Image courtesy The Schooner Woodwind
17 million people live, work and play in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. And here in the Susquehanna River region, our daily lives make an impact on the place some call a second summer home–whether you have a house there or just hop in the car for the short drive to visit, pick crabs and spend leisurely days. Maybe you explore by sailboat. Or perhaps this is the first year you visit–and likely fall in love with this majestic coastline and body of water that enchants us with its bounty. With 11,684 miles of shoreline (more than the entire West Coast of the US), there’s a lot to see, do and save. This is our guide to saving and savoring the Bay.
Water connects us all
“Half of the fresh water that goes into the Bay comes from Pennsylvania,” says B.J. Small, PA media and communications coordinator with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. It starts in Cooperstown, NY, where it takes two weeks traveling down through PA to make it to the Bay. And unfortunately, 19,000 miles of rivers and streams are already designated “impaired” in the state. A hunter and fisherman, Small has long appreciated the value of clean water and the environment and hopes his work at the Foundation appeals to other “hook and bullet guys.”
“Clean water in our rivers and streams is very important. A healthy Bay isn’t possible without healthy waters in the Keystone State,” states Harry Campbell, Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Pennsylvania executive director. While “folks shouldn’t be discouraged from enjoying local waters, the river and the Bay, it is recommended that they not go into their local rivers and streams within 24 hours of a heavy rain because of excessive runoff of sediment and other pollutants that can carry bacteria and viruses into the water,” he warns.
Our entire region affects the health of the Bay. “To varying degrees, urban and suburban polluted storm water runoff is a concern in Harrisburg and throughout Pennsylvania’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, especially in older communities. In counties such as York, Lancaster, Franklin, Adams and Cumberland, agricultural runoff accounts for greater amounts of pollution,” states Campbell.
“The Susquehanna [River] divides our region but unites our communities,” says Campbell. “The river is an economic asset for the Commonwealth. Its value goes beyond what was once a world-class smallmouth bass fishery.” Small, a fisherman himself, likens the poor health of the smallmouth bass in the river to the canary in the coal mine. “Like other polluted waters in Pennsylvania, the river deserves to be restored as soon as possible,” Campbell continues. He explains, the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recommended that four miles of the Susquehanna River near the city of Harrisburg be impaired for recreational use because of bacteria levels. “Being declared impaired would allow the process of restoring the river to begin,” he claims; however, the DEP decided it needs more study.
Image courtesy The Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Saving the Bay
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation celebrated 50 years in 2016, and the good news is that its work is working. The 2016 State of the Bay report shows improvement in pollution, habitat and fisheries. But more effort is needed.
“Sustainable investments of resources and technical assistance toward cleaning up Pennsylvania’s impaired streams—that focus efforts in the right places, with the right practices, and engage the right people and communities—would go a long way toward getting the Commonwealth back on track,” Campbell explains.
“There are 33,000 farms in Pennsylvania’s portion of the Bay watershed, so it’s little wonder that agriculture is the leading source of pollution to Commonwealth rivers and streams,” Campbell points out. “Some farmers who want clean water and more productive farms can afford to pay for their own pollution reduction practices. For others, a lack of available funding often gets in the way.” He adds, “Planting buffers is the most affordable way to reduce the amount of runoff entering our waters.”
Pennsylvania and Lancaster in particular, however, are lagging in their commitment to help clean up the Bay. Lancaster County farmland is one of the biggest contributors of manure, fertilizer and soil runoff. According to the Chesapeake Bay Commission, 55 percent of the total nitrogen load to the Bay comes from PA farms. While some counties have made efforts to keep pollution out of streams that feed into the Bay by placing 1.3 million linear feet of fencing along streams, creating 5,000 acres of forested buffers and investing in barnyard runoff control systems, there’s still a lot of work to be done. Recent state-ordered inspections of Lancaster County farms revealed that about half do not have required plans in place for controlling manure, soil and erosion. Democratic Representative Mike Sturla of Lancaster recently introduced a bill to also prevent livestock from wading in streams, but with the current administration rolling back EPA regulations, progress may prove even more difficult.
In the city of Lancaster alone, property owners are responsible for about 750 million gallons of polluted water flowing into the Chesapeake Bay via the Conestoga River. How does that happen? When it rains, the rain picks up pollutants along the way, from pet waste on sidewalks, to lawn fertilizers and pesticides, to oil and automotive fluids from parking lots. Sewage and rainwater flow into a combined sewage system but also rely on combined sewer overflow, which discharges storm water and sewage into local rivers, harming aquatic life and making recreational areas unsafe.
Lancaster Leading the Way
Lancaster recognized this problem and became a leader in the country for its green infrastructure practices.
“The city of Lancaster has a comprehensive green infrastructure plan that was released in April 2011,” explains Fritz Schroeder, director of urban greening for the Lancaster County Nature Conservancy. “This 25-year strategy looked at all paved surfaces of the City—alleys, sidewalks, streets, sloped and flat roofs—to come up with a plan to reduce overflows to the Conestoga River.” (See more at saveitlancaster.org.) Schroeder continues, “To date, well over 40 projects have been completed with an estimated reduction of over 40 million gallons of runoff.” He adds, “Many municipalities are stepping up to do comprehensive planning. Marietta Borough was recently awarded a grant to partner with East Donegal Township to address runoff issues in Evans Run. Once the planning is completed, the municipalities should have a road map to inform their investments and project implementation.”
Schroeder adds: “We all live in a watershed; understanding which watershed you live in and where your water flows is an important first step.” There are many active watershed groups in Lancaster County working to clean up our area. To reference a group near you, visit lancasterwatersheds.org.
For example, “Each municipality in Lancaster County is updating their planning and zoning regulations to ensure improved practices with each construction project. This is perhaps the most important step and one that we should all encourage.” He encourages residents of the Susquehanna River communities to “engage your local municipal officials and reinforce this positive step forward.”
Campbell continues, “pollution in Pennsylvania and the Susquehanna River threatens our health, way of life and economy.” The good news is, he says, “the health of the Chesapeake Bay is improving,” continuing, “but it is still not where it needs to be. Pollution reduction efforts in Pennsylvania are far from finished.” The Pennsylvania DEP has already determined that Pennsylvania will not meet its 2017 milestone. But “CBF is confident that with commitment of financial resources and technical assistance in the right communities, on the right practices and with the right people, the Commonwealth can get back on track toward its 2025 milestone goal,” Campbell says.
Save The Bay
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
“Each of us can begin right where we live,” explains Schroeder. “Urban and suburban runoff is a leading source of water pollution in Pennsylvania,” says Campbell.
“When it rains, pay attention to where the water flows. Is it leaving your property at a rapid pace? Does it take soil with it? Is it creating any gullies? All of these are examples that can typically be solved with simple landscaping solutions including rain gardens and permeable paving,” says Schroeder.
Take the quiz at cbf.org/take-action to check your “Bay footprint,” which calculates how your food, sewage, home, land and transportation affect pollution in the Bay.
Did you know if everyone in the Bay watershed ate only the USDA recommended amount of protein, which is 46 to 56 grams (the typical person consumes 30 percent more), we would reduce enough nitrogen to meet the pollution reduction goals of the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint?
Bottom line: Eat less meat, use native plants in landscaping, get a rain barrel, drive less and use less energy.
10 more ways the average person can contribute to cleaner waters in PA and the Bay from the CBF:
- Reducing polluted runoff that leaves your property can help prevent damage caused by flooding, limit stream bank erosion, and reduce the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment that is carried into our rivers and streams.
- Plant a tree. Trees absorb water, filter pollutants before they get into waterways and stabilize the soil to reduce erosion. The presence of trees also increases property values.
- Install a rain garden. Rainwater soaks into the garden of native plants situated in an area where water collects naturally.
- Get a soil test. Learning how much, if any, fertilizer is needed for the lawn can prevent over-application, reduce polluted runoff and save money.
- Mow not so low. Mow your grass to a height of 2-3 inches. The longer the blades of grass, the more water is retained and the stronger the root system. A stronger lawn can choke out weeds, calling for fewer herbicides.
- Leave grass clippings on the lawn. Grass clippings are rich in nitrogen, a main ingredient in fertilizer.
- Clear the drain. Keep storm drains clear of leaves and other debris that could cause clogs and flooding.
- Install a rain barrel. Rainwater collected from rooftops and used for watering plants, washing cars and more won’t contribute to flooding.
- Cut the concrete. Converting paved surfaces to grass, rain gardens or other pervious surfaces allows storm water to be absorbed before it can become harmful runoff.
- Get the big picture. Find out what your municipality is doing to manage storm water in your community.
Stay & Play on The Bay
From the tip-top, down to the point of Cape Charles, there are so many things to see and do in and around the Chesapeake Bay. Regional delights from Rappahannock oysters to Smith Island Cake are as distinct as the different dialects. Discover some new nearby favorites to frequent.
Upper Bay
The Upper Bay offers the shortest jaunt for most Central PA residents. There’s the tiny town of Port Deposit (that’s worth a stop), Havre de Grace’s beautiful marina walkway and restaurants, North East for antiquing and more eating (all just about an hour drive from Lancaster), and Chestertown and its charming historic downtown just a couple hours away. There’s more than enough to see and do on just the Northern Shore.
See & Do
CHESAPEAKE BAY ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER
Explore the changing seasons of tidal marshes and their inhabitants, including over 200 species of birds, at this 510-acre wildlife preserve with four miles of walking trails and other family friendly activities, from kayaking, hiking and picnicking to special events.
600 Discovery Lane, Grasonville, MD / bayrestoration.org
ELK NECK STATE PARK
It has bayside camping and a beach, is home of the Turkey Point Lighthouse and is close to the amenities of the charming town of North East.
4395 Turkey Point Road, North East, MD / dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/central/elkneck.aspx
DOWNTOWN CHESTERTOWN Here you’ll find history, 18th-century architecture, shopping and an array of dining options. Learn more at kentcounty.com.
EASTERN NECK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Take in a 2,286-acre island with year-round opportunities for fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and education.
1730 Eastern Neck Road, Rock Hall, MD / www.fws.gov/refuge/eastern_neck/
SCHAEFER’S CANAL HOUSE Watch the boat traffic from the dock on the Bay with a margarita and live music. 208 Bank St., Chesapeake City, MD / schaeferscanalhouse.com
Stay
Images courtesy Keely Childers Heany
GREAT OAK MANOR
Watch the sunset from the Adirondack chairs overlooking the bluff with a picnic and retire in 1938 Georgian opulence for the evening only to awaken to a beautiful breakfast on the patio and more leisure at this secluded estate with its own private beach.
10568 Cliff Road, Chestertown, MD / greatoakmd.com
IMPERIAL HOTEL
You’ll find a restaurant, bar and garden courtyard as well as lodging in century-old grand fashion. Insider tip: The Kitchen at the Imperial hosts a glorious bloody Mary bar and brunch.
208 High St., Chestertown, MD / imperialchestertown.com
Eat
LAURRAPIN
This restaurant owned by Lancaster natives is one of the places locals in the know go for gourmet organic and local eats in a friendly, funky atmosphere.
209 N. Washington St., Havre de Grace, MD / laurrapin.com
PRICE’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT A no frills waterfront seafood favorite overlooking the marina since 1944. 654 Water St., Havre de Grace, MD
BOMBOY’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
Cool off after strolling the downtown shops and marina walk. Just look for the giant cow on the corner.
329 Market St., Havre de Grace, MD / bomboyscandy.com/ice-cream
WOODY’S CRAB HOUSE
A mainstay for rolling out the brown paper and picking crabs to wash down with a selection of craft beers.
29 S. Main St., North East, MD
Eastern Shore
The Eastern Shore is home to the glitzier, toney towns like Saint Michael’s and Easton, where the accommodations are as luxurious as the Bay views and fine dining scene.
See & Do
EASTON
The heart of the Bay’s arts scene, Easton boasts world-class theater, renowned art galleries and curated museums. It’s an art lover’s retreat rated one of the top 10 best small towns and top 100 small arts communities in America.
Visit tourtalbot.org/talbot-county/easton to plan your trip.
CHESAPEAKE BAY MARITIME MUSEUM
Try your hand at seafood harvesting activities at Waterman’s Wharf, a recreated crabber’s shanty; step aboard an oyster harvesting skipjack; see the role women played in the Maryland Crab Meat Company exhibition; visit the Mitchell House, home to Fredrick Douglass’ sister Eliza Bailey Mitchell, who taught her younger abolitionist brother resistance; and much more through permanent and special exhibits. Plus, see the beautiful Hooper Strait Lighthouse.
213 N. Talbot St., St. Michael’s, MD / cbmm.org
Stay
INN AT PERRY CABIN
A luxurious Bay getaway with five-star dining and complete pampering awaits at this historic inn, spa and restaurant best known for setting the scene in The Wedding Crashers.
308 Watkins Lane, St. Michaels, MD / belmond.com/inn-at-perry-cabin-st-michaels/
Eat
BARTLETT PEAR INN
Named one of the 100 Very Best Restaurants by Washingtonian magazine, locally sourced foods and artisanal cocktails are a mainstay at this draw to the area where you can also stay the night.
28 S. Harrison St., Easton, MD
CHESAPEAKE LANDING SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & CARRYOUT This casual joint is where the locals go. 23713 St. Michael’s Road, St. Michael’s, MD / chesapeakelandingrestaurant.com
Western Shore
Annapolis is the sailing capital of the US and the star city of the Western Shore. Simply strolling around windy turns revealing quaint historic homes surrounding the downtown inspires architecture and design enthusiasts. The Western Shore is also home to Solomons Island and historic St. Mary’s City, where history buffs will enjoy reenactments from the 17th century.
See & Do
CITY DOCK Quintessential Annapolis: strolling, shopping and dining al fresco amid the Bay and boats.
NAVAL ACADEMY
A favorite for history buffs. Don’t miss the USNA Museum as you stroll about learning what life for a midshipman is like.
121 Blake Road, Annapolis, MD / usna.edu
CALVERT CLIFFS STATE PARK
A hidden gem for fossil hunting. Over 600 species of fossils from up to 20 million years ago have been identified in the Calvert Cliffs.
10540 H. G. Trueman Road, Lusby, MD
Eat
CAFÉ NORMANDIE Authentic French with a Bay influence in the heart of downtown. 185 Main St., Annapolis, MD / cafenormandie.com BOATYARD BAR & GRILL Take the water taxi to the area’s best crab cakes, raw bar and other fresh seafood. 400 Fourth St., Annapolis, MD / boatyardbarandgrill.com
ANNAPOLIS ICE CREAM COMPANY
This local creamery rotates 36 different handmade flavors, some with pies and cobbler mixed in. Summer in a cold cone? Yes, please.
196 Main St., Annapolis, MD / annapolisicecream.com
CD CAFÉ Creative cuisine on Solomons Island. 14350 Solomons Road, Solomons, MD / thecdcafe.com
Stay
SCHOONER WOODWIND
Sleep on a 74-foot wooden sailing schooner and enjoy a sunset sail on this unique “boat and breakfast.”
80 Compromise St., Annapolis, MD / schoonerwoodwind.com
1747 GEORGIAN HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST
One of the city’s oldest residences, where signers of the Declaration of Independence stayed, conveniently located within walking distance of the Naval Academy, City Dock, shopping and restaurants.
170 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis, MD / georgianhouse.com
WOODLAWN FARM
Stay at Maryland’s first estate, dating back to 1634, with beautiful views along the Calvert Creek.
16040 Woodlawn Dr., Ridge, MD / woodlawn-farm.com
SOLOMONS VICTORIAN INN Stay right on Solomons Harbour in Queen Anne Victorian classic elegance circa 1906. 125 Charles St., Solomons, MD / solomonsvictorianinn.com
Bay Q&A: Did you Know?
- The Bay was formed about 35 million years ago by an asteroid-like object that collided with the lower Delmarva Peninsula.
- The Chesapeake Bay is made up of 64,000 square miles, including portions of Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
- Oysters are vital to the Bay’s health; they’re nature’s cleanup crew. Each one filters pollutants from more than 50 gallons of water per day.
- Algonquin Native Americans gave the Bay the name Chesepiook, or “great shellfish bay.”
- The average depth of the Bay is surprisingly shallow at an average of only 21 feet.
- Folklore has it, a man six feet tall can walk more than 700,000 acres of the Bay without getting his hat wet.
- The deepest point is called The Hole, off the tip of Kent Island. At 174 feet below sea level, it’s known for some of the biggest fish in the bay.