Center for the Inland Bays recognizes key partners

The Center for the Inland Bays recognized its community partners who helped the 25-year-old nonprofit accomplish its mission.

During a luncheon Dec. 13 at the center’s office near the Indian River Inlet, Scott Andres of the Delaware Geological Survey, and former CIB Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee chair, was recognized as Partner of the Year for his fact-based research and analysis.

CIB Science and Restoration Coordinator Dr. Marianne Walch presented Andres with the recognition. She said Andres has always been a friend of the center and probably nobody is more of an authority on the Inland Bays.

Dogfish Head’s Chesapeake & Maine and Dogfish Head Beer and Benevolence guru Mark Carter shared the award for business of the year for their support with many initiatives, including the Don’t Chuck Your Shucks program for oyster shells.

CIB Restoration Project Manager Victoria Spice said Chesapeake and Maine has been participating in the Don’t Chuck Your Shucks program since 2017, giving back 636 bushels of shells, which have filled 1,300 mesh bags to be used as artificial reefs.

Bill Hitz and Jerry Daugherty were recognized for their volunteer work at James Farm Ecological Preserve in Ocean View.

CIB Program Manager Bob Collins presented the two men with the honor. He said Hitz’s ability to fix anything was invaluable, while Daugherty’s daily presence helps many projects get accomplished.

For more information on Center for the Inland Bays, go to inlandbays.org.