World Seagrass Conference and International Seagrass Biology Workshop
Starting on August 7, we will be hosting the World Seagrass Conference and International Seagrass Biology Workshop in downtown Annapolis, MD. This biennial conference brings together seagrass scientists, students, and enthusiasts from around the world. The Chesapeake Bay is uniquely suited to such a conference because of its long history of seagrass growth and conservation, especially in light of this year's theme, "Signs of Success."
The conference will last until Friday, 12 August, and features a half-dozen field trips. Participants will visit iconic Chesapeake Bay locations such as:
- Susquehanna Flats: the largest and most iconic seagrass meadow in the Chesapeake region, featuring a high diversity of seagrasses but dominated by wild celery (Vallisneria americana).
- Jug Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve: one piece of the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, featuring tidal freshwater marshes and forested wetlands.
- Assateague Island and National Seashore: a barrier island home to iconic wild horses and nesting seabirds as well as the seagrass beds of Sinepuxent Bay.
In addition, attendees will participate in a suite of workshops covering a variety of topics, including:
- Promoting underrepresente voices in seagrass science
- Seagrass nurseries
- Science communication
- Stakeholder engagement