MLK Day Brings Free Park Entrance, Honorary Events To Anne Arundel County Area

MARYLAND — Martin Luther King Jr. Day is on Monday, Jan. 17. Several community organizations have events planned. Marylanders can visit a park for free, learn about King's life or clean up the community.

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 Parks Fee Free Day

Entrance to all national parks is free in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Participating parks in our area include Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm, Antietam National Battlefield & Cemetery, Assateague Island, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (fee free Wildlife Drive), C&O Canal National Historical Parks, Fort McHenry National Monument, Fort Washington Park, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Steamtown National Historic Site, Colonial National Historical Park, Great Falls Park, Prince William Forest Park, and Shenandoah National Park."

"Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: The Last Five Years

The National Museum of African American History & Culture is presenting a free online presentation on the last five years in the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Living history interpreter John W. McCaskill will share stories of King’s life and of the individuals who fought to end racial segregation and discrimination in the United States. The presentation will first air on Jan. 17, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm and again on Jan. 24. Free, no tickets or registration required. More information and link to join in."

"MLK Weekend of Service

Every year, in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rock Creek Conservancy, in partnership with the National Park Service and Montgomery Parks, celebrates MLK Day with the MLK Weekend of Service. This is a great opportunity to connect with others in the Rock Creek community around shared values and a vision for the future. Choose from eighteen different events – either invasive plant removal or litter clean up – on January 15, 16, 17, or 19 at different locations within the Rock Creek watershed. More information and registration (required)."

"Bird Club Outing

Join the Baltimore Bird Club ISO ducks, geese, swans, sparrows, bald eagles, and brown-headed nuthatches. Paths are unpaved and level. Trip will be canceled in snow, rain, or slippery conditions. Jan. 22, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, Grasonville, MD. More information."

"Dealing with Snowstorm Damage to Trees

Our January 3 snowstorm transformed landscapes into beautiful winter wonderlands, but many property owners have experienced the downside. Typical of Mid-Atlantic snowstorms, the snow was deep, wet and heavy, and then turned to ice, causing damage to trees and shrubs. Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia has put together an article to help you to both assess the damage and suggest interventions when needed. There are suggestions for how and when to remove the snow, how to prune broken branches, and how to repair torn strips of tree bark. Read Assessing and Dealing with Snowstorm Damage on Trees."

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