Delmarva Fox Squirrel Recovered

The Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel is no longer at risk of extinction, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

USFWS will officially remove the squirrel from the list of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in December 2015.

The species was one of the animals included on the first list of endangered species nearly a half century ago.

Larger than other squirrel species and generally not found in suburban or urban areas, the Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel ranged throughout the Delmarva Peninsula of Maryland, Delaware and Virginia before experiencing a sharp decline in the mid-20th century.

With its range reduced more than 90 percent, the squirrel was one of 78 species listed under the Endangered Species Preservation Act in 1967, the predecessor of the ESA enacted six years later.

Since listing, the squirrel’s range has increased from four to 10 counties, and a population of up to 20,000 squirrels now covers 28 percent of the Delmarva Peninsula, primarily in Maryland.

Efforts contributing to recovery include translocation of animals to establish new populations, closing of the targeted hunting season, growth and dispersal of the population, and protection of large forested areas for habitat.

Delmarva fox squirrels are common at Blackwater (Maryland), Chincoteague (Virginia), and Prime Hook (Delaware) national wildlife refuges.

Prior to its 2014 proposal to remove the squirrel from the endangered species list, FWS followed a rigorous and detailed process to assess the Delmarva fox squirrel’s extinction risk.

The agency’s 2012 five-year review analyzed the status of populations, habitat and threats, considered the delisting criteria from the 1993 recovery plan, and ultimately recommended to delist the species because it is no longer in danger of extinction. A post-delisting monitoring plan will ensure the squirrel remains secure from extinction.

source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Maryland Boat Parades 2015

A variety of boat parades will be held around Maryland for the 2015 Christmas season. The following list includes events on the Eastern Shore and Western Shore:

Baltimore

The Baltimore Parade of Lighted Boats is scheduled to occur in the Northwest and Inner Harbors at Baltimore, MD on December 5, 2015, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.The parade consists of 36 sail and power vessels of various lengths that will gather near Fells Point in the Northwest Harbor, proceed to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, and return to Fells Point.

A lighted boat parade is scheduled to occur in the Middle River on November 28, 2015, between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The parade consists of up to 50 sail and power vessels operating on the Middle River.

Annapolis

The Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade is scheduled to occur in Annapolis Harbor and Spa Creek on December 12, 2015, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event includes two separate boat parade routes.

Solomons Island

A holiday season lighted boat parade is scheduled to occur on the Patuxent River, Solomons Harbor, and Back Creek at Solomons, MD on December 5, 2015, from 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. The boat parade consists of 15 sail and power vessels operating on a designated route that includes Solomons Harbor, Back Creek and the Patuxent River, before returning to Solomons Harbor.

Salisbury

A lighted boat parade is scheduled to occur in the upper Wicomico River on November 28, 2015, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. The parade consists of approximately 15 power vessels beginning at the Wicomico Yacht Club in Wicomico Creek and transiting the Wicomico River upriver to the Port of Salisbury, MD, before returning to Wicomico Creek.

source: U.S Coast Guard 5th District

Friends of Patuxent Wildlife Holiday Bazaar

Friends of Patuxent Wildlife Holiday Bazaar
November 14, 2015
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Patuxent Research Refuge

The 2015 Patuxent Research Refuge Holiday Bazaar will include a variety of new and gently used collectibles, books, crafts, artwork, and other items. Food and bake goods will also be offered for sale at the event.

The Friends of Patuxent Wildlife Holiday Bazaar supports the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and the Patuxent Research Refuge.

For more information, visit www.friendsofpatuxent.org.