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Time to Paddle! New Additions to Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Water Trail

admin — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:01:46 +0000

Just in time for summer, two new water trails have been launched in the Chesapeake region. Both trace the historic routes of Captain John Smith, an English explorer who played a pivotal role in the exploration and settlement of the eastern United States. His leadership at Jamestown, his contacts with Chesapeake Indians and his Chesapeake Bay voyages — documented in maps and journals — helped ensure the success of early English colonization efforts.

In Virginia, the newChickahominy Watertrail travels through some of the state’s most pristine landscapes. You can re-discover the environment as John Smith knew it – experiencing both the natural splendor and the rich Native culture of the region. Explore tidal marshes and rare Bald Cypress swamps, while searching for wildlife along the shores. Check out the new map and guide for the trail, which marks all the public access points, places you can launch a boat, (some are soft launches – not appropriate for larger craft) along the river.

In just a few weeks, the Nanticoke Watertrail will also be a reality. Stretching approximately 26 miles through Sussex County, Delaware, the Trail begins at Seashore Highway above the city of Seaford and follows the mainstem of the Nanticoke River to the Maryland State Line. Draining almost 318,000 acres in Kent and Sussex counties, the upper reach of the Nanticoke River Watershed covers approximately 25% of Delaware’s land area. It is one of the healthiest and most ecologically diverse rivers on the Delmarva Peninsula, with landscapesranging from thick forests to salt marshes. Plenty of animals live along the water too, including rare species like the endangered Delmarva fox squirrel and the highest concentration of Bald Eagles in the Northeastern United States – so be sure to bring binculars when you head out on the river.

Saturday June 10th will mark the official launch of the Trail as part of the 16th Annual Riverfest in Seaford, DE. At 2pm on the Nanticoke River Bridge, a dedication ceremony will take place. You don’t want to miss this exciting event, marking a new phase in the developoment of the country’s first National Water Trail. There is also a canoe and kayak challenge as part of the Festival, so check out information on that too.

Places to Pitch a Tent This Summer

admin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:39:30 +0000

Looking for a special place to pitch a tent this summer? Whether you’re searching for a close-in spot to relax with family or a secluded site accessible only by water, you’ll find it at a Chesapeake Bay Gateway or Watertrail. Below are a few ideas, you can find more here.

Hoping to paddle some of the Bay’s most pristine water trails? Head to Janes Island State Park on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. The park encompasses 2,900 acres of Chesapeake Bay marsh, beach, and highland, and is bordered on the west by Tangier Sound. Dissected by many small waterways, with 30 miles of trails marked for canoes and kayaks, Jane’s Island offers 100 campsites on the mainland as well as primitive back country locations perfect for an overnight expedition.

Freshwater wetlands once covered a large portion of southwestern Sussex Delaware. Trap Pond State Park retains a part of the swamp’s original beauty and mystery, and features the northernmost natural stand of baldcypress trees in the United States. More than 100 campsites are available along the pond’s northern shore. You can also check out the park’s yurts – round stationary structures with canvas walls that feature beds and an outdoor seating area.

Located in Williamsburg, Chickahominy Riverfront Park has something for everyone. Enjoy a boat ramp, a fishing pier, two swimming pools, picnic shelters and access to the Virginia Capital Trail, a new, state-of-the-art bicycle path – plenty to keep a family busy all weekend. There are primitive campsites along the river as well as spots that offer water and electric hook-up. You can bring your own boat or rent one at the park before beginning your explorations of the Chickahominy. While you’re on the water, look for the river’s abundant fish, birds, and other wildlife. Plan where to go using this map and guide, part of the new Chickahominy Water Trail.

War of 1812 by Bicycle

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:54:49 +0000

Can you imagine the White House burning or British war ships anchored in the Potomac with their guns trained on Alexandria, Virginia? It was the summer of 1814 and the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812 was well underway….

Want to learn more? Come celebrate National Trails Day on June 5 at 9am with a two-hour 10-mile bike ride through history. You’ll get to cross the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and meet costumed interpreters at two sites caught up in the Chesapeake Campaign – Carlyle House Historic Park and Oxon Hill Farm. Riders also get a Star-Spangled Banner water bottle.

Start from either location:

Carlyle House Historic Park

121 North Fairfax St, Alexandria, VA

Oxon Hill Farm

6411 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, MD

For those wanting a longer ride, an additional two-hour 20-mile loop to Fort Washington Park, along a segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, departs from Oxon Hill Farm at noon and includes an interpretive program at Fort Washington.

The tours are free, but helmets, reservations, and a signed waiver are required. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult. Routes include some street cycling and steep hills.

For more information contact ruth.reeder@alexandriava.gov

or call 703-746-4399.

Grab Your Hiking Shoes

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:41:10 +0000

Looking for a few ideas on where to take a good hike or walk around the Bay? Here are some suggestions for interesting treks at Gateway sites from the Western Shore to the Eastern Shore and out to West Virginia.

A walk in Riverbend Park along the Potomac in Great Falls, Virginia will reward you with spectacular views of the Gorge as well as peaceful meadows and ponds. Combine the trip with a stop at Great Falls Park.

Looking to go a little further afield?

Head to Spruce Knob/Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area in West Virginia for some of the east coast’s most fantastic scenery. Located at the headwaters of the Potomac River, where water first starts to flow from West Virginia to the Chesapeake Bay, the area encompasses over 100,000 acres.

Tuckahoe State Park across the Bay Bridge in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland offers 12 miles of scenic hiking, biking, and equestrian trails that are great for families. You can also check out Adkins Arboretum on your visit, which sites largely inside the park and offers more than 400 acres worth of exploration.

Gunpowder Falls State Park in Maryland offers over 100 miles of trails ranging from tidal marshes and wetlands near the Bay to steep, rugged slopes many miles upstream. The park is close to Washington, DC, Annapolis and Baltimore and makes for a great day trip.

Onancock-Tangier Bay Day

admin — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:03:46 +0000

Mark Saturday, May 22, 3-6 pm on your calendar for a special event at Onancock Town Wharf. Join Onancock and Tangier Island friends for an afternoon of fun celebrating the arrival of summer, the return of the Tangier Ferry, and the two towns’ shared designations as National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Gateway sites. Action-packed, waterfront events include:

a tug-of-war
a mayoral kayak race
a historic kayak tour by SouthEast Expeditions
the giveaway/debut of the new Chesapeake Bay Gateways totebag (to get a free bag, you’ll need to sign up for Chesapeake Trips and Tips, a free weekly e-mail that highlights fun events around the Bay, and bring a coupon (incl. in this week’s edition) to one of two local businesses that help you see Onancock by land with bike rentals–gardenART on King St (44 King St)–or by kayak–SouthEast Expeditions at the Wharf (2 King St.)

Some of the artists in attendance: Tangier’s artist-in-residence Ken Castelli, Onancock’s Ira S. Skees with a duck carving demonstration, Onancock painters Jack Richardson and Willie Crockett, who was born on Tangier, and a waterfront-themed drawing activity for the kids.

Topping the celebration will be music by Onancock’s own Johnny Mo, local food and refreshments from Mallards at the Wharf and a sampling of Tangier’s delicious oysters courtesy of the Tangier History Museum! Don’t miss our summer kick-off at Onancock Wharf on May 22 from 3 to 6 pm! Please stroll uptown to visit Onancock’s many fine shops and eateries before or after the event, and do plan on a trip to Tangier Island this summer (www.tangierferry.com) For more details as they develop, please visit www.onancock.org or www.Facebook.com/Onancock.

Tour de Chesapeake Discount

admin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:54:32 +0000

Bikes, Bands and the Bay

Tour de Chesapeake is a a pedal and paddle adventure with Bluegrass music to boot!
Cycle along the scenic back roads of Mathews County Virginia from May 14-16, where all roads lead to the water’s edge.

Details & registration on line at www.bikechesapeake.org

Want a $5 discount? Just register as a BikeWalk Virginia member and then be sure to put “Chesapeake Trips and Tips” in the comment section of the registration form to secure your discount.

Chesapeake Trips and Tips is a free weekly email that highlights fun and interesting events around the Chesapeake Bay region. Sign-up now to hear about weekend activities and receive exclusive discounts and offers at area sites.

Free Native Wildflower and Tote Bag – Learn more!

admin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:27:41 +0000

Be sure to check out this week’s Chesapeake Trips and Tips because it includes a coupon for a free wildflower and tote bag!

Bring the coupon or mention Chesapeake Trips and Tips at the opening of Adkins Arboretum’s native plant nursery and receive a Free Native Wildflower and a Special Edition Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Tote Bag.

The event is May 8 & 9 from 10am – 4pm. Plants for sale will include flowering trees, perennials, ferns, vines and grasses for spring planting. Native flowers and trees provide food and habitat for wildlife like hummingbirds, frogs and butterflies and make colorful additions to home landscapes. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer plant and gardening questions, and there will be a sale of gently used nature-themed books and magazines. Offer good while supplies last.

Limit of one plant and bag per family.

Adkins Arboretum is located at 12610 Eveland Road, Ridgeley, MD. Call 410-634-2847 for more information of visit www.adkinsarboretum.org

Check out this week’s Chesapeake Trips and Tips – Your Guide to Events Around the Chesapeake

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 22:31:23 +0000

Nanticoke River Shad Festival
Celebrate the annual migration of the American shad to the Nanticoke River, one of the Bay’s most pristine waterways. See the traditional method of shad cooking called “planking”, while enjoying music, food, canoe and kayak races and exhibits. April 24, 10am – 4pm. Free. Vienna, MD. Call 410-543-1999 for more information.

Paddle Away Into the Sunset

Watch the sun set over the scenic Rappahannock River and enjoy birds starting to roost on this guided paddling trip. Equipment provided. Reservations required. April 24, 7pm – 9pm. $6/person. Lancaster, VA. Call 804-462-0162 for more information.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Kayaks But Were Afraid to Ask

Want to know more about water safety, equipment, gear, training, trips, certification, and more? Head to the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center on Saturday for a free kayaking open house, featuring Robert Shrack from Adventure Crafters. April 24, 10am – 2pm. Free. Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center. Grasonville, MD. Call 410-827-6694 for more information.

Boom Boom Pow!
It’s 1781 and Yorktown is under siege by the British! Come experience this pivotal moment in world history and learn the story of the last major land battle of the American Revolution. Live cannon firing throughout the day.
April 24, 9am – 5pm. $10/person ages 15 and over. Yorktown Visitor Center and Battlefield. Yorktown, Virginia. Call 757-898-2410 for more information.

Giddy-Up

Experience Washington, DC in a whole new way - by horseback! This one-hour ranger-led tour leaves from the Rock Creek Park Horse Center and travels south along the stream valley. Be careful, you may forget you’re in the nation’s capital. Participants must be 12 years old, weight limits may apply. Reservations required. April 25, 11am – 12pm. $40/person. Rock Creek Park. Washington, DC. Call 202- 362-0117 for more information and to make reservations.

Sneak Peek May 1-2

Sail Away on a Skipjack

Enjoy a two-hour sail aboard a traditional Chesapeake Bay skipjack, the Nathan of Dorchester, on the beautiful Choptank River. See demonstrations of oyster dredging and get a glimpse of the waterman’s life on the Bay. May 1, 1pm – 3pm. $30/person, children 6-12/$10, under 6/free. Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester. Cambridge, MD. Call 410- 228-7141 for more information.

It’s the Bee’s Knees

How do bees produce honey and how does a beekeeper keep from getting stung? Listen to a Tidewater beekeeper talk about the life of bees and the life of the person who raises them. May 1, 2pm – 4pm. $5/person. Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve. Portsmouth, VA. Call 757-686-8684 for more information.

Tip of the Week

Can you believe that 89 billion plastic bags are used in the U.S. each year. Wow! According to the EPA, only about 12 percent of plastic bags actually get recycled, with most ending up in landfills or polluting our streams and rivers. Looking for a place to recycle them can be a challenge though, but now there is good news - most grocery stores offer plastic bag recycling for customers. Even better, start bringing a reusable tote to the store and get rid of the plastic altogether. Check out Earthday911.com for 40 other awesome green tips!

Join the Conversation

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Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails on Flickr

admin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:40:31 +0000

A new FLICKR group has been created for Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails. Be sure to add your images and favorite shots. Here is a sampling of what else has been posted.

Star-Spangled Banner Geotrail Featured in the Press

admin — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:04:27 +0000

Have you ‘cached the Star-Spangled Banner Geotrail? Want to learn more about it before setting out on the adventure? Check out these recent news stories for more information.

“Adventures on the Geotrail of History” from the Bay Weekly

“O Say Can You See: Geocache Through History” from the Virginia-Pilot Online

Geocaching Treasure Hunters Follow Clues to Georgetown from the Northwest Current