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Conservation Projects

October 2, 2025 In Conservation Projects, Festival Highlights, News, Special Events, Waterfowl

Waterfowl Festival and 1623 Brewing Co. Unite in Support of Conservation


Delmarva Craft Distributing to bring “Goose Sweat Hazy IPA” to the Shore

Easton, MD – October 2, 2025- The Waterfowl Festival is thrilled to announce a special partnership with 1623 Brewing Co. and Delmarva Craft Distributing to create a one-of-a-kind craft beer for the 2025 Festival. This collaboration will bring festivalgoers the limited-edition “Goose Sweat Hazy IPA”, brewed to celebrate Eastern Shore traditions, conservation, and community. The beer will be served at the Festival’s annual premier night on November 13, 2025. 

 

“Each year, we look for new ways to connect people to the spirit of the Festival, and this collaboration with 1623 Brewing Co. is a perfect fit,” said Deena Kilmon, Executive Director, Waterfowl Festival. “Goose Sweat Hazy IPA is fun, flavorful, and 1623 is rooted in the same heritage and sense of community that has defined the Festival for more than fifty years. We had a great time with our volunteers picking the flavor profile!”

 

Thanks to a partnership with Delmarva Craft, Goose Sweat Hazy IPA will be available not only at Festival events, but also in select retailers, bars, and restaurants throughout the Delmarva Peninsula. The beer will give supporters a chance to raise a glass to waterfowl, conservation, and the unique culture of the Shore.

 

“We’re proud to partner with the Waterfowl Festival and Delmarva Craft on this release,” said Mark Evans. “The Festival represents the best of Maryland’s traditions, and we are honored to create a beer that complements the celebration.”

 

Proceeds from the release of Goose Sweat Hazy IPA will help support the Waterfowl Festival’s mission of conserving waterfowl and their habitats while promoting the heritage and traditions of the Eastern Shore. For more information on purchase locations, please contact Rick Carter, Delmarva Craft, 443-666-0110.

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September 15, 2025 In Conservation, Conservation Projects, Special Events, Waterfowl

Waterfowl Festival Invests $70,000 in Maryland  Wetland Restoration Projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Waterfowl Festival Invests $70,000 in Maryland  Wetland Restoration Projects

Easton, MD – [Insert Date] – The Waterfowl Festival announced today a $70,000 conservation investment to support DU’s Conservation for a Continent Campaign in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These projects will restore wetlands on publicly accessible lands—ensuring that Maryland residents, sportsmen and women, birdwatchers, and future generations have access to natural and wild open spaces.This funding will directly benefit waterfowl, wildlife, water quality, and outdoor recreation at three high-priority sites: Browns Branch Wildlife Management Area (Queen Anne’s County), LeCompte Wildlife Management Area (Dorchester Co), and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (Dorchester County).

For more than 50 years, the Waterfowl Festival has celebrated the rich traditions of the Chesapeake Bay while advancing habitat conservation. This year’s gift, funded by the proceeds from the festival’s annual and iconic Premiere Night event,  underscores the Festival’s renewed commitment to protecting the landscapes that sustain both wildlife and the way of life that makes the Shore unique.

“Supporting meaningful, strategic, and shovel-ready  projects of this size ensures that our investment in conservation has lasting impact,” said Julie Susman, Board President, Waterfowl Festival. “These projects improve waterfowl habitat in some of the most important areas of the Atlantic Flyway while also enhancing public access, recreation, and the health of the Chesapeake Bay.”

The $70,000 contribution will help fund three major projects:

  • Browns Branch Wildlife Management Area (Queen Anne’s County) – $20,000 will restore 16.2 acres of marginal farmland into shallow emergent wetlands, improving habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds while reducing an estimated 826 pounds of nitrogen and nearly 39,000 pounds of sediment from entering the Bay each year. 
  • LeCompte Wildlife Management Area (Dorchester County) – $20,000 will support the conversion of 16.6 acres of agricultural land into managed wetlands, enhancing habitat for migratory waterfowl and reducing more than 1,100 pounds of nitrogen and 59,000 pounds of suspended solids annually in the Nanticoke watershed. 
  • Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (Dorchester County) – $30,000 will leverage federal funding to restore 23 acres within the Refuge’s core 250-acre managed wetland complex. This work will sustain one of the most important wintering grounds for migratory waterfowl and improve water quality by reducing 1,800 pounds of nitrogen and more than 160 tons of sediment annually. 

 

“The Chesapeake Bay’s wetlands are irreplaceable for waterfowl and people alike,” said Taylor Deemer, DU Director of Development/Maryland-Delaware. “The Waterfowl Festival’s investment is a powerful example of how conservation and community come together to make a lasting difference.”

Projects are expected to be completed by June 2026.

About the Waterfowl Festival
 The Waterfowl Festival, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Easton, Maryland, is dedicated to wildlife conservation, the celebration of waterfowl art, and the preservation of Eastern Shore heritage. Since its founding in 1971, the Festival has raised millions for habitat restoration and community programs across the Chesapeake Bay region. Learn more at www.waterfowlfestival.org.

 

Image: Waterfowl Festival Board of Directors present check to DU Conservation for a Continent program. In order from left to right: Deena Kilmon, Executive Director, Waterfowl Festival; Jake McPherson, Ducks Unlimited Managing Director of Development- Great Lakes/Atlantic Region; Julie Susman, President, Waterfowl Festival 2025, Austin Durrer, Waterfowl Development Committee Chairman; Chip Heaps, Waterfowl Conservation Committee Chairman; Ernest Burns& Jonathon Rondeau, Waterfowl Board of Directors; Taylor Deemer, DU Director of Development/MD-DE; Colin Perry, Amy Horne, and Kim Newcomb, Waterfowl Board of Directors. 

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August 19, 2025 In Conservation Projects, News, Special Events, Uncategorized, Waterfowl

Waterfowl Festival Grants $15,000 to Community Conservation Partners

For immediate release: 

August 19, 2025

 

Press contact: Deena Kilmon, Executive Director, 410-829-4052

 

Waterfowl Festival Announces  $15,000 in Community Grants

Easton, MD – As part of our ongoing commitment to preserving our rural environment and supporting wildlife conservation, we are pleased to award grants to three outstanding organizations: Delaware Ducks Unlimited Greenwing Conservation Festival, Pickering Creek Audubon Center, and ShoreRivers. Each organization created exceptional projects that will educate and have a positive impact on our community. 

 

“Each year we are proud to give back to organizations working on conservation and education in the community,” remarked Chip Heaps, Conservation Committee chairman. “This year, the competition was tough with well over $170K in requests. We congratulate the three winning projects on rising to the top in a competitive process.”

To celebrate their efforts, the festival will host a “Local Catch Feast” on September 14th at the Waterfowl Building. Grantees from 2024 and 2025 will showcase highlights of their projects while attendees enjoy a reception featuring local seafood. Featured on the menu are the invasive species chesapeake channa and blue catfish. Other items include crab soup, locally grown oysters and local beverages. Tickets can be purchased at waterfowlfestival.org.

 

Every year, our Community in Conservation Grant Program accepts funding requests from non-profits and community organizations across the region whose mission is to make a difference in supporting our shared mission of environmental conservation. The program supports projects that are at the intersection of waterfowl and habitat conservation and how this impacts our community, whether they are focused on education and outreach, science and research, or restoration. Ideally, projects include aspects of each focus area and benefit our waterfowl, their habitats, and the people of our community. Past awardees include University of MD- Horn Point, University of Delaware, and Talbot County Public Schools. The grant cycle will re-open in spring 2026.

 

Non-profit organizations that impact the environment or the education of our community in this space are welcome to exhibit this year in our Chesapeake Bay Pavilion at Easton High School during this year’s Waterfowl Festival November 14-16, 2025. Please contact the Waterfowl Festival for more information on how your organization can participate by emailing or by calling our office, 410-822-4567.

Pictured: Jan Hynson, Waterfowl Festival Board Member; Mary Helen Gillen. Educator and Climate Program Coordinator at Pickering Creek Audubon Center; Amanda Hoyt, Regional Biologist for the Chesapeake DU; Taylor Deemer, Director of Development DE and MD Ducks Unlimited; Julie Susman Waterfowl Festival Board President; Jerry Serie, Waterfowl Festival Conservaton Committee; Chip Heaps, Waterfowl Festival Board of Directors/Conservation Committee Chairman; Deena Kilmon, Executive Director, Waterfowl Festival.

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Presenting check to Phillips Wharf
April 1, 2025 In Conservation, Conservation Projects, News

2025 Waterfowl Community in Conservation Grant Fund open for applications

Easton, MD – The Waterfowl Festival is excited to match resources with environmental needs across the region through its annual “Community in Conservation” funding program. These grants, supported by proceeds from the annual Waterfowl Festival event offer non-profits and community entities the chance to receive monies for projects and initiatives at the intersection of conservation and community.

“Each year, we are proud to offer this support to deserving conservation and allied organizations,” remarked Chip Heaps, Conservation Committee Chairman, Waterfowl Festival Board of Directors.  “Now more than ever, it is critical that we provide resources to those who are working hard to preserve our open spaces and wildlife habitats for future generations.”

Over the past five decades, dozens of organizations have been supported by the Waterfowl Festival, creating a legacy of education, leadership, and engagement in the conservation space. Recent projects and grantees include Ducks Unlimited, the Wellington Wildlife Management Area, Phillips Wharf Environmental Center,  and ShoreRivers.

Maryland, Virginia, or Delaware organizations are encouraged to reach out to the Waterfowl Festival with their unique projects needing crucial funding through this grant program. The 2025 grant cycle will begin April 1, 2025 and continue through July 1, 2025. Grantees will be announced and funds distributed by September, 2025 in advance of the 54th Annual Waterfowl Festival in Easton, MD. 

Guidelines to apply: 

Please submit your application via our online portal (mailed copies will not be accepted) 

Application portal: https://waterfowlfestival.org/conservation/

Deadline: July 1, 2025

 

With this focus on connecting our financial resources to local environmental needs we now support projects in these four priority areas:

  1. Initiatives at the intersections of waterfowl conservation and community
  2. Education programs on Delmarva focusing on current and future generations of conservationists, enthusiasts and educators
  3. Research and scientific work of graduate students, volunteer groups
    and non-profits on Delmarva
  4. Restoration and conservation of projects that benefit waterfowl and
    regional habitat enhancement in ways that connect with larger bay habitat
    restoration goals
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May 2, 2024 In Art, Conservation, Conservation Projects, News, Special Events

Waterfowl Festival, Inc Presents “An Evening for Conservation”

Waterfowl Festival, Inc. Presents “An Evening for Conservation”

 

Easton, MD – For over fifty years, the Waterfowl Festival in Easton, MD, has supported dozens of projects across the region aimed at preserving our natural landscapes for all to enjoy. On June 13, 2024, the organization will host a unique evening to celebrate our commitment to the Eastern Shore’s heritage of abundant waterfowl and bountiful wetland resources. Nearly six million dollars of funds have been raised over the years and donated to mission-aligned organizations that help restore lands, educate the general public, and provide rich programming to our community’s children and students. 

 

The event will feature a seasonal menu directed by celebrated Chef Paul Shiley and the Tidewater’s outstanding culinary team led by Executive Chef Hampton Turner. Guests will enjoy a specialty cocktail, wonderful cuisine, and most especially fellowship with those who share a passion for our mission. During the evening, guests can explore displays of conservation projects funded over the years and engage in conversation with their stewards. Representatives from Phillips Wharf Environmental Center, ShoreRivers, and Pickering Creek will be on hand to discuss their funded conservation projects. 

 

“The Waterfowl Festival has a long tradition of partnering with organizations across the region to celebrate, support, and enhance our outdoor heritage and traditions,” remarked Chip Heaps, Conservation Chairman, “This event will serve to celebrate this legacy and provide an insight to the work ahead of us in coming years.” 

 

The evening will end with keynote speaker Dr. Karen Waldrop, Chief Conservation Officer, Ducks Unlimited. Dr. Waldrop will highlight some of the work funded over the years by the Waterfowl Festival as well as discuss innovative ways organizations are working on conservation projects at the national level. All proceeds of this dinner will be used for our Community in Conservation grant program.

 

Limited seating available. For tickets, please visit: waterfowfestival.org/conservation dinner or email Deena Kilmon, Executive Director, . 

 

About the Waterfowl Festival: 

Since 1971, Waterfowl Festival, Inc. has faithfully supported the principal tenet of waterfowl and wildlife conservation. Led by hundreds of dedicated volunteers, the Waterfowl Festival has contributed over six million dollars to conservation organizations across the nation. The 2024 Festival will be held Nov. 8-10 in historic Easton, MD. For more information, to volunteer or to donate, visit www.waterfowlfestival.org or call 410-822-4567.

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March 27, 2024 In Conservation, Conservation Projects, News

2024 Community in Conservation Grant Fund Open for Applications

Easton, MD – The Waterfowl Festival is excited to match resources with environmental needs across the region through its annual “Community in Conservation” funding program. These grants, supported by proceeds from annual Waterfowl Festival weekend, annual donors, and the Conservation Dinner Series, offer non-profits and community entities the chance to receive monies for projects and initiatives at the intersection of conservation and community.

“We are pleased to offer this grant opportunity for our mission-aligned organizations here on the Delmarva peninsula,” remarked Eric Milhollan, President, Waterfowl Festival Board of Directors.  “Now more than ever, it is critical that we provide support and encouragement to those organizations who are working hard to celebrate the natural environment and preserve it for future generations.”

Over the past five decades, dozens of organizations have been supported by the Waterfowl Festival, creating a legacy of education, leadership, and engagement in the conservation space. Recent projects and grantees include Ducks Unlimited, the Wellington Wildlife Management Area, Phillips Wharf Environmental Center,  University of MD Center for Environmental Science – Project: Enhancing the Horn Point Nature Trail Experience, and the ShoreRivers – Project: Underwater Grasses Restoration.

“The Waterfowl Festival has been a long-time conservation partner of Ducks Unlimited,” said Regional Biologist Ed Farley. “Right now, we are restoring a 40-acre wetland that was historically drained for row crops at Wellington Wildlife Management Area. The work could not have been done without funding from the Waterfowl Festival.”

Maryland, Virginia, or Delaware organizations are encouraged to reach out to the Waterfowl Festival with their unique projects needing crucial funding through this grant program. The 2024 grant cycle will begin April 1, 2024 and continue through July 31, 2024. Grantees will be announced and funds distributed by November 7, 2024 in advance of the 53rd Annual Waterfowl Festival in Easton, MD. 

The 2024 Conservation Dinner will be held in June in Easton, MD. Those interested in sponsoring or attending this dinner are encouraged to reach out to the Festival via . 

Guidelines to apply: 

Please submit your application via our online portal (mailed copies will not be accepted) 

Application portal: https://waterfowlfestival.org/conservation/community-in-conservation/

Deadline: July 1, 2024 

 

With this focus on connecting our financial resources to local environmental needs we now support projects in these four priority areas:

  1. Initiatives at the intersections of waterfowl conservation and community
  2. Education programs on Delmarva focusing on current and future generations of conservationists, enthusiasts and educators
  3. Research and scientific work of graduate students, volunteer groups
    and non-profits on Delmarva
  4. Restoration and conservation of projects that benefit waterfowl and
    regional habitat enhancement in ways that connect with larger bay habitat
    restoration goals
2021 MD Waterfowler's Association Conservation in Community Winner
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February 8, 2021 In Conservation Projects

Blackwater Refuge

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Waterfowl Chesapeake Commits $20,000 Toward Ducks Unlimited Restoration Project

2018 Awardee

Waterfowl Chesapeake is pleased to announce its commitment of $20,000 in 2018 matching funds to support the restoration of two parcels of land in Dorchester County and creating 25 acres of “managed freshwater emergent wetland” – a favorite habitat for migratory waterfowl coming to the Chesapeake Bay region.

The land is part of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and has been planted in agricultural crops for waterfowl for many years. However, the ground is often so wet that annual planting has become nearly impossible and existing crops are no longer adequately supporting the birds’ needs. The restoration work will create a wetland habitat more suited to both the location and to meeting waterfowl’s lifecycle needs. The project is a partnership between Ducks Unlimited, the Refuge, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Chesapeake Bay Field Office.

“We are very excited to commit a portion of Waterfowl Festival’s proceeds toward restoration and conservation projects like this on the Shore. It’s very rewarding to be able to continue the Festival’s legacy of year-round support for our region’s unique waterfowl habitats and heritage,” says Margaret Enloe, Waterfowl Chesapeake Executive Director.

Work is expected to begin in early fall of 2018, once remaining funding is secured in the spring. When complete, the two wetland areas, which are adjacent to the Harriett Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, will give visitors to the Blackwater area even more opportunity to enjoy watching our winter ducks, geese and swan feeding and healthy wetland habitat

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January 20, 2021 In Conservation Projects

University of Delaware Hunter Education Program

Promoting Waterfowl Hunter Education for New Adult Students

2018 & 2019 Awardee

WC Seed Monies Committed: $2,000

Today, many Waterfowl Ecology graduate students — who will become tomorrow’s environmental leaders and environmental resource educators and managers — know little to nothing about the world of hunting. They’ve never had a hunting experience. How can they communicate and work successfully with hunters and landowners if they have never experienced the sport? Through UD’s field program, these budding professionals get the opportunity to gain their hunter education certification (via course material and gun safety training) as well as learn and discuss waterfowl identification, waterfowl policy, waterfowl habitat management, values structures associated with hunting, hunting dog training, and cooking wild game. The course ends with a voluntary opportunity to engage in a one-on-one mentored waterfowl hunting experience. This component of their studies is not designed to make them hunters; it provides them the opportunity to engage and learn about the sport firsthand, making them better able to understand all perspectives in the conservation world.”

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