The Town of Chesapeake Beach Oyster Cultivation Society has been recognized by the John Hanson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution with the Excellence in Community Service Award. The honor is given annually to a nonprofit organization that has made a significant impact in the community while aligning with the DAR’s mission of historical, educational, and civic engagement. The award highlights the dedication of CBOCS volunteers in their efforts to restore oyster populations and improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay.
The Excellence in Community Service Award acknowledges organizations that provide essential services in their communities, filling critical needs in environmental conservation, social services, or education. The Daughters of the American Revolution, founded in 1890, is a national organization committed to preserving history, promoting patriotism, and supporting public service initiatives. Holly Lynne McKinley Schmidt, National Chair of the DAR Community Service Awards Committee, emphasized the importance of honoring those who make a tangible difference in their communities. “The honored volunteers provide service in a wide spectrum of areas where they fill a need for people, animals, or our environment,” Schmidt said.
The Chesapeake Beach Oyster Cultivation Society was founded in 2010 to engage the community in restoring the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster population. Oysters play a crucial role in filtering and improving water quality, and CBOCS has worked with local schools, businesses, and conservation groups to promote oyster cultivation as a sustainable solution for bay restoration. Volunteers maintain floating oyster cages, monitor their growth, and ultimately transfer them to designated reef sites, reinforcing the natural ecosystem. The society also works to educate the public on the ecological and economic benefits of a thriving oyster population.
The John Hanson Chapter of the DAR serves Southern Maryland and is named after John Hanson, a Maryland statesman recognized as the first President of the United States under the Articles of Confederation. The chapter is involved in various initiatives, including student scholarships, veteran support programs, and historical preservation projects. The decision to honor CBOCS with the Excellence in Community Service Award reflects the organization’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its impact on Maryland’s natural resources.
By recognizing the efforts of CBOCS, the DAR highlights the importance of community-driven conservation. The work of CBOCS volunteers ensures that future generations will benefit from a cleaner, more sustainable bay, and their contributions demonstrate the power of local action in protecting and restoring the environment.
For more information about CBOCS and how to get involved, visit chesapeakebeachmd.gov/oysters.