From the Editor James

Trudging waist-deep through Indian Creek, near the headwaters of the Severn River, with 15 or so other students—all of us straining the water with a seine net—yielded some interesting lifeforms when the net surfaced to reveal the catch. An abundance of tiny baitfish, a perch, small crabs, grass shrimp, a few clams, and strands of vegetation, if my memory recalls correctly. The revelation of all this life just below the water’s surface was exhilarating.

The exercise was one of many during an outdoors retreat I enjoyed nearly 35 years ago. Back then— and as many programs do today—the activity focused on the environment that surrounds us. Its purpose to reveal and educate. In Chesapeake Bay country, you don’t need to go far to experience aquatic life and its connection to our everyday existence. It’s everywhere. And it’s important.

Now, I’m pleased to see even more opportunities for our children and young adults to learn about and experience, firsthand, the ecology of the Bay and its feeder tributaries from the Piedmont plateau of Central Maryland to the low-lying plains of the Eastern Shore. Education is so vital to our youth—to inspire the next generation of advocates, scientists, and professional leaders with the willpower to restore, protect, and preserve our natural resources, so that, yes, we all can enjoy them.

editor From the

Whether you fly fish the humble streams of the Middle Patuxent, stack commercial crab pots for a living on the Chesapeake, or go waterskiing on weekends in the Chester River, you likely agree these resources are worth protecting. In this month’s feature article “Teach Your Children Well” you’ll learn about several local, environmental organizations committed to improving the Bay watershed by means of varying and dynamic education programs. (Coincidentally—okay, maybe a bit by design— if you’d like to learn the history, culture, and geography of the Chester River, the next installment in “Our Scenic & Historic Rivers” article series offers this overview.)

Equally pleasing is how our regional private schools and colleges have integrated environmental studies into their curriculums. If you’re considering private school for your children, Fall is a wonderful season to visit campuses, do your homework, and begin the application process for next semester or year. Our private school open house and visitation guide, “Top Class,” offers timely information and upcoming dates to circle on the calendar for many of the area’s exemplary schools.

There’s much more to read, learn about, and enjoy in this month’s issue. Our “Towne Athlete” profile showcases a real student-athlete making a difference on the field and in the community. Likewise, we applaud a local volunteer in our “Towne Salute” column. We also examine the impact the Baby Boomer generation is having on post-retirement endeavors such as philanthropy, social activities, and the economy in Part II of the “Chesapeake Retirement Guide.” Of course, the number of events from Western Shore to Eastern picks up in the Summer and seems to peak in the Fall. September is chock full of them, and “Out on the Towne” highlights many excellent event recommendations. Beyond all James Houck, of this, I’m willing to Editorial Director bet you’ll pick up a thing or two along the way as you cover the magazine from first page to last. Thank you for reading!