Community Corner

Volunteer To Remove Invasive Plants + Take Winter Birding Walks In MD

Marylanders can remove invasive plants from parks or spot birds on guided walks. Here are some ways to enjoy winter in the DMV.

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The National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy suggested removing invasive plants with Rock Creek Conservancy. A different waterfront park is pictured above in Baltimore County.
The National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy suggested removing invasive plants with Rock Creek Conservancy. A different waterfront park is pictured above in Baltimore County. (Jacob Baumgart/Patch)

MARYLAND — Marylanders can volunteer at local parks, take guided bird-watching walks or enjoy blacksmithing classes this winter.

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:

"MLK Weekend of Service

In honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy of social action, Rock Creek Conservancy hosts an annual MLK Weekend of service in partnership with the National Park Service. Give back to your community and Rock Creek by volunteering at a litter cleanup or invasive removal event. Opportunities to pitch in are available at Reservation 630 East, 630 West, Parkside Beach Drive, Picnic Grove #1 (near Pierce Mill), Rosemary Hills-Lyttonsville Local Park, Carter Barron Amphitheater and Fort Slocum. Jan. 14-16, Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC. More information and sign-up (required)"

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"Free a Tree

English ivy provides a nice green color to our otherwise drab, brown winter landscapes, but this invasive vine can have a devastating effect on our trees and shubbery. The Rock Creek Conservancy organized a program for removing English ivy from the park this fall, which was a great way to learn how to remove it safely. They also created a how-to video if you would like to get started on your own property. And they will definitely appreciate your expertise when you volunteer to help them with their next Weed Wrangle."

"Winter Walks at Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge

The Friends of Eastern Neck, Inc. are sponsoring walks in January and February, providing a great opportunity to experience areas of the refuge not usually open to the public, with a good chance of spotting waterfowl and wildlife. You can expect to observe Canada geese, tundra swans, scaup, ruddy ducks, mallards, buffleheads, black ducks and canvasbacks, as well as bald eagles and other wildlife, such as fox, deer, groundhogs and wild turkeys. The two-hour walks are two miles and take place on flat terrain. A local birding expert or naturalist will guide each walk. Walks are free and for ages 12+., no pets please. Jan. 7 and Feb. 4, Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Rock Hall, MD. More information and registration"

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"Blacksmithing Workshops

Learn the basic skills of blacksmithing and make a one-of-kind handmade item with the help of blacksmiths at the Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum. On January 29 learn how to make your own plant hangers from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. create your own J-hooks, perfect for rustic-look coat hangers. These two classes are for ages 15+, but on Feb. 5 the adult and teen introductory blacksmithing class is designed for chaperones and their children (ages 13+) to each make their own hotdog stick. $30-$35 for the single person classes and $70 to $80 for the adult and teen class. Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, St. Leonard, MD."

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