National Aquarium in Baltimore: Conservation News for September (Spotted Lanternfly Alert, Whelks vs. Conchs, Shark Tours, Urban Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Wetlands, Pennsylvania Streams, Trees for Wildlife and Upcoming Volunteer Day on Sept 19)
Whether you want to keep up with local Chesapeake Bay ecology or you just love marine life, in general, the National Aquarium in Baltimore just published their latest Conservation News update - with helpful tips on handling local invasive pests, upcoming events, and behind-the-scenes exhibits! Here are the highlights:
Featured Stories & Local Conservation
* Keeping Spotted Lanternflies in Check: The invasive spotted lanternfly population in Maryland has skyrocketed since 2018, posing a major threat to local trees, agricultural crops, and native ecology. Learning how to identify adults (with their distinctive spotted gray front wings and bright red hind wings) and stomping them or scraping egg masses is critical for stopping the spread.
* Marine Mistaken Identities (Whelks vs. Conchs): A quick guide breaking down the anatomical and lifestyle differences between whelks (carnivorous sea snails common to cooler Atlantic waters) and conchs (herbivores generally found in warmer tropical shallows), from shell spirals to diet.
* Behind-the-Scenes Shark Tours: The Aquarium is offering interactive Behind-the-Scenes Shark Tours, where visitors can walk along the catwalks directly above the habitat while sharks swim below your feet.
Upcoming Volunteer & Field Events
* Urban Wildlife Conservation Day: Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. A hands-on field conservation event focused on restoring local green spaces.
* Celebrate Trees for Wildlife™ Month: Educational initiatives running throughout September spotlighting the vital role native trees play in filtering watershed runoff into the Chesapeake Bay.
* Check out the complete calendar of volunteer opportunities and exhibits via the National Aquarium Events page.
Regional Watershed Highlights
* Virginia Wetland Restoration: Spotlighting rare wetland preserves in Virginia that safeguard critical coastal flyways.
* Pennsylvania Stream Projects: How upstream restoration projects along Pennsylvania waterways directly reduce nutrient runoff to help clean the Bay.
To learn more about animal rescue efforts, plan your visit, or support local projects, check out the National Aquarium in Baltimore's Inner Harbor!