Enjoy Free Day At National Parks In MD + Visit Local Farmers Market

MARYLAND — Marylanders can access national parks for free one day next month. Residents can also visit a local farmers market for fresh produce and artisan goods. Other outdoorsy activities include a bug blitz, a preserve exploration and a town fair.

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:

"NPS Fee Free Day August 4

Celebrate the Great American Outdoors Act on August 4 with free admission to our National Parks. The Great American Outdoors Act was passed in 2020 to improve infrastructure and expand recreation opportunities in national parks and other public lands. The following watershed national parks will waive their entrance fees: Antietam, Assateague, C&O Canal National Historical Park, Fort McHenry, Fort Washington, Harpers Ferry, Steamtown National Historic Site, Colonial National Historical Park, Great Falls Park, Prince William Forest Park, and Shenandoah National Park."

"Skate Day and Farmers Market

Buy local at the Baltimore Museum of Industry’s farmers market every Saturday. You can find fresh produce, oven-fresh bread, bright flowers, tasty ready-to-eat treats, artisan items, and more, all grown or made within 150 miles of Baltimore. Got skaters in the family? On August 6, skaters and skateboarders can meet local skate organizations, and learn about skating and skatepark opportunities in Baltimore. Farmers markets and Skate Day 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Baltimore Museum of Industry, Baltimore, MD. More information."

"Leakin Park Water Bug Blitz

Blue Water Baltimore is looking for volunteers to help search for and tally benthic macroinvertebrate life, aka water bugs. These tiny creatures are a big indicator of waterway health. Help Blue Water Baltimore staff explore a local stream and learn about types of pollution that can affect the environment. Aug. 14, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Leakin Park, Baltimore. More information and registration."

"By Water or by Land...a Very Special Place.

The Nature Conservancy describes Nassawango Creek Preserve as “one of the last pieces of true wilderness left on the East Coast.” The preserve is located southeast of Salisbury at the mouth of the Pocomoke River. It is home to 19 orchid species, rare plants such as pink lady’s slipper, cardinal flower and Indian pipe, and more than 60 recorded species of migratory birds. Whether you are seeking exercise and fresh air or flora and fauna observation, both paddling and walking/hiking are great ways to access the preserve. Avid outdoorswoman Laura Scharle has explored the preserve by both means of [transportation]. In Nassawango Creek Preserve by Land and by Water, Laura shares both her love of the area and tips for accessing it."

"Great Pocomoke Fair

This annual family fun event includes kids games, Little Miss and Junior Miss Great Pocomoke Fair pageant, harness racing, antique tractor pull, petting zoo, hobby horse races, pet pageant, vendors and displays, indoor exhibits, and livestock shows. August 4-7, Pocomoke Fair Grounds, Pocomoke City, MD. More information."

Related:

• Ghost Tour Offered On Historic Ship + Fishing Tournament Planned In MD
• Latino Conservation Week Approaches + Native American Festival On Tap
• Sharkfest Coming To MD + London Town To Celebrate Independence Day
• Chesapeake Bay History Celebrated + Annapolis Prepares For Fireworks
• Fireworks Shows In MD, DC + Introduction To Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
• Seining Class At Sandy Point + Juneteenth Celebration In Annapolis
• Strawberry Festival In Linthicum + Snakehead Fishing In MD
• Antique Boat Show Coming To MD + Father's Day Cruise Offered
• All of the stories from year one of this partnership are posted here