Maryland Heritage Area Authority awards 4 projects in the Beach to Bay Heritage Area for $73,1388/26/2021  Town of Snow Hill- $29,715 Upgrades and refurbishment to the hull of the Paddlewheel boat- The Black-Eyed Susan The Black-Eyed Susan is a 111-foot paddle wheel boat was purchased by the Town of Snow Hill in the fall of 2020 for $324,900, which will be used to enhance Snow Hill and the region through tours, education, training, seminars and other cultural heritage-centered events and uses. This vessel will provide a unique venue and magnate for enhancing cultural heritage appreciation and knowledge for the region. In the fall of 2021 and spring of 2022. the Town will need to upgrade and refurbish below the water line so that this vessel will be viable for years to come, which is the subject of this project application. The project includes transportation of the vessel to Cambridge, MD, from Snow Hill, MD, and extraction from the water for restoration, and return transportation to Snow Hill. Through this project, the museum and the Town of Snow Hill have an opportunity to provide exposure to and interpretation of the history and culture of Snow Hill, Worcester County, and the surrounding region while reaching out to heritage tourists, local residents, and school-aged students. The welcome exhibit and programs will add to the museum's ability to market itself to heritage tourists and engage with the local community. It will be on display indefinitely and will contribute to the town of Snow Hill's appeal as a heritage destination. This vessel will be used for group events, community events, private charters and regional attraction of visitors to Snow Hill for heritage tourism, cultural sustainability, inclusivity, and accessibility. The vessel has a full kitchen and capacity for 150.  All Hallows Church, Snow Hill- $10,000 All Hallows Episcopal Church Historic Structure Report Development of Phase II of a comprehensive and professionally prepared Historic Structure Report for the purpose of evaluating the current conditions of All Hallows Episcopal Church in order to: prioritize needs; guide the immediate and long-term phases of restoration for the structure; and plan for historical interpretation and expanded use by the public. This Exterior Envelope “Historic Structure Report” will define and chart a course of action to assess and guide the effects of actual “bricks and mortar” interventions of a proposed treatment or construction related project on the existing fabric of the building. It will provide a framework to guide the architects, structural engineers, conservation experts, and contractors in the renovation, reconstruction, and restoration needs. Moreover, it will be beneficial to All Hallows in funding its capital improvement program and to prioritize the most pressing and urgent restoration needs as well as establishing a program for long-term renovations. Pocomoke City- $10,000  Pocomoke City- $10,000 Sturgis One-Room African-American School Museum & 1850 Heritage House The Sturgis One Room School is a historic U.S. school and is the only African American One Room School in Worcester County retaining its original integrity; it is urgent we preserve this monumental building. The community used this one room school from 1900 to 1937. It was originally known as Sturgis School and was located on Brantley Road. It was moved to its current location in 1996. Restoration and outfitting the Sturgis One Room School is an ongoing task of Sturgis One Room School Museum, Inc. It has been made possible through funds from Pocomoke City, Worcester County, charitable organizations, and personal contributions. This project would allow for roofing repairs, wood replacement, paint, deck accessibility ramp and landscaping; signage. Sturgis One Room School Museum, Inc. is an organization that actively works to preserve, promote, and protect the rich cultural heritage of Sturgis One Room School and educate our youth to value the school's cultural and historical richness.  Salisbury, MD - $23,423
Ward Museum Nature Trail Interpretation This project will replace decades-old interpretive signage along the nature trail at the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, Salisbury University (operated by the Ward Foundation). The nature trail runs along Schumaker Pond, and currently interprets the natural heritage of the region, with attention to biological diversity. The signs are badly faded and cracked to the point of being illegible. MHAA funds will support the creation of new signage featuring revised interpretation focused on regional natural and cultural heritage. These signs will be a welcomed improvement to the nature trail, which has become a respite for many local visitors. Additionally, the signs will be a means for out-of- area visitors to get to know the cultural and natural heritage of our region, and a tool for museum educators, who regularly use the Nature Trail during field trips and afterschool programming. Proposed sign themes include: 1) history of the landscape, including a history of the pond and the WM campus; 2) indigenous history and contemporary presence in the region, with attention to interaction with the natural landscape; 3) understanding the pond as part of the Atlantic Flyway, and interaction and importance of birds in the cultural landscape; 4) native plants and the benefits of maintaining these; 5) Schumaker Pond as part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed 6) human impacts on the natural environment that affect the pond—e.g., increasing stream flow due to climate change, causes of algal blooms, 7 & 8) the Lower Shore's cultural landscapes. Phases including interpretation of Native themes will include collaboration with regional tribal leaders (Assateague, Accohannock, Nanticoke, Nause- Waiwash, and Pocomoke), with focus on the Nanticoke Indian Tribe and Pocomoke Indian Nation due to traditional proximity to the landscape.
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 Parsons Cemetery, located in Salisbury, is today both operational and historic. According to their website, it is an urban green space, an outdoor museum, and in the words of architectural historian, Keith Eggener, urban cemeteries "are where life meets death, nature meets city, and present meets past."
Preservation Maryland recently bestowed Parsons Cemetery with the 2020 Best of Maryland Community Choice Award. Over the past several years, the Parsons Cemetery Advisory Board has worked hard to develop walking tours in Parsons Cemetery. Seven tours have been developed and more are being planned for future release. In addition to the tours, Parsons Cemetery is an active participant in the Wreaths Across America program which honors veterans at Christmas time. Over the past year, a comprehensive database was created to identify all the veterans who are interred in Parsons Cemetery so they can be recognized, even those who have no markers. Work is now underway to create a comprehensive database of all first responders interred in the cemetery. Ultimately, the Board’s goal is to make the information in the Cemetery Information Management System (CIMS) available to the public, so they can search for and locate any person interred in Parsons Cemetery. However, this information is not very useful if people are not easily able to locate graves. Thus, the Board believes the installation of signage is a critical next step in the continued development of self-guided tours and other activities like Wreaths Across America. Currently, there are no signs which delineate the layout of the cemetery. Parson’s Cemetery is broken into 9 sections with 40 rows of plots. Through the strategic placement of 19 signs at various points in the cemetery, the signs will make it easier for people to complete the self- guided tours in a timely manner. The signs will also make it easier for visitors to locate a specific person interred in Parsons. The impact of these signs will be immediate and long-lasting, as the signs will be a permanent feature of the cemetery. Work is expected to be completed by June 2021. You can visit their site, by clicking here. Mac and Tuck Seem to Crave VisitorsThe pandemic has been hard on individuals, on small businesses, and on museums such as the Delmarva Discovery Museum in Pocomoke City, Maryland. It has also been challenging for Mac and Tuck, the river otters at the Delmarva Discovery Museum. It turns out they would prefer to have more visitors. In spite of having lots of attention by trained staff who adore them, they miss hamming it up for visitors.  They follow their visitors as they move from the 6,000-gallon aquarium replicating the Pocomoke River into the stream and land exhibit. They often show off by wrestling or press a curious nose to the glass along with their wide webbed feet. They seem as curious about human behavior as we are about otter behavior.  Schedule a Private TourThe museum is now offering private guided or self-guided tours to increase social distancing. Appointments are available Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. The otters are most likely to be playful around 10 am, or at about 2 pm. Museum admission for a self-guided tour is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Self-guided tour groups will be limited to no more than 10. Members may enjoy unlimited visits, subject to schedule availability. Once you have finished your tour, enjoy a private shopping experience in the museum's gift shop. Reservations are required and can be made online at delmarvadiscoverycenter.org or by calling the museum at 410-957-9933. "Otterly" Silly Saturdays Coming BackThe museum will again begin offering Otterly Silly Saturdays on February 6. This program gives a chance
for guests to watch the otters enjoy a special treat, such as live fish or a peanut butter filled toy, while learning about this native animal. The fifteen-minute program begins at noon, and reservations are required. Mac and Tuck would love to see you!  Winter Wonderland: Illuminating Traditions Tuesdays through December 29 A seven-week virtual celebration of winter holidays from around the world and their traditions of light. Each video illuminates a new tradition. Pick up a craft kit to take part in the at-home activities. Reserve your kits at 410-742-4988 x 115 or go to wardmuseum.org. Ice Ice Berlin: Ice Art Sculptures & Holiday Shop Night Friday, November 27, 5-9pm 24 holiday ice sculptures carved by award-winning ice artist Erik Cantine throughout town, pinecone birdfeeder craft at the Calvin B. Taylor Museum, Santa, carriage rides, shops open until 9pm. Small Business Saturday Saturday, November 28 Shop local this season! Free Carriage Rides in Berlin December weekends, 11am-3pm A Miracle on Market Street Friday, December 4, 5:30-8:30pm Walk through the winter wonderland in Downtown Pocomoke City with a tree lighting, holiday music, dance performance, carriage rides, sidewalk sales, vendors, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a bonfire, and carol sing-alongs. Light Up Berlin December 11-31 Drive around town and look at all the beauty Berlin has to offer during this holiday house decorating contest! Tour map list will be available at berlinmainstreet.com Holiday Tea at Poplar Hill Thursday, December 10, 11:30am Celebrate the holiday season at Poplar Hill Mansion, Salisbury’s oldest house, with a tea and menu featuring soup, tea sandwiches, scones, desserts, and more. Safety precautions in place. RSVP by December 4 at 410-749-1776. A Pemberton Christmas Saturday, December 12, 11am-4pm Enjoy a festive day at Pemberton Historical Park with holiday music, decorations, tours of the grounds, wreath-making classes, gingerbread-making contest, socially distanced photos with Santa, fire pits, vendors, food truck, and more. 2nd Friday in Berlin Sunday, December 13, 5-8pm Shop, see Santa, and enjoy live music! On #GivingTuesday, help us make a difference for local museums, attractions, historic sites11/23/2020  On Tuesday, December 1, Giving Tuesday offers an opportunity to help heritage-related nonprofits on the lower eastern shore. By making a donation to the Beach to Bay Heritage area during this nationwide online giving event, you can help preserve our local heritage. As one of 13 heritage areas in Maryland, Beach to Bay blends economic development with conservation of our area's natural, cultural, and historic resources. During this pandemic year we have:
 Photo Caption: Pictured from left to right are Tyler Walston, Sunny Crouse, Samantha Gooch, Judith Stribling, Addie Eckardt, Doug Stevens, Gwen Acle and Nicole Acle. SALISBURY, Md. – On Saturday, Nov. 7, Wicomico County officials and volunteers gathered at the Pirate’s Wharf property for a tree planting.
The landscape stock trees that were planted stand between 5-12 feet tall. “These trees are a few years old,” said Tyler Walston, environmental planner for Wicomico County Planning and Zoning. “The hope is that they will have a head start and grow to be showpiece trees near areas of interest.” The Pirate’s Wharf project is a multi-phased, large-scale redevelopment of existing farmland located on Whitehaven Road. Phase one of the project is slated to begin this winter. Officials remain hopeful that the park will open to the public in spring 2021. Learn more about Pirate’s Wharf at http://bit.ly/PiratesWharf.  November 21 - 22 and December 12th. With covid protocols in place, Delmarva Birding Weekends has announced the first-of-their-kind Waterfowl Weekends slated for Nov. 21-22 and Dec. 12. Late fall offers high numbers of species for nature lovers to enjoy as waterfowl, hawks, and eagles arrive on the scene. Registration for the event is now open at http://delmarvabirding.com/welcome-waterfowl-weekends/. Nature lovers can register for just one field trip, or multiple field trips each day of the three days of events. In the morning on Nov. 21, folks can search for sea ducks, loons, eiders, and purple sandpipers at select locations in southern Delaware, before embarking on an afternoon trip to the nearby 2,200-acre private Newport Farms to find white pelicans, eagles, and a cornucopia of dabbling ducks. On Nov. 22, local birders who will guide a secret sojourn to four of the best winter birding spots along South Point. The trip takes a unique turn as participants stroll down the private Por Fin Drive, known for its iconic locust trees that grace the gateway to the National Seashore near the Assateague Market. Here, waterfowl enjoy two restored ponds nestled in 130 acres of woods and farmland.  On Dec. 12, in addition to a second trip to Newport Farms, bird lovers will visit beautiful Cape Henlopen State Park where pitch pine forest, tidal marsh, dunes, and beaches may produce Brown-headed Nuthatches, Snow Bunting, loons, scoters and other bay and sea ducks. Guided by local fun-loving birders with decades-long experience, the walking tours accommodate visitors from the curious nature lover to fowl fanatics. Every year, birdwatchers from surrounding states flock to Delmarva in the fall. “These are great nature-oriented weekends,” said Melanie Pursel, Tourism Director for Worcester County. “People will be amazed by the number of eagles and ducks, but they will see a lot more than that walking with guides in the wilds around South Point, Berlin, and Ocean City.” “The early winter here is spectacular,” said Southern Delaware Tourism Director Scott Thomas. “Imagine hiking a dunes trail at Cape Henlopen to be met with a Peregrine Falcon dive bombing a flock of shorebirds. Or spend a morning at Delaware Seashore State Park enjoying loons and scoters. That’s what this time of year is all about.” Social events for the waterfowl weekends have been cancelled due to the pandemic. Typically these "Tally Rallies" would be held at local breweries, bars, and restaurants, and allow participants to add to the species checklist and swap nature stories with new friends. Indeed participants recount the event in terms of experiences rather than simply observing birds – a majestic harrier soaring over the marsh, a flock of surf scoters, or the eerie hoot and shadow of an owl at dusk. An outdoor experience is the true draw. The Delmarva Peninsula is one of the country's premier birding areas, thanks to an extensive variety of habitat protected by our coastal parks, refuges and wildlife management areas. More than 400 bird species have been recorded in the region and previous Weekend tallies have topped 200 species. If boasting that many species isn't enough, participants should feel even better knowing that they’ve helped Delmarva's birds by promoting birding and habitat conservation. Birders, both novice and experienced, make an important statement about the economic value of birds and their habitats through the money they spend in local hotels, restaurants, and shops. Participants are encouraged to remind local businesses that they are here to enjoy Delmarva’s natural areas and the birds that inhabit them. This is more important now than ever. “It’s our vast shallow bays and large tracts of protected marshes and bald cypress forests that make the Delmarva Peninsula one of the finest birding regions in the nation,” said guide and organizer Jim Rapp. “During the weekend, our guests will hike on private farmland and woodland that are normally off-limits to the public.” Co-organizer Dave Wilson added that most trips are not physically taxing and that the event provides a rare opportunity to tally 100 species in a day in places that are normally inaccessible. For the weekends, mask wearing and social distancing will be the rule. There will be no carpooling and numbers of seats will be reduced. Sponsors for the events include Worcester County Tourism, Southern Delaware Tourism, the Boardwalk Hotel Group, Jolly Roger Amusement Park, the Delmarva Almanac, My Backyard, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, and the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays. Special thanks also go to the private property owners who allow us access to their properties for this weekend. Additional sponsor and registration information, field trip descriptions and other resources for Delmarva Birding are available at www.delmarvabirding.com. To become a sponsor or for additional information, contact Jim Rapp (443-614-0261) or Dave Wilson (443-523-2201) at Conservation Community Consulting at conservationcc@gmail.com.  Indeed participants recount the event in terms of experiences rather than simply observing birds – a majestic harrier soaring over the marsh, a flock of surf scoters, or the eerie hoot and shadow of an owl at dusk. An outdoor experience is the true draw.
The Delmarva Peninsula is one of the country's premier birding areas, thanks to an extensive variety of habitat protected by our coastal parks, refuges and wildlife management areas. More than 400 bird species have been recorded in the region and previous Weekend tallies have topped 200 species. If boasting that many species isn't enough, participants should feel even better knowing that they’ve helped Delmarva's birds by promoting birding and habitat conservation. Birders, both novice and experienced, make an important statement about the economic value of birds and their habitats through the money they spend in local hotels, restaurants, and shops. Participants are encouraged to remind local businesses that they are here to enjoy Delmarva’s natural areas and the birds that inhabit them. This is more important now than ever. “It’s our vast shallow bays and large tracts of protected marshes and bald cypress forests that make the Delmarva Peninsula one of the finest birding regions in the nation,” said guide and organizer Jim Rapp. “During the weekend, our guests will hike on private farmland and woodland that are normally off-limits to the public.” Co-organizer Dave Wilson added that most trips are not physically taxing and that the event provides a rare opportunity to tally 100 species in a day in places that are normally inaccessible. For the weekends, mask wearing and social distancing will be the rule. There will be no carpooling and numbers of seats will be reduced. Sponsors for the events include Worcester County Tourism, Southern Delaware Tourism, the Boardwalk Hotel Group, Jolly Roger Amusement Park, the Delmarva Almanac, My Backyard, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, and the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays. Special thanks also go to the private property owners who allow us access to their properties for this weekend. Additional sponsor and registration information, field trip descriptions and other resources for Delmarva Birding are available at www.delmarvabirding.com. To become a sponsor or for additional information, contact Jim Rapp (443-614-0261) or Dave Wilson (443-523-2201) at Conservation Community Consulting at conservationcc@gmail.com.  A road trip is the best way to gain a new perspective. Showcasing Maryland’s only coastal county, the Cape to Cape Scenic Byway runs 79 miles of local and state roads from the Atlantic Ocean to the back bays of Chincoteague, Sinepuxent, Assawoman, and Isle of Wight, to the Maryland/Virginia state line. Come discover natural beauty, historic towns, seaside havens, open fields, and vibrant communities along the route.
Set a relaxed pace and take time to stop and explore points of interest that range from well-known treasures to hidden gems. Stretch your legs at photo-worthy vistas, wildlife observation areas, cultural hubs, and don’t miss the seafood eateries, craft breweries, bakeries, or ice cream parlors for a taste of local flavor. READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE ON THE Worcester County WEBSITE. |
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