Smithsonian Seeks Interns In Edgewater + Lothian Sanctuary Offers Free Tours

MARYLAND — There are plenty of ways to get in touch with nature in Maryland.

A research facility is looking for interns, and a wetland sanctuary is giving tours. A lecture will explore the fate of one of Baltimore's most famous tall ships, and a guide will offer lessons on winter foraging for evergreens. Plus, a photo essay spotlights two owls who captured the hearts of DMV residents.

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:

"Smithsonian Environmental Center Summer Internships

The Smithsonian Environmental Center (SERC) Internship Program offers undergraduate and beginning graduate students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the fields of environmental research and public engagement. Intern projects include environmental chemistry, marine and estuarine ecology, molecular ecology, and terrestrial ecology, and include opportunities in public engagement, citizen science, and science writing. The Center is located in Edgewater, Maryland. The deadline for applications is Feb. 15, 2022. More information and application submission."

"Jug Bay Guided Tours

Join a Jug Bay Naturalist for a free guided tour of the Marsh Boardwalk to discover the wonderful and unique plants and animals found at the Sanctuary. A brief history of the Sanctuary will be included. The tour is approximately 45 minutes and is free with the $6 park vehicle entrance fee. No registration is required. Feb. 5, 11, 18, and 25; 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm; Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Lothian, MD. More information."

"Pride of the Sea

The book "Pride of the Sea” recounts the tragic loss of the schooner Pride of Baltimore in a storm at sea in 1986. Author Tom Waldron takes readers inside Pride, from her glorious launch to final voyage in an online recounting. "Pride of the Sea" tells, in vivid detail, the story of those who survived and those lost at sea. And it examines why the tragedy occurred and addresses responsibility for the disaster. Feb. 3, 7:00 pm. More information and registration."

"Winter Foraging

You don’t have to stop foraging just because it’s winter. Clare Walker, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener, will lead you on a foraging excursion through Irvine Nature Center. Special attention will be paid to evergreens. Evergreens have a long history of being used to treat coughs and colds, and traditionally supplied much-needed vitamins during the winter, and today many can be found in gourmet recipes. Learn which evergreens to harvest and which to avoid, and foraging etiquette. Ages 16+; $15 per person. Feb. 5, 1:30 to 3:30; Irvine Nature Center, Owings Mills, MD. More information and registration."

"Snowy Magic

In recent weeks two snowy owls have been cause for excitement in the Chesapeake Bay area – one in Washington, DC, and one in Cambridge, Maryland. The DC snowy has been nicknamed “Duchess” by her admirers and is fond of hanging out at the Columbus Fountain at Union Station. Two photographers, Michael Weiss and Ronald Leung, have been kind enough to allow us to share their work on our website in a photo essay entitled “Snowy Magic.” Enjoy!"

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• 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
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• Free Smithsonian Center, Train Museum Tours Offered In MD
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• Hike In Greenbelt, Paddle Board In Lothian On National Trails Day
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