National Wildlife Refuge Week Maryland Events

In Maryland, a number of activities will be held in celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week 2012.

Patuxent Research Refuge will host a variety of activities Saturday, October 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event will feature live animals, kids’ crafts, tram tours ($3), scientific demonstrations, and behind-the-scenes research tours of the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. Participants will learn how endangered whooping cranes and sea ducks are raised and studied.

On Sunday, October 14, Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge will participate in the "The Big Sit!" bird count.

The activity will be held at the Tubby Cove Observation Platform, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. During the event, teams count and report bird species seen or heard from a 17-foot-diameter circle.

Each year in October, The Big Sit! bird count is held at a number of refuges across the USA.

source: USFWS

Ocean City Maryland Free Fishing Areas

In 2012, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) designated two popular Ocean City saltwater fishing spots as license-free fishing areas.

Northside Park is located where 125th Street meets Assawoman Bay, and features a fishing pier, concessions, playgrounds, a picnic area, walking paths, playing fields and a sports center.

The Chicago Avenue Boardwalk (2nd Street Bulkhead) has metered parking, wheelchair access, and a fish cleaning station.

Anglers ages 16 and older, who would like to utilize free fishing areas without a license, must register with the State (at no cost) by calling 855-855-3906 or online at https://compass.dnr.maryland.gov/dnrcompassportal.

The registration enters anglers into a national database, which is used to help assess recreational fishing activity in tidal waters.

source: MD DNR

Things to Do in Maryland USA

With an abundance of natural resources, diverse geography, historical landmarks, and thriving tourism industry, Maryland is one of the best vacation spots in the USA.

Several Maryland cities are famous for their culture. Baltimore is a historic city and bustling industrial port with an incredible number of weekly events and other things to do.

Annapolis, Maryland's capital, is home to the Naval Academy, numerous historical buildings, and one of the nation's most famous sailing ports. In the western part of the state, cities like Frederick, Hagerstown, and Cumberland have plenty of history and culture.

One of the state's most important attractions is the Chesapeake Bay. While the upper bay is famous for its cities, the middle and lower bay is mainly occupied by small to mid-sized communities. On the western shore in southern Maryland are the fishing communities of Deale and Solomon's Island.

On the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Chestertown, Easton, Saint Michaels, Cambridge, and Crisfield all have rich histories that are closely tied to the bay. In Tangier Sound, three small communities on Smith Island have been occupied by watermen for hundreds of years.

With scores of ports, Maryland is an excellent state for boating. Sailboat enthusiasts find the Chesapeake Bay to be an excellent body of water to explore. Cruisers, water skiers, and powerboaters also enjoy the bay and its many rivers.

In some areas, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and other paddlecraft are popular. These small but useful boats allow enthusiasts to explore areas where larger boats cannot travel. 

For anglers, the list of things to do in Maryland is incredible. The state has outstanding opportunities for fishermen, including freshwater as well as saltwater fishing. Freshwater anglers will find trout streams, rivers, lakes, farm ponds, and other fishing areas.

For those that prefer saltwater fishing, there are fishing piers, beaches for surf fishing, fishing aboard private boats, guided fishing trips, and deep sea fishing charters.

Nature lovers will also find plenty of activities in Maryland. Birdwatchers will find hundreds of species of birds, including songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, birds of prey, and other bird life.

The state also has plenty of mammals such as whitetail deer, sika deer, black bear, coyote, red foxes, gray foxes, skunks, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, chipmunks, groundhogs, and others. For herp enthusiasts, there are hundreds of species of turtles, snakes, lizards, frogs, toads, and other creatures.

For many visitors, Maryland beaches are a major attraction. On the Eastern Shore, Ocean City and Assateague Island attract visitors from across the nation. Just minutes apart, the two destinations offer totally different experiences.

Ocean City is a bustling beach resort that receives millions of visitors annually. This nationally recognized vacation destination features lifeguards, well maintained beaches, a historic boardwalk, amusements, restaurants, museums, and other attractions.

Just to the South, Assateague Island lies in stark contrast to Ocean City. This barrier island is occupied by Assateague Island State Park as well as Assateague Island National Seashore.

Its undeveloped beaches are occupied by wild ponies, deer, sea birds, and other wildlife. Visitors can swim, explore the island, collect shells, enjoy surf fishing, or simply enjoy the view.

Related Information

Things To Do on the Eastern Shore

Things To Do in Ocean City MD

Places To Visit in Baltimore Maryland

Maryland 2012 Hunting and Fishing Day Expo

On September 22nd, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host the State’s 2012 National Hunting and Fishing Day Celebration and Expo. The expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore in Marriottsville.

The show will include more than 30 fishing and hunting clubs, conservation organizations and local businesses. A number of interactive activities will be available, including spin casting, waterfowl calling lessons, dog demonstrations, archery and target shooting with expert instructors. There will also be hunting and fishing displays and demonstrations.

Local sponsors of the event include the National Wild Turkey Federation-Maryland Chapter, National Wildlife Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International- Chesapeake Chapter, Baltimore County Game and Fish Protective Association, Tudor Farms Inc., Maryland Fur Trappers Inc., and the Maryland Bowhunters Society.

The event will take place at the Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore, 11518 Marriottsville Rd., Marriottsville, Md. 21104. Citizens who would like more information, or those who are interested in becoming a vendor, may call 410-260-8537 or visit dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Hunt_Trap/NHFD/index.asp

source: MD DNR