News and Events
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
October 8, 2009
After coming back from the Western Shore's rivers and tributaries of the piedmont area, Chesapeake Semester students searched the waterways of the Eastern Shore to explore its diverse and unique ecology. A prime area with semi-pristine marsh and wetlands lies in Dorchester County just south of Cambridge, MD in Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Armed with kayaks, binoculars, cameras, and critical eyes, students set out for a 6-mile paddle on the Transquaking River with Susan Meredith of Blackwater Paddle and Peddle Adventures.
Click to enlarge photos by Mike Hardesty '05.
Students take a moment in the morning hours to fix lunch from the Chesapeake Semester's traveling Dining Hall. Today's meal: Honey Ham or Smoked Turkey with lettuce and tomato on wheat. Apples, nuts, and Hardesty's homemade hummus for sides.
A 20-minute drive south west of Cambridge brings us to quaint Bucktown Store of Bucktown, MD, the former home of Harriet Tubman where students meet with Susan Meredith.
Susan Meredith explains the rich history of the area and what we can expect to see in the diverse ecology along our guided kayak tour of the Transquaking River.
Kayaks lined the launch. After some brief safety instructions students were ready to hit the water.
Chesapeake Semester students on the Transquaking River of Dorchester County.
The Transquaking River is a calm flat river with an even mix of public and private land along its banks.
Students stop to observe a Blue Heron take flight.
The infamous Transquaking water snake. At an average length of 8 feet, students were told not to feed it as it might attract unwanted attention.
A beautiful house sits property along the river. What are the ecological implications? Are their ways to mitigate ones impact without removing oneself from the beauty of nature?
Danielle Bellezza '11 and Laura Lazenby '11.
Before pushing southward to Chincoteague, Dr. John Seidel and students stop for a moment to observe the Center for Environment & Society's new Research Vessel under construction in Crisfield, MD at Chesapeake Boats.
Crisfield, MD