Maryland Waterway Appreciation Events Planned + Waterfowl, Bird Watching Slated

MARYLAND — Fall has brought Maryland a bit of cooler weather. Several groups are taking advantage of the refreshing air and rallying residents to appreciate the environment.

Some organizations are hosting waterway appreciation and clean-up events. Others are planning waterfowl and bird-watching trips.

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:

"Patuxent River Appreciation Days

Celebrate the Patuxent River and everything it provides for those who live and play in its watershed. There will be music, food, makers of home-spun goods, [a] petting zoo, boat rides, toy boat building, pony rides, and more. Admission and activities are free. Oct. 9, 10:00 am to 7:30 pm; Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons, MD. More information."

"Canoe and Scoop

Help clean the shorelines of Masonville Cove while experiencing a fun and educational canoe ride! Gather your friends, students, or colleagues for a unique community service experience! The program includes an orientation, paddle time and life jackets. Private kayaks and canoes are permitted. Free; ages 12+. Oct. 9, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Oct. 16, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm; Masonville Cove, Baltimore. More information and registration."

"Mighty Marshes Community Days

Join Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in their efforts to eradicate the “scourge of the Chesapeake Bay” – phragmites. Phragmites is an invasive marsh grass that crowds out the plants that our local wildlife depend on. Mighty Marshes is [a] three-part program (choose one or do all three) that involves harvesting phrag, planting pollinator flowers, and growing irises in a mini greenhouse over [the] winter. On Oct. 9 and 30, and Nov. 13; Jefferson Patterson Park, St. Leonard, MD. More info."

"Waterfowl Watching Cruise

Take a fun and informative bird-watching river cruise onboard the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s buyboat Winnie Estelle. Your guides will be Pickering Creek Audubon Center educators, as you observe flocks of ducks, geese, and swans on their annual fall migration. Educators will be available to answer questions about waterfowl habits, calls, and unique characteristics. $20 per person. Nov. 3, 10:00 am to 11:30 am; Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels, MD. More info and registration."

"Go Birding with the Baltimore Bird Club

The Baltimore Bird Club is hosting two great outings in October. On Oct. 16, join them for some great birding at Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area in Owings Mills, where you can expect to see a wide variety of migrating songbirds. A visit to Howard County Conservancy is slated for Oct. 30, with a good chance to spot wild turkey, American kestrel, migrating raptors, woodpeckers, and over a dozen varieties of sparrows. Complete Club schedule."

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