Maryland DNR December events

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Upcoming Public Meetings __________



Middle Potomac tributaries meeting

Wednesday December 2 at 4 p.m.

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, Richard G. Hocevar Building, Laurel (Anne Arundel County)



Upper Western Shore tributaries meeting

Monday December 7 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Location TBA



Lower Potomac tributaries meeting

Monday December 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, 29449 Charlotte Hall Road, Charlotte Hall (St. Mary’s County)



Maryland Environmental Trust Board of Trustees meeting

Monday December 7; email lholmes@dnr.state.md.us for time and to RSVP

Maryland Environmental Trust, 100 Community Place, 1st Floor, Crownsville (Anne Arundel County)



Blue Crab Latent Effort and Housekeeping hearing

Wednesday December 9 at 6 p.m.

Easton High School, 723 Mecklenburg Ave., Easton (Talbot County)



Oyster Advisory Commission meeting

Wednesday December 9 at 4 p.m.

Calvary United Methodist Church, Annapolis (Anne Arundel County)



Pax River Commission

Wednesday December 9 at 4 p.m.

Maryland Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis (Anne Arundel County)



Patapsco/Back meeting

Thursday December 10 at 6 p.m.

Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore (Baltimore County)



Choptank meeting

Thursday December 10 at 7 p.m.

Location TBA



Upper Eastern Shore tributaries meeting

Monday December 14 at 7 p.m.

Kent County Commissioners Hearing Room, 400 High Street, Chestertown (Kent County)



Blue Crab Latent Effort and Housekeeping hearing

Monday December 14 at 6 p.m.

Center for Applied Learning and Technology building, room 100, Anne Arundel Community College



Lower Eastern Shore tributaries meeting

Tuesday December 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Location TBA





Upcoming Public Events __________

For information about upcoming DNR Events, click here.



Mountain Reflections

Every day until January 1, 2010, 6 to 9:30 p.m.; $7 per car, $15 per van, $50 per tour bus

Rocky Gap State Park, 12500 Pleasant Valley Road, Flintstone (Allegany County)

Mountain Reflections is a premiere seasonal light show that features over 60 animated and stationary colorful lit displays. This is truly a delightful experience for all ages. Proceeds from the show benefit the American Red Cross. For information, call 240-215-7576.



An Afternoon of Floral Design and Tea

December 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; $40 per person

Gunpowder Falls State Park, 2813 Jerusalem Road, Kingsville (Baltimore County)

Come join us for an afternoon of floral design and tea. Each participant will use fresh floral materials to create a Williamsburg style arrangement of boxwood and berries with a hurricane globe and candle. Participants will then enjoy a traditional Colonial Tea. Class is limited to 12 participants. For more information or to register call 410-529-8488 and leave a message, name, and phone number.



Little Shoots: Owls – Silent Hunters

December 2 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; $5 per child

Patapsco Valley State Park, Hilton Nature Center, Catonsville (Baltimore County)

Owls are normally hidden in the night, so this is a special chance to meet them in the daylight to learn what makes them silent hunters. This program includes hands-on activities and a craft and is recommended for ages 2-5. For information or to sign-up, call 410-461-5005.



Merkle Holiday Open House

December 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; free

Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary and Visitor's Center, Upper Marlboro, (Prince George’s County)

Join us for our annual holiday open house. We will have a natural craft and ornament demonstration going on all day. Create holiday decorations for our holiday tree or keep it for your self. The Maryland Conservation Corps will also be providing a live reptile program at 2:00 p.m. for visitors and a night hike at 4:30 p.m. If you plan to attend the night hike please wear warm clothing and walking shoes. Light refreshments will also be provided to all guests. This is also peak season for Canada Geese, which is the main focus of the sanctuary. Come join us and celebrate their migration and the holiday season. For information, call 301-888-1410.



Direction, you got some?

December 5 from 9 to 10 a.m.; $2 per person

Patapsco Valley State Park, McKeldin area, Marriotsville, (Carroll County)

Learn some simple navigation tricks from a Ranger to find your way in the woods without a GPS. Use the sun, moon, stars and more to find north. This program is recommended for ages 7 and up. Meet at the parking lot near the contact station. For information or to sign-up in advance, call 410-461-5005.



Bad Bad Plants

December 5 from 1 to 2 p.m.; $2 per person

Patapsco Valley State Park, Avalon area, Halethorpe, (Baltimore County)

Ever thrown a dead plant outside thinking it would do no harm? Does it? Come find out. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water for a stroll to discover invasive species. This program is recommended for ages 5-11. Meet at the picnic tables at Lost Lake. For information or to sign-up, call 410-461-5005.



Owl Prowl

December 5 from 8 to 10 p.m.; $5 per person

Soldiers Delight, Vistors Center, Owings Mills (Baltimore County)

Take a hike to listen for owls, followed by a program with owls from Scales and Tales. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. This program is recommended forages 7 and up. For information or to sign-up, call 410-461-5005.



Holiday Craft Workshop

December 6 from 2 to 4 p.m.; $2 for materials

Soldiers Delight, Vistors Center, Owings Mills (Baltimore County)

Learn to make holiday crafts, such as bookmarks, greeting cards & tree ornaments from nature’s own gifts. This program is recommended for ages 6 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For information or to sign up, call 410-461-5005.

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Muzzleloader Deer Season Reopens December 19

Maryland’s late muzzleloader season for deer opens on Saturday, December 19 and continues through January 2, 2010. The early winter season is popular with deer hunters and provides the opportunity to pursue their favorite game with a different type of firearm.

“Muzzleloader hunting is a great opportunity for hunters to enjoy more time in the woods with friends and family,” said Wildlife and Heritage Service Deer Project Leader Brian Eyler. “The season is important to our deer management program and for reaching our deer harvest goals. Over 20% of the annual deer harvest (22,515 last year) is now taken with muzzleloaders.” Read more.



Becoming an Outdoors Woman Goose Hunting Clinic to be Held in January

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites women to participate in its Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) goose hunting clinic to be held January 22-23, 2010. The workshop is designed for people who are new to hunting or those with limited goose hunting experience.

“Join the experienced staff of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Schrader’s Bridgetown Manor and Blue Stem Farms for two days you will never forget,” said DNR BOW State Coordinator Patricia Allen. “If you have ever wanted to experience goose hunting on Maryland’s Eastern Shore but were not sure how to get started, then this is the clinic for you.” Read more.