The future of the outdoors, if you're a state like Maryland with a gigantic bay, the Atlantic Ocean and countless rivers and man-made lakes, is water quality.
It also hinges on a passionate next generation that loves and guards all the outdoors have to offer.
At Pocomoke River State Park, I encounter both in my 23rd Quest.
The challenge is conducting a series of water quality tests at several sites in the park.
Questers are asked to sample water for turbidity, oxygen level, Ph, and temperature and report their findings back to the park staff. There's also a puzzle to solve.
Joining me on my Quest are Ben Sheppard of Baltimore, a recent graduate of Towson University, and Erica McGrath of Pittsburgh, who graduated from California University of Pennsylvania. Both are members of the Maryland Conservation Corps. They help run nature programs, assist park staff and guide Park Quest families.
Sheppard and McGrath
They both love their jobs. McGrath has signed up for a second tour of duty. Sheppard says he would if he could, but he'll be too old to meet the MCC cutoff.
Our readings show the waters around Pocomoke to be in pretty good shape, considering the hot, dry weather that has hammered the state.
My work done, I get my passport stamped and head off to Assateague State Park and the finish line for Park Quest 24/7.
The waters around Pocomoke are tea-colored, not because they're dirty, but because they're stained by cypress trees found in the surrounding swamps.