Calvert County Public Schools students are making good use of the Fishing Creek boardwalk in Chesapeake Beach to learn about the role of the Eastern Oyster in Chesapeake Bay ecology. Through a partnership with the Town of Chesapeake Beach, the Calvert County Natural Resources Division, the Chesapeake Beach Oyster Cultivation Society and CHESPAX, fifth grade students participate in hands-on experiences with these important bay animals.
Oysters play a vital role as a natural filter for the bay, and oyster reefs provide a habitat for a variety of bay animals. Oysters are also an important part of the human history of Calvert County and the Chesapeake Bay region. According to CHESPAX teacher Tom Harten, “Programs like the one at Fishing Creek highlight the value of oysters and provide an opportunity for students to participate in their conservation. The program helps students gain an understanding of important science concepts that are targeted for fifth grade and provides an opportunity for a first-hand experience with this iconic Chesapeake Bay creature.”
After a pilot project in 2013, this year students from schools in the northern half of the county will participate in these activities on Fishing Creek. Students from the southern schools continue their oyster education programming at Flag Ponds Nature Park in Lusby.
During the field experience, the students engage in activities to measure growth rate and survivorship of young oysters, identify aquatic animals found in oyster gardens and measure water quality of the creek to assess environmental conditions for oyster growth.
Back in the classroom, students will apply what they learn by developing a flyer, brochure or other form of communication to encourage Calvert residents with water access to become oyster gardeners by placing caged oyster spat on their docks or piers.
CHESPAX is the environmental education program for Calvert County Public Schools. CHESPAX is a unique program in which staff work closely with local, state and regional partner agencies to provide hands-on environmental education experiences for the students of Calvert County.
The Superintendent, Daniel Curry, and Supervisor of Elementary and Middle School Science, Janel McPhillips, invite members of the press to join them and students from Huntingtown Elementary on a field trip on Monday, November 10 from 9:45-1:00 at the Fishing Creek Boardwalk in Chesapeake Beach.
