Local Student Creates Art For Reminder Signs

Local Student Creates Art For Reminder Signs
Local Student

OCEAN CITY — If it’s sometimes true more can be achieved with a little honey than a lot of vinegar, the new signs posted on Tern Island and similar islands in the coastal bays warning they are reserved for critical nesting bird habitat and not recreational boaters should achieve the desired results.

Last year, Tern Island became a popular destination for summer boaters in the resort long after the nesting season was over for the endangered migratory birds. This year, however, the island has been officially turned over to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as part of the Sinepuxent Wildlife Management Area and will now be off limits for boaters from April 1 to Sept. 15.

The islands have been posted with signs warning boaters of the change in status. The signs were created by Coast Kids, an educational outreach youth program of the Assateague Coastal Trust under the direction of ACT’s Verena Chase. In January, Chase hosted a workshop for the Coast Kids during which they learned about skimmers, terns, egrets, herons and other birds in the coastal bays and the importance of island habitats for nesting.

Following the meeting, the participating Coast Kids made 25 posters depicting the importance of the islands to the migratory birds as well as the importance of boaters keeping a safe distance away. Roughly 11 of the posters were chosen to be converted into signs to be used at boat ramps and marinas around Ocean City.

On Monday, Berlin resident and Salisbury School student Lila Quillin was recognized by the DNR for winning contest entry that will be posted on Tern Island and for her efforts in general in educating the public about respecting endangered birds nesting on coastal bay islands.

“Lila created this poster that has been turned into signs on Tern Island to educate the public about the importance of the critical nesting areas,” said DNR Deputy Director Joanne Throwe during a larger press conference on the changes to the island on Monday. “You’ve done an amazing job, not just with the artwork but with the message.”

For her part, Quillin graciously accepted the honor and said how important the issue was to her.

“I’ve grown up around the coastal bays and this message spreads to your heart,” she said. “I was really glad to be a part of this and I hope people will see it and pay attention. If the world belongs to the youth, than it’s really great to have a project where kids can make a difference.”

About The Author: Shawn Soper

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Shawn Soper has been with The Dispatch since 2000. He began as a staff writer covering various local government beats and general stories. His current positions include managing editor and sports editor. Growing up in Baltimore before moving to Ocean City full time three decades ago, Soper graduated from Loch Raven High School in 1981 and from Towson University in 1985 with degrees in mass communications with a journalism concentration and history.