NATURE CORNER Ranger Stan WITH

BAY CREEK’S PRESERVE RANGER

In an environment as varied and beautiful as the Eastern Shore, there’s really no ‘off season.’ This breathtaking natural environment has something to discover and appreciate every month of the year.

But summer seems to hold a special significance here on Virginia’s Cape. Maybe it’s the cool Bay breezes that refresh beach goers and rustle across colorful meadows of wildflowers on the Nature Preserve. Or perhaps it’s the feeling of freedom that comes with bicycling among shady trees that line Bay Creek’s wide streets—or paddling along Plantation Creek with only the sound of birdsong.

Bay Creek’s Preserve Ranger, Stan Osmolenski, specializes in helping people experience all nature has to offer here in this special bayfront community.

We recently spoke with Ranger Stan to learn more about Bay Creek’s nature, summer season experiences and more.

“During my time working as a Park Ranger at Kiptopeke State Park, I was trained in general interpreting,” says Stan. “So I help people experience the nature around them and help them relate to it. For the people who live here and the guests that visit…children, adults, people coming from a city who may have never been out in nature, I help them get to know the nature of Bay Creek.”

Activities and Access

There are many avenues for discovering the abundant nature here. Stan’s guided kayak tours are a favorite activity of residents and guests alike. “It’s an intimate group of five kayakers and we go out for about two hours and explore the marshes and creeks around the property. We work on paddle techniques that help us wind through the creeks, and we do a lot of bird watching. It’s a pleasure just to take in all there is to see in and around these waterways,” says Stan.

Right now, Ranger Stan is offering these explorations twice a week. “We focus a lot on making the water accessible here at Bay Creek, especially during summer. This tour is great for beginners and experienced kayakers alike.” Stan also teaches stand-up paddle boarding lessons for beginners and equips them with basic techniques to get out there and enjoy the water.

“Last fall we put in a kayak launch at the Base Camp area and we’re about to begin construction on a kayak rack. Members will be able to keep their kayaks right next to the launch. It’s going to be a great convenience,” Stan says.

With water and nature everywhere, residents and visitors of Bay Creek have many options for recreation—and for learning, too. Ranger Stan leads pond fishing excursions ideal for beginner fishermen and children alike. He also leads nature walks like the ever-popular Preserve Owl Prowl, a one-mile guided night trek in search of the elusive birds of prey.

Stan’s Nature Talk Campfire is a great way to cap off a day of fun, cozying up around a campfire for a talk on nature, history of the area, Q & A’s and sometimes, even a ghost story! “We have a big bonfire at Base Camp, and we talk about a topic— usually nature or history related, and we go from there. I enjoy being able tell people about what an asset the conservation area and Nature Preserve really are. It helps them know more about the place they live and visit. There’s a core group of residents that come almost every time, and there are always first-time visitors, too. Everyone is welcome.

Conservation, Maintenance & Education

Besides leading activities and explorations, part of Stan’s work as a Ranger is to maintain the Preserve and natural areas that host these great experiences—from Tree Plantings at Base Camp to restoration projects. He also works with the Stewardship Club, an incredibly dedicated group of Bay Creekers who clean trails, plant trees and take on projects like building and installing Bluebird Boxes on the property.

“Right now at Bay Creek, we’re focusing a lot on water’s edge plantings. We’ve done five plantings of native trees and shrubs to provide more habitat for native species,” Stan explains. “One of my favorite things is native plants and helping others learn about them.”

This one-of-a-kind natural environment is an ideal outdoor classroom for all ages. This spring, Stan led field trips for children from the Northampton Schools and will resume the program in the Fall. “Schools from Northampton County and from across the Bay come here to learn,” says Stan. “It’s an incredible opportunity for these students to be able to explore and learn about local Eastern Shore ecology.”

Savoring the Sights of Summer

Stan shares with us some of the things to look for as summer saunters along. “This is the best time to get on the water—it’s not too hot out there, and there are all kinds of natural wonders to observe,” Stan says.

“The Preserve is dotted with wildflowers, blooming trees, and shrubs. The ponds are alive with frogs and turtles, and the beaches and waterways are bursting with natural beauty, just waiting to be discovered. Now is the time that many native summer flowers really put on a show. Keep an eye out for current blooming plants such as yarrow, pickerel weed, purple vetch, and yucca.”

The beginnings of a native plant garden at Base Camp are starting to show signs of color and variety. These plantings will really put on a show throughout summer. “The coreopsis is beautiful now,” Stan adds. “Stop by Base Camp, say hello and see these showy yellow flowers.”

Bay Creek is home to of all these lovely summer pleasures. Ranger Stan is passionate about helping nature flourish and enabling residents and guests to enjoy it.

“I encourage everyone to get outdoors and enjoy this beautiful Eastern Shore summer here at Bay Creek!”