Non-profit groups could not survive without the help of volunteers, and the Coastal Bays Program is no exception. We need volunteers for various activities throughout the year, including our Osprey Triathlon, Earth Day Cleanup, Maryland Coast Day and many other assorted opportunities that come up. If you are in need of community service hours, let us know and we'll try to help you!
May 29th - June 1st - Terrapin Blitz
Maryland Coastal Bays Program is partnering with the Terrapin Work Group, a group composed of terrapin researchers and managers in Maryland, are looking for volunteers to participate in the Second Annual Diamondback Terrapin Blitz May 29 - June 1, 2013.
The Diamondback Terrapin may be Maryland’s state reptile and the mascot for the University of Maryland, but its current population status in Maryland is poorly understood. In an effort to better understand its status in Maryland the MCBP is conducting a terrapin count.
The MCBP, is reaching out to those interested in participating in the count.
The count will consist of surveys in the Coastal Bay in brackish water creeks and bays on May 29 - June 1. Surveys will be conducted by trained volunteer crews. Crews will consist of a boat operator with a boat, an observer (or two) and a scribe. We are looking for 1). boat owners who can provide the transport, 2). an experienced water person who is able to identify turtles in the water (terrapins are the only turtle occupying brackish/salt water, but other turtles, such as snapping turtles, may venture into more brackish water), 3). a person who can accurately fill out survey forms in the field.
If you are interested or would like more information please contact Sandi Smith at 410-213-2297 ext. 107 or via email at sandis@mdcoastalbays.org.
Lizard Hill Restoration Volunteer
The Lizard Hill Restoration Site is a property located in Bishopville, MD that belongs to the State Highway Administration. Maryland Coastal Bays Program, along with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and other partners, has worked to restore and manage this property. This site was once a sand and gravel mine, but through the efforts of our incredible volunteers and partners, this area is progressively becoming a natural Atlantic cedar bog habitat. Over the past year, over 1,500 native trees have been planted on this 30 acre property.
Currently, MCBP is looking for a few dedicated individuals to form a team that will assist in restoration programs and property maintenance at Lizard Hill. This will include planting native species, removing invasive plants, and recording observations at the site. We are looking for individuals who are as passionate about our environment as we are. The full position description can be found here. If you are interested in becoming a Lizard Hill volunteer leader, contact our volunteer coordinator
Reel in and Recycle Project Leader Maryland Coastal Bays is taking part in a Boat US Foundation program called “Reel in and Recycle.” Through this program we received a few containers designed as disposal mechanisms for fishing line. By placing these containers at popular fishing locations, Maryland Coastal Bays is working to keep fishing lines out of the water and off of the land.
MCBP needs help installing these containers, as well as maintaining them. The containers must be emptied once a month and the line must be boxed up and sent to Berkley Recycling in Iowa, and the volunteer must log information on the amount of line collected on that certain day.
This is a great opportunity to get outdoors and become an asset to the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. We can’t protect our watershed without you!
To find out more about our ongoing volunteer opportunities, click HERE.
Volunteering can even be as easy as looking out your window. If you spot a terrapin, you can report it
HERE, and become a citizen scientist!
