Hosted by the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, the “Explore the Estuary” education series offers the unique opportunity for adults (+18 years old) to continue to broaden their knowledge of the Maryland Coastal Bays watershed. The four themed programs provide an in-depth look into the natural world and conservation issues in the Coastal Bays. Each program is a hybrid, with a webinar component, and a field experience. This lends itself to being more inclusive to those who are unable to travel or are choosing to avoid in-person events due to COVID.

Program 2: Wings on the Water: A Closer Look at Coastal Birds

Webinar: June 2nd 3-4 pm. Free.
We hope can you join us for a conversation on the diversity and importance of bird species found around the Coastal Bays watershed. Participants will take a look the various ecosystems different species are found, in addition to learning about unique adaptations that benefit those birds. This webinar will feature Dave Wilson, Principal at Conservation Community Consulting and the President of the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership.

*Field Experience: June 9th from 2-4 pm. $25 per person.
This portion will be conducted completely from the water! We are pleased to partner with Blue Bimini to provide two boat trips to experience our coastal birds first hand. Speakers include Dave Wilson (bio above), Kevin Smith (MCBP Executive Director), Roman Jesien (MCBP Science Coordinator), Liz Wist (MCBP Education Coordinator), and Chandler Joiner (MCBP Environmental Educator) as we take a trip around our Coastal Bays to discuss their natural history, colonial nesting birds, and current efforts to assist those species. Participants will also have a few interactive exploration opportunities while on the boats. The boats will leave from the OC Fishing Marina. More details will be provide upon registration.

This field experience is the only one for the Explore the Estuary program with a fee. The price per person is $25. The link to pay online for this field experience will be sent to you following the submission of this registration page.

*You do not need to attend the webinar in order to attend the field experience.The virtual webinar is open and free to anyone who registers. The field experience will have limited capacity due to boat size, and has a fee associated. Once the field experience is full, it will say “FULL” on the drop down menu below. More details on the field experience portion will be sent out following registration. The entire field experience is outside, so be prepared for all weather, and please bring your masks.

To register, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3kGRJJSZHo0fYvWKxSeTMLQprtUgDRz5b46E1lhWwRpOjLQ/viewform