Environmental and Community Information

Residents of Turkey Point Island work together to protect and restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay through a variety of environmental initiatives focused on cleaner water, shoreline restoration, and marine habitat growth.

In partnership with the Arundel Rivers Federation, community members have participated in planting native grasses and vegetation and helped to install a swale at the end of Paca, designed to naturally filter stormwater runoff before it reaches nearby waterways. These grasses help absorb excess nutrients and pollutants, improving water quality while also reducing erosion along the shoreline.

Girl Scout, Claire Supple, has dedicated both her Silver and Gold Award projects to improving the health of the Chesapeake Bay through oyster restoration initiatives. Neighbors Lee Ann Candon and Rick Feldmen supported Claire’s research for her Silver award, which focused on the importance of raising baby oysters, “Spat,” in cages so they can be added to oyster reefs in the Chesapeake Bay. Claire worked with Arundel Rivers to recruit more oyster growers to raise spat off their private pier. She also had the support of neighbor Jim Hunter to install a sign at the community pier explaining how the cages work.

Claire took her Silver Award a step further in her Gold Award by partnering with a local non-profit, Moonbeam Oysters, to explore the possibility of establishing an oyster reef beneath the community pier. “Why not keep the oysters here and clean the water right where we fish, crab, and play?” Oyster reefs are vital to the Bay ecosystem because oysters naturally filter water, improve habitat for marine life, and help strengthen shoreline resilience.

Together, these efforts reflect the strong environmental commitment of the Turkey Point Island community. Through collaboration, volunteerism, and partnerships with local organizations, residents continue to take meaningful steps toward preserving the beauty and ecological health of the Chesapeake Bay for future generations.

Mayo Community Information