Join host Tony Russo as he sits down with Liz Wist (Education Coordinator) and Ellen Turnbaugh (Education Program Manager) from the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. They discuss the upcoming 7th Annual Bay Day, a large-scale environmental festival dedicated to celebrating the coastal watershed and providing families with tools to protect their local environment.

Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Location: Whitehorse Park, Ocean Pines (behind the White Horse Park pavilion and boat ramp.

Cost: Free to the public

Free Boat Rides: Enjoy a 15-20 minute educational cruise on the St. Martin River provided by Bay Hopper Boat Cruises.

Exploration Station: Located inside the pavilion, this area features hands-on engineering challenges and crafts focused on horseshoe crabs, terrapins, and oysters.

Native Plant Giveaway: Attendees can take home free native plants tailored for various yard types (shaded, drought-tolerant, etc.) to help build natural buffers for local waterways.

Live Music & Food: Catch live music by local favorites The Boogeymen and enjoy food from various vendors, including the Ocean Pines Kiwanis.

Interactive Exhibitors: Over 25-30 environmental and community organizations will be on-site with engaging activities rather than just pamphlets.

The event was birthed in 2017 to address the health of the St. Martin River, which is one of the more unhealthy waterways in the coastal bay watershed. Bay Day serves as a resource for property owners to learn how they can improve water health through living shorelines and better lawn management.

Volunteers Needed: The program is still looking for volunteers to help with tabling and public interaction. No long-term commitment or classes are required.

Sign Up: Visit mdcoastalbays.com under the "Events" section to find the volunteer form or contact the office directly.