In a previous post, a commentator noted that this was his favorite sight to see while crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Here is a wonderful image captured by Bill Tiernan of the Virginian Pilot. They are located at the ESVA National Wildlife Refuge and can conveniently be seen from the CBBT . To read more about it and the concept of how sometimes doing less is more, visit the Pilot's archive: Dead Trees Produce Biological Bounty
This opening statement reads like a dream of what our schools could be:
"One day, our nation’s brightest minds will be united by a common goal. In the future, scientists, business leaders, artists and mathematicians will combine their most innovative thinking in pursuit of the most important challenge of our times - ensuring a long and healthy life for our planet and the people who share it.
At Denver Green School, the future is now. Our hands-on, real-world curriculum prepares students to excel in the colleges and careers of tomorrow, by combining essential skills mastery and creative problem-solving today."
Combined with an experiential curriculum rooted in sustainability, is a working 1 acre farm. This farm provides produce for the cafeteria, a CSA and farm stand for the community, and educational and volunteer opportunities for the students. It is a Public School approved by the Board of Education in Denver, Colorado.
Southern tip of the Eastern Shore of Virginia including Fisherman Island. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel can be seen crossing the island and extending out over the Chesapeake Bay.
Crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is routine for many Eastern Shore inhabitants and visitors. Cresting the high rise approaching FishermanIsland from either direction offers a beautiful view that is always a little different.Flocks of birds can be seen on her shores. Marshlands are continually changing colors with the seasons.Larger birds like ospreys and vultures perch high in dead trees along the edge of the roadway.Less obvious than the birds, but just as interesting to observe, is the growth of the island on its southeast side.Watching the sandy shores widen, new plants emerge, and tidal pools get created brings the same perennial joy as watching a garden grow.It takes patient observation- but it’s a lot of fun to see what changes next.
The Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge website states that FishermanIsland was about 25 acres in an 1852 coastal survey.Since then the island has expanded to over 1850 acres.While other barrier islands along Virginia’s coast are shrinking Fisherman continues to grow- how lucky we are to have such a great view of the action!
While crossing the bridge with friends and family look around and discuss the changes you see.Which changes are permanent and which are merely seasonal?What is your favorite part of the island and its surroundings? What do you think causes the island's growth? If you were a bird where would you build your nest?
It certainly has been a warm winter around here. Last year we'd already seen record snows and cold by now. What do these two drastically different winters tell us about global climate change? Nothing, really.
Weather is something we experience over short periods of time. It can change from day to day or even minute to minute. Climate is the word we use to describe patterns of weather over longer periods of time, usually decades or more.
We have to be careful not to make assumptions about a changing climate based only on recent observations of local weather. This year's warm winter shouldn't be used as evidence that the Earth's climate is getting warmer. Nor should last year's cold winter be used as evidence that the Earth's climate is getting colder. If you'd like to learn more about global climate patterns, check out Orrin and Keith Pilkey's new book, Global Climate Change. You can read Jack Orderman's full review of the book on page 5 of the January issue of CBES Shoreline by clicking HERE.
If you're still waiting for a good snow like I am, or if you just want an excuse to treat yourself to a creamy cup of hot chocolate, take a few minutes to watch the video below of scenes from the Seaside during an unusually cold stretch we had two January's ago in 2010.
Do you know where your water comes from? Here on the Eastern Shore we have two sources of fresh water hidden underground. One is shallow and is easily affected by things we do on the surface. The other is deep and is composed of water that has been down there for thousands of years. This deep source of groundwater, or aquifer, is our only source of drinking water on the Eastern Shore. Learn more about aquifers and how they work by checking out this tasty aquifer parfait project:
