June 17, 2020

Federation Internship: Week #1

Hi, my name is Jon! I am an environmental science and technology major at University of Maryland, College Park. My internship with the Arundel Rivers Federation has only just begun and the learning and fun is well under way. At the Federation, I am working with and learning from experts in monitoring, analyzing, and restoring the South, West, and Rhode Rivers for the benefit of the health of our region’s greatest natural resource: the Chesapeake Bay. As a resident of Anne Arundel County, I am honored to work alongside down to earth professionals that have a passion for restoring the ecological function of the Bay and protecting our fellow Marylanders.

The first day was unforgettable. Having only been on kayaks and canoes, conducting research on a boat was new and exciting. After Nancy Sullivan, Outreach Manager,  gave me a crash course in onboard procedures, we set out for collecting our data on the South River. Shortly after arriving at our first collection point on Warehouse creek, our boat broke down (pictured left-top). The next field lesson was boat towing 101. Thankfully, Mr. Ed McAleer, captaining Barbara Anne, a beautiful Ranger Tug, volunteered to bring us back in. After re-grouping at the Federation office, we set out to Glebe Bay, a living shoreline restoration site. This site looks great- a mix of oyster reef balls, and plantings of Spartina alterniflora and Spartina patens forecast a positive impact on local water quality and habitat for native biota.

Another great field experience was assisting David Lanier, Restoration Project Manager, at Beechnut restoration site, where a bioswale and retention pond are reducing polluted runoff from Beechnut Kennel into Glebe Creek. A few minutes after meeting David we went to work on transplanting native Dogwood trees to more suitable locations and planting a variety of smaller vegetation on site.

I am looking forward to the lessons and insights in store for me this summer at the Federation. If you are looking for ways to engage yourself in the movement to protect our waterways, look no further than here, come join us and get muddy!