Ghost Tour Offered On Historic Ship + Fishing Tournament Planned In MD

MARYLAND — This summer, Marylanders can experience the history of a spooky ship or learn to fish. Residents can also buy a stamp honoring local waterways, enjoy a scenic paddle or garden with native plants.

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:

"Maritime Macabre Tours

After a Charm City dinner of seafood and grog, what’s more fitting than a lantern-light tour of [the] USS Constellation, replete with authentic, historical accounts of unfortunate happenings aboard this 19th century warship described in a 1862-65 ships’s diary. Walk among all four decks of the USS Constellation, with a hands-on activity, and a ghost story taken right out of the primary source material. Adults (15+) $12; youth $8. July 23 and 30, August 6 and 20, and September 3, 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Historic Ships in Baltimore. More information and tickets."

"Fishing Mentor Program and Tournament

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites college students and adults aged 18+ to free, mentored fishing training and practice sessions. The program will include four sessions in various locations in Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties, culminating with a fishing tournament on August 13. Participants will learn about regulations and licenses, fish identification, tackle box components, casting, knotting, and general fishing skills[.] Prizes will be awarded to the top three tournament contestants. All participants will be gifted a fishing rod and reel. Tentative dates and locations are: August 2 at Sandy Point State Park, August 5 at Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis, August 9 at Allen Pond Park, Bowie; and the final fishing tournament August 13 at Schoolhouse Pond, Upper Marlboro ... Registration."

"Mallows Bay Postage Stamp Available for Purchase

Congratulations to our friend, Peter Turcik! One of our favorite photographers and an avid kayak fisher, Peter's stunning Chesapeake image was chosen for a U.S. postage stamp! Peter became interested in Mallows Bay while working at the Chesapeake Conservancy during our efforts to help establish it as a National Marine Sanctuary.

Share your love of the Chesapeake and pre-order yours today from the US Postal Service's National Marine Sanctuaries Collection."

"Paddling Rentals, Tours, and Instruction

Conveniently located not far from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center is a great place to rent both kayaks and paddleboards. The Center property is amazingly biodiverse– from ospreys and eagles to river otters and sting rays – you’re sure to spot a variety of wildlife on your paddling excursion. Just don’t forget your binoculars and camera! Rental fees are $20/kayak per day and $30/paddleboard per day. Last rental time is 3 p.m. and you need to be back to the visitor center at 4:45 p.m. to check out. Kayak rental season runs until Nov. 1. More information. Guided paddles are also available, as well as an introduction to the basic skills of kayaking for beginners. More information about guided and introductory tours."

"Adkins Arboretum Fall Native Plant Sale

It may be too early to start fall planting, but the early bird gets her favorite native plants at the Adkins Arboretum online ordering sale that begins this Thursday, July 21 and runs until August 11, with pickup dates scheduled for September 9-10 and 13-17. The plants that the Arboretum offers are native to the coastal plain and/or piedmont of Maryland and surrounding areas, with a few exceptions. They also offer cultivars of select native species that have characteristics desirable for many home gardens. More information and online ordering link."

Related:

• 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