Jug Bay Conservation Award is given to a worthy individual whose active involvement in the Jug Bay area has contributed to a better understanding of its significance and fostered a greater appreciation of this unique ecosystem. This honor is presented at the annual meeting by the Friends.

The Friends provides funds for Summer Research Fellows. These are university students who spend the summer months doing field research under the supervision of the Sanctuary director. This program provides a valuable experience for the students and greatly benefits the Sanctuary.

Through other grants earned by the Friends, the Sanctuary has been able to actively participate with cooperating organizations in restoring wild rice stands and planting submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in the marshes of Jug Bay, thereby replenishing these unique components of a healthy ecosystem.

The Friends has been very active in working with citizens and local, county, and state officials and agencies to encourage the expansion the Sanctuary's boundaries and thereby enhance the protection offered to the most sensitive areas. The latest successful effort culminated in the addition of the Paris N. Glendening Nature Preserve, a 600 acre property with considerable marsh and river frontage.

Undoubtedly the most significant fund raising effort ever undertaken by the Friends was in support of the Interactive Wetlands Exhibit project, which resulted in the installation of a modern, hands on set of teaching stations in the McCann Wetland Education Center. This includes modern, computer work stations and excellent graphics and mechanical teaching aids.

The funds to support our work come from the following sources:

• membership Dues
• donations
• grants
• grants
• fund raisers
• mechandise sales