Maryland Fall Foliage 2015

Fall foliage has begun to appear across parts of Maryland, according to the Maryland Office of Tourism and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fall Foliage & Festival Hotline.

Some of the earliest displays of fall foliage can be found in western Maryland. Traditionally, foliage in Garrett County begins to turn around the end of September and peaks around mid-October.

Maryland's fall foliage hues usually vary from year to year, depending on Autumn temperatures, rainfall, storms, and other factors.

During the Fall season, trees release a chemical called phytochrome, which slows down chlorophyll production in preparation for winter dormancy. As the green chlorophyll recedes, foliage changes color.

The amount and acidity of tree sap also affects foliage colors. Strongly acidic sap leads to red and other brightly-colored foliage, while less acidic sap produces more yellows or softer tones.


Fall Foliage Colors

Yellows

Ash, White
Basswood
Beech
Birch, Rive
Birch, Sweet
Buckeye, Ohio
Coffeetree, Kentucky
Cottonwood, Eastern
Elder, Box
Elm, American
Hazel Nut
Hickory, Mockernut
Hickory, Pignut
Hickory, Shagbark
Hickory, Shellbark
Hophornbeam, Eastern
Locust, Black
Locust, Honey
Maple, Silver
Oak, Chestnut
Pecan
Redbud, Eastern
Shad Bush
Tuliptree
Walnut, Black
Walnut, White
Willow, Black

Reds - Pinks - Oranges

Dogwood
Gum, Black
Oak, Northern Red
Oak, Pin
Oak, Scarlet
Oak, Southern Red
Oak, Swamp Chestnut
Sourwood
Sumac

Browns

Oak, Bur
Oak, Post
Oak, Shingle
Oak, Swamp White

Maryland Oyster Season 2015-2016

Maryland's 2015-2016 oyster season opened October 1st in Maryland. For the first month of the season, only hand tonging, patent tonging and diving are permitted.

Oyster harvesting is expected to increase when watermen begin power and sail dredging on Nov. 1. Maryland's oyster season runs from Oct. 1 through March 31.

Maryland’s watermen harvested a total of 393,588 bushels with a dockside value of $17.3 million in 2014-2015.

The 2014 Fall Oyster Survey indicated that the oyster population is continuing to hold steady.

source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Hurricane Joaquin - October Noreaster

The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting heavy rain during the first week of October for the State of Maryland.

Some areas in Maryland could receive 5 to 10 inches of total precipitation, which could produce flooding of rivers, streams, ponds, and low-lying areas, according to the agency.

The Hogan administration has asked State agencies, including the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), to make preparations for the incoming storms.

MEMA is recommending that residents take the following actions:

Clean storm drains and gutters on your house to prevent overflow and water buildup.

Don’t wait. Communicate. Know how to get in contact with your friends and family during any emergency.

Fuel up your automobile before any storm.

If you have a basement in your house, shelve household items and make sure any electronic equipment is not lying directly on the floor.

Check to see if you live or work in a flood prone area: http://mema.maryland.gov/Pages/floodProneZones.aspx

Listen to instructions from local officials and know the current forecast by following your local emergency management office, forecasters, and news stations.

In addition to rainfall associated with a noreaster, MEMA is also monitoring Hurricane Joaquin which could bring additional rain and wind.

source: Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary 30th Anniversary

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary 30th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Glendening Nature Preserve
1290 Wrighton Rd
Lothian, MD

On Saturday, October 3, 2015, the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary (JBWS) will host an anniversary celebration and concert at the Glendening Nature Preserve (Plummer House).

The FREE anniversary celebration will feature a climbing wall, hayrides, live animals, touch-a-truck, kids’ zone, guided hikes, food, local vendors, gift bag giveaways, native milkweed planting, and more.

During the celebration, visitors will enjoy live music throughout the day from the Jug Bay Jug Band, Bridgette Michaels, Rockfish, and The Back Pages.