Arts & Entertainment

Cherry Blossom Festival + 4 MD Hikes + New Zoo Exhibit: DMV Events

The cherry blossoms are approaching full bloom. Nature lovers can also enjoy these four Maryland hikes and a new zoo exhibit.

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The National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy suggested attending the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The cherry blossoms are pictured above during last year's event in Washington, D.C.
The National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy suggested attending the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The cherry blossoms are pictured above during last year's event in Washington, D.C. (Jacob Baumgart/Patch)

MARYLAND — Here's when the cherry blossoms will be in peak bloom. Four Maryland hikes are also in store. A new zoo exhibit and a gardening class round out the outdoorsy 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:

"Bloom Watch!

The National Park Service has just announced its prediction for peak bloom of the cherry blossom trees lining the Washington, D.C. tidal [basin] – March 22 to 25. The peak bloom date is defined as the day when 70% of the Yoshino cherry blossoms are open. Of course, that’s just an estimate so you’ll want to check the NPS Bloom Watch page before [making] plans to visit. While you’re on the Bloom Watch page you can check to see when the various stages of bloom occurred in previous years going back to 2004. The National Park [Service] will be hosting various activities and events during the Cherry Blossom Festival and we will include them as they become available in future Trips & Tips. Across the National Mall, the NPS official festival partner, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, is hosting a wide variety of exciting events and activities to celebrate the gift of the cherry blossom trees."

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"Awesome Ospreys Talk and Hike

Join a Jug Bay volunteer naturalist in a search for ospreys as they return to Jug Bay from Central and South America. First learn about their habits through a short presentation and then take an easy hike stopping along the way to observe these magnificent birds. $5 per person Includes park entrance fee. Open to any age able to walk about two miles. March 19, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Lothian, MD. More information and registration"

"Nature Walk at Patuxent National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge is the largest block of unfragmented forest between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, and has been called the “green lungs” of the region. One of the refuge’s primary purposes is to preserve songbird habitat and the refuge’s deep-forest habitats are essential to songbirds such as the scarlet tanager and the wood thrush. Join the Sierra Club for [a] hike on the South Tract, which hosts five miles of walking trails and two beautiful scenic lakes. The trail will be mostly flat and hiking will be at an easy pace. Free parking and park entry. March 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Patuxent National Wildlife Refuge, Laurel, MD. More information and registration"

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"Glen Echo, C&O Canal, Clara Barton History Tour

This National Park Service guided hike starts at the carousel in Glen Echo Park to tell the story of what was once Washington’s premiere amusement park. Next, you’ll cross over the C&O Canal and walk upstream along the tow path as you learn about its storied history. Crossing the canal again you’ll walk up the hill to learn about the Union Arch Bridge, part of the Washington [Aqueduct]. You’ll finish the journey in the town of Glen Echo at the Clara Barton National Historic Site to learn about the history of the house and the story of the founder of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton. March 18, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Glen Echo, MD. More information"

"Get Your Feet Wet Monocacy Hike

Do you like bushwhacking? Do stream crossings add to your sense of adventure? Then this Seneca Creek State Park-led [hike] is for you! Seneca Creek State Park also manages Monocacy Natural Resource Management Area where this 2-mile round-trip hike takes place. The hike has five stream crossings, but only one bridge and you’ll also discover slag from an 18th century iron furnace, lime kiln ruins, a quarry, and a hemlock grove. Waterproof boots and hiking poles are advised. March 12, 1:30 p.m.; Monocacy NRMA, Dickerson, MD. More information"

"New Birdhouse Opens at the National Zoo

The Smithsonian National Zoo’s new Bird House exhibit opens to the public on March 13. The completely redesigned and immersive bird house features birding habitats for the Delaware Bay, a lush prairie pothole and a tropical bird friendly coffee farm where nearly 80 species of birds stride, paddle, tweet and fly all around. Inside each of the three walkthrough aviaries are bilingual panels in English and Spanish, highlighting the hundreds of bird species that travel across the Americas every year. Enjoy daily animal keeper talks and feeding demos, learn about banding and satellite migration tracking and see the zoo’s example of a bird-friendly garden. Watch the preview video of the new birdhouse."

"Native Plants for Spring Interest

Discover how incorporating native species in your garden can offer seasonal beauty while providing critical habitat for local wildlife. A variety of native plants from spring ephemerals and wildflowers to early-blooming trees, shrubs and vines will be covered. Learn the best bets for your area. $12. March 18, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD. More information and registration (p. 13)"

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