A blue crab molting.

In April 2011, the @ChesapeakeBayProgram website reported that the Bay’s population of blue crabs is at its second highest level since 1997.  Their population is approximately 400 million.

The blue crab, also known as the “beautiful savory swimmer”, must molt or shed its shell in order to grow.  During this phase, the crab stops feeding and seeks shelter to avoid predators.  After absorbing water at a high rate, the shell splits.  Afterwards, the crab pulls out of its shell and absorbs more water making it larger.  A new hard shell forms in 2-4 days.

Blue crab fun facts:

• The largest crab caught in the Chesapeake Bay was 10.72 inches and weighed 1.1 pounds.
• Soft shell crabs measuring 6 or more inches are called whales.
• The hind legs, shaped like paddles, make blue crabs excellent swimmers.
• Blue crabs bury themselves in the mud in the winter while they wait for warmer temperatures.

With the combined environmental efforts of slipholders, guests and the grounds and maintenance department, the Terrapins continue to multiply and flourish at Herrington Harbour South.

Diamondback Terrapins are characterized by their diamond shape markings on the top of their shell, webbed feet for swimming and strong claws for climbing.  Diamondbacks can only live and reproduce in unpolluted water and they feed mostly snails, clams, crabs and some marsh plants.

The forested edges and tidal marshes provide a perfect habitat for aquatic life within the marina basin. This video was provided to the marina courtesy of George taken October 2009.

Click Here to view the otter video in YouTube.

The National Wildlife Federation recognized Herrington North and South as Certified Wildlife Habitats in July of 2009.  This environmental stewardship program began in 1973 to assist enthusiasts in learning how to protect the environment and make their habitat attract wildlife.  Over 113,000 individuals, families, schools, hospitals, restaurants, churches, parks and municipalities have taken on the certifiaction challenge.

To become certified you must provide the four basic elements that all wildlife needs:  food, water, cover and places to raise young; and must employ sustainable gardening practices.  Combined, North and South have reforested over 10 acres of land with a variety of native plant and tree species, created 4.5 acres of spartina marshland and placed 500-plus acres of contiguous forested land into perpetual preservation.  To learn more about wildlife certification for your home or business, visit www.nwf.org/habitat or call 800.822.9919.