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Southern Maryland Events and Activities

Sunday, Mar 14
Mattawoman Outing and Hike - Marbury
Come out for an early springtime hike in Smallwood State Park

Smallwood State Park MD Route 224, Marbury, MD

Meet at 1:30pm in the picnic area.   3 Mile Hike, rated easy.  Wear tennis shoes and bring a drink.   $3 entry fee to park per person.  Sorry, no pets allowed in the day use area of the park.  The 630 acre park borders Mattawoman Creek, the most productive tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. Its approximately one mile from the marina to the Potomac River.  The trails at Smallwood meander through the hardwood forest, passing many natural and historical points of interest. Short trails, bridges, piers and park roads offer many viewing opportunities for upland and water species of birds.The state park has a campground, marina and the historic colonial home of General Smallwood. 

March 26-April 18 "QUIXOTIC" The pursuit of chivalrous and noble deeds; to be idealistic  without regard for reality. An exhibit of original works by Robert Wayt Smith. Reception Sunday, March 28,  1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. The artist will be giving painting demonstrations each Saturday and Sunday of the run of the exhibit.  Meet at Mattawoman Creek Art Center at Smallwood State Park. For other dates and times the art center is open and directions see www.mattawomanart.org

Sunday, April 4 Chapman Forest and Saturday, April 10 Ruth Swann Park, Charles County

Time: 10 a.m. -- 4  p.m.   Remove invasive non-natives from the 200-acre Swann Park and

800-acre portion of Chapman Forest designated Chapman State Park.

There are about 3,000 native plant species in Maryland, with 800 at Chapman Forest and contiguous Swann Park, 49 of which are endangered.  We are continuing at the wetland meadow at Swann Park on a tributary of Mattawoman Creek. There are 8 species of native wildflowers in bloom there starting in April including Dwarf St. Johns Wort, Cardinal Flower, Monkey Flower, Maryland Meadow Beauty, and Jewell Weed. Please come and help rescue these plants from Japanese Stilgrass.   Contact: Marc Imlay 301-283-0808. 301-442-5657c See  http://maryland.sierraclub.org/action/p0005.asp for directions

Sunday April 11th Time:1 to 3 pm More dates available Hellen Creek Forest and Wildlife Preserve, Lusby, MD

Calvert and St. Mary's County

Spring Cleanup Workday at Hellen Creek

Description: Join us for a quick tour of the preserve before we  get down to the ongoing work of invasive removal and habitat

restoration.  Learn how you can improve your own backyard to make it friendlier to the environment and take a native plant home for your garden.  Hellen Creek Forest and Wildlife Preserve is 50 acres of stream and ravine along Hellen Creek.  We have over 25

species of trees including hemlocks and are adjacent to TNC's Hemlock Preserve.  Wear sturdy clothes and shoes for invasive

plant removal and native wildflower plantings. We will have gloves and tools and refreshments.

Directions: 11785 Clifton Drive Lusby MD 20657 Take Coster Road less than 1 mile to Clifton Drive on the right.  Follow this to

the driveway on the left with the number 11875 posted.  Follow to the end where you will see our sign. 

RSVP: Bob Boxwell, Executive Director, Cove Point Natural Heritage Trust 410-610-5124  bobboxwell@hotmail.com     mailto:bobboxwell@hotmail.com

Sun, Apr 11
Mattawoman Canoe and Kayak Outing - Indian Head
Come join us for a tour of the Mattawoman

Come join members of the Sierra Club and your community for a paddle along Mattawoman Creek. This outing will be of moderate challenge and will involve some paddling against the tide (in both directions).  However, the trip is not long and the waters are sheltered, so it should be enjoyable for anyone with basic canoeing or kayaking experience. Please arrive around 10:0 a.m for a 10:30 a.m departure.  The trip will leave the dock at the foot of Mattingly in Indian Head at 10:30 a.m. and paddle as far as possible upstream towards the head of the estuary.  The trip is intended for canoes and kayaks, which may be rented at the launch area if you do not have your own.  No paddle-boats, please – there is too much of a difference in the speed of travel between kayaks and paddle boats.  It will be hard enough to keep kayaks and canoes in one group.  All participants must have a personal floatation vest, hat and sunglasses. The canoe/kayak rental includes a personal floatation device. 

Sunday, April 11, 1-5 p.m.

O P E N  H O U S E at Chapman State Park/Mount  Aventine.  WILD BIRD DAY

Learn About *Wood Ducks *that Nest in Our Marshes and Creeks, and

in the Marsh at Chapman State Park (2:00)

By Cliff Brown, Director, MD Wood Duck Initiative

Raptors Rule!* Live Bald Eagle, Hawks, Owls (3:00)

By Mike Callahan, Naturalist, NEEC

Learn Bird Calls, Take Bird & Wildflower Walks, Crafts

Chapman's Landing Road, Off Rt 210 (3452 Ferry Place)

Information: 301-753-6754, event day 240-346-7842,

focspinc@gmail.com/ FREE EVENT

For more information, visit www.chapmanforest.org

http://www.chapmanforest.org or call (301)753-6754

Sun, Apr 18 12:30-4:30 PM
The 10th Annual Earth Day on the Square - Leonardtown
Come celebrate Earth Day

Sat, Apr 24
Mattawoman Creek Paddle Outing - Indian Head
Another opportunity to experience a paddle through Mattawoman Creek

An easy paddle on flat, tidal, and beautiful Mattwoman Creek, followed by a short hike at nearby Chapman State Park. See birds, fish, plants and learn about threats to the watershed. Attend our April 9 presentation to learn why saving this creek is one of Maryland Sierra Club's highest priorities. Bring lunch, water, and sun protection. Sign up at least a week in advance to reserve a canoe or kayak (at least $15 payment in advance), or bring your own. Contact Information:

Sierra Club Maryland
Call Ken Clark at 301-725-3306 or kenclark7@comcast.net.

Multiple dates. American Chestnut Land Trust, Port Republic, Calvert County, MD

Dates: Wednesdays Oct-April 10-12noon, May-Sept 9-11am, Saturdays

March 27, April 17, May 22, June 19, July 24, Sept. 18, Oct. 30;

9am- 12 noon. Full invasive training program August 14.

Description: Join us for our extensive Non-Native Invasive Plant Removal program in one of the last pristine watersheds on the

Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Work as a team or individually; includes training, tools, water, and gloves.  RSVP: Liz Stoffel, Land Manager 410-414-3400 land@acltweb.org

Save the Mattawoman

Campaign leaders continue to research ways to ensure permits that

would destroy wetlands cutting through the heart of the Mattawoman

Creek Watershed are denied. Click here to learn more and sign a

petition to Governor O'Malley to deny permits to build a highway

and destroy the wetlands of the Mattawoman.

http://action.sierraclub.org/site/R?i=NSmAcul63ZoQhtA3uxjReA