Bird-Watching In South County + Full Moon Paddle On Eastern Shore

MARYLAND — Spring is here, so it's time to get outside. Birders can search for hundreds of species in Lothian. Kayakers can paddle beneath a full moon on the Eastern Shore. Other nature offerings include a caterpillar count and chances to explore a beautiful garden.

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 Bird Walk

Join an avid Jug Bay birder to learn skills for identifying birds by sight and sound. Novice and experienced birders are welcome on this 2-3 mile walk to explore the forests and wetlands in search of the 250+ species of birds that call Jug Bay home, or migrate through. Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a spotting scope and binoculars if you have them. Ages 12 and older, under 18 with a parent. Free with $6 per vehicle park entrance fee. May 7, 7:00 am to 10:00 am; Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Lothian, MD. More information and registration."

"Flower Full Moon Paddle

Join Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum ACA certified staff members for two evening paddles to enjoy the evening sunset and the full moon. Participants are invited to bring their own kayak or rent one from CBMM. Good for both the beginner and intermediate paddler. $30 for those bringing their own kayak, $50 for those renting a kayak from CBMM. Launches from Oak Creek Landing in Newcomb, MD. Anyone age 16 or younger must be accompanied by an adult. More information and registration."

"Caterpillar Counting at Pickering Audubon

Citizen [scientists]! Help count arthropods at the Pickering Creek Audubon Center. Arthropods are an important food source for birds and other wildlife. “Caterpillars Count!” is a citizen science project for measuring the seasonal variation and abundance of arthropods like caterpillars, beetles, and spiders found on the foliage of trees and shrubs. Group leaders will provide all materials needed and guide volunteers through survey procedures. May 14, 9:00 am to 11:30 am; Pickering Creek Audubon Center, Easton, MD. More information and registration (required)."

"Native Plants from a Native Perspective

Join Ken Parker, [a] member of the Seneca Nation, and learn from the unique perspective of an Indigenous horticulturist as he explores traditional culinary, medicinal, and spiritual uses of North American flora. Learn about his efforts leading the Food is our Medicine project for the Seneca Nation of Indians, reintroducing Indigenous foods to all ages. Ken will help you decolonize your garden and find natural solutions to the landscape challenges you face. Free. May 7, 10:00 am to 11:30 am; Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD. More info and registration."

"The Beauty and Tranquility of Brookside Gardens

It’s as if the planners of Brookside Gardens, located in Wheaton, Maryland, set out to plumb the very depths of the word “garden,” in all its various forms and purposes. There’s the Aquatic Garden, Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Style Garden, Trial Garden, Rain Garden, and the Woodland Walk. The Formal Gardens areas include a Perennial Garden, Yew Garden, the Maple Terrace, and the Fragrance Garden. The beauty and sensory delights of Brookside are not its only reason for being. It also offers a variety of health and wellness programs, including forest bathing, the Heart Smart Trail program and Strolls for Well Being, a balm for anyone who is, suffering from stress or trauma, or otherwise seeking greater peace and fulfillment in their life. Read The Magic of Brookside Gardens, one visitor’s account of a day spent exploring this award-winning site."

RELATED:

• Sandy Point To Host Junior Ranger Day + B&A Trail Offers Outdoor Fun
• Hiking Day Planned In Crownsville + Women's Canoeing Slated In Lothian
• Explore Patapsco Valley State Park + Spot Wildlife With Aquarium
• Shady Side Park Is Hidden Gem + MD Museum To Host Archaeology Day
• Maryland Day Events Announced + New Annapolis Museum Opens
• Otter Event Coming To MD + Cherry Blossoms Near Peak Bloom
• Chesapeake Bay Fishing Tips + Harriet Tubman Birthday Events
• Syrup, Eagle Festivals Happening In Maryland This Month
• MD Events Highlight Underground Railroad's Sailing, Songs
• Fossilized Feces Exhibit Comes To MD + Experts Offer Fishing Tips
• MD Black History Month: Composer Discussion + Civil Rights Movies
• Smithsonian Seeks Interns In Edgewater + Jug Bay Gives Free Tours
• Chesapeake Bay Oyster Talks, Patapsco State Park Hike Planned
• Ice Sculpture, Oyster Festival + Chesapeake Bay Photo Exhibit
• MLK Day Brings Free Park Entrance, Honorary Events To DMV
• Polar Bear Plunge Returns To Sandy Point, Winter Events Planned
• Sandy Point, Patapsco State Parks Will Host New Year's Day Hikes
• 100K Waterfowl Visit MD Sanctuary + London Town Offers Activities
• Winter Solstice Hike Planned + Top Trout Fishing Locations Ranked
• Winter Birding At Sandy Point + Kwanzaa Celebration In Annapolis
• MD Holiday Celebrations: Sandy Point Lights, Yuletide Festival
• Owls Will Migrate Over Maryland + Cookbook Features Local Recipes
• MD Sea Glass, Coastal Arts Festival Slated + Holiday Lights Begin
• Quiet Waters Park Outdoor Ice Rink Opens Soon In Annapolis
• Chesapeake Bay Watershed Movie Premiers + Nature Paddle Planned
• Bat Week Activities + Composting In Annapolis: Autumn Events
• Chesapeake Bay Jack-O'-Lanterns + MD Fall Foliage Road Trips
• Puppy, Halloween Train Rides Planned + Evening Canoe Event Slated
• Waterway Appreciation Planned + Waterfowl, Bird Watching Slated
• Oyster Festival Slated + Hispanic Cultural Events Planned In MD
• Track Fall Foliage + Visit Smithsonian Environmental Center
• Hidden Chesapeake Beach + Underground Railroad Commemoration
• Docking Contest, Shark Exhibit, Free Museum Tickets Offered In MD
• Monarch Butterflies Will Fly Over MD, Educational Events Planned
• Mystery & Ice Cream Train, Kayak Bird Watching Event Slated In MD
• Raft-Up Boat Concert, Sailboat Races Approach In Maryland
• Seafood Lesson, Gold Hike, Folk Festival Offered In Maryland
• Tall Ship, Lighthouse Day, Waterfront Festival Celebrated In MD
• Annapolis Tropical Concert Returns After Year Hiatus
• Chesapeake Bay Camping, Sunflower Hike: Explore Maryland's Nature
• Free Smithsonian Center, Train Museum Tours Offered In MD
• Sharkfest Comes To MD Museum, Exhibit Will Feature Live Predators
• Historic London Town Tells Revolutionary War Tales Around July 4
• Tall Ships Come To Annapolis For July 4, Skipjack Tours Available
• Save The Fireflies, Thank The Bees In MD: Pollinator Week Events
• Track Dolphins In Chesapeake Bay, Fish For Invasive Snakeheads
• Hike In Greenbelt, Paddle Board In Lothian On National Trails Day
• Antique Boat Show, Father's Day Cruise Come To MD Waters

Have a story idea? Please contact me at jacob.baumgart@patch.com with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County news.