Waterfowl Festival Gift supports access to outdoor programs for families at Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2026
Media Contact:
Mia Cranford
Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center
Grasonville, Md. — On Thursday, May 7, community members, supporters, and leadership
from the Waterfowl Festival and the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC)
gathered to celebrate the renewal of a meaningful partnership focused on expanding access
to nature and environmental education for local families.
As part of the partnership renewal, the Waterfowl Festival donated 55 family memberships
to CBEC in honor of the festival’s 55th anniversary. These memberships will be distributed
to 55 families from local Title I schools, giving them the opportunity to experience all that
CBEC has to offer, including trails, waterfront access, educational programming, wildlife
experiences, and family-friendly events throughout the year. In addition, the families will
also receive family passes to the 55th Waterfowl Festival, taking place November 13-15,
2026.
The evening began with remarks from Vicki Paulas, Executive Director of CBEC, who
thanked attendees for their support and expressed appreciation to the Waterfowl Festival
for continuing the partnership.
“This partnership goes beyond memberships,” said Paulas. “It is about creating opportunities for families to connect with nature, spend time together outdoors, and experience the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay environment in a welcoming and meaningful way.”
Deena Kilmon, Executive Director of the Waterfowl Festival, then addressed the group and
reflected on the long-standing relationship between the two organizations. The partnership
dates back decades, with the Waterfowl Festival’s first gift to CBEC made in 1982
“The Waterfowl Festival and CBEC share a deep commitment to the importance of conservation initiatives and environmental education,” said Kilmon. “We are honored to continue this
partnership and celebrate over five decades of supporting our communities by helping 55 families experience the incredible resources CBEC provides.”
Following the remarks, attendees toured the grounds and visited the future location of the
accessible trails, gaining a firsthand understanding of how the project will positively impact
individuals with mobility challenges and create greater inclusivity within the natural
environment.
The renewed partnership reflects both organizations’ shared mission of conservation,
education, and community engagement while helping ensure that access to nature remains
available to all.
About Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center
The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC), located in Grasonville, Maryland, is
dedicated to environmental education, habitat restoration, and outdoor recreation along the
Chesapeake Bay. Through educational programs, conservation initiatives, and public access
to nature, CBEC works to connect people of all ages to the natural world.
Website: https://bayrestoration.org