A Blue View

An Up-Close Look at the Patapsco River and the Harbor

As captain of the Snow Goose, Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s 46-foot workboat, John Tapscott takes students and teachers through the Port of Baltimore and the Patapsco River to learn about an array of issues that affect the Chesapeake Bay, including human impact, trawling, oyster dredging, and water quality. John is with me in the studio to talk about challenges facing the Patapsco River and the Harbor.

Vernal Pools

When most of us think of aquatic ecosystems, what usually comes to mind are oceans, rivers, bays, lakes, and streams. But there is another essential body of water, though not commonly known, that provides critical habitats for many woodland animals. Vernal pools are similar to swamps or small ponds in appearance, but there is one key difference: They fill and dry cyclically throughout the year. These temporary woodland pools occur in shallow depressions and typically fill in the spring and dry out during the summer only to fill once again in the fall. Small in size, usually less than an acre, vernal pools are often surrounded by woodlands. Several species of frogs, toads, salamanders, and numerous invertebrate species use these pools as their primary breeding habitat, making their role in landscapes in the northeastern United States even greater than one might expect given their small size and temporary nature.

“ Bayscaping”

For many of us, spring means we can get our hands dirty. We bring out the mowers and the yard tools, head to the nurseries to buy seeds or plants for the garden, and enjoy spending our weekends outdoors working in the yard. Increasingly in our region, a conservation-minded landscaping trend is taking hold. Sometimes called “bayscaping” in the Mid-Atlantic, conservation landscaping incorporates sustainable strategies. The goal is to create an outdoor environment that reduces pollution and helps combat the contaminants that run into the Chesapeake Bay every day. These practices require less mowing, weeding, and watering, significantly reduce or eliminate the need for fertilizers, and attract wildlife.

The Streams of Maryland

Held annually on March 22, the United Nation’s World Water Day brings attention to the importance of freshwater and advocates for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. Globally, freshwater accessibility is critical for the survival of all living things, yet it is a significantly threatened resource. In Maryland, our own freshwater streams and rivers need our help as they run to the largest estuary in the United States, the Chesapeake Bay. More than 100,000 streams, creeks, and rivers weave through the Chesapeake Bay watershed. In fact, according to DNR, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, we all live within 15 minutes of a stream, making freshwater health not just a Maryland issue, but a backyard issue as well.