 Join us for Virtual CoastFest Sept 30 – Oct. 2!The Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources invites students, teachers and the public to Virtual CoastFest 2020, being held Wednesday, Sept. 30, through Friday, Oct. 2, at www.CoastalGaDNR.org/CoastFest. While in-person CoastFest will not be held due to COVID-19, the Division will offer a series of live-streamed events highlighting its programs all three days at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m each day. Virtual attendees will have the opportunity to interact with Division staff and ask questions about how they conserve Georgia’s coastal resources for present and future generations. “For 26 years, we’ve looked forward to meeting our friends and neighbors from across the region at CoastFest,” said Tyler Jones, the Division’s CoastFest coordinator. “We’ve had to get creative to work around COVID-19 this year, and we’re excited to offer a virtual way to continue that tradition and provide an opportunity to peel back the curtain and show everyone what we do at Coastal Resources Division.” Live-stream topics on Wednesday, Sept. 30: - 9:30 a.m.: “All Aboard the R/V Anna: A look at the Division’s 60-foot shrimping vessel and the fisheries management work conducted aboard.”
- 11 a.m.: “One Fish, Two Fish, Old Fish, New Fish: Discover how biologists and citizen scientists team up to better understand coastal fish populations.”
- 2 p.m.: “The Shoreline Comes Alive: Learn what local communities and individuals are doing to protect property and restore wetland ecosystems.”
Thursday, Oct. 1: - 9:30 a.m. “Our Changing Beaches: Beaches are constantly shifting, impacted by both gentle and tumultuous processes. Find out how the processes work and how people can adapt.”
- 11 a.m. “Safe to Swim: Educate yourself on beach water quality, and how the Division partners with other agencies to keep the public safe.”
- 2 p.m.: “Building Homes for Fish: Dive deep with our marine biologists to learn how the Division is building artificial reefs to create essential fish habitat.”
Friday, Oct. 2: - 9:30 a.m.: “Going Green for Our Future: Learn how you can capture rainwater and prevent pollution runoff in your backyard and community.”
- 11 a.m.: “Fishing Basics 101: Grab your fishing pole and join our marine biologists as they show you how to fish along the Georgia coast, including knot tying, types of bait and techniques.”
- 2 p.m.: “Touch Tanks Live: Tune in live as we show off some of the coolest creatures that swim in our estuarine environment, and ask our biologists questions.”
The CoastFest Art Contest, featuring art from students across the region, will still be held as usual, and the artwork will be on display at the Marshes of Glynn Library on Gloucester Street in Brunswick from Tuesday, Oct. 6, though Tuesday, Oct. 13. Prizes and ribbons will be awarded as in the past. This year’s art contest theme is “Our Marvelous Marshes,” and students are encouraged to submit art that highlights the estuarine ecosystem that makes the Georgia coast so unique. The winner of the 2020 CoastFest Art Contest will have his or her art featured on the 2021 CoastFest T-Shirt. New this year, the Division is holding an essay writing contest. Students from elementary, middle and high school are encouraged to write a 400-500 word short essay from the prompt: “What makes the Georgia Coast unique and what did I learn about it at Virtual CoastFest 2020?” First, second and third place awards will be given to Georgia students in elementary, middle and high school. Schools may submit their top five essays for judging by the Division’s staff and its partners in conservation. Teacher, homeschooling parents and students can find more information, including submission guidelines and deadlines, at www.CoastalGaDNR.org/CoastFestEssay. Winners of both the art and essay contests will be announced Oct. 16 by press release and notification to the schools. CoastFest 2020 T-shirts, featuring art by Maleah Lavarias of Needwood Elementary School will be sold online. Sales will be available from a link at www.CoastalGaDNR.org/CoastFest between Monday, Sept. 21, and Friday, Oct. 9. The cost is $10 plus shipping and handling. Please allow four to six weeks for delivery. The shirt is kelly green and features a mosaic sea turtle on the back with Virtual CoastFest 2020 logo on the front breast. The CoastFest website will also feature short videos from previous exhibitors, allowing them to highlight their programs and missions. Anyone with questions about Virtual CoastFest 2020 may contact Tyler Jones at 912-262-3140 or tyler.jones@dnr.ga.gov. # # # | 
Comments from Cruisers (4)
I am sending this email to inform you Robert Peek who has been the lockmaster at the Deep Creek Locks in Deep Creek Va on the Dismal Swamp Canal died October 1, 2020.
Robert was an icon with the boaters for years. His caring personality and dedication will always be remember. If you could info the boating community through your publication this would be greatly appreciated.
I am Penny Leary Smith (retired) former Director of the Dismal Swamp Canal. Please feel free to contact me for any further information. Thanks.
Penny
We first met Robert in 2013 as M/V Yinzer passed through his lock. As we departed the lock, he saw that our Homeport was Pearl Harbor, HI. He picked up one of his conchs and yelled “I bet you know what this is” as he blew it. In Hawaii, in bygone years, the blowing of a conch signaled the coming of royalty. Several years later we took two of our younger grandchildren (ages 8 & 10) on the Albemarle Sound loop and as we returned to the Chesapeake stopped for the night at the free dock located between the Great Bridge bridge and his lock. I told Robert via channel 13 that we were spending the night there and that I had two apprentice conch shell blowers onboard. He naturalling inviting us over for coffee and pastries the next morning. The children took our shells with them. He said that the “blow hole” was too big for the children lips so he picked up a couple of smaller shells and promptly made ones sized for them. We will always remember and cherish the moment.
Bob Volkwein
M/Y Yinzer, Mainship 390
If you met Robert once, you were a friend. For life. We met, chatted with and were invited to breakfast several times. He was generous with his time, his knowledge and, of course, coffee and danish. Because of storms, dredging and lock repairs we were unable to take the Dismal for couple of years. We were looking forward to seeing Robert this year. Shocked and saddened by this news. It is a terrible loss for the entire boating/cruising community. Our best wishes and condolences to Jackie and his entire family.
Mike and Carol
Improbability
You all are in the boating world and know the giant shoes Robert Peek wore for our beloved Dismal Swamp Canal. He was lockmaster, host, grounds keeper, maintenance man, historian, ambassador, entertainer, and most importantly, genuinely caring of his boaters. Everyone was a friend, and he wins a trophy for Hospitality. Everyone knows Robert, and if you didn’t, you wanted to meet him.
So you all know how devastated we are in sharing the news of his sudden death yesterday morning. I like to picture him laughing with God, having a cup of coffee and sweet breakfast treat, debating a few matters and having a good laugh while enjoying the heavenly companionship. I’m sure he has reeled in a few angels who could not stay away from the engaging conversations. Robert is just that way. He was a dear friend, and he will never be replaced.
Please remember his beloved wife Jackie and their family in this time of shock and loss. Also his co-workers at US Facilities and the Norfolk District USACE. If you would like to send any form of condolences please send them to:
Jackie Peek and Family
c/o US Facilities, Inc.
2509 Reservation Road
Chesapeake, VA 23322-5217
We have been assured they will be given to Robert’s family. Jackie has given me permission to tag her on our Facebook page, although we are working out those wrinkles. So anything you share from our page she will have knowledge of. Please feel free to tag us with comments. There are already thousands of people who have seen the post late yesterday afternoon.
Our sympathy goes out to you, as well. We know Robert had many friends in the boating community who are feeling the loss, too. Please feel free to share this message with anyone you feel would care to know. On a personal note, I took this image of Robert when he was assisting with Paddle for the Border, and my husband, daughter and grandson are on the boat with him. His genuine laughter is just contagious, and his conch is front and center. One of my favorites.
Donna