In March, CCA Maryland partnered with ShoreRivers for a hands-on, high-impact workshop at their Environmental Leadership Summit, hosted at Chesapeake College on the Eastern Shore.
The session—“I Caught This, Now What?”—brought together high school students from across Maryland’s Eastern Shore for a day of connection, learning, and real-world experience with environmental professionals.
And we didn’t just talk about conservation—we put it into practice.
Learning by Doing
Students rolled up their sleeves and got to work preparing Chesapeake blue catfish, an invasive species that poses a growing challenge to the health of the Bay. With guidance from our team and dedicated volunteers, they learned essential skills like proper filleting techniques, safe handling, and even how to turn their catch into a great meal.
It was hands-on, a little messy, and memorable—the kind of experience that sticks. It also reframed the conversation around conservation. Managing invasive species isn’t just a policy issue—it’s something anglers, communities, and future stewards can actively be part of.
A Fresh Take on Conservation
By the end of the workshop, students walked away with more than just new skills. They gained a deeper understanding of how responsible harvesting can directly support the health of the Chesapeake Bay—and how their own actions can make a difference.
Because the future of the Bay depends on what we do next.
For a closer look at the day, watch this video.
