In this episode of the Pinescast, host Tony Russo sits down with Carly Toulon (Environmental Scientist) and Sandy Smith (Marketing and Outreach) from the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. They discuss the organization's 30-year history, their passion for estuarine science, and how the local community can get involved in preserving the delicate coastal ecosystem.

Getting Started: Sandy reflects on the program's 1998 beginnings and its evolution from a grassroots volunteer effort. Carly shares her journey from a 2019 intern to a full-time scientist, driven by a lifelong love for the ocean.

Horseshoe Crab Rescue: Learn the critical difference between actively spawning crabs and those that are truly stranded. Carly explains why these "prehistoric" creatures are vital for human health and shorebird survival, and why you should never pick them up by the tail.

Oyster Gardening: Discover how the program successfully transitioned to an independent, community-driven model after funding cuts. The team discusses the upcoming Oyster Cage Building Day and how volunteers can help restore local reefs.

30th Anniversary & Upcoming Events:

• • Trivia Night: A fun evening at Seacrets on February 26th.

    Bay Day: A partnership with Ocean Pines featuring free boat rides and local environmental groups.

    30th Anniversary Gala: A milestone celebration taking place September 17th at Assateague State Park.

Volunteer: From beach cleanups to terrapin monitoring and "Adopt a Street" programs for community service hours.

Sponsorship: Businesses can fund free community boat tours to help neighbors explore the local watershed.

Connect: Visit the Maryland Coastal Bays Program website for event schedules and donation opportunities.

Coastal Hospice experts dispel common myths, explaining how specialized comfort care empowers patients and supports families right in their own homes.

47ABC's Rich Wirdzek turned a fear of storms into a career. Discover how he brings "ground truth" to Maryland's complex weather forecasting.

Matt Ruggiere discusses his new role as Director of Golf at Ocean Pines, his passion for junior programs, and tips for mastering the game year-round.

Ocean Pines P.E.P. Club, led by dedicated volunteers, offers monthly recreational events like dances and bingo for adults with developmental disabilities.

Parks and Recreation Facebook Page.

Local Pine Tones choir prepares for its annual free holiday concert, celebrating 41 years of supportive community and high-quality, non-auditioned group singing.

Click here to listen to a clip of some of the songs they're preparing for their Dec. 12 concert at the Community Church of Ocean Pines.

Carol Ludwig discusses founding the Delmarva Chorus, a Sweet Adelines chapter that grew from four to 28 members, as they prep for competition and local holiday shows.

Ocean Pines' recreation department moves its haunted house outdoors, creating a new haunted trail at White Horse Park. Get the details on this and other fall events.