Community Corner

Free National Park Day + Sea Glass, Coastal Arts Festival: MD Events

National parks will waive their entrance fees this Saturday. Marylanders can also attend an upcoming sea glass and coastal arts festival.

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Jacob Baumgart, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

MARYLAND — Maryland nature lovers can visit a national park for free, attend a sea glass festival or take a canoe trip. Other upcoming events include an environmental center's reopening and a fishing tournament.

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:

"National Park Week and Fee Free Day

National Park Week is April 22 to April 30 this year, and the park service is asking you to share "your park story" about your special connections with places in national parks. Follow NPS stories on social media using #YourParkStory and consider sharing your own using #MyParkStory. April 22 is a fee free day and the following watershed national parks will waive their entrance fees: Antietam, Assateague, C&O Canal National Historical Parks, Fort McHenry, Fort Monroe, Fort Washington, Harpers Ferry, Steamtown National Historic Site, Colonial National Historical Park, Great Falls Park, Prince William Forest Park and Shenandoah National Park. Find out more about National Park Week."

Find out what's happening in Annapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival

You’ll have a great time hunting for unique treasures during the two-day event that will highlight more than 90 artisans and craftspeople from around the country exhibiting and selling coastal and sea-glass related jewelry, home décor, art and more. Enjoy a great line-up of live music, and food and beverages will be available for purchase. April 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels, MD. More information and tickets"

"Spring Nature Excursion: Canoes and Wildflowers

Take the Irvine Nature Center mini-bus to scenic Deer Creek in northern Harford County for some tranquil morning canoeing followed by lunch and then a drive northeast into Pennsylvania to Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve along the Susquehanna river in search of spring ephemerals. Finish the day with a wonderful evening meal at a farm restaurant in York County. $95 (includes $15 fee/donation to Eden Mill) + cost of your dinner. May 6, 8:45 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.; Irvine Nature Center, Owings Mills, MD. More information and registration"

Find out what's happening in Annapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"Phillips Wharf Open House

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center is re-opening and celebrating its new location. This will be the first opportunity for the general public to visit the new location inside Easton Point Park! Check out the new space and the center’s animals on display. There will be a STEAM activity for kids, and you can also walk the Easton Rails to Trails path or explore the park during your visit. April 22, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Phillips Wharf Environmental Center, Easton, MD. More information"

"Dans Mountain Youth Fishing Tournament

All children ages 3-15 are welcome to take part in this free fishing event. Participants should bring their own gear and bait. A limited supply of gear will be available for loan. Door prizes will be awarded at 11 a.m., and all participants will receive a free hot dog and beverage, courtesy of local sponsors. April 29, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Dans Mountain State Park, Lonaconing, MD. More info"

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