We have formed a partnership with Pickering Creek Audubon Center, a working tidewater farm and natural science center, and a bird sanctuary. It is on a 400 acre property that boasts 100 acres of forests, a mile of shoreline, fresh water wetlands and gardens.  Pickering Creek is a community based organization fostering conservation of natural resources through environmental education and outreach.  Pickering activities focus on outdoor education experiences for more than 16,000 students each year.   Our contribution entails developing and maintaining The Herb Garden at Pickering Creek.  In March 2003, CBHS assumed responsibility for the gardens management and its future as an educational tool and an aesthetic experience for the public by adopting the care, design and maintenance of the sites existing garden.   Last year we completely rebuilt the old garden, replacing pressure treated lumber with brick pavers for new raised beds and designed new paths in the form of a 17th century maze. We then re-planted the entire garden with hundreds of herbs and related plants in the new beds and in large containers. The garden was converted from conventional to organic farming and separated into themes: tea garden, edible flowers, pizza garden, native herbs, potpourri and culinary herbs which represent diverse cultures. Future projects will include planting a field of lavender and conducting various herb trials pertinent to our region.      Every Monday morning at 9AM during the summer, the Chesapeake Bay Herb Society introduces the public to its extensive Demonstration Herb Gardens . There will be a Master Gardener on hand to answer any questions you may have. The Gardens are beautiful and it's a great opportunity to learn from the expertise of gardeners who love to share their experiences and stories! The program is free.   The society also participates in the Pickering Creek Annual Harvest Hoedown, selling herb products, crafts and baked goods at this well-attended celebration, which is highlighted by nature and farm demonstrations. In future years we hope to provide weekend tours, food tasting and craft making demonstrations at the Pickering Creek site. We also plan to expand our partnership with Pickering Creeks mission, volunteering as docents, to support the summer camp curriculum and other educational programs.