Casa of Caroline showcased her substantial talent in creating a positive impact in the community, an ability to successfully create multi-dimensional fundraising and awareness campaigns for the organization, and a strong ability to create opportunities for volunteers and community partners to participate in the organization’s work.

Horne holds a Master of Social Work degree from Salisbury University. She has served as the President of Denton Rotary and the Shireton Condominium Association. Past board experience includes the Domestic Violence Center of Greater New Haven and the Friends of Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital. She lives in Easton with her husband Ernie Rowe.

Kim Newcomb returns to the board after a few year’s hiatus. She is a native of Talbot County and has a deep love and appreciation for the waterfowling traditions and Eastern Shore lifestyle. Newcomb brings a wealth of industry experience, having worked for many years at Safariland Hunting Corporation. Currently she is the owner of Terry  k & Associates, a real estate appraisal office.

Since 1996 she has been the Waterfowl Festival Artifacts Chairman, spearheading and designing each year’s educational exhibit which has delighted thousands of visitors over the years. Newcomb and her husband Ronnie were inducted into the Waterfowl Festival Hall of Fame in 2016. Her past experiences also include serving on the board and as the interim Deputy Director of the acclaimed Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury, MD. She has served on  the Dorchester County Historical Society Board of Directors (2012-2016) and the Dorchester County Sanitation Board of Trustees (2014-current), serving as President of the Board from 2015-2020. Kim and Ronnie reside in Church Creek, Maryland.

About Waterfowl Festival Inc.

Waterfowl Festival Inc., a partner of Waterfowl Chesapeake Inc., is dedicated to wildlife conservation, the promotion of wildlife art, and the celebration of life on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The 54th Festival will be held November 14-16, 2025 in historic Easton, Md. General admission tickets are $25 for all three days and VIP packages are also available. For more information, to volunteer, or donate, email [email protected] or call 410-822-4567.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.