What could be better than a morning spent sailing, oyster dredging, and spat planting aboard a historic Skipjack?
Join us for a hands‑on experience aboard the Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester as we explore oyster ecology and help plant oyster spat at a designated sanctuary. Both trip options include time with the crew as they dredge for oysters and demonstrate how spat is planted—one adds a tour of Horn Point Lab’s Oyster Hatchery, the other offers an extended sail on the Choptank River.
May 18: Hatchery Tour + Sail + Dredging & Spat Planting
Begin at Horn Point Lab with a one‑hour guided tour of the Oyster Hatchery, where experts will walk you through how spat is bred and prepared for restoration. Then board the Nathan for a short sail to a designated sanctuary site, observe oyster dredging, learn about oyster ecology, and assist the crew in planting spat before returning to Horn Point.
June 1: Extended Sail + Dredging & Spat Planting
Depart from Long Wharf for a longer sail on the Choptank River. Enjoy time on the water, learn about skipjack history and oyster ecology, observe oyster dredging, and assist the crew in planting spat at a designated sanctuary site before sailing back to Long Wharf.
What to Expect:
A memorable morning on the water aboard a historic skipjack, hands‑on learning about oyster restoration, and the chance to contribute directly to the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
Feedback from past sails on the Skipjack Nathan and trips to Horn Pt:
“Graduate students who conducted the tour were knowledgeable and provided excellent information on the purposes of the lab.”
“I loved this – so interesting! Loved the tour, enjoyed hearing about their research.”
“We had a beautiful day to go out on a skipjack and many of us wished we could have stayed on the water longer. I highly recommend this expedition!”
“This was a well-planned excursion with great docents who provided many interesting and amusing insights into the history of oystering on the Chesapeake.”
Please note: your registration fee includes all fees and expenses plus a nominal Chesapeake Forum overhead contribution. **Seats for this program are giftable but not refundable unless there is someone on the waitlist to take the seat.**
A Choice between Monday | May 18 (from Horn Pt, 2020 Horns Pt Rd, Cambridge) OR Monday | June 1 (from Long Wharf, 2 Yacht Club Dr, Cambridge)| 10 – 12:30pm (*extended time)| IN PERSON | $65
