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The Chesapeake Bay Ecosystem
Complexity, Importance and Fragility
We will learn about the Chesapeake Bay by investigating its evolution, recent history, ecology, and concerns for the future and also experience some of the rich culture associated with rural Tidewater Virginia. The Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in North America, is an incredibly complex ecosystem that includes important habitats, resources, and food webs. We will begin our exploration of the Chesapeake Bay by traversing one of Virginia's most pristine waterways, the Dragon Run, traveling from fresh water to the mouth of the Piankatank River, a tributary of the Bay. We will investigate the many other Chesapeake Bay habitats on wading trips and canoe trips, perform shallow water sampling to investigate Bay inhabitants, and explore the possible reasons for the decline in the health of the Bay. Particular species of discussion will include the American oyster, the blue crab, and striped bass, along with other wildlife. Students will have opportunities to do hands-on investigations and also talk with marine scientists, restoration experts, marine resource managers, and watermen. We will enjoy Tidewater Virginia's beauty and culture on this exciting educational opportunity.
Monday, June 23
11:00 – 12:00 PM: Check in, registration, and room assignment
12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch at Christchurch
1:00 – 2:00 PM: Welcome, introductions, rules, outline of week down at the beach
2:00 – 4:30 PM: Introduction to estuaries on the Christchurch beach: canoe training, basic water quality testing, seine netting for estuarine fish and blue crabs, set up the aquarium. Field clothes and mud shoes.
5:30 – 6:15 PM: Dinner at Christchurch
6:45 – 8:00 PM: PowerPoint presentation on general overview of Chesapeake Bay and history of the Bay. Compile results from introduction at Christchurch beach. Begin species list and water quality testing data sheets.
8:00 – 9:00 PM: Get to know you games
9:00-10:00 PM: Virginia State Spoons Championship Introduction
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