OCEAN PINES Md. – The annual Ocean Pines Bay day returned allowing community members to not only become one with nature but learn how to care for their environment. “All these exhibitors here, they’re so passionate about what they do and there are chances for volunteer work to engage and just support these local organizations in a variety of different ways,” says Liz Wist, Education Coordinator with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program.
White Horse Park attracted more than 30 exhibitors from across the state. There was something for everyone, including hands-on crafts and animal exhibits, workshops as well as boat rides, boat rides, and food truck displays. “I love for people to be able to leave just knowing that there are chances to do different things here in our local community and that they can do things right in their own home and backyard,” says Wist.
Visitors were given the opportunity to learn about different ways they can support the coastal watersheds near their homes. This year’s theme to help support that mission is recycling. Batteries, book exchanges, and composting Go Green OCThese are just some of the ways organizers believe you can help. “So we have at Bay Day a plastic grocery bag drop off and a bottle cap drop off because those aren’t usually recyclable in our county,” says Chandler Joiner, the Environmental Educator with the MD Coastal Bays Program.
Joiner states that recycling is only one part of the larger mission to protect the environment. The younger generation is learning how to do their part. “It’s very cool to see the kids reusing plastic and that helps them learn about recycling and things in the future.” Joiner adds, “I hope that people learn about the environment and local organizations that work super hard to protect this environment.”
One mom we spoke to said that she and her daughter are learning new things about the environment and the wildlife that lives there. She also shared some tips on how they can help. “I was fortunate enough to learn things with the environment and do a lot of outdoor activities as a kid so I like sharing that with her,” says community member, Allison Sanders. She adds, “It’s nice knowing how to respect the environment so we can use it for our enjoyment.”
Those with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program also say it’s important to check your local recycling guidelines before recycling any items because each county has different requirements.
Visit their website to find out more about your local watershed, and how you can help. Website.
