Community Corner

Chesapeake Bay Pirates + Harriet Tubman Talk + Birding Tips In MD

Upcoming Maryland events will explore Chesapeake Bay pirates, discuss Harriet Tubman and offer birding tips.

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The National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy suggested attending a lecture about Chesapeake Bay oyster pirates at the Annapolis Maritime Museum on Feb. 9. The bay is pictured above at Miami Beach Park in Baltimore County.
The National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy suggested attending a lecture about Chesapeake Bay oyster pirates at the Annapolis Maritime Museum on Feb. 9. The bay is pictured above at Miami Beach Park in Baltimore County. (Jacob Baumgart/Patch)

MARYLAND — Did you know the Chesapeake Bay used to have oyster pirates? Marylanders can learn about this history at an upcoming talk. Other events on tap will explore the push to put Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill and give tips for local bird-watching.

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:

"Pirates of the Chesapeake Bay: The Oyster Wars

Maryland’s “Oyster Navy,” a forerunner of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police was created at the turn of the century to deal with the lucrative, competitive, and sometimes deadly oyster industry. Learn all about the Bay’s infamous “oyster pirates” in this installment of the Annapolis Maritime Museum’s winter lecture series. $10 for nonmembers. Feb. 9, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Annapolis Maritime Museum, Annapolis, MD. More information and tickets"

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"Twenty Dollars and Change

In honor of Black History Month, Dr. Clarence Lusane, Howard University professor and author of the upcoming book Twenty Dollars and Change, along with Harriet Tubman’s great-great-great grandniece, Ernestine Tina Martin Wyatt, the cofounder of Harriet Tubman Day, will discuss Dr. Lusane’s upcoming book. They will also explore the fight to replace Andrew Jackson's image with Tubman's portrait on the $20 bill and what that reveals about race, class, and social justice in America today. Feb. 4, 2 p.m.; Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park & Visitor Center, Church Creek, MD. More information about this and other Black History Month events at HTURR State Park. More information"

"Live Eagle Cam

Masonville Cove is home to Baltimore City's first known pair of nesting Bald Eagles. The eagle pair was first spotted at Masonville Cove in December 2018. Some restrictions are in place at Masonville Cove to help prevent the eagles from being disturbed while they are nesting, but you can still view the eagles from the back deck of the Education Center and from the Captain's Trail on the campus, or watch them from the comfort of your own home on the webcam. Now is a great time to observe eagles as it is mating and nesting time. Right about now you should be able to see them working on repairs to the nest. Mid-atlantic eagles normally lay eggs around the beginning of March. More about Masonville’s eagles and webcam."

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"Masonville Cove Winter Waterfowl Walk

Masonville Cove in Baltimore is welcoming both experienced and first time birders to join them on their Baltimore campus to learn about the incredible hobby of birding from a seasoned birder. The focus will be on winter birds and waterfowl. Free and open to all ages Feb. 2, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Masonville Cove, Baltimore, MD. More info"

"How To Find an Owl in Your Neighborhood

Chances are there’s an owl living in your neighborhood. The great horned owl is an enormously successful top-of-the-food-chain predator that is found in every state except Hawaii and in almost every habitat you can imagine. But the owl’s amazing camouflage ..., nocturnal habits and silent flight often make them hidden to us. Join Master Naturalist Mark H.X. Glenshaw, aka the “Owl Man,” to learn how you can find these and other owls right in your neighborhood on this online Smithsonian Associates presentation. $25 for nonmembers (become a member and save up to 20% on the price of your tickets) Feb. 12, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. More info and registration"

"Valentine Partner Forest Bathing

The practice of forest bathing encourages you to slow down, quiet your mind, and connect with nature. Grab a partner, friend, or loved one and join certified forest guide Shelli Smith to experience the forest together and foster a connection with nature and each other. The walk will conclude with a tea ceremony. $20 for nonmembers. Feb. 11, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Adkins Arboretum, Ridgely, MD. More information and registration"

"55,000 Acres of Rugged Terrain

... Savage River State Forest’s rugged terrain challenges hikers, hunters, anglers and mountain bikers alike. It’s so big that blogger/hiker Saki suggests it couldn’t all fit in a single watershed…so it straddles two! The Eastern Continental Divide runs through Savage River SF and has many opportunities to hike – more than 90 miles of trails!

Many trails lead to great views – an added enticement to get out and do some winter hiking. From the overlook at St. John’s Rock (at 2,904 feet) you can clearly see the town of Frostburg about two miles to the east. For anglers, the 230-acre Savage River Reservoir and the Savage River offer walleye, large mouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bluegills, brook trout, rainbow and brown trout. Read more about winter hiking at Savage River State Forest and get the trail guide."

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