Poplar Island is known throughout the world as a singular and continuing ecological and economic success. Learn how the beneficial use of dredged material is being used to restore habitat on the Chesapeake Bay AND keep the port of Baltimore open to shipping.

Learn about Poplar Island’s unique story and continuing habitat successes in this talk given by Kristina Motley from Maryland Environmental Service. Poplar Island is an environmental restoration project located in the Chesapeake Bay of Talbot County, Maryland. The beneficial use project, started in the 1990’s, relies on dredged material collected from the approach channels to the Baltimore Harbor to restore lost remote island habitat within the Chesapeake Bay.

The project partnership between Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Port Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Maryland Environmental Service has been in place for over 20 years and has seen the restoration of almost 400 acres of wetland habitat. Upland habitat and additional wetland habitat are planned and the island is slated to be completed in the 2040’s. Over 400 different species of wildlife have been documented and over 30 different birds have been confirmed as nesting onsite.

What to expect: 

In this program, you will learn about the beneficial use of dredged material and how it is being used to restore habitat on Poplar Island. You will also learn about the three goals of the island. 

Session 1: Hybrid Course at our Hybrid Classroom at the Easton Family YMCA on Peachblossom Rd in Easton.

Session2:  Field trip to Poplar Island 

Please note:  Like most of our programming, Maryland Environmental Service provides this program to us for free.  The fee we charge covers a share of our programming expenses for Chesapeake Forum.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: 

Directions:   The field trip to Poplar Island will leave from the Maryland Environmental Service Tilghman Island dock (turn left on Chicken Point Road after crossing the bridge) promptly at 9 am.  Please plan on arriving 10-15 minutes early to check in and receive a safety briefing. For your convenience, a portable toilet is available at the land base.

To make the tour enjoyable for all participants, please take the following into consideration: 

1. Tours run rain or shine; however, the tour may be cancelled in the event of severe weather. Please note that the island weather can be more severe than on the mainland, is unpredictable, and changes quickly. Therefore, if the Poplar Island staff feels it has become unsafe, cancellations can occur the same day as the tour. Chesapeake Forum will notify you as soon as possible if there is a cancellation.
2. Participants must be prepared to board a boat and climb a few steps; however, the amount of walking is minimal.  Closed-toed shoes with appropriate soles such as sneakers or hiking shoes/boots are required. Failure to wear closed-toed shoes will result in getting turned away at the dock.
3. The boat will depart promptly at the above scheduled time. Please make sure to arrive on time so that you are not left behind. Alternative boat transportation to dock on Poplar Island is not allowed. 
4. The tour does not include a designated lunch break but feel free to bring snacks. 
5. Tours can be enjoyed by people of all ages, but keep in mind that some of the topics covered may be advanced for younger visitors. 
6. Binoculars and cameras are encouraged.

Feedback from Kristina’s last program for us: 

“Highly recommended for all to see what our federal and state taxes are being used to accomplish great things.”

“Kristina was remarkably well informed on so many topics related to Poplar Island …from plants/grasses to birds/fish/4-legged animals to history to geology.  Can’t wait for our next trek to Poplar Island.”

“The last time we visited Poplar Island, it looked like a construction zone.  Now we can see what the vision is!  And what a great job this project is doing for the environment of the bay!  BRAVO!  Kristina and her guests from the University of Maryland did a great job answering our questions and explaining what they have learned as they go.”

***Stay tuned for another trip to Poplar Island on July 16 geared for children**

HYBRID course at the Easton Family YMCA (choose to participate in person, through Zoom, or recording) | Wednesday | June 5 | 10 – 11:30 am  plus  FIELD TRIP | Monday | June 10 | 9 am to noon | $30

or,

HYBRID course at the Easton Family YMCA (choose to participate in person, through Zoom, or recording) | Wednesday | June 5 | 10 – 11:30 am only | $20