Watermen's Festival, Charitable Swim To Protect Waterways Coming To MD

MARYLAND — There's still time to enjoy summer on Maryland waterways. Residents can attend a watermen's festival, take a charitable swim or go on a secluded paddle journey. Other upcoming events will celebrate Harriet Tubman and urban wildlife conservation.

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:

"Calvert County Watermen's Festival

You won’t want to miss the 21st annual edition of this quintessential Chesapeake Bay event. The Festival is perhaps best known for its exciting Boat Docking Contest, during which workboats and charter boats compete for cash, prizes and trophies – spectacular event to watch! This year will also feature a Buoy Toss Contest, a Small Anchor Toss and a Large Anchor Toss for the youngsters in the family. Food and beverages will be available, with live entertainment by the Island Girl herself. Sept. 18, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Solomons, MD. More info"

"Maryland Swim for Life

This is a great way to enjoy the Eastern Shore and support the critical work done by [ShoreRivers.org] to protect clean waters. Maryland Swim for Life is a USMS-sanctioned open water event. Swim distances are 2.5 K, 5.0 K., 7.5 K, 1.2 miles and 2.4 miles. Sept. 24, Chestertown, MD. Registration and more information"

"A Rail Trail Fit for Royalty

It is likely that Kings Creek was actually named to honor the English monarch. A tributary of the Choptank River, Kings Creek was a major tobacco import/export site in colonial America. Now, the creek is free of commercial hustle and bustle, and Saki was the only one paddling the peaceful, secluded water trail on a recent beautiful August day. Part of the Nature Conservancy’s Kings Creek Preserve, the creek’s plethora of flora and fauna include wild rice, paw paw, spatterdock, arrow arum, beaver, heron, bald eagles [and] red-winged blackbirds. Read more about paddling Kings Creek."

"Emancipation Day Celebration

Join Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center in celebration of Harriet Tubman's decision to self-liberate. The Visitor Center has put together a day filled with educational programs and family fun, including Birds of Tubman Country outing, African American Women in the Civil War, Foraging Freedom: an interactive tour through the Legacy Garden and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, screenings of MPT’s extended trailer for Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom, traditional children's games and more. Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, Church Creek, MD. More information and schedule

Also part of the Emancipation Celebration, From Spirituals to Blues and Gospel will be presented in Cambridge on Sept. 24[, and it will also be] livestreamed."

"Urban Wildlife Conservation Celebration

Located in South Baltimore, Masonville Cove is the nation's first Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership, home to a nature center and beautiful waterfront trails. Celebrate Urban Wildlife Conservation Day with a fun-packed day at the Masonville Cove campus with something for every member of the family. Enjoy kayaking, a bird banding demonstration, a meet-up with Mr. Trash Wheel, monarch tagging, Rodney’s Raptors, geocaching, National Aquarium Bioblitz and more! Sept. 24, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Masonville Cove Campus, Baltimore, MD. More information. Register for kayaking. Register for BioBlitz."

Related:

• Raft-Up Boat Concert To Feature Annapolis Band + Railroad Event Slated
• Fleet Week Returning To MD + Bark In The Park Will Teach Pet Safety
• Historic MD Ship To Be Commissioned + Tall Ship Festival Coming Soon
• Visit White Sand Beach On Eastern Shore + Enjoy Western MD Mountains
• Enjoy Free Day At National Parks In MD + Visit Local Farmers Market
• Ghost Tour Offered On Historic Ship + Fishing Tournament Planned In MD
• 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