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Post Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2019 |
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ANNAPOLIS,MD -- Spa Creek Conservancy presented the Steward of the Creek Award to Eastport Yacht Club (EYC) at their annual Bay Stewardship Holiday Event on November 17th. "It was a pleasure to present this award to EYC for their continual commitment to bay stewardship, providing water access to local kids and working toward a healthy Spa Creek." Amy Clements, President, Spa Creek Conservancy." For several years EYC has been participating in the Spa Creek Monitoring Program engaging Junior Sailors in the weekly water quality monitoring effort. They have also played a huge role by coordinating boats for Spa Creek Conservancy's annual "Kids on the Creek Event" which provides local children an opportunity to get out on the water and learn about the Bay. "Eastport Yacht Club truly values our collaborative partnership with the Spa Creek Conservancy from the ongoing Operation Clearwater Program to the annual Kids on the Creek Day. We are very honored to receive this award." Ed Wells, Commodore, Eastport Yacht Club.
The holiday event featured Jeff Holland, West/Rhode Riverkeeper and musician who gave an entertaining presentation with interesting bay stories and music. At the beginning of the event, EYC recognized Anne Arundel Community College and Spa Creek Conservancy for their support of the club's ongoing water quality monitoring effort with its associated educational program that engages the club's Junior Sailors in the actual water sampling. Upon receiving "EYC's Green Can Award", Spa Creek Conservancy then presented their 2019 Steward of the Creek Award to the club for it's stewardship efforts which include: monitoring water quality at the mouth of Spa Creek; restoring oysters by building a living wave wall reef, growing oysters in cages for bay conservation efforts; engaging youth in stewardship activities during sailing classes and "bay weeks"; and providing educational boat rides for kids to learn about Spa Creek and the bay.
Eastport Yacht Club is truly committed to being a good bay steward. The club was the first yacht club in Maryland to receive Clean Marina Designation.. The clubhouse is a "green building" with rain barrels and native landscaping. It has s parking lot constructed of pervious concrete to reduce storm water runoff In addition, club operations are environmentally sound from sustainable local food sourcing to becoming a single-use plastic-free facility. On the water, the club has worked with the international organization "Sailors for the Sea" to ensure that all EYC regattas are "clean regattas." Among the over 220 host clubs that participate in the clean regatta program worldwide, EYC has received the most "golds" for implementing best practices such as composting, recycling, refillable water stations, water only wash downs, etc. An active Environmental Committee works to ensure that the club continues to promote bay stewardship efforts and environmentally sound practices. |
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