Poplar Island restoration brings critical habitat back to Bay

In the 70's my Dad and Mom and me ran his old, wooden Grand Banks there to anchor and enjoy. Often my uncle John Moll (the Chesapeake Bay artist joined us). Good times never to be forgotten. Great site and project. Maybe Chesapeake Bay can still be saved.
Thanks,
Bob Moll

We used to run across from Deale, MD in an 18' runabout in the late 1970s. It was an idyllic and uncrowded spot. The total land area at that time was around 10 acres as I recall. It was obvious that it was rapidly dwindling away. Sometimes the bluefish would chase menhaden into the shallow and somewhat confining area just east of the island(s) and in the shallow water would go airborne(6') trying to throw the lure. As I recall there was no salt march habitat remaining. Even then the primary food chain in the Bay had become algae-menhaden-bluefish rather than the more complex bottom based process. It is good to see such good use being made of the spoil and I hope strides can be made is improving light penetration in the Bay as a whole.

I was out there this morning on a tour with contractors interested in doing some spillway construction and repair work in anticipation of further expansion on the north-east end.

It appears to be a fantastic place that is only now really getting started. A few decades from now, with its uplands forests and wetlands really established and in equilibrium, it will be a world-class showplace.

Thanks for the picture show. Wish I had seen it before this morning's tour.

I remember boating near Tilghman in the early 1990s, with Poplar and Coaches Islands being tiny and vulnerable. This is an amazing and creative restoration of habitat, and it would be wonderful to offer the residents of Smith Island hope of a similar future for their homes and livelihoods. Next time on the Eastern Shore, we want to take the Poplar Island tour. Thank you for sharing this beautiful site. - Ted & Marci Turner, Hollywood, MD - St. Mary's County

Tours of Poplar Island are operated by the Maryland Environmental Service from March through October, and are open to school groups, community organizations and individuals. To make a reservation, contact poplartours@menv.com or 410-770-6503.

Can people visit Poplar Island?

What a lovely gift. Not only do we get to look at these great photos at our leisure, we also get a morale boost with good news about something "we've" done to impact the Bay in a positive way. I enjoy the videos on this site and think that photo essays are a viable addition. Keep up the good work, Steve. Thanks.

Great craftsmanship and message. I had the opportunity to fly over the Poplar Island site while representing Pennsylvania in the Chesapeake Bay Program; wondered how it was working out, as we have all had setbacks with well intended restoration efforts. Nature is often more resilient than we credit--if we work with her. Thanks for this encouraging update--we need to celebrate the positive while condemning the negative.

Great photos. Great article. Great work, Steve.

Gorgeous photos! The article was very informative and enjoyable to read. Thank you.

This was amazing to see and read. Nicely done, thank you!

Steve - These photos are incredible and a good reminder that sometimes we can create innovative solutions that work. Bringing new homes for wildlife while recycling waste from dredging. Due to its location, most people don't get to see this success story. You have brought it to life. Had a chance to visit Poplar back in the early 90's when this project was just beginning. Would love to get back out there sometime but this is the next best thing.

Thank you for posting this pictorial essay. We have driven past it by boat many times but cannot grasp how the project is working out. It looks beautiful and nice to hear it is a win-win for commerce and the environment.

I love the pictures. I learned a lot from your article. Great job!!

Poplar Island is one of the great success stories on the Chesapeake Bay. I would love to see Steve's pictures, with story, in all the papers in the Bay region on a regular basis to remind everyone that we can do the right things.

Great pictures! Article is very informative and well written.

Outstanding pictorial review of very important work!

Excellent article. Nice photos. Thank you, Steve Droter.

Breathtaking photography! Article is very informative and educational. Thank you for sharing.