The Maryland Coastal Bays Program needs your help, Saturday July 9th! Join program leaders at the MCMP office at 10 a.m. as they set off for the Ilia Fehrer Nature Preserve. Volunteers are need to help plant native shrubs & flowers at the site to help increase habitat value for local wildlife and enhance the site.
The Ilia Fehrer Nature preserve is a 441- acre forested area located on Assateague Island Road. The property was purchased by Worcester County with the help of grants from NOAA’s Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program and the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Program Open Space. Through an agreement with the County, MCBP working with its partners; including the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Chesapeake Bay Trust & DNR, has agreed to restore 60 acres of pine monoculture to deciduous forested wetlands for passive recreational uses such as hiking, bird watching, and equestrian trail riding.
This property is not yet open to the public and may only be accessed by MCBP’s volunteers; this presents volunteers with a great opportunity to get a sneak preview of the site and participate in the restoration efforts!
MCBP is asking that volunteers register in advance so that they can be sure and have the needed materials. Be sure and come dressed for the event – you will get dirty! Be sure and wear shoes or boots that can handle the mud & muck as well as long sleeved shirts and pants, to avoid ticks. They are also suggesting participants come prepared with bagged lunch, bottled water– and some bug repellent!
This event is part of MCBP’s 10 Days for the Bays program where a volunteer event is takes place on the second Saturday of each month throughout 2016. For more information, register for the event or to make a donation to the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, contact Amanda at amandap@mdcoastalbays.org or 410-213-2297 ext. 103.
