Somerset County, Maryland

During my fellowship at the Maryland Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (CBNERR-MD), I found that one of its components, Monie Bay, was lacking in public access and education outreach. I set forth to pioneer a network of three water trails which would give visitors an opportunity to experience first-hand the unique salt-marsh ecology. After securing grant-funds, researching construction materials, and designing the trail map, I wrote interpretive materials discussing the maritime history and local marsh ecology. The trails were designed to minimize navigational difficulties by providing clear way-finding signs and an online map that can be printed or viewed by smart-phone. In addition, I created an interpretive document to educate visitors on the local ecology and maritime history of Monie Bay and Deal Island.

For individual trail maps, visit CBNERR-MD's Monie Bay website.

Installing the Signs

Marion called upon the Chesapeake Conservation Corps of 2013-14 to help the CBNERR-MD team install trail signs on May 9th, 2014. This event brought together local experts, Maryland DNR employees, and volunteers who installed trail signs and provided feedback for the trail. Participants partnered in pairs and carried supplies by canoe to sign locations, proceeding to install signs according to map and directions. There were a total of 40 signs installed over 3 trails, covering about 9 miles of tidal creeks. This highly successful event could not have happened without the support of our funder, the Chesapeake Bay Trust.

Partners for the Project

This project could not have been possible without the help of our partners:

  • MD DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service
  • The Chesapeake Bay Trust
  • Somerset County
  • MD DNR’s Public Access, Water Trails and Recreation Planning Program

Marion would like to send a special thank you to:

  • The facilitators of the All-Hands Day
  • The CBNERR-MD team for helping her plan the All-Hands event
  • Supervisor Chris Snow for all his support throughout the project
  • John Moulis for helping her install trail signs during a blisteringly hot day
  • Hutch Walbridge for providing sign posts for the project
  • The Chesapeake Conservation Corps for providing her with such a great professional opportunity