Christmas Craft Show In Linthicum Heights + Fall Foliage Hike In Patapsco Valley

MARYLAND — The leaves are changing, and it's a beautiful time to explore Maryland. Residents can get outside this weekend at a Christmas craft market, a fall foliage hike or a clean-up day. Other opportunities include autumn walks through wetlands, conservation career advice, a Native American heritage celebration and birding events.

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:

"Craft Show and Flea Market

Get a jump on holiday gift buying at Benson-Hammond House. Shop a large selection of crafts and vintage finds, with over 50 vendors on the grounds for your shopping pleasure. Nov. 5, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Benson Hammond House, Linthicum Heights, MD. More information"

"Fall Colors Hike

Enjoy the colors of autumn on display as you walk through Patapsco Valley State Park. Hike down Union Dam and up the River Ridge Trail to view the foliage and enjoy the beauty nature has to offer. Be prepared for a rigorous hike on variable terrain. This is not a hike for beginners! Rain cancels hike. Signup is encouraged. Groups larger than 5 must sign up in advance. Nov. 6, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Patapsco Valley State Park, Hollofield, Ellicott City, MD. More information"

"Fort McHenry Field Day

This is an opportunity to give a day for the Bay, by joining the National Aquarium's Conservation team for a field day at Fort McHenry National Monument. Remove debris from the wetlands, maintain the pollinator and rain gardens and more. Data collected from this event will contribute to the Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup. Ages 10+; free. Nov. 5, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Baltimore, MD. More information and registration"

"Fall Beauty In Our Wetlands

The Chesapeake Bay Watershed is home to an abundance of autumnal glory displayed in our hardwood forests, but even more uniquely Chesapeake, our swamps, bogs and wetlands have a fall beauty all their own. Smaller plants and conifers also go through fall changes and add green to an otherwise brown palette. Fungi often pop up in wetlands overnight and come in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes. More easily spotted in open wetlands, migrating birds are passing through and stopping in our wetlands for shelter and food. Beginning north in Pennsylvania, Black Moshannon State Park bog area is 1,992 acres with many trails as well as boardwalk overlooks. Within Forbes State Forest the trailhead to the Spruce Flats Bog is located in Laurel Summit State Park. An intensive wild rice wetland restoration makes Jug Bay Natural Area a great fall destination for birders in search of the park’s Sora rails and many other avian species. In Virginia, First Landing State Park’s “rainbow swamp” phenomenon occurs in late fall and winter when the leaves of the bald cypress fall into the swamp and release oils as they decay. Battle Creek Cypress Swamp in Prince Frederick, Maryland and Trap Pond in Delaware are also great destinations for enjoying fall in a cypress swamp."

"Careers In Conservation Online Guidebook

A career in conservation includes a wide range of disciplines that support action to protect, preserve, restore and conserve our natural resources. The Maryland DNR’s new online Guide To Conservation Careers in Maryland is designed to present career options for young adults and career changers who want to make a difference and are passionate about the environment. The online guidebook includes reasons to choose a conservation career, how to choose what type of conservation career to pursue, academic and vocational programs in Maryland and tips for applying for jobs. Read the guide online."

"American Indian Heritage Day

Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum has 10,000 years of documented human occupation. Celebrate the extraordinary contributions American Indians have made, and continue to make, to our nation. The free event features local Native dancers, educational activities and demonstrations. Nov. 5, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, St. Leonard, MD. More information"

"Blackwater Birding UPDATES

We have received notice that dates have changed since we last published them in our Oct. 10 newsletter. UPDATES: Guided birding tours take place on the following Sunday mornings: November 6, led by Refuge Volunteer Terry Allen, and on October 30, November 13, and December 4, led by Refuge Volunteer Harry Armistead. Participants will meet at the Blackwater NWR Visitor Center. Meeting time is 8:00 am for October 30 and November 6, and 9:00 am for November 13 and December 4."

Related:

• 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