Oysters By the Bay - Step 2: Moving Away from Home

This is the last stop in our series following the life of an oyster: from spat in a tank, to juveniles in a garden, and finally, to a home in the Chesapeake Bay.

In our first trip following the life story of the oyster series, we met tiny larvae floating in massive tanks at Horn Point Laboratory. As they grow, the larvae give up the free-floating lifestyle and attach themselves to shells. The oysters, now called spat, are moved to cages tethered in a Chesapeake Bay oyster garden, where they continue to grow and become hearty. Now that spring is here, it’s time for the spat to travel to their new permanent home, an oyster reef along the edge of Fort Carroll, out in the Bay. Join us to watch their cages being pulled and learn about their new adjustment as they travel with us by boat to their new home.

We’ll travel on the sailboat Mildred Belle, an authentic Chesapeake Bay buyboat, one of only a few remaining and an important part of the Bay history and economy.  The oystermen who ran these boats acted as the middlemen on the bay, purchasing fish, crabs, and oysters directly from fishing vessels working under sail, and then transporting the catch to market. This allowed the fishing fleet to continue its work on the water. We’ll learn about the boat, bird along the way, and continue our conversation about oysters. Don’t worry if you didn’t attend the previous trip: we’ll get you up to speed on oysters!

• Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is completed.
• Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
• All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up to the event uninvited, you will not be allowed to participate.
• High school-aged children are welcome to attend and must be registered as a guest of their adult.
• No more than two children per adult.
• Closed-toe shoes are mandatory on board.
• Everyone must sign a waiver, available at the dock.
• Illegal drugs, marijuana, or firearms are not allowed.
• Allow plenty of time to park in the garage, walk to the dock, and check in. The ship leaves promptly at 6 pm.
• A restroom is available at the dock and onboard.
• Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
• Bring water, snacks, sunblock, and bug spray, depending on the season.
• Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details, if you have them.
• Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.

All events are held rain or shine. If any event is cancelled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.