Learn about the oysters of the Bay, their important role in the Bay’s ecosystem, and how they are doing.

Oysters are considered a keystone species in many aquatic systems around the world, including the Chesapeake Bay. However, a variety of factors have contributed to a major decline in Chesapeake oyster populations. Disease, overfishing, and pollution have all taken their toll, but many groups are fighting to restore this hardworking bivalve. 

Come learn about oysters, their biology, their role in the Chesapeake Bay, and how their population is doing. One of the services oysters provide is as an important fishery and economic driver in our ecosystem, so we’ll enjoy eating oysters as part of the class as well!

What to Expect:  Sample local oysters while learning about the history of the oyster fishery and how oyster populations are doing today. 

Feedback from Kristen’s last program with us:

“Dr Kristin had a command of the material, presented it well, and made the session very enjoyable.  This is one of the best sessions I have attended.  And getting tips on picking crabs was great.”

“What an interesting and informative program. Dr. Kristen Lycett provided an engaging discussion about many aspects of the life of Blue Crabs and fielded numerous questions from the attendees. And of course it was fun getting a chance to eat some crabs.”

“Excellent, informative, relaxed presentation and location with opportunity for tasting an added bonus!”

Please note:  your registration fee pays for the oyster tasting plus a nominal Chesapeake Forum overhead contribution.  **Seats for this program are giftable but not refundable unless there is someone on the waitlist who is able to take the seat.**

Kristen Lycett

Dr. Kristen Lycett

Dr. Kristen Lycett grew up in the Rogue Valley in southern Oregon and spent her childhood exploring the temperate rain forests in her backyard. She is an enrolled tribal member of the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe. She remained in Oregon long enough to graduate from Oregon State University with a BS in Environmental Science and a BFA in Applied Visual Art. In 2009, Kristen moved to Maryland and eventually began working for the Living Classrooms Foundation aboard the Skipjack Sigsbee, which is where she fell in love with Environmental Education and the Chesapeake Bay. After two years on the Sigsbee, she began her graduate program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Once she completed her Ph.D. in Marine Estuarine Environmental Science, Kristen held a two year Postdoctoral Teaching Fellowship at Salisbury University in the Honors College. After a stint with the Phillips Wharf Environmental Center in Tilghman, Maryland, Kristen accepted the position of Executive Director and is working to rebuild and revitalize the Phillips Wharf Environmental Center at its new location in Easton, Maryland.

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