Schedule

Registration

Concurrent Workshops and Field Experiences

Special Program Offering I: Applying Stream Restoration Strategies as Part of a Watershed Implementation Plan.
A combination field and classroom training on Chesapeake Bay Program crediting protocols and methods to identify, evaluate, and prioritize potential stream projects for implementation. Brought to you by Ecosystem, Planning and Restoration, LLC.

Special Program Offering II: Maryland’s Climate Leadership Academy. (This is by invitation only)
Invited participants will help shape Maryland’s Climate Leadership Academy. This groundbreaking initiative is being developed for local governments to provide the training and competencies needed to address climate-related risks and opportunities. Brought to you by the Association of Climate Change Officers.

Special Program Offering III: Oysters: A Powerful Tool for Bay Restoration and Local Economies.
An overview of Maryland’s oyster restoration strategies and status of recovery efforts along with a look at oysters role in best management practices, economic growth and community engagement. Will include a tour of Horn Point hatchery and oyster shell recycling facilities. Brought to you by Oyster Recovery Partnership and University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.

Special Program Offering IV: Coastal Heritage Tour.
A guided tour of local landmarks including the Harriet Tubman Visitor Center, the Richardson Maritime Museum/Ruark Boatworks, and the Packing House-Cannery Park. Brought to you by Eastern Shore Land Conservancy.

Sunset Birding Tour

(Space is limited) A guided birding tour in and around Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Brought to you by the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Maryland.

Welcome Reception at the Cambridge, Hyatt.

We are excited to open the Maryland’s inaugural State of the Coast Conference with a welcome reception starting at 6:30 pm.

Continental Breakfast and Registration

Welcome Plenary Session

The “State of Maryland’s Coast” - the science, emerging threats and opportunities facing our coast. Presented by the University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Science.

Morning Coffee Break and Office Hours ~ "Decision Making Tools"

Attendees will have the opportunity to network during break and to demo the latest tools, products, and services available for local decision making.

Plenary Session #2: The Trends and Themes that Drive Us

A thought-provoking discussion with top level leadership at the state and national level to outline the important trends and themes for Chesapeake and coastal management.

Lunch and Office Hours ~ "Decision Making Tools"

Attendees will have the opportunity to network during lunch and to demo the latest tools, products, and services available for local decision making.

Concurrent Sessions I

• Healthy Ecosystems: The implications of climate change on large-scale restoration efforts and the application of adaptive management concepts and elements into your restoration strategy and projects.
• Resilient Communities: Making communities stronger and more resilient to the impacts of climate change through innovative tools, planning and restoration.
• Vibrant Economies: Explore how green infrastructure can save municipalities and local communities monies and provide economic benefits community wide.

Afternoon Coffee Break and Office Hours ~ "Decision Making Tools"

Attendees will have the opportunity to network during break and to demo the latest tools, products, and services available for local decision making.

Concurrent Sessions II

• Healthy Ecosystems: Emerging techniques, practices and technologies to maximize efficiency and effectiveness of local restoration efforts.
• Resilient Communities: Thinking beyond the flood - the societal and economic impacts of climate change.
• Vibrant Economies: Establishing a stronger sense of place and generating economic growth through coastal tourism, recreation and water dependent economies.

"Brews and Bivalves" Coastal Reception at Horn Point, Cambridge

Sponsored by Maryland’s Oyster Recovery Partnership, Flying Dog Brewery, Evolution Craft Brewing and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. Entertainment provided by the High & Wides.

Continental Breakfast

Concurrent Sessions III

• Healthy Ecosystem: The intersection of finance, funding, and partnerships in your watershed restoration strategy.
• Resilient Communities: Building innovative partnerships to turn your adaptation plans into reality.
• Vibrant Economies: Beyond the Bay ~ The resources, challenges and economic opportunities of Maryland’s ocean.

Morning Coffee Break

Concurrent Sessions IV

• Healthy Ecosystem: The Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan and showcasing local solutions and strategies to meeting planning targets and restoration goals.
• Resilient Communities: Showcasing local solutions and strategies towards incorporating climate adaptation & resilience in day-to-day planning.
• Vibrant Economies: Showcasing local solutions and strategies for the protection and enhancement of water dependent industries.

Conference Concludes