In this episode of the Pinescast, host Tony Russo sits down with Carly Toulon (Environmental Scientist) and Sandy Smith (Marketing and Outreach) from the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. They discuss the organization's 30-year history, their passion for estuarine science, and how the local community can get involved in preserving the delicate coastal ecosystem.
Getting Started: Sandy reflects on the program's 1998 beginnings and its evolution from a grassroots volunteer effort. Carly shares her journey from a 2019 intern to a full-time scientist, driven by a lifelong love for the ocean.
Horseshoe Crab Rescue: Learn the critical difference between actively spawning crabs and those that are truly stranded. Carly explains why these "prehistoric" creatures are vital for human health and shorebird survival, and why you should never pick them up by the tail.
Oyster Gardening: Discover how the program successfully transitioned to an independent, community-driven model after funding cuts. The team discusses the upcoming Oyster Cage Building Day and how volunteers can help restore local reefs.
30th Anniversary & Upcoming Events:
Trivia Night: A fun evening at Seacrets on February 26th.
Bay Day: A partnership with Ocean Pines featuring free boat rides and local environmental groups.
30th Anniversary Gala: A milestone celebration taking place September 17th at Assateague State Park.
Volunteer: From beach cleanups to terrapin monitoring and "Adopt a Street" programs for community service hours.
Sponsorship: Businesses can fund free community boat tours to help neighbors explore the local watershed.
Connect: Visit the Maryland Coastal Bays Program website for event schedules and donation opportunities.
