Community Corner

Winter Solstice Hike In Pasadena + 9-Mile Wetland Trek In Lothian

Anne Arundel County residents can take a winter solstice hike in Pasadena. Locals can also trek 9 miles through a Lothian wetland sanctuary.

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The National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy suggested taking a winter solstice hike through Fort Smallwood Park on Dec. 21. The Pasadena park is pictured above.
The National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy suggested taking a winter solstice hike through Fort Smallwood Park on Dec. 21. The Pasadena park is pictured above. (Google Maps)

MARYLAND — It's getting colder in Maryland, but there are still plenty of fun outdoor events happening in and around Anne Arundel County.

Residents can take a winter solstice hike through a Pasadena park or embark on a 9-mile trek through a Lothian wetland sanctuary. Environmentalists can also enjoy a Maryland photo calendar, a Christmas mountain hike, a New Year's forest gathering and a list of winter birdwatching sites.

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:

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

"Winter Solstice Hike

Bundle up and join Fort Smallwood Park rangers at the Cedar Pavilion to celebrate the return of longer daylight with a twilight winter solstice walk. Rangers will talk about winter foliage, where animals burrow, and more. After the hike[,] enjoy a warm cup of coffee, tea or cocoa with Park Ranger Felipa Fontes who will provide some winter book recommendations for all ages. All ages welcome, children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Dec. 21, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Fort Smallwood Park, Pasadena, MD. More information and registration (required)"

"Jug Bay Wetland Sanctuary Hike

Join the Sierra Club for a moderately-paced, 9-mile hike in the unique and beautiful landscape of tidal freshwater marshes, forested wetlands and upland and riparian forest along the Patuxent River. The sanctuary is crucial to a wide diversity of plants, insects, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish and microbes. $6 per vehicle fee paid at the wetland center; $2 suggested donation to the Sierra Club. Dec. 17, 9 a.m.; Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Lothian, MD. More information and registration "

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

"Bay Lovers' Calendar

The newly-published Maryland Department of Natural Resources' calendar, featuring the beautiful photographs that won this year's photo contest, is now available for purchase. Support the Maryland DNR by purchasing a calendar this holiday season that will remind you and yours of the beautiful outdoor scenes and wildlife of Maryland. The calendars make great gifts for nature-lovers and photography buffs alike. 2023 calendar"

"Dec. 25th on Sugarloaf Mountain

Geologically, Sugarloaf is known as a monadnock, a mountain that remains after the erosion of the surrounding land. As a monadnock, Sugarloaf stands out from its surroundings, providing spectacular views (especially in winter) in all directions from several cliff overlooks and offering some of the best hiking near the Capital area. Every year, the Sierra Club organizes a hike on Sugarloaf on December 25th. This year will be an 8-mile circuit hike with about 3100 ft. of elevation change (moderate or 3 blisters), described as “not an easy hike.” Dec. 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sugarloaf Mountain, Dickerson, MD. Bring snacks or goodies to share! More information and registration (required)"

"New Year’s Eve Forest Bathing

Disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature during this mindfulness experience presented by the Friends of the National Arboretum. The walk will include three "invitations" prompting you to reflect and meditate on a particular aspect of the natural world as you explore an Arboretum collection. Dec. 31, three time slots available: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. US National Arboretum, Washington, DC. More details and registration"

"Winter Waterfowl Hot Spots

Each autumn, millions of waterfowl follow the Atlantic Flyway to the Chesapeake to spend winter feasting on the Bay’s rich abundance. With miles of marshes and undisturbed waters, the Eastern Shore is the region’s hot spot for wintering waterfowl. But you can spy waterfowl rafting on frosty lakes, creeks, and rivers up and down the Bay’s shores. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is the Chesapeake’s undisputed king of winter waterfowl viewing. A wildlife paradise nestled in the Bay’s vast marshes, Blackwater hosts thousands of migrating birds, including snow geese, teals, and pintails. Other waterfowl magnets on the Eastern Shore include Eastern Neck, Janes Island, and the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center. The Bay’s western shore attracts a wide variety of winter waterfowl, too. Watch buffleheads and ruddy ducks dive at Hoffler Creek[. While] at Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge[,] look for black ducks wintering on the icy river. Along the Potomac River, find waterfowl gathering at Virginia state parks like Westmoreland, Caledon, and Mason Neck."

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