Volunteers help rebuild oyster populations through the Marylanders Grow Oyster Program and release the oysters in protected sanctuaries.
Many hands make light work is a phrase often used to rally support for important causes, such as the fight to restore the health of local rivers. Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy (MRC) is reaching out to the local community in order to expand its network of helping hands. MRC is an environmental advocacy group focused on protecting and restoring the Choptank River watershed, Eastern Bay, and Miles and Wye Rivers. The new year is in full swing, and MRC has plenty of opportunities for Midshore residents to get involved.
On March 27, MRC will host an open house from 5:30-7pm at their office at 24 N. Harrison Street in downtown Easton. Enjoy wine and cheese while learning about the many ways you can help restore local rivers. You don’t need to be a scientist or educator, just share a love for local waterways. Whether you have a lot or a little time to give, every minute can make a difference. MRC has a dedicated staff of nine employees, but volunteers exponentially increase the organization’s impact.
Creekwatchers is MRC’s team of volunteer water quality monitors who sample approximately 120 sites throughout the Choptank, Miles, and Wye Rivers. “Without the Creekwatchers, MRC would be unable to maintain such an extensive water quality program,” said MRC’s watershed scientist Timothy Rosen. “They keep us afloat.”
Volunteers help at our numerous events like the Tour de Talbot.
In the year ahead, MRC will expand its elementary and high school education programs throughout Talbot, Queen Anne’s, and Dorchester counties. Enthusiastic volunteers are needed to lead a “Waste in Our Waters” third grade program. The curriculum includes stories such as “Fred the Fish” and a recycled-art lesson with the Academy Art Museum.
Other volunteer opportunities involve MRC’s oyster cage program, community tree plantings, annual fundraising events such as Tour de Talbot, Wild & Scenic Film Festival, and the new Clean Water Ambassadors program. Clean Water Ambassadors are residents who collaborate with MRC to identify environmentally friendly practices they can implement in their communities.
Stop by Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy at 24 N. Harrison St. on March 27 from 5:30-7pm to learn more about MRC’s mission and ways you can join in the effort to improve our rivers. For more information, visit www.midshoreriverkeeper.org, email [email protected], or phone 443.385.0511.
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