Assateague Coastal Trust

Today is the day!!

We’d love to invite our Coastal Bays community out to the new Maryland “Bays” license plate unveiling event. This is an exciting opportunity to learn more about the redesign and preservation efforts of Maryland’s natural resources. Click this link to register https://tinyurl.com/jk34fe92 . Registration will be limited to the first 50 community members who sign up. We hope to see you on Tuesday!

🌟 Join Assateague Coastal Trust at the 2024 ! 🌟

Discover the wonders of our Coast Kids program, brought to you by the Berlin Police Department, Maryland and community partnerships. Get ready for an evening filled with fun, learning, and community spirit. Let’s come together to explore, educate, and celebrate! 🌊🐢🎨

📅 Date: Tuesday, August 6th
🕒 Time: 4 -7 PM
📍 Location: Henry Park - 125 Flower Street

Don't miss out on the excitement – see you there!

Water Quality Results are in!

With rain comes higher bacteria levels in our waterways.

Stay safe and make sure to check out our bacteria testing results on Swim Guide before you get into the water!

Assateague Coastal Trust, Bacteria Results from 07.17.24.

Assateague Coastal Trust samples and monitors bacteria levels in your waterways at locations throughout our watershed. The bacteria level samples are processed according to scientific standards in our lab and available in time for the weekend.

Always follow recommended best practices when recreating in the waterways, especially 24-48 hours after a significant rain event!

This program follows the Environmental Protection Agency's standard protocols for collecting and analyzing water samples.

By collecting, analyzing, and distributing data on bacteria levels, our goal is to provide you with the current bacteria levels to make educated decisions about your contact with the water. Bacteria levels will vary based on location, land use, and weather, making systematic, scientific analysis of local water quality vital.

PLEASE NOTE -
*There are inherent risks associated with open water swimming and recreational contact including, but not limited to, bacterial infections.
* Bacteria levels can change, particularly because of significant rain events (>1").
Anything higher than 104 cfu is a failing sample, and anything below 104 cfu is a passing sample.
*We recommend that you always rinse off after swimming in the water, never swim with open wounds, avoid water contact for 24-48 hours after a significant rain event and always obey signage and local laws whenever swimming in open water.
*Please note, not all sites are designated swimming areas.

🚀 Only 1 more day left of our Coast Kids summer camp and we are going out with a bang!
Yesterday, our campers dove into the world of science with hands-on experiments exploring the greenhouse effect, climate change, and sea level rise. 🌍🔬
But the fun didn't stop there - we also spent the afternoon building, decorating, and flying kites on this beautiful day. 🌞 Who knew learning could be this much fun?

Stay tuned for more adventures as we wrap up an amazing summer camp experience!

🌾🌟 Let's rally together to support Maryland Buy Local Challenge and make a positive impact in our community! By choosing to buy local, we not only support our hardworking farmers and businesses, but we also reduce our carbon footprint, promote sustainability, and strengthen our local economy. Every purchase makes a difference, so let's come together to show our support for our local community. 🌾🌟

🌟 Calling all Marylanders! 🌟

Are you up for the challenge? 🌾 Join us for the annual Maryland Buy Local Challenge from July 19 to 28. Show your support by pledging on our event page at www.buylocalchallenge.com - just click the 'TAKE THE CHALLENGE' button!

Let's celebrate local produce together 🍅🌽 Share the fresh and help our community thrive! Use when you post pics of Maryland-grown products on your socials between July 19 - 28 for a chance to win an exciting prize! 🎁

Let's support our local farmers, watermen and businesses - together we can make a difference! 🌿💪 🦀🌻

It's official!
The Agriculture Week Proclamation took place this morning in Snow Hill. We are excited to be a part of it, and look forward to seeing our community's beautiful faces!
For all the updates and information, follow Maryland's Coast

🌿🔋🌊 Another amazing day at Coast Kids, Nature Explorers camp!

Today, our campers dove into the world of green energy, learning how to harness the power of nature to create delicious s'mores, fun pinwheels, and even a water turbine.

They also showcased their acting skills in the Carbon Footprint Theater and got creative with cyano prints on their camp T-shirts. Our campers are truly embracing sustainability and having a blast while doing it!
🌿🔋🌊

🌊🌍🎉 Yesterday was an incredible first day at the Coast Kids camp! Our little eco-warriors learned so much about the impact of plastic pollution on our environment and how they can make a difference. From exploring microplastics in the water to getting creative with reusable materials, they truly embraced the message of reducing plastic use. Here's to a week filled with fun, learning, and making a positive impact on our planet!
🌊🌍🎉

Looks like fun!!! 🎥

Popcorn and a Movie? Join us for this dynamic film sharing insights from regional farmers.https://lower-shore-land-trust.networkforgood.com/events/71320-free-film-screening-series-pt-2-delmarva-and-the-ground-for-change

It's Plastic Free July. Have you given up any single use plastic items yet this month? If not try this easy one, invest in some reusable containers for leftovers. Better yet, take one with you next time so you don't need a disposable one from the restaurant.

Today is give something away day. Giving items you no longer want or need to family, friends or organizations is a great way to reduce waste and help others.
https://mdrecycles.org/

🌟 Calling all Marylanders! 🌟

Are you up for the challenge? 🌾 Join us for the annual Maryland Buy Local Challenge from July 19 to 28. Show your support by pledging on our event page at www.buylocalchallenge.com - just click the 'TAKE THE CHALLENGE' button!

Let's celebrate local produce together 🍅🌽 Share the fresh and help our community thrive! Use when you post pics of Maryland-grown products on your socials between July 19 - 28 for a chance to win an exciting prize! 🎁

Let's support our local farmers, watermen and businesses - together we can make a difference! 🌿💪 🦀🌻

Plastic Free July-

Microplastics are plastics that are less than 5 millimeters in size—about the size of a pencil eraser! They are found in water, air and soil. In 2015, a survey of tidal tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay found microplastics in all 60 samples of various marine animals, with higher concentrations near cities and urbanized areas.

Here are ways you can reduce your exposure to microplastics:

✅ Reduce single-use plastic and opt for longer-lasting, permanent items.
✅ Do not put plastic in the microwave—use ceramic or glass containers instead.
✅ Purchase clothing with natural fibers like cotton and wool instead of synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon.
✅ Install a microfiber trap in the washing machine.
✅ Support legislation and policy options to reduce and eliminate plastic.
✅ Participate in local trash cleanups.

Learn more about microplastics here: https://waterkeeperschesapeake.org/combatting-microplastics/

The Important Mission of the Assateague Coastkeeper! - https://mailchi.mp/actforbays.org/the-important-mission-of-the-assateague-coastkeeper

We're still celebrating Plastic-Free July!
Could you give up plastic for a month?

How to live without plastics for a month, according to the founder of a global movement Plastic Free July is upon us! Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, founder of Plastic Free July, encourages people to take the challenge with friends, start small and keep a “plastic free kit” on hand.

🌿🦉🌺 What an amazing week at Coast Kids, “Our Backyard is Alive” camp at Assateague Coastal Trust!

From learning about bird beak adaptations to discovering native bees and butterflies in our pollinator garden, our Nature Explorers had a week full of hands-on learning and fun. 🐝🦋🌼

With activities like planting milkweed and elderberries, dissecting owl pellets, and tie-dying T-shirts, our campers got to experience the wonders of nature up close and personal. And let's not forget about the amazing bird nests and Eastern Bluebird nesting boxes they constructed!

We are so proud of our campers for their curiosity, creativity, and dedication to making their backyard a haven for wildlife. Here's to many more adventures and discoveries in the next week! 🌳🦋🌿

🌊 Check it out! 🌊 Delaware Beach Life magazine has featured our very own, Assateague Coastkeeper, Taylor Swanson!

Dive into page 14 to learn more about Taylor’s incredible work protecting our coastal waters and standing up to polluters. 🌊🛥️✨

https://www.delawarebeachlife.com/digitaledition

Thanks to your Assateague Coastkeeper and our amazing intern, Anna Long, the water quality results are in!

The temps are still up there! 🌞
Before you cool off in the water,🌊 make sure to check out our bacteria testing results on the Swim Guide!

Assateague Coastal Trust, Bacteria Results from 07.08.24.
Assateague Coastal Trust samples and monitors bacteria levels in your waterways at locations throughout our watershed. The bacteria level samples are processed according to scientific standards in our lab and available in time for the weekend.

Always follow recommended best practices when recreating in the waterways, especially 24-48 hours after a significant rain event!
This program follows the Environmental Protection Agency's standard protocols for collecting and analyzing water samples.
By collecting, analyzing, and distributing data on bacteria levels, our goal is to provide you with the current bacteria levels to make educated decisions about your contact with the water. Bacteria levels will vary based on location, land use, and weather, making systematic, scientific analysis of local water quality vital.

PLEASE NOTE -
*There are inherent risks associated with open water swimming and recreational contact including, but not limited to, bacterial infections.
* Bacteria levels can change, particularly because of significant rain events (>1").
Anything higher than 104 cfu is a failing sample, and anything below 104 cfu is a passing sample.
*We recommend that you always rinse off after swimming in the water, never swim with open wounds, avoid water contact for 24-48 hours after a significant rain event and always obey signage and local laws whenever swimming in open water.
*Please note, not all sites are designated swimming areas.

Today was a good day!
Many thanks to Indy Southward, President of the 4-H club for a demonstration of how to use celebratory methods instead of balloons and all the other non- profits and organizations; Assateague Coastal Trust, Maryland Coastal Bays Program, Surfrider Foundation - Ocean City Maryland Chapter, Town of Ocean City - Government, Green Team, Ocean City Surf Club, Beach Heroes- OC, in the Town of OC- for this awesome beach cleanup!

Please don’t litter!

This morning was a great morning! Thank you to the community that made their way out to help with the beach cleanup!

Tomorrow Morning!

The Coast Kids had a fantastic time exploring the shoreline and learning about the importance of preserving our coastlines yesterday.

It was a great hands-on experience for them to see the impact of erosion and how we can work to protect our beaches and shorelines.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible and we look forward to more Coast Kids events in the future!

🎆🌍 Celebrate Independence Day with a Green Twist! 🌍🎆

This 4th of July, let's honor our nation's independence by also celebrating our commitment to protecting our beautiful planet. From eco-friendly BBQs to waste-free picnics, there are countless ways to make your celebration both patriotic and green 💚

🔴 Use reusable plates and cutlery instead of single-use plastics.
⚪️ Choose local, organic foods for your feast.
🔵 Dispose of fireworks safely and clean up any debris.

Let's show our love for America by keeping it clean and green. Happy Independence Day, everyone! 🇺🇸💚

Join Us for a Community Beach Cleanup! Tuesday, July 9th from 8-10 am! - https://mailchi.mp/actforbays.org/community-beach-cleanup

Plastic Free July - Bin Audit

A bin audit is a great way to take stock of what waste you could be avoiding, and improve your composting and recycling habits.

How you can do it
Whether at home, school or in your workplace, bin audits are a great way to understand waste you’re creating and discover any confusion about the alternatives.

Getting Set up
If you’re at work or school gather together a team of colleagues/classmates/teachers who are keen to conduct a bin audit. It’s a much quicker and more fruitful process if conducted with a few people. Otherwise, at home, you can tackle the task by yourself or get the other members of your household involved. Pick a day not long after your bins have just been emptied. Make sure that you’ve given sufficient time for the bins to collect waste. Draw a table so you can keep a record of the waste you find.

Gather your garbage bin(s). Separate them by type (this may be: compost, recycling, general waste but it depends on the separation system.
Start with one type of garbage and empty it into piles. For example, you may separate the general waste bin into: batteries, paper, food, plastic bottles, plastic cutlery, soft plastic, cans, cardboard, glass.
Estimate the volume or percentage of waste in each pile.

Once you’ve audited your bin, there’s a lot of useful information that can come from it. Start by taking note of the “low hanging fruit”; in other words, things that you can change quickly and still make a big impact.

Focus on those one or two items and figure out how you can improve. It might be eliminating a certain item or product that ends up in your waste a lot.

Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-based) goals to reduce each item found in your bin audit. Reflect on these goals on a regular basis, and conduct a bin audit every 6 or 12 months to track your progress.

The Impact
Engage with family members or employees on their waste, helping them to share specific behaviors they can change.

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you about an important transition in our organization’s leadership. After serving as Executive Director of Assateague Coastal Trust for the last 2 years, I’m moving on to other opportunities. I am pleased to announce that Taylor Swanson will be assuming the role of Executive Director and Assateague Coastkeeper. Thank you for your support.

https://mailchi.mp/actforbays.org/thank-you-for-your-support

Protecting the Environment for the 4th of July!
Feeding and entertaining guests at cookouts can be a lot of work. So it’s only natural that we want to make things as easy as possible — like cleanup, for example. Unfortunately, disposable plates, utensils, and cups can just end up in a big garbage bag.

No question that relying on single-use items is convenient in the short-term. And also no question that our disposable mindset is taking a huge toll on our health and on the environment. Even if none of those plastic spoons and cups end up as “litter” on the ground, they all end up somewhere. And they can hang around for tens of thousands of years, polluting the air, soil, and water upon which our lives depend.

Before you gas up the grill, light up those sparklers, or go shopping for party supplies, think how they might impact your health and the environment, and consider more eco-friendly choices to have a more sustainable 4th of July (or other summertime celebration).

ACT, Sip and Science Series Resume! - https://mailchi.mp/actforbays.org/act-sip-and-science-series-resume