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.

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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-Davidsonvillefor free with the latest 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-Davidsonvillefor free with the latest 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"

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