Raft-Up Boat Concert, Sailboat Races Approach In Maryland

MARYLAND — Maryland is known for its love of boats. For some nautical fun, visit a raft-up concert or a sailboat race on the Eastern Shore. You can also experience nature by birdwatching in Lothian or taking a virtual oyster gardening class.

Patch recently partnered with several local organizations to bring you their latest news. This guest contribution comes from National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy. Here's what Jody Hedeman Couser submitted to help you explore the Chesapeake Bay:

"Watch Log Canoe Races Aboard Winnie Estelle

The log canoe is a type of sailboat developed in the Chesapeake Bay region. Based on the dugout, it was the principal fishing boat of the bay until the arrival of bugeyes and skipjacks. Nowadays sailing log canoes only race along the Chester, Miles, Choptank and Tred Avon rivers on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is offering two-hour scenic cruises aboard their buyboat, Winnie Estelle, to see log canoes accelerate to speeds of 10 knots or more, thanks to crew members climbing to the ends of 15-foot boards that hang off the side of the canoe. $35 per person. Sept. 11, 12, 18 and 19; Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels, MD. More information and tickets.

Shaw Bay Raft-Up

It's time to raft up and relax at the annual Shaw Bay Raft Up! This year The Wye River Band will be providing the musical fun and spirit on the lovely Shaw Bay along the Wye River. Bring your dinghy, paddle board, kayak or sailboat and enjoy the music and scenery. This free concert is held each year to raise funds and awareness for clean water efforts on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and the ShoreRivers pumpout boat. Sept. 11, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. More information.

Jug Bay Bird Walk

Join an avid Jug Bay birding guide to learn skills for identifying birds by sight and sound. Novice and experienced birders are welcome on this two- to three-mile walk to explore the forests and wetlands in search of the 250+ species of birds that call Jug Bay home or migrate through. Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather and bring a spotting scope and binoculars if you have them. Ages 12 and older. Free with $6 per vehicle park entrance fee. Sept. 4, 7:00 am to 10:00 a.m.; Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Lothian, MD. More information and registration.

Start Your Own Oyster Garden

In the virtual class that is being presented by the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, you will learn the practical aspects of oyster gardening, and why oysters are so important for the Bay’s health. You can also follow this virtual class with the in-person workshop to be held at the CBMM campus and construct your own oyster cages. The virtual-only class is $25; the full workshop is $200 and includes the virtual class, three cages, and seed oysters. Virtual presentation: Sept. 22, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. In person: Sept. 25, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00. More information and registration."

Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter. Download our mobile application from the App Store or Google Play.

RELATED:

• Seafood Lesson, Gold Hike, Folk Festival Offered In Maryland
• Tall Ship, Lighthouse Day, Waterfront Festival Celebrated In MD
• Annapolis Tropical Concert Returns After Year Hiatus
• Chesapeake Bay Camping, Sunflower Hike: Explore Maryland's Nature
• Free Smithsonian Center, Train Museum Tours Offered In MD
• Sharkfest Comes To MD Museum, Exhibit Will Feature Live Predators
• Historic London Town Tells Revolutionary War Tales Around July 4
• Tall Ships Come To Annapolis For July 4, Skipjack Tours Available
• Save The Fireflies, Thank The Bees In MD: Pollinator Week Events
• Track Dolphins In Chesapeake Bay, Fish For Invasive Snakeheads
• Hike In Greenbelt, Paddle Board In Lothian On National Trails Day
• Antique Boat Show, Father's Day Cruise Come To MD Waters

Have a story idea? Please contact me at jacob.baumgart@patch.com with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County news.