Greetings Chesapeake Bay Field Lab Friends,
Thebaylab.org passed the 2000 passenger mark this past week. Thanks to all the volunteers that made this possible. Anyone wishing to volunteer at the Bay Lab can contact Georgia Wheeler at jbwassoc@erols.com
New teacher Gina Minchey completed the Department of Natural Resources class and delivered Horseshoe Crab eggs to the Bay Lab this past week. Their progress will be closely monitored by Gina and summer intern Caryn Russell. Gina went to school to become the perfect house mother for these amazing creatures.
An aquarium with “just born” seahorses has also been set up, a gift from the Howar family of Tall Timbers who found the dad in a crab pot.
The outside tanks are up and have seawater running through them. Many bay critters will be on display as the summer progresses.
The water temperature is in the low 80s and the Cow Nosed Rays are plentiful in the St. Mary’s River as are the Sea Nettles.
The Purple Martins are bringing their young birds out of the nest as we write this missive. We will only be able to enjoy them for another several weeks because after the young take to the wing, they will be thinking about migrating to South America. I have never seen them on St. George Island after the 1st of August.
The crab business is rather slow and there are very few female peelers in the Lower Potomac.
Muskrats are rebounding well in our marshes. I plan on trapping some this winter and putting the skins on the wall for the students review. They also make good hand and foot warmers in the colder times.
We are always looking for new members. Please join the CBFL goal of saving the oyster house and skipjack for future generations to enjoy. Visit the web site and become a member.
Remember: “It’s our Bay, Let’s Pass it on.”