Bat Week Activities + Composting In Annapolis: Autumn Events

MARYLAND — Halloween is almost here. Embrace the season by celebrating bat week. Anne Arundel County residents can also learn to compost in Annapolis. Other activities include lessons on indigenous culture, explorations at a wildlife refuge and nature-based artistry.

Patch recently partnered with several local organizations to bring you their latest news. This guest contribution comes from National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy. Here's what Jody Hedeman Couser submitted to help you explore the Chesapeake Bay:

"Bat Week is Oct. 24-Oct. 31!

Use this annual celebration timed with Halloween to teach kids about the important role bats play in nature. As insect eaters, pollinators, and seed spreaders, bats provide critical services for our ecosystem. Project Learning Tree not only has fascinating facts about bats – like the fact that they fly over 60 mph – but also has activities, arts and crafts, writing ideas and other projects for children to learn about bats and bat conservation during Bat Week. Activities include how to make a bat mask, bat coloring pages, a habitat work sheet and a Bat Week Cook Book, that has recipes with bat-dependent ingredients. Project Learning Tree Bat Week facts and activities."

"Master Gardener Composting Demonstration

The Anne Arundel County Master Gardeners invite you to attend this demonstration at Quiet Waters Park on the Wildwood Trail. Learn how to make compost in your backyard and receive a free compost bin courtesy of the Anne Arundel County Recycling office. Demonstrations may be [canceled] in the event of heavy rain or excessive heat warning. Gate fees apply. Nov. 3 and 20, 10:00 am to 11:00 am; Quiet Water Park, Annapolis, MD. More information and registration."

"American Indian Heritage Day

American Indian Heritage Day celebrates the historical, cultural, and social contributions of American Indian communities. The event teaches the public about pre-colonial American Indian culture in the Eastern region through archaeological interpretations. Hands-on demonstrations and exhibits include flint knapping, cooking and basket making. Activities include atlatl throwing, pottery, cordage, soapstone, canoe scraping, and Indian Village exploration. The Piscataway Nation Dancers and Singers will also be featured at this year's event. The event is free and open to the public. Nov. 6, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm; Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, St. Leonard, MD. More information."

"A Great Time to Visit Blackwater

Whether you drive through the refuge on the special wildlife viewing route, ride a bicycle, or prefer to hike, late fall and early winter seasons have [a lot] to offer at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. According to the refuge website[,] from October through December you can expect [to] see an increasing number of ducks and geese, tundra swans arriving in November (with many over-wintering), white-tailed and sika deer (breeding season), and increasing numbers of bald eagles arriving from the north (nest building time!). If you are planning to bicycle through the refuge (it is a great place for riding), be sure to check out, A Wild Goose Chase Through Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, which will not only give you some guidance on where to ride and what to see, but explain how sea level rise will impact this fragile environment."

"Nature's Artbox

Let nature inspire you to experiment with natural materials. Learn to make art supplies using nuts, charcoal, twigs, pigments and more. This Irvine Nature Center program will be led by Karen Dillon, artist and maker. Materials will be provided ... and samples can be taken home. Dress for a mess. $30 per person. Nov. 13, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm; Irvine Nature Center, Owings Mills, MD. More information and registration."

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