Anyone interested in doing a group kayaking event at the latest marine sanctuary — next summer?
An 18-square mile stretch of Maryland’s Potomac River has been designated a marine sanctuary by NOAA: Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary. It protects the remnants of 118 World War I-era wooden steamships and vessels as well as other significant maritime heritage resources.
Mallows Bay is known for its “Ghost Fleet” of more than 100 wooden steamships that were built in response to threats from World War I-era German U-boats that were sinking ships in the Atlantic. The fleet was brought to the Potomac River to be salvaged for scrap metal by a company in Alexandria, Virginia, not far from the sanctuary site. Over time the sunken ships have provided habitat for fish, nesting sites for birds, and safe haven for other wildlife.
The sanctuary was formally designated this fall prior to Armistace Day. NOAA, the State of Maryland, and Charles County will manage the national marine sanctuary jointly.
If you’re interested in an Earth Stewardship East event at Mallows Bay, contact Merikay (merikays@vrizon.net). She’ll contact local Charles County to see what earth stewardship we might do while there.
