Community Corner
Bat Scientist In Anne Arundel + Black History Month Hike + Valentine's Cooking Lesson
A bat scientist is visiting Anne Arundel. A Black History Month hike is coming to Patapsco Valley. A Valentine's cooking lesson is on tap.
![The National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy suggested attending a lecture from a bat scientist at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary in Lothian. A stock photo of a bat is shown above.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/24287450/20230207/023835/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-54659227___07142503861.jpg)
MARYLAND — Marylanders can learn about bats at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary or Black History Month at Patapsco Valley State Park. A Valentine's Day cooking lesson and a maple syrup extraction demonstration are also in store.
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:
"Jug Bay Soup and Science
Enjoy homemade soup and fresh bread, and catch up with friends and colleagues. Then sit back with dessert and enjoy listening to guest speaker Dr. Gwen Brewer who will share her encounters with a diverse and amazing group of mammals – bats. Her encounters include the migration of 8 million fruit bats in Zambia, bats fishing in the Amazon, cave bats in Borneo and the bats feasting on mosquitos in your own backyard! Ages 16+; $6 per vehicle for non- members. Feb. 12, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, MD. More details and registration"
Find out what's happening in Edgewater-Davidsonvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Black, Indigenous, People of Color Hike
Celebrate Black History [Month] with a hike on the Switchback Trail led by Tempestt Little, who says, “When melanated people go out in nature it’s very powerful. There is healing, peace, medicine, food, vitamins, minerals, adventure and so much more. This Patapsco Valley State Park hike is open to all. Limited binoculars and field guides will be available to borrow. Feb. 12, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; at McKeldin Area, Patapsco Valley State Park, Marriotsville, MD. More information and registration (encouraged)."
"Cob Oven Baking
This Valentine's Day why not skip the crowded restaurants and try your hand at using a clay (cob) oven. Do a cooking class that you're sure to never forget! Perfect for ages 15 and up. $25. Feb. 14, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, St. Leonard, MD. More information and registration"
Find out what's happening in Edgewater-Davidsonvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Maple Magic
There’s magic in our trees! Join Irvine’s Nature Center’s naturalists in a quest to make delicious syrup. Learn to identify maple trees, properly tap a tree to collect its sugary sap and gather round the fire to see how the sticky fluid is converted into syrup. You’ll even get a taste of this liquid gold as a reward for all the hard work! Open to all ages; $10 per person (children under 3 are free). Feb. 19, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Irvine Nature Center, Owings Mills, MD. More info and registration"
"When the Bay Gives You Catfish
Are invasive blue catfish a blessing or a curse for the Chesapeake Bay watershed? Well, it’s complicated. You need to view the total picture from the standpoint of threats and challenges, opportunities and strategies and often on top of that, with regard to their presence in any specific body of water. That’s why someone like John Page Williams, a retired senior naturalist for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and life-long sportsfisherman, is the perfect person to look at blue catfish in our watershed from all possible perspectives. Even if you are not a fisherman, When the Bay Gives You Catfish, Make Fish Tacos makes for a great read – recipes included!"
"Send an Aquatic Valentine!
Can’t make it to the card store? No time for browsing card racks? Want to save a tree? The National Aquarium has come up with fin-tastic Valentine cards to send electronically to make your jawsome friends and loved ones hoppy. The collection includes four all new valentines for 2023 and 12 designs from previous years. “From cuddly-looking seals and sloths to slithery greetings from eels and snakes, no matter the sentiment you'd like to deliver, National Aquarium Valentines are the perfect way to show your whole ecosystem that you care.” Aquatic Valentines"
"A Network of Evil: The Reverse Underground Railroad
Join Ranger Collin and unearth the harrowing true-story of the Reverse Underground Railroad on Maryland's Eastern Shore, which sought to kidnap free African-Americans and press them into slavery. Behind this network of evil stood one of the most sinister figures in American history, a woman by the name of Patty Cannon. Discover her role in one of America's darkest chapters. Note: Content may not be suitable for all ages. Feb. 11, 2 p.m.; Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park, Church Creek, MD. More information and additional Black History Month activities at the park."
"Appalachian Trail – Washington Monument Hike
Join the Sierra Club for a moderate out-and-back hike along the Appalachian Trail from Turners Gap to Washington Monument State Park. Most of the hike will be in the woods, but there will also be some good views. Free. Feb. 25, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Boonesboro, MD. More information and registration"
"Hooley Plunge
Plunge into the chilly waters at Rocky Gap State Park, benefitting Special Olympics of Allegany County and other [programs for people with developmental disabilities]. Jump into the Lake Habeeb for a great cause. March 4, Rocky Gap State Park, Flintstone, MD. More information and registration"
Related:
- Chesapeake Bay Pirates + Harriet Tubman Talk + Birding Tips In MD
- Family Life On Sailboat Talk In Galesville + Havre de Grace Day Trip
- Sailboat History Talk + 2 Guided Winter Walks In Anne Arundel County
- MLK Day Events + 3 Upcoming Hikes In MD
- Volunteer To Remove Invasive Plants + Take Winter Birding Walks In MD
- First-Day Hike At Quiet Waters + Last-Day Bike Ride At Patapsco Valley
- Holiday Lights Open At 2 Zoos + 4 MD Museums Offer Winter Activities
- Winter Solstice Hike In Pasadena + 9-Mile Wetland Trek In Lothian
- Lighted Boat Parade In Fell's Point + Winter Birding At Sandy Point
- Christmas Caroling Cruise In Annapolis + Turkey Trot In Lothian
- Sea Glass Festival Coming To MD + Celebrate Holidays On Chesapeake Bay
- Craft Show In Linthicum Heights + Fall Foliage Hike In Patapsco Valley
- Tall Ship Festival Coming To MD + Scary Movie Hike Planned
- Spooky Events Near Anne Arundel: Bat Hike, Fall Fest, Scary Stories
- Oyster Festival In Shady Side + Ghost Paddle Trip In Lothian
- War Of 1812 Event In Pasadena + Hispanic Heritage Month In Annapolis
- Birders Unite For Full-Day Watch + Waterfront Event Hosted In Spanish
- Annapolis To Host Kunta Kinte Festival + Small Boat Fair Coming To MD
- Watermen's Festival, Charitable Swim To Protect Waterways Coming To MD
- 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
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