There’s nothing like a fresh Maryland oyster! Raw, steamed, fried, or grilled, they’re treasured for their delicious taste, as well as their cultural significance, history, and environmentally friendly life cycle.
As a local Marylander, you want to know how they grow, where to buy them, and how to prepare them; the brand-new Southern Maryland Oyster Guide website has you covered! The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, is pleased to announce the launch of their Southern Maryland Oyster Guide website.
The new SOMDOysterGuide.com, reveals Southern Maryland’s oyster industry with an invitation to explore the web-hosted guide to “Find, Eat, and Savor” Southern Maryland oysters, to meet the community that grows and harvests them, and experience the oyster’s unique regional, cultural, and maritime heritage.
“SMADC programs support farmers of the land and water, so we’re excited to launch this new online consumer resource,” said Susan McQuilkin, SMADC’s marketing specialist. “We’ve worked hard to build a website that is informative, easy and fun to navigate, and connects the general public with this iconic industry and the producers who work hard to bring their delicious harvest to our tables to enjoy year-round.”
Originally hosted by Morgan State’s Patuxent Environmental & Aquatic Research Laboratory (PEARL), the former ‘Trail’ website was handed over to SMADC in 2019, and has since been completely revised into a fully comprehensive region-wide industry ‘Oyster Guide’ featuring over 70 profiles – including all types of oyster producers (wild caught and aquaculture) plus industry related businesses such as heritage sites, museums, restaurants, stores and watermen tours.
The primary focus of the Guide are the 21 oyster producers whose profiles offer a glimpse into their lives, work and backgrounds. Details include contact information, links to producer’s websites and social media platforms, plus harvesting criteria (farmed/aquaculture or wild), oyster ‘flavor profiles’, and ‘where to buy’ at producer recommended retailers and restaurants. Additional sections highlight oyster affiliated ‘Attractions’, ‘Restaurants’ and ‘Tours’ all with detailed descriptions of the services offered.
The broader website features key resources that enhance the web-visitor experience and maximize engagement of the consumer – to buy, eat, experience and develop a preference for Southern Maryland oysters. An ‘Events’ Calendar provides information on upcoming oyster related public events and activities, and ‘News’, ‘Education’ and ‘Resources’ sections offer information that engages and educates the consumer – including fascinating oyster facts, farming and harvesting techniques, how oysters benefit the environment and the local economy, conservation, advocacy and support programs and more.
The entire website is illustrated with vibrant and insightful photography, by renowned Remsberg Photography Inc., that reveals a unique and personal window into the life of those working on the water, strengthening the connection between the producers, the environment and the many affiliated businesses that support the oyster industry in Southern Maryland.
View and explore the Southern Maryland Oyster Guide now at: www.SOMDOysterGuide.com, and pick up afree promotional card highlighting the Southern Maryland Oyster Guide (while stocks last) at regional welcome centers, public libraries, and some participating producers, restaurants, retailers and heritage sites.
View the Southern Maryland Oyster Guide Promotional Card HERE
The Southern Maryland Oyster Guide website project was made possible by a grant from the Rural Maryland Foundation.
###The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, is committed to: a) a market-driven and sustainable farming future as Maryland transitions away from tobacco. b) a Maryland where farmland preservation, and environmental stewardship positively impact the quality of our air and water and c) cultivating awareness among consumers and leaders of the vital role our farms play in a balanced community, safe, nutritious food and a cleaner and healthier environment. To learn more about additional programs and resources, contact SMADC, P. O. Box 745, Hughesville, MD 20637; phone: 301-274-1922, Ex. 1, fax: 301-274-1924; email info@smadc.com ; or visit www.smadc.com.
