Arts & Entertainment

Syrup, Eagle Festivals Happening In Maryland This Month

Marylanders can learn how to make syrup at an upcoming festival. Other festivities will celebrate eagles at a wildlife refuge.

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National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy suggested attending the Maple Syrup Festival this month. The event takes place at Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont. A stock photo of syrup is shown above.
National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy suggested attending the Maple Syrup Festival this month. The event takes place at Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont. A stock photo of syrup is shown above. (Jacob Baumgart/Patch)

MARYLAND — Maryland has two unique festivals scheduled for this month. One will teach residents about syrup. The other will celebrate eagles.

Plus, a talk will explore the role of a major Maryland port.

Locals can appreciate nature from home by checking out an osprey webcam. A virtual college and career fair is also in store for students interested in the environment.

Find out what's happening in Edgewater-Davidsonvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A tree planting event rounds out the upcoming offerings.

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 Edgewater-Davidsonvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Maple Syrup Festival

It’s that time of year when the sap is running, so be a part of the fun at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources annual Maple Festival at Cunningham Falls State Park. Watch as park staff demonstrate the traditional way of simmering sap, starting every half hour from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm each day. You can take a hike on the self-guided Storybook Trail and end the day by purchasing maple syrup and maple flavored treats. Pancakes and sausage will not be served this year, but light fare and hot beverages will be for sale at the Nature Center. A $3 donation per person is requested. March 12-13, 19-20, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm each day; Cunningham Falls State Park, Thurmont, MD. More info."

"Blackwater Eagle Festival

This year’s Eagle Festival will be a unique mix of virtual and limited in-person activities. A guided bird walk will kick off each morning in search of ducks, geese, swans, songbirds, and bald eagles. Kids ages 8+ can sign up for youth archery safety and instruction, or dissect an owl pellet, and little ones can take a “story walk” on the Woods Trail. Refuge staff will lead a guided 5-mile bicycle tour of Wildlife Drive. Pre-registration is required for all programs. The Wildlife Drive will be free-of-charge both weekends. March 5-6 and 12-13, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Cambridge, MD. More info, QR code, and registration."

"The Port of Baltimore: The Wealth in Our Water

Strategically located at the top of the Chesapeake Bay, the Port of Baltimore plays a critical role in national and international maritime commerce. As part of their Winter Speaker Series, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is hosting a discussion examining the Port of Baltimore’s history and current happenings, as well as the Port’s preparations for the future, and its role in developing regional trade. $7.50; this is a virtual session to be held via Zoom. March 9, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. More information and registration."

"As We Await Their Return...

Now is the perfect time, as we wait for the return of our ospreys, to brush up on their time spent here on the Bay. Photojournalist Michael Weiss has written a wonderful account of what our ospreys are up to, from when they arrive (usually in early March) to their departure in late fall. And Michael’s photographs chronicle the whole saga. Check out The Season of Chesapeake Ospreys.

When the ospreys do arrive you can watch the whole drama in real time on the Chesapeake Conservancy’s webcam, featuring osprey superstars, Tom & Audrey, along with running commentary (they've already started!) from their hosts, the Crazy Osprey Family."

College And Career Fair

"Ocean Institute has announced the 2022 Virtual Marine and Environmental Sciences College and Career Fair for students, parents, and counselors. Live presentations, college and university exhibits, potential career paths, and more aim to help students learn more about post-high school opportunities. Speakers and exhibitors include NOAA, Stony Brook University, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, and more. The interactive day is from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on March 12, and will inform and encourage students about post-high school, college, and career opportunities. More information and registration."

"Nassawango White Cedar Planting

Nassawango Creek is one of Maryland's most pristine waterways. The preserve is home to an abundant diversity of life, including many species of orchids, warblers, and other plants and animals. Join the National Aquarium's Conservation team—in partnership with The Nature Conservancy—to plant Atlantic white cedar trees and help perform site maintenance at Nassawango Creek Preserve. March 26, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Registration and more information."

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