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Morattico Waterfront Museum to welcome the season April 27 with ‘It’s a Shore Thing’

The Morattico Waterfront Museum, 6584 Morattico Road, Morattico, will offer free boat tours of the village shoreline during opening day activities on April 27.

Tours of the Morattico shoreline aboard an authentic roundstern deadrise and visiting experts on marshland conservation and natural landscaping will highlight the Morattico Waterfront Museum’s opening day activities from noon-4 p.m. April 27.

“It’s a Shore Thing,” the theme for the seasonal opening celebration, emphasizes the museum’s ongoing Tidal Marsh Enhancement Project, reported Mary Byrd Martin. All activities are free of charge.

Guided boat tours of the Rappahannock around the village will be skippered by Richard Moncure of Rappahannock Roundstern, whose company is providing the tours as a community service. Also a River Steward with the Friends of the Rappahannock, Moncure will offer commentary on vegetation, conservation and the state of the river. Each 45-minute to one-hour tour will accommodate six guests.

On the museum grounds, Sue Lindsey of the Northern Neck Master Gardeners’ Shoreline Evaluation Program (SEP) will provide information and answer questions on managing shorelines and protecting individual properties while enhancing water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. Lindsey can also give first-hand information on the local SEP’s services for waterfront homeowners, including site analysis, a detailed report and personalized recommendations for soil nutrient management.

Ted Munns, Linda Orr and Nick Ferriter of the Northern Neck Native Plant Society will share information on conservation, preservation and cultivation of native plants. Representing the State Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Division of Soil and Water Conservation, shoreline engineer Mike Vanlandingham will offer several short presentations and respond to individual questions regarding water quality, runoff, pollution and erosion issues.

Tidal marsh “walk and talks” also will be conducted throughout the afternoon, as well as interior museum tours at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. For visitors who enjoy setting their own pace, a map for self-guided walking tours of village historic sites will be offered, said Martin. A grilled hot dog lunch will be on sale for $5 in the pavilion.

Boat passengers younger than age18 must be accompanied by a parent. Water tours are weather-dependent and, due to vessel capacity and time constraints, will be limited to the first 36 visitors. All other events will take place rain or shine.

Following “It’s a Shore Thing” on April 27, the museum at 6584 Morattico Road, Morattico, will be open from noon-4 p.m. Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays, May through October.

Rappahannock Record Staff
Rappahannock Record Staffhttp://www.rrecord.com
From the Rappahannock Record news team

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