So far, this winter of 2009 has reminded me of my past winters in Estonia. Although we enjoy much more daylight in the Chesapeake Bay even on an overcast day compared to the Far North, this December has been kind of cold and gloomy.  So, my thoughts are on pleasant excursions for the summer of 2010.

Taking a boat ride and visiting some of the islands always feels like an adventure. Boat trips have that effect on me.

I was surprised to learn that since the Chesapeake Bay has such strong tidal currents, the coastlines are constantly being eroded away. Building natural coastlines has been

found to be the best solution to this. In most cases, where there is not a lot of fetch, the coastline can be reconstructed by planting natural grasses.

The islands of the Bay however, are more exposed, and many of them are fast disappearing.

One island that is being saved is Poplar Island located 35 miles south of Baltimore.

The Restoration Project of Poplar Island began in the 1990s and

involves bringing barge loads of dredged material from Baltimore Harbor to Poplar Island. A deep harbor is very

important to Baltimore for commercial ships to enter.

“At 4 miles long, the restored 1140 acre site approximates the 1847 outline of Poplar Island, which was renowned for its waterfowl, terrapins, fish and crabs. Construction began in 1998 and is expected to continue until 2020. When complete, the island will be equally divided between tidal marsh and upland, and will provide habitat for a variety of migratory and resident wildlife.”

(For more information on this project: http://hpl.umces.edu/resecol/popis.htm)

There are daily free boat trips to Poplar Island. Once on the island visitors are able to take a bus tour of the different “cells” where varying degrees of island ‘growth” are recorded.

A guide gives a very thorough talk about the entire project.

I look forward to visiting this island again since it is such a phenomenal undertaking and great results can already be seen. Many birds have returned to nest and there is a growing community of terrapin turtles that involves local school children. The process is slow with expected date of completion to be around 2020.

This is a wonderful place to bring the family and learn about the importance of taking care of our habitats.

However, for other islands, their chances for recovery seem to be long gone as this photo shows so

poignantly. I discovered a group of people online who are trying valiantly to arrest the erosion but it seems like the odds are not in their favor.

A friend of mine has been trying to organize a visit to Holland Island before it is gone entirely. We had to postpone several proposed trips this fall due to inclement weather so we are keeping our fingers crossed that it will still be there next summer.

To read more about Holland Island: http://www.chesapeakelifemag.com/index.php/cl/travel_article/tr_hollandisland_ma06/

Slip Into Someplace Comfortable

Let the sparkling water color blue of the Chesapeake Bay beckon you to explore meandering creeks, lush marshland, farms and scenic byways. Relax and discover the unique nooks and crannies of this designated national treasure. You will feel a unique sense of place where the extraordinary is in the ordinary and where people still feel a deep connection to their community. This is an area with a rich cultural heritage and offering a diverse choice of activities and attractions. Come and see how the Chesapeake Bay provides a unique retreat and change in pace.

You’re crossing the Chesapeake Bay. Roll down your windows as you’re driving on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Inhale clean air. Listen to the gulls. See how the wide open spaces gradually lead your eye up the rivers, creeks and wetlands where osprey, geese, and blue heron feed and nest. Started in 1950 the Bay bridge, really two bridges, makes it easier for visitors to access this area. Plan ahead by checking the traffic and weather reports. Slow down and relax as you drive into another world.

Let 12,000 miles of tidal shoreline keep you enchanted with endless exploration. Retrace the routes of prominent people who changed the course of history. Discover how the steamboat and watermen contributed to the cultural identity.

The Chesapeake Bay is a watershed where water and land meet to produce an intricate system of habitats. It is a restful place that seduces hunters, painters, boaters and nature lovers. As you cross over the Bay Bridge as the locals call it think of the broad array of choices: wineries, boutique, etc.

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