There is always something to do and enjoy in the Chesapeake Bay tidewater region, even during the colder months of February and March. Learning, listening and doing something for this precious environment all at the same time can be a unique experience and may be more tangible than you think. Loads of information is available via the media especially through the internet and “wide world web”(www). Not to downplay this ever changing and beneficial source of information, but consider during these chilly months another source of learning. Enjoying some personal instruction and experience which takes in waterways and the unique fish and creatures that inhabit them can be enjoyable and beneficial. 

     Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has developed a unique program which reaches out to those who have an interest in learning about and improving the Chesapeake Bay watershed and habitats. The “Teaching Environmental Awareness in Maryland” (TEAM) effort provides a means for learning to be gained and passed on to others. Getting positively involved as part of the effort to improve the bay and watershed environment first requires knowledge and exposure to the issues, and impacts. The TEAM concept provides this combination in an interesting and enjoyable way. Learning can be fun when it involves the fascinating relationships which the Chesapeake environment has with people, the fish and sea life which inhabit it’s watershed. 

     Among the available agenda which TEAM has planned is training for volunteers who can then share information about environmental awareness concerning the Chesapeake Bay watershed. On February 26, March 8, 12, 13, and 22, training opportunities will be offered at locations within Calvert and Charles Counties. Orientation takes place on February 26 at the Merkle Wildlife Management Area. All TEAM training is free of charge to interested volunteers. Information provided by Matt Chasse of Maryland’s DNR on what TEAM training is about includes the following; “The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking dedicated adults to become Teaching Environmental Awareness in Maryland (TEAM) volunteers in Southern Maryland. DNR is offering volunteer training to interested persons in Charles and Calvert Counties. Volunteers will educate elementary and middle school students about these issues ranging from the Chesapeake Bay watershed, Streams, Horseshoe Crabs, Oysters and Watermen. Volunteers should be out-going with a strong desire to protect the Bay. No prior teaching experience is necessary.” 

     TEAM efforts scheduled for May and June of this year include helping out with the DNR's “Horseshoe Crab Field Days”. Events are scheduled to take place on the Eastern Shore and Southern MD. The events are to include approximately 150 students from Maryland elementary and middle schools who will enjoy time on the beach as they learn about horseshoe crabs. Following a, “year long project where the students have been raising horseshoe crabs from eggs for release”, this waterside time for youngsters will provide them fascinating insight as to the nature and importance of horseshoe crabs. The horseshoe crab events scheduled for this year are as follows: May 18 at Flag Pond Nature Park, Calvert Co. - Schools from Montgomery, Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel, and Calvert, May 20 at Assateague State Park , Worcester Co. - Schools from Kent, Talbot and Wicomico Counties, and May 27 at Assateague State Park, Worcester Co. - Schools from Worcester County are participating.

     For more information or to get an application, call Matt Chasse at, (410) 260-8828. Matt can also be reached via “E” mail at; MCHASSE@dnr.state.md.us Website information and updates for TEAM projects are at, www.dnr.state.md.us/education/teamdnr . The Maryland DNR horseshoe crab website can be accessed at, www.dnr.state.md.us/education/horseshoecrab 

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