Celebrating Stewardship
At Horn Point Lab, we do research year after year to increase our understanding of the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay and what we need to do to restore and protect this great natural resource. This knowledge alone is not enough. Within our community, there are people who show through their example how to sustain our wildlife, landscapes and water. They are the motivating force from which our desire to identify and honor local Chesapeake Champions was born. The award also includes a fundraising event for which all proceeds benefit the graduate students and the scientific research of the Horn Point Lab, helping to ensure the health of the Chesapeake Bay today and in the future.
Chesapeake Champion, 2021 - Beverly and Richard Tilghman
Beverly and Richard are Champions for their commitment to educating HPL's graduate students, the next generation of environmental leaders. Horn Point Laboratory Director, Mike Roman shares as well, "Beverly and Richard have devoted their time and effort to support and advise a variety of environmental groups on the Shore. They have been great stewards of the lands of Wye House, installing living shorelines and conservation easements to protect the lands and wildlife.”
Past recipients
Chesapeake Champion, 2020 - Postponed due to COVID-19
Hutchison Brothers, 2019
The Hutchisons use innovative conservation practices and the latest technology. Their outlook is, “to be a farmer you have to be an optimist – always plan for a good year, if you plan for a disaster you will get one”. Today the family farms about 3,400 acres in Talbot and Caroline counties and they continue to explore new technologies and innovative practices to leave the land better than they found it.
Jerry Harris, 2018
Jerry has carried a passion for the outdoors, waterfowl, hunting, and conservation with him throughout his life. He credits three mentors for how he sees and values nature. Jerry carries on this tradition of mentoring by volunteering on a national level with organizations including Delta Waterfowl, Waterfowl Chesapeake, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, and Ducks Unlimited. He works enthusiastically spreading the understanding and appreciation for conservation and best management of lands for waterfowl habitat.
Jim Brighton, 2017
Jim Brighton, a highly-skilled boat painter and finisher at the Campbell's Boatyards in Oxford was the recipient of the 2017 Chesapeake Champion award. In his spare time, Jim runs the non-profit Maryland Biodiversity Project for which he records the astounding variety of flora and fauna in Maryland. By partnering with organizations like MD DNR and the National Aquarium, the Project has identified more that 17,200 species. Jim is a citizen-scientist whose goal is to promote education and conservation by building a vibrant, nature study community.
Jordan and Alice Lloyd, 2016
The Lloyds, owners of the Bartlett Pear Inn and Bakery, were recipients of the 2016 Chesapeake Champions for the Environment award. The duo celebrates the farm-to-table movement, using local ingredients to make fresh dishes for guests of their Easton B&B. Alice Lloyd told the Star Democrat, “What we do feels most natural. It feels right. We don’t know another way. We have felt environmentally conscious our whole married life. I grew up eating healthily. We make every meal at home.” “This is not a fad for us. This is a way of life,” she said.
C. Albert Pritchett, 2015
The Horn Point Laboratory announced that its 2015 Chesapeake Champion for the Environment award recipient is C. Albert Pritchett, current president of both the Waterfowl Festival and Waterfowl Chesapeake Boards of Directors. “Albert’s volunteer commitment to the conservation of waterfowl during more than 20 years of service to the Waterfowl Festival and, more recently, Waterfowl Chesapeake, makes him the ideal person to receive this year’s award,” said Mike Roman, Horn Point Laboratory director.
Chip Akridge, 2014
Chip Akridge, owner of Harleigh Farms on the Oxford Road outside of Easton, was honored as the 2014 Chesapeake Champion. Chip cites his growing up experience as a Boy Scout as the beginning of his love and respect for nature that has resulted in the restored land on his farm. Chip says, “I saw the environmental benefits of changing land use from agriculture to a diverse habitat of native plants and trees and newly created ponds and wetlands .”
Amy Haines, 2013
In 2013, Lab Director Mike Roman recognized Amy Haines, owner of Out of the Fire restaurant, as our first Champion. Amy serves only sustainable seafood and local produce whenever possible. She cares about the health annutrition of these menu items. Amy supports our local farmers which reduces our carbon footprint from food being shipped long distances. She has donated part of the restaurant’s proceeds to plant trees around Easton. Amy’s life-style models her environmental beliefs.