January 27, 2025
CBL celebrates 100 years of service. From left: Rebecca L. Flora, Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm and Carys Mitchelmore. Credit: Jill Jasuta.
The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) kicked off the celebration of its 100th anniversary with a centennial launch event on January 24, 2025, at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (CBL), which is fitting given that CBL is where it all began.
The event included celebratory remarks from Carys Mitchelmore, CBL Interim Director and Professor, followed by speakers Rebecca L. Flora, Secretary, Maryland Department of Planning; Buddy Hance, Calvert County Commissioner, and Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm, UMCES President and Professor.
These distinguished leaders spoke to the impact of UMCES and its position as the state of Maryland’s premiere environmental research institution, providing advice to help state and national leaders meet the global challenges of the 21st century, in addition to generating future generations of environmental scientists.
UMCES traces its origins to the establishment of CBL in 1925, the oldest state-supported marine laboratory in continuous operation in the U.S. East Coast.
"CBL’s founder Dr. Reginald Truitt was a true visionary, recognizing that the oyster and blue crab declines he observed required interdisciplinary studies of the whole ecosystem and a focus on water quality," said Mitchelmore.
The event included a tour of the facilities and a peek at baby terrapins, shown by Jessica McGlinsey. Credit: Jill Jasuta.
Since its origins in conducting studies on Maryland’s natural resources, UMCES has become a scientific authority on the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed and a leading institution for the advancement of scientific knowledge of the environment around the world. Over the years, the lab has brought together scientists, educators, policymakers and the public to engage in the shared responsibility of preserving our environment for future generations.
"UMCES is truly an amazing place," said Flora. "I’m really excited about the young people and the multi-generational audience we have here today because it is about passing the baton in what we’re trying to accomplish, which is not only about protecting natural systems, but about restoration, regeneration, and ensuring those systems are functioning well. The work of UMCES helps to keep us on track and ensure our efforts have a net-positive impact."
Speaker presentations were followed by the UMCES Centennial Logo reveal, a reception and a tour of the lab facilities, including a peek at the latest batch of baby terrapin turtles. Indeed, such creatures provide a barometer for the health and sustainability of our waters.
"Everything we do as a society – what we eat, what we wear, what we drive, etc. – it all hinges on environmental resources," said Miralles-Wilhelm. "Without a healthy, balanced ecosystem, goods and services necessary for human survival cease to exist, which is why we will continue driving valuable innovation and science within our communities for the next 100 years."
Miralles-Wilhelm indicated the university’s intention to "double down" on strengthening collaborations and on increased investments in science. He also thanked the state of Maryland, federal partners, donors and everybody in between for their continued support.
