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Thumbs Down on Asian Oysters... What Next?

This week, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation released its 10th annual State of the Bay report. While some improvement was noted in the growth of underwater grasses, overall the environmental group gave the bay a 'D' and said it continues to be in 'serious trouble.' There was one other positive sign - the foundation reported that native oysters in the Chesapeake may be developing resistance to the diseases that contributed to their decline. If true, that newfound strength would be coming at a good time.

Two weeks ago Maryland, Virginia and the Army Corps of Engineers decided to abandon plans to introduce Asian oysters in the Bay. Foreign oysters that are currently set at ten trial locations in Virginia's waters will be harvested but not replaced. The focus will instead be on bringing back the native oyster - whose population sits at just 1% of the historic high. But as Carole Coleman reports, restoring the 'Virginicus' oyster as an abundant local shellfish will require time, money and enormous dedication.

Tom Horton

For more on the state of the Chesapeake, we're joined by Tom Horton. He's the author of several books on the Bay, including 'An Island Out Of Time: A Memoir of Smith Island in the Chesapeake.' He lives on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and joins us from radio station WSDL in Salisbury.

Lynn Peterson Mobley: Earth Day

When it comes to efforts to clean the bay or reduce our carbon footprint, Commentator Lynn Peterson Mobley says we should fight the feeling that our actions amount to little more than a drop in the bucket.

Save The Guitars

People who make mandolins, guitars and pianos know they have to start with a good piece of wood. And some guitar makers are worried that the wood they need for their instruments is becoming too rare. Tamara Keith has the story of how competing guitar companies are working with an environmental group to protect trees.

This feature was produced and made possible by the Environment Report.

The Mobile Farm

Urban farming is supposed to be a solution to getting fresh, locally-produced food to city folks. The movement has been taking off because a lot of urban areas have empty, vacant lots to plant on, but there's a problem - city governments or developers often won't let growers stay on those lots forever. Shawn Allee met one urban farmer who's not worried about losing the farm.

This feature also comes courtesy of the Environment Report.

Gardening with Kathy Jentz: Bluebell Season

Every few weeks here on Metro Connection, we're joined by Kathy Jentz, editor and publisher of Washington Gardener Magazine. And we typically focus on flowers in the garden. Today, it's all about the WILDFLOWERS. Specifically, bluebells. It's the perfect time of year to find wildflowers around the region. So visit the Carderock Recreation Area - just north of the DC beltway along the Potomac River in Maryland.

The First Pitch

Along with cherry blossoms and bluebells, April brings baseball. Saturday, April 18th will be the second home game of the season for the minor league Bowie Baysox. And one Mary Callanan will be there to throw out the first pitch.

Earlier this year on Metro Connection, writer Liam Callanan spoke about his daughter's love of the sport. The Baysox were listening and invited Mary to throw that pitch. Mary Callanan joins us along with her dad, author and regular Metro Connection commentator, Liam Callanan.

Fred Fiske: I Remember Prohibition

A surge in drug-related violence in Mexico finds Commentator Fred Fiske re-thinking his views on illegal substances - and also finds him thinking back to the early 1970's.