The Lower Shore Land Trust is holding a virtual 30-mile River Rally on the water and trails to commemorate its 30th Anniversary. The event will run from September 4-27 and encourages people of all ages and skill levels to venture outdoors and explore Delmarva.
The first River Rally was held in 2018, celebrating the Pocomoke River and the history of the watershed. The single-day event included pontoon boat and kayak tours. The River Rally will be quite different in 2020 due to Covid-19, but the mission of conservation remains the same.
How Does it Work?
The River Rally will span nearly all of September and is not limited to any area. Participants can kayak, paddleboard, canoe, hike, and bike at their favorite locations, including the Viewtrail 100. An interactive map with the perfect spots for these activities is in the works.
Those who wish to take part should register online. Registration is $30 per person and $45 for families. These funds will help the organization reach its goal of $10,000, allowing staff and volunteers to continue their environmental efforts.
Not sure if you can complete all 30 miles? No worries, the 30-mile mark is symbolic of the organization’s anniversary, and a few miles is sufficient. The most important thing is to get outside and enjoy the ambiance of Delmarva’s most beautiful sites! Participants can log their experiences using an app or enter their miles into a downloadable form.
All participants will receive a T-shirt. Additionally, registrants will have the chance to win prizes, which will be distributed randomly.
Exploring our local ecosystems is the perfect activity for this time of social distancing.
Mission
“Lower Shore Land Trust is dedicated to preserving rural lands, to promoting vibrant towns, and to building a healthier and more connected Eastern Shore.”
Founded in 1990, the Lower Shore Land Trust began as a small volunteer organization to address suburban land sprawl and to ensure that lands and natural resources remain plentiful in the future. Kate Patton, Executive Director, said that the group has slowly grown over time and that protecting land is their top priority. “We work in conservation and land stewardship. We help landowners and communities save property to preserve water, wildlife, and recreational value. People are looking to get outside, and they want places where they won’t be around a ton of people. With this event, people can recreate for a cause,” Patton said.
The Lower Shore Land Trust has saved 21,000 acres of land on more than 125 properties over the last three decades. The group also works on conservation projects to aid migratory birds and pollinators.
“Conservation on the Lower Shore is key to the health of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coastal Bays, and our work today will ensure a healthy environment and strong economy for residents and visitors alike.”
Without the efforts of this non-profit organization, more land could be developed, resulting in the destruction of biodiverse ecological communities and a reduction in the availability of vital natural resources. “The region where we are has a special ecosystem. It’s a biodiverse area with a lot of habitat for migrating birds. Additionally, having marshland is crucial for water quality. The water where we fish and swim has to be clean, and without buffers like marshes, contaminants can easily infiltrate,” Patton explained.
More Information
To register or become a sponsor, visit https://www.lowershorelandtrust.org or click here.
For more details, send an email to kpatton@lowershorelandtrust.
