Essex man organizes volunteers to restore Back River

By Mary Gail Hare | The Baltimore Sun
October 25, 2009

Even a casual glance at the view from his front porch brings an understanding of why Jerry Ziemski has worked so tirelessly to restore Back River. Sunlight glistens on gentle waves lapping at tree-lined shores. Blue herons, ducks and an occasional eagle flutter by. Anglers drop their lines from piers and crabbers check their nets.

"I know this view is a dream for a lot of people, and I am lucky to have it," said Ziemski, 54, known to many of his Essex neighbors as Captain Jerry. "I stand on this porch, look out there and know all the cleanup work is worth it."