July 2014

In This Issue

Upcoming events

Summer Hours

Paddling for a Purpose

Upcoming Events

We hope to see you at one of our many exciting events this season. View the 2014 Schedule of Events.

Summer Hours

Ayers Creek Location

8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, 7 days a week

Of course we can open anytime by appointment. Our sunrise and sunset tours are very popular during the hot summer months so just give us a call, and we would be happy to schedule on "off hours" tour for you or your group.

Ocean Pines Swim & Racquet Club -

Noon to 5:00 PM, every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Other hours or direct delivery to your dock or door are available by appointment.

Life on the Creek!

One of our favorite summer activities is seining along the banks of Ayers Creek where we get a close look at the many aquatic species who call Ayers Creek home. It is a thrill to pull up the net and find it filled with dozens of jumping grass shrimp. These tiny transparent crustaceans are a vital member of the coastal bays food chain and provide an important ecological indicator of the health of our waterways.

Grass shrimp prefer warm shallow waters in and around the abundant beds of salt marsh along the creek. Like other crustaceans, grass shrimp grow by molting, shedding their exoskeletons and forming new, larger coverings. They have claws on the first two pairs of walking legs and can cast off their legs and regenerate new ones.

Grass shrimp are omnivores and feed on a range of plants and animals, including detritus, algae, worms, phytoplankton, and other small invertebrates. Grass shrimp are an important food source for other fish such as mummichog.

The abundance of grass shrimp helps us to know that our waterway continues to provide a healthy ecosystem for the many fish and birds you see along the way when paddling Ayers Creek.

Common Grass Shrimp - Image courtesy of The Chesapeake Bay Program

Full Moon Paddles

Don't miss out on our July Full Moon paddles. Join us July 11, 12, or 13 for an enchanted evening paddle followed by a bon-fire with wine, cheese, and desserts.

Paddle out to watch the sun set over Trappe Creek and paddle back by the light of the full moon to enjoy local wines and sumptuous desserts around the bonfire. Plan to arrive by 7:00 PM. Reservations required.

For more info check out our Full Moon Web Page.

Camp Kayak Adventure

If you are looking for something fun and different for the kids to do this summer, consider signing them up for one of the Kayak Adventure Camps offered through Ocean Pines Parks & Recreation.

Camp Kayak Adventure is a full day of fun, paddling, and hands on science for ages 10 and up.

Games and activities on land and water.
Learn basic kayak paddling techniques and principles of water safety.
Discover the diversity of Maryland wildlife both above and below the water.
Explore the coastal marshes by kayak and observe shore birds, bald eagles, herons and egrets.
Help man the 14' seining net and use dip nets to discover underwater creatures such as grass shrimp, blue crabs, newly spawned flounder, menhaden and more.

Camp Kayak Adventure Dates: One session remaining - Friday, July 25th

Get the full details and sign up now at Ocean Pines Summer Activity Guide (page 7) or 410-641-7717.

Pink Kayak Raffle

We are excited to sponsor the 5th Annual Pink Kayak Raffle benefiting Worcester County Women Supporting Women and Komen Maryland.

This year's kayak is a beautiful pink Emotion Guster 10'

This kayak offers superb stability and maneuverability. The ST Performance Hull, made of durable high-density polyethylene, delivers speed, tracking and maneuverability on large lakes and bays or slow-moving rivers and creeks. Ledge Lock Paddle Keeper easily stores paddles. Includes a molded seat, bungee straps for securing gear and toggle handles on the front and rear for easy transport.

Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Tickets will be sold throughout the season and the drawing will be held at the Ayers Creed Adventures Pink Paddle on Saturday, September 27th. Winner does not need to be present to win.

Paddling for a Purpose

The local paddling community is known for their generosity and their support of the many charitable organizations benefitting the eastern shore. You can show your support by attending one (or all) of these upcoming events.

Jesse's Paddle- Saturday, July 19th, Pocomoke River Canoe Company, Snow Hill.

Festivities begin at 5:00 PM.

Pink Paddle - Saturday, September 27th, Ayers Creek Adventures, Registration 9:00 AM, Festivities begin at 10:00 AM.

As we receive information on other great events we will keep you posted through our web site and Facebook pages.

Happy Paddling,

Suzy & Steve Taylor
Ayers Creek Adventures

8628 Grey Fox Lane | Berlin, MD 21811

Phone: 443-513-0889 | 888-602-6288

Email: info@ayerscreekadventures.com