Data for a Healthy Chesapeake Bay
While others might cheer the spring return of warmer temperatures to Virginia’s Lower Potomac, A.J. Erskine eyes the related runoff with a bit of concern.
While others might cheer the spring return of warmer temperatures to Virginia’s Lower Potomac, A.J. Erskine eyes the related runoff with a bit of concern.
Most people don’t know anything about these ecosystem superstars that grow on the bottoms of coastal waters, even though they support food security, mitigate climate change, promote biodiversity, and own the title of world’s largest plant.
Around Chesapeake Bay, just about everyone agrees: oysters are tasty and seagrass is important. But there’s a hitch—these equally beloved resources thrive in the same places. But what if the same spot could support both?
In 2021, Tribal, locality, and regional stakeholders from Virginia’s Coastal Zone Management (CZM) program did something unprecedented: they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on environmental conservation initiatives while promoting sustainable economic development within the Lower Chickahominy River Watershed.
Reserve staff from around the System are receiving formal accolades for their work in support of estuaries and coastal communities. A big congratulations to these NERRS superstars—and thank you for all you do!
Reserve educators have rallied behind students, teachers, and parents all dealing with the challenges of science learning during COVID-19. From coast to coast, Reserves are providing online programs to engage children with estuaries safely.