Community Corner

Waterfalls In MD + Bird Club In Anne Arundel: Ways To Enjoy Springtime

Waterfalls are plentiful in the Chesapeake watershed. Here's a guide to cascades in Maryland. Plus, a bird club is exploring Anne Arundel.

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The National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy suggested visiting a waterfall in or around Maryland this spring. A waterfall in northern Delaware is pictured above.
The National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy suggested visiting a waterfall in or around Maryland this spring. A waterfall in northern Delaware is pictured above. (Jacob Baumgart/Patch)

MARYLAND — With the sun starting to shine, it's the perfect time to visit a waterfall in Maryland. We have your guide to local cascades in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Other outdoor opportunities include a bird club, a bioblitz, a community clean-up and more.

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:

"Best Places for Seeing a Waterfall

Springtime is prime time for seeking out the region’s most stunning waterfalls—and there are quite a few! This time of year waterfalls also have the added bonus of being prime habitat for spring wildflowers. Starting up north, Ricketts Glen in Pennsylvania boasts 21 named waterfalls in a mere four miles. Check out Saki’s Waterfalls of Ricketts Glen to get a preview. From the gentle waters of Gunpowder Falls State Park to the jaw-dropping gorge at Great Falls, waterfalls large and small are scattered throughout the Chesapeake region. In Maryland you can splash and play in a pool of water under the falls at Rocks State Park. At Cunningham Falls, the largest cascading waterfall in Maryland spills down from rocks eight stories high. Just outside of Washington, D.C., Scott’s Run Nature Preserve is home to a waterfall that originates in the most unlikely of places: the parking lots of Tysons Corner. More information about the 14 trails in SNP that lead to waterfalls. The challenging Blue Suck Trail in Douthat State Park rewards hikers with two beautiful falls. So head out this spring to one of these great places for seeing a waterfall."

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

"Anne Arundel Bird Club Walk

Join Anne Arundel Bird Club members on a bird walk around the park. See how many resident and migrant birds you can spot! Bring good walking shoes and binoculars (not required, but helpful!) Park admission fee is waived for participants. April 16, 8 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.; Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis, MD. More information (p.28)"

"City Nature Challenge

The City Nature Challenge is an annual four-day global bioblitz at the end of April, where cities are in a collaboration to find and document wildlife. The National Aquarium is leading the charge in Baltimore and invites you to get nerdy with nature by spotting as many plant and wildlife species as possible and then tracking your sightings in the iNaturalist app. You can learn more and prepare for the CNC with the Baltimore Aquarium’s Informational Webinar, April 12, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The City Nature Challenge itself will take place at various locations in the greater Baltimore area April 28-30. More information and registration for the City Nature Challenge."

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

"Mallows Bay BioBlitz

Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary is joining the City Nature Challenge! Join in this free event and collect as many species observations as possible and learn more about Mallows Bay. Anyone with a cellphone camera and access to the free iNaturalist app can participate. Special activities will include a guided bird-watching hike led by the Southern Maryland Audubon Society, a guided general hike and seining for aquatic organisms with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. April 29, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Mallows Bay Marine Sanctuary, Washington, D.C. More information"

"Canal Community Days

The C&O Canal provides 184.5 miles of year-round enjoyment for thousands of hikers and bikers, so every year the Canal Association organizes Canal Community Days to give the towpath some TLC. If you are interested in volunteering for a range of preservation, beautification, maintenance and conservation projects, here are some opportunities at the following high use locations: Great Falls, April 22; Williamsport, May 6; Frederick County, June 3; and Allegany County, June 24. More information and sign up"

"Greenwell Trail Riding

The Greenwell Foundation offers walking-paced trail riding along the Patuxent River. Enjoy shady tree lines, agricultural fields and river views. Experienced and well-trained staff member(s) will guide you and/or your group for an inclusive, supportive, and fun experience. Experienced horses and all equipment are provided. For ages 7+ ... Reservations ... need to be made two weeks in advance ... Greenwell Foundation, Hollywood, MD. More information"

"Shad Landing Walk

Walk the Trail of Change at Shad Landing State Park with Lower Shore Land Trust staff member Jared Parks and board member Judith Stribling. Observe the spring awakening of the swamp and its wildlife as you walk the Trail of Change. April 20, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; Shad Landing State Park, Snow Hill, MD. More information and registration"

"Wine Cap Mushroom Gardening

Wine cap mushrooms are easy to grow and can grow as big as dinner plates! These mushrooms are well suited to a variety of cuisines and can be substituted anywhere white buttons, creminis or portabellos are used. Join Ranger Noah for a hands-on introduction to starting and growing your very own wine cap mushroom garden. Bring gardening gloves and hiking boots. April 15, 2 p.m.; New Germany State Park, Grantsville, MD. More information"

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