TRAILBLAZER - Oregon Ridge Parkoregonridgenaturecenter.org/pdf/TrailblazerNovJan16.pdfTRAILBLAZER...

8
TRAILBLAZER Supporting Oregon Ridge Park and Nature Center for 32 years Oregon Ridge Nature Center Council, 410-887-1815; www.oregonridgenaturecenter.org; TDD/Deaf 410-887-5319 November/December 2015 - January 2016 EastErn GoldEn EaGlEs: Maryland’s other Eagle By dave Brinker Monday, January 18, 7:30 PM Most Marylander’s know that the Bald Eagle has made a tremendous come back around the Chesapeake Bay, with nests now in every Maryland County. However, few citizens of the Free State realize that another eagle species frequents Maryland, and that Maryland has an important role in the conservation of this second eagle — the Golden Eagle. e Eastern Golden Eagle Working Group was formed in November 2010 to improve conservation of Golden Eagles in the Eastern U.S. and Canada. Dave Brinker is the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) representative in the working group. During his presentation, complete with beautiful photos, listeners will learn the answers to many questions about Maryland’s Golden Eagles. Where is the best place and when is the best time to observe a Golden Eagle? Why is Maryland important to Golden Eagle conservation? Who are the partners in the working group? What is this collaborative group of scientists doing to see that the eastern population of Golden Eagles is sustainable? (Continued on page 2) WHat’s InsIdE ORNC Council Speaker Series noVEMBEr sPEaKEr to BE annoUnCEd november 16, 7:30 PM Stay tuned for more information about our November speaker. You will be receiving an e-announcement very soon, giving all the details. It is free and guaranteed to be interesting. Annual Report 2014-15 ORNC Picks Pileated Woodpecker as Logo Pipeline Update Something New! ORNC Does Birthday Parties Meet Ridge Runner Zi Smith New Class of Master Naturalists

Transcript of TRAILBLAZER - Oregon Ridge Parkoregonridgenaturecenter.org/pdf/TrailblazerNovJan16.pdfTRAILBLAZER...

Page 1: TRAILBLAZER - Oregon Ridge Parkoregonridgenaturecenter.org/pdf/TrailblazerNovJan16.pdfTRAILBLAZER Supporting Oregon Ridge Park and Nature Center for 32 years Oregon Ridge Nature Center

TRAILBLAZERSupporting Oregon Ridge Park and Nature Center for 32 years

Oregon Ridge Nature Center Council, 410-887-1815; www.oregonridgenaturecenter.org; TDD/Deaf 410-887-5319

November/December 2015 -January 2016

EastErn GoldEn EaGlEs:Maryland’s other Eagle

By dave Brinker

Monday, January 18, 7:30 PM

Most Marylander’s know that the Bald Eagle has made a tremendouscomeback around theChesapeakeBay,withnestsnow in everyMarylandCounty. However, few citizens of the Free State realize that another eaglespeciesfrequentsMaryland,andthatMarylandhasanimportantroleintheconservationofthissecond eagle—theGoldenEagle. TheEasternGoldenEagleWorkingGroupwasformedinNovember2010toimproveconservationofGoldenEaglesintheEasternU.S.andCanada.DaveBrinkeristheMarylandDepartmentofNaturalResources(DNR)representativeintheworkinggroup.Duringhispresentation,completewithbeautifulphotos,listeners will learn the answers to many questions about Maryland’s GoldenEagles.WhereisthebestplaceandwhenisthebesttimetoobserveaGoldenEagle?WhyisMarylandimportanttoGoldenEagleconservation?Whoarethepartnersintheworkinggroup?WhatisthiscollaborativegroupofscientistsdoingtoseethattheeasternpopulationofGoldenEaglesissustainable?

(Continued on page 2)

WHat’s InsIdE

ORNC CouncilSpeaker Series

noVEMBEr sPEaKEr to BE annoUnCEd

november 16, 7:30 PM

Stay tuned formore informationaboutour November speaker. You will bereceiving an e-announcement verysoon,givingallthedetails.Itisfreeandguaranteedtobeinteresting.

Annual Report 2014-15

ORNC Picks Pileated Woodpecker as Logo

Pipeline Update

Something New! ORNC Does

Birthday Parties

Meet Ridge RunnerZi Smith

New Class of Master Naturalists

Page 2: TRAILBLAZER - Oregon Ridge Parkoregonridgenaturecenter.org/pdf/TrailblazerNovJan16.pdfTRAILBLAZER Supporting Oregon Ridge Park and Nature Center for 32 years Oregon Ridge Nature Center

many followers as the team trackedSnowyOwlsduringthewintersof2014and 2015. Dave also spends part of

ORNCC Trailblazer | Nov ‘15 - Jan ‘16 2015Page 2

DaveBrinkeristheMarylandDNRNatural Heritage Program CentralRegionEcologist.Hehasspentover30years working on wildlife conservationinMaryland. Muchofhis free time isspent working on independent raptorresearch projects. Dave is the founderandco-directorofProjectOwlnet(www.ProjectOwlnet.org), a continent-widecollaborative effort that seeks to betterunderstand owl migration. He’s aleadingprincipalinProjectSNOWstorm(www.ProjectSNOWstorm.org),anothercollaborative effort that has thrilled

Party Animals!

Birthday Partiesat Oregon Ridge Nature Center

Booking opens November 18th!

For more information, contact the nature center at: 410-887-1815 www.oregonridgenaturecenter.org • [email protected]

Celebrate your birthday like a party animal!

Engaging activities, games, and

live encounters with animals!

Parties are 2-hours long with 1-hour of fun and exciting indoor/

outdoor naturalist led activities and 1-hour of self-led celebration

and cake.

Cost:Members: $225

Non-members: $250

Eastern Golden Eagles (Continued from front page)

MorE FUn CalEndar

EVEntsBIRDING FOR BEGINNERS

meets the 2nd Friday each month 9 AM to 10:30 PM

NATURE BOOK CLUBmeets 11/16

Book: Animated Earth

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Wreath MakingDec. 5 & 6, 1 PM

Natural Ornament MakingDec. 12 & 13, 1 PM

Gingerbread HousesDec. 19 & 20, 1 PM

TRAIL GUIDE TRAININGFEB. 2-5, 201610 AM - 1 PM

Topics: Maple Sugaring,Amphibians/Reptiles, Piedmont Plants, Birds

See our online calendar or call ORNC for details

on these programs.

each spring working on the populationdemographics of Northern Goshawksin the central Appalachians. Thedevelopment of the Maryland NaturalAreas effort was one of Dave’s recentinitiatives with the Natural HeritageProgram, and he continues to beresponsible for monitoring Maryland’scolonial nesting water birds as part ofhisworkfortheDepartmentofNaturalResources. Dave frequently lectures ontheseprojectsandothersrelatedtobirdconservationandeducationinMarylandandtheMid-Atlantic.

Page 3: TRAILBLAZER - Oregon Ridge Parkoregonridgenaturecenter.org/pdf/TrailblazerNovJan16.pdfTRAILBLAZER Supporting Oregon Ridge Park and Nature Center for 32 years Oregon Ridge Nature Center

ORNCC Trailblazer | Nov ‘15 - Jan ‘16 Page 3

TheendofAugustmarkedthecloseofthe2014–2015fiscalyearfortheOregonRidgeNatureCenterCouncil. Here isareviewoftheyear’shighlightsandalookattheCouncil’splansforthefuture. TheCouncilnowhasamembershipofover500people.DonationstotheCouncilhavecontinuedtoincrease.Asalways,ourgreatest attribute was the 550 volunteersthatsupportedouractivities.OurvolunteersfulfillimportantneedsattheNatureCenter.Withoutthem,theCenterwouldnotbethewonderfulplacethatitistoday.Volunteerstrailguidedforschooltrips,helpedORNCstaff plan and organize the well-attendedprograms and camps, and helped design,create,andmaintainthegardens.Theyalsoorganizedandstaffedtheverypopularspecialevents:HoneyHarvest,HalloweenSpookyWalks,HolidayPartyandWreathMaking,MapleSugarWeekends,PancakeBreakfast,Music in the Woods, and the members’Summer Picnic. In addition, volunteersworkedonrepairingtrails,buildingfences,removing invasive species, and building anewAviary.ThevolunteersatORNCcomefrom many different groups, includingCouncil members, Ridge Runners, TrailBlazers, Bluebird Trail Monitors, EagleScouts,localbusinessorganizations,MasterNaturalists,andschoolgroups. TheORNCwebsiteismanagedandmaintained by the Board. This task istimeconsumingandrequiresagreatdealof technical knowledge. It is constantlyupdated with current information andpointsof interest. Ifyouhavenotvisitedthewebsite,pleasetakeamomenttocheckitout.Youcanevendownloadatrailmapsoyouwon’tgetlostwhilehiking! Thebi-monthlyTrailblazernewslettercontinuedtokeeptheORNCcommunityinformed of events, current topics, andimportant information. A great deal ofwork goes intoproducing thenewsletter,anditisalwaystopnotch. The monthly Speaker Series atORNCcontinuedtoprovideoutstandingpresentations that regularly drew large

numbers of attendees. The series willcontinue this year on Monday nights.The speakers will present varied topics,includingthebenefitsofnatureonmentalhealth, a peek through the looking glassat birds, discovering a city park with anamazing variety of animals, and recentresearchbyaDNRemployee. Scholarships were once again awardedto graduating high school students thatdemonstrated academic excellence and acommitment to pursue environmentallyrelatedcollegedegrees.Atotalof$13,000wasawardedtofivestudents.ItisthegenerosityofindividualsfromtheORNCcommunitythatmakethesescholarshipspossible. TheCouncilprovidedtheopportunityfor the ORNC staff to attend threeconferences this year: the MarylandAssociation for Environmental andOutdoorEducators,AssociationforNatureCenterAdministrators,andtheMarylandRecreationandParksAssociation.Thestaffbrings home many ideas for programs,program implementation, and centermanagementfromtheseconferences;theyhaveprovedtobevaluableresources. One of the most notable improve-ments to the Nature Center this pastyear was the roof repair, performed bythe County after the Council and staffjoined together to raise awareness of thisurgentneed. TheCouncil, thestaffandvisitors to the Center are thankful thatthebuildingisonceagainwatertight.AbeautifulmuralwasaddedtotheAnimalRoom. In addition there were newexhibits added and improvements madeto existing ones. Members of theTrailBlazers teamworked veryhard this yearto repair and improve the many trailson the grounds atORNC. Alongwithother volunteers, they removed invasiveplants in many areas of the park. TheEagleScoutscompletedmanyprojectsatORNCthisyear.Theyfencedintwoofthe gardens,built an aviary, created twonew rain gardens, improved elementsof the children’s play area, and installed

several trail kiosks. Many thanks to allthathelpedmakeORNCabetterplace. The futurehasus looking forward tomore exciting improvements. Plans areinmotion for anew indoor interactiveelectronic kiosk and an improvedwoodpeckerexhibit.OutsidetheNatureCenter,wearelookingforwardtoanewWoodland Garden. Two ambitious,largeprojectswillbe completedby theCouncil during the upcoming year.First, the library will be renovated tobecome a multipurpose room. Bookswill continue to play an importantrole in the room and there will be animprovedchildren’s readingarea.Therewill also be a new sink and cabinetsfor much needed storage. Secondly, anewpavilionwill bebuilt toprovide acovered area for programs and specialevents. It will have electricity, runningwater,andrainbarrels. Iwant to thanktheExecutiveBoardmembers for their dedication to makingallofthispossible.Lastly,IwanttothankallCouncilmembers,staff,volunteers,anddonorsthatmakeouractivitiesatOregonRidgepossible.Itisyourcommitmenttoand interest in the events and programsthatensuresthecontinuedlevelofqualitythatisdemonstratedattheOregonRidgeNatureCenterandPark.

orEGon rIdGE natUrE CEntEr CoUnCIl 2014-15 annUal rEPort

By President Pat Ghingher

COUNCIL MEMBERS, CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS

AT OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY!

December 11 at 6 PM

Admission: Something tasty to share if you can.

Page 4: TRAILBLAZER - Oregon Ridge Parkoregonridgenaturecenter.org/pdf/TrailblazerNovJan16.pdfTRAILBLAZER Supporting Oregon Ridge Park and Nature Center for 32 years Oregon Ridge Nature Center

Page 4 Oregon Ridge Nature Center Council’s Trailblazer | Nov ‘15 - Jan ‘16

ORNC Master Naturalist Class6 completed training in May, alongwith a separate class with Lake Roland(formerlyknownasRobertE.LeePark).During the 60-hour training time, theclass completed a variety of projects:a native bee house in the meadow, amushroom exhibit, certification as amonarchbutterflywaystation,bettertrailcrossings, wishing wells, HOP game intheplayareaandagreatstartinplanningfor the future Woodland Garden.This classof14 isnowon theirwayofcompletingthe40hoursofcommunityserviceneededtobecertifiedasanofficialMaryland Master Naturalist.We would

MastEr natUralIsts sPrInG 2015 Class

liketoacknowledgeAlisaAnania,AnnaBeard,LynBrooks,GailBurns,GeorgeCummings,TimHardy,BonnyJasinski,Carol Johnston, Nicole O’Hara, JuliusPatellis, Alan Penczek, Ned Renner,Anne Walker, and Sara Yosua for theirparticipation in thisprogram.ThenexttrainingwillbeSpring2016,soinquirein December about the applicationprocess. The following is a testimonialfrom Julius Patellis, one of the 2015traineesandcurrentstaffmember: My experience with the MarylandMaster Naturalist program has beenoverwhelmingly positive. I applied for

the program hoping for an experiencethat would allow me to bring thecommunity and myself closer to nature.Both the instructors and trainees wereenthusiastic about the program. Thematerial covered by the program offeredanexcellentfoundationofknowledgeandwaspresentedbyexpertinstructors.Imet,and remain in contact with, fantasticvolunteers who help steward Maryland’secosystemsandeducatethecommunity. Since my involvement with theMaryland Master Naturalists began, Ihave been given opportunities to developand present interpretive programming,maintain park environments, andexplore some of the ecological researchhappeninginMaryland.Icannotexpressenough gratitude for all the peopleinvolvedinmakingthisprogramarealityand encourage anyone interested inMaryland’snaturalresourcesandecologyto consider participating in the MasterNaturalistprogram.

Spring 2016 training runs April4 to May 23, and on two Saturdays:April 16 and May 21.Time: 9 AM to3:30PMentiresession.PleaseinquireinDecemberabouttheapplicationprocess.

EaGlE sCoUt HElPs CHECKErsPotsCongratulations to Arthur Danielson the completion of his CheckerspotWaystationGardenEagleScoutProject.

Arthur worked to design, build andplant a garden with host plants for theBaltimoreCheckerspotgarden. 

WHat’s CoMInG UP?

Maple Sugar WeekendsFeb. 20, 21, 27, 28

10 AM - 4 PM

Annual Pancake BreakfastMarch 5 & 68 AM - Noon

Music in the WoodsJune 4

New Time: 2 -8 PMLots of Music,

ending with s’mores around the campfire.

Page 5: TRAILBLAZER - Oregon Ridge Parkoregonridgenaturecenter.org/pdf/TrailblazerNovJan16.pdfTRAILBLAZER Supporting Oregon Ridge Park and Nature Center for 32 years Oregon Ridge Nature Center

Page 5

traIlBlaZEr staFFEditor/Design/Layout: Mary Jane Shanks

CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE Writers: Jim Curtis, Pat Ghingher, MJ Shanks, Winny Tan, Maddie Zins Photographers: Jim Curtis, ORNC staff

OREGON RIDGE NATURE CENTER13555 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville 21030

410-887-1815 [email protected]; www.oregonridgenaturecenter.org

Articles/graphics for Feb/March issue due 1/5/16.Color versions of the Trailblazer are on our website.

Oregon Ridge Nature Center Council’s Trailblazer | Nov ‘15 - Jan ‘16

nEW PIPElInE tHroUGH orEGon rIdGE: Part 2By Jim Curtis

Since our last newsletter, the Executive Board of theOregonRidgeNatureCenterCouncilhasmadesomeprogressinlearningaboutthepipelineproject.Also,wehavewitnessedthe start of construction of the staging areas along ShawanRoad. Columbia Gas has answered several of the questionsnotedinmylastarticle.

• Whenwilltheclearingandgradingbegin?Tentative earliest project construction start date for the pipeline is March 21st, 2016 – However, grading, clearing and paving has already begun on the staging areas. Baltimore County is allowing Columbia Gas to utilize 17 acres of parkland for their staging areas.

• Howlongwillthehikingtrailsbeclosed?Columbia Gas reports that each trail may be closed only for a day or two during construction, but this may not include the initial clearing and grading.

• Howlongwillthestagingareasbeused?Columbia Gas reports that the staging areas will be in use through 2017.

• Willthestagingareasrequiretheremovalofthecommunitygarden?No, it looks like we can keep the gardens.

• Whatconstructionmethodwillbeusedtocrossthestreamsandwetlands?The streams will be crossed with a temporary dam and pump around method.

In thenextmonth,wewill be contacting theBaltimoreCounty government and the Federal Energy RegulatoryCommissiontolearnmoreabouttheclearingandgrading,thetimber harvest, the proper contacts, the planned mitigation,andthecompensation.Wealsohavesomenewconcernsaboutwhether thepaved staging areaswill be removed in2017orremain as parking lots for the ball fields and the restaurant.Staytunedforthenextreport.

Page 6: TRAILBLAZER - Oregon Ridge Parkoregonridgenaturecenter.org/pdf/TrailblazerNovJan16.pdfTRAILBLAZER Supporting Oregon Ridge Park and Nature Center for 32 years Oregon Ridge Nature Center

Page 6 Oregon Ridge Nature Center Council’s Trailblazer | Nov ‘15 - Jan ‘16

itself to collapse. An example of thisisthefamousgreywolfofYellowstoneNationalPark.Whenwolfpopulationsdrasticallydecreasedthereintheearly1920s to a point of extinction, deerpopulations skyrocketed,affectingtheabundanceofthevegetationintheareaand leading to overall deforestationandcollapse. WithouttheinsecteatingPileatedWoodpecker, the insect populationwould increase and there would bea decrease in leafy vegetation and inpredatorsofthePileatedWoodpecker,such as theBarredOwl.ThePileatedWoodpecker’s activity also indirectlyaffects other animal species, throughcavity formation. Byproducts of itsforaginghabits—thecavitiesitformsintrees—allowsmaller,weakerspeciesto use these holes to capture insectsand feed themselves. The absenceof Pileated activity would decreasesurvivalchancesfortheseotheranimals(smaller birds, other woodpeckers,small owls and other raptors, bats,squirrels, rats). It also creates cavitieseach spring when it builds its annualnest in mostly older, large, strongtrees (primarily deciduous), yet eachwoodpecker and its monogamousmate will abandon the site, allowingforotheranimalstoinhabitit. Like most animals, PileatedWoodpeckers exhibit some strangebehavior during the winter season.After having mated and maintainedanest and territory for severalweeks,the Pileated Woodpecker will allowothers of its species into its territoryto roost in different locations. ThisbehavioristheclosestthatthePileated

getstoseasonalmigrationandcouldbearesultoflimitedavailableroostingsitesforthespecies.Locatingroostingsitesisa continuing hardship for the Pileated.It was commonly believed in the early1990sthatthiswoodpeckeronlyneededsnags (standing,deadtrees) fornesting.More recent findings, however, haveindicatedthatthesebirdsneedavarietyoftreetypes,includingdecayingsnagsofvarioustreespeciesforroostingandlive,lushtreesfornesting. BecausethePileatedissoparticularabout its nesting and roosting needs,findingahabitatregionthatfeaturessucha breadth of tree types can be difficult.WithoutlocationssuchasOregonRidgePark, the pileated population numbersmay decline, as they have in the pastduring mass logging activities. Wecan help pileated population levels bypreservingstandingdeadwoodinforestedareas.Ifyourpropertyhasadyingtreethatisnotahazardtoyourhome’sstructuralwellbeing, consider leaving the decayingtreestandingasanaturalhabitatforforestcreatures.Itislikelythatinnotimeatall,you may hear the high-pitched, pipingcalls and loud drumming thumps ofPileatedWoodpeckersrightinyourownbackyard. ItisnotdifficulttoseewhyOregonRidge Nature Center chose such ananimal as its logo.Afterbeing involvedhereforonlyafewmonths,Icanalreadytellthatwehavequiteabitincommonwith the Pileated Woodpecker. OregonRidgereliesonthesupportofothersinorderforittosurvive,justasthePileateddoes in wintertime. Teamwork here atOregonRidgecanbeseenateverylevel,from the direction of the Council andstaff, to volunteering from communitymembers, to attendance by the public.Just as many Pileated Woodpeckersmaintain the forest ecosystem, weat Oregon Ridge are keystone tomaintainingbalancebyusingourforestwiselyandprotectingitsinhabitants.

ornC PICKs PIlEatEd WoodPECKEr For Its nEW loGo

By Maddie Zins

OregonRidgeNatureCenter’snewlogo featuresanative,keystone species,thePileatedWoodpecker.MosthikersintheParkhavecapturedaglimpseoftheiconicredcapof thePileated,orhearditshigh-pitchedcallsoruniquedrillingpatternechothroughthewoods.NewsofasightingalmostalwaysmakesitbacktotheNatureCenter.Theexcitementthatsurrounds seeingPileatedWoodpeckersat Oregon Ridge makes it the perfectchoiceforournewlogo. ThePileatedisthelargestwoodpeckerin North America (about the size of acrow). It is often heard drilling large,rectangular holes in the sides of trees(and often of homes and buildings) tohunt for insects and to build its nests.It is a non-migratory bird, so it canbe spotted or heard all year round inour park and elsewhere in Maryland.PileatedWoodpeckers prefer deciduousforested areas, like those throughoutOregon Ridge Park, yet they will alsoinhabitconiferousforestssolongasthetrees provide enough carpenter ants,beetlelarvae,flies,caterpillars,andotherinsects for the bird to eat. Old growthforests tend to attract the Pileated, butthey will concede and nest in youngertreesifinsectabundanceishigh.PileatedWoodpeckersarepartialtolargerforests(particularlyinregardstobreeding)withhighlevelsofcanopycover. As a keystone species, the Pileatedplaysanintegralroleinthemaintenanceof its habitat and overall ecosystem’shealth. Keystone species are those onwhich their ecosystemheavilydepends.Withoutthem,thepopulationdynamicsofallotherspeciesbecomealteredmostlyfor the worse, leading the ecosystem

Page 7: TRAILBLAZER - Oregon Ridge Parkoregonridgenaturecenter.org/pdf/TrailblazerNovJan16.pdfTRAILBLAZER Supporting Oregon Ridge Park and Nature Center for 32 years Oregon Ridge Nature Center

Page 7 Oregon Ridge Nature Center Council’s Trailblazer | Nov ‘15 - Jan ‘16

Zi Smithknowswhereheis going and what he is goingtodo. Hedecided toearnhisschool service learning hoursby pursuing his interest inthe environment as a RidgeRunneratOregonRidge.He’sdiscoveredthatbeingaRidgieisa“greatlearningopportunity.” Zi’sfavoritejobisworkingwith the animals, especiallyshowing them off to visitors.Hesays,“I lovewatchingtheirfaceslightupwhenItellthemthey can pet the animal. Thisgoesespeciallyforthekids,whoare interested about them andask interesting questions.” Heespecially enjoys the gray tree

frogs because they are so docile and amenable to handling. Zi says the learningthatcomesfromtakingresponsibilityforanimalcareishisbestrecommendationtofriendsforjoiningtheRidgeRunnerteamatOregonRidge,evenwhenfunnythingshappenwiththeanimals—likebeingchasedbythefeistygeese. Ziisa9thgraderatWesternTechintheenvironmentalscienceprogram.Healreadyknowswherehewantstogotocollegeandwhatfieldhewantstostudy.Hisdestination is the Johns Hopkins University environmental engineering program.

He has a 4.0 GPA and was awardedwithbiologyandenvironmentalscienceacademicawards. Heenjoyshistoryaswellasscience.Healsohasabroadrangeofhobbiesandinterests:Reading(fromclassics like Treasure Island and Catch22toTheFiveKingdoms:SkyRaiders),skateboarding,drawingandzentangling(creatingbeautifulimagesfromrepetitivepatterns),archery,fencing,andcooking.Hehasbecomeaproficientdrums/bassguitarist,winning theLouisArmstrongawardforjazzpercussion. Oregon Ridge is lucky to have ZiSmithontheRidgeRunnerteam.Ifyouknowofateenthatislookingforawaytoimprovetheenvironmentandlearnaboutnature, bring him/her in one afternoonor weekend to talk with the Ridgies onduty,orhave themcallNaturalist JessicaJeannettaat410-887-1815.

ZI sMItHa ridge runner with a destiny

JoaQUIn stInGs HonEY HarVEst

With much disappointment, Honey Harvest Festival2015wascancelled.Theultimate decision came down to safetyfor our volunteers and visitors. Withwind gusts nearing 30 mph and heavyrainpredictedthroughoutthatweekend,theHHCommitteewasforcedtomakea difficult call. New committee chairNancy Berger invested much time andenergy settingupnewbanners for earlypromotion of the event and enactingnewideasforthefestival,suchassellingcaramelapplesfromlocalKatie’sCandyShoppeandsettingupa s’mores stationasafallcampfiretreat.Nancyalsomadearrangements to reward each volunteerwithasmallhoneybear.Othernewfoodoptionsthisfallwerefoodtrucks,suchasKommiePigBBQ. HayridesweretoberunbytheMarylandAgricultureResource

Center.Ourannualbeekeepers (Snyder’sApiaries,BeesbytheBayandMcDanielHoneyFarm)werereadytoselltheirlocalhoneyandbeeswaxproducts.Youcanstillgetyour localhoneybycontactingthesebeekeepersdirectlythroughtheirwebsites.  After jumping a plane fromAlbuquerque,NM,toarriveFridaynightin Baltimore, Honey Princess HaydenWolfhadplentyof time to relax at thehomeoftheWilliamsons,ourvolunteerhost family. For busy Princess Hayden,thatwasararetreat.HaydenisfromBigSandy,Texas, andherPrincess schedulehas been tightly packed. While here,she was able to visit various Baltimoreattractions before flying off to her nextstop in Portland, Maine. Her yearlongtour concludes at theTexas BeekeepersAssociation Convention. To follow the

Honey Queen and Princess, check outwww.buzzingacrossamerica.com.  Our volunteers were ready tohandle all the usual tasks associatedwiththisevent.DemonstratorsfromtheBaltimore 4H Club, Weavers Guild ofGreater Baltimore, Master Gardeners,blacksmiths, re-enactors, University ofMarylandExtension,CentralMarylandBeekeepersAssociation,andGunpowderValleyConservancywerealsocommittedto attending and sharing theirinformation. Our heartfelt gratitude toeveryonewhocarvedouttimetohelp!  Honey Harvest Festival 2016 willbebiggerandbetter.Thesunwillshineandthe bees will be busy, so save the firstweekendinOctober2016topartakeinthefestivities!

Page 8: TRAILBLAZER - Oregon Ridge Parkoregonridgenaturecenter.org/pdf/TrailblazerNovJan16.pdfTRAILBLAZER Supporting Oregon Ridge Park and Nature Center for 32 years Oregon Ridge Nature Center

Oregon Ridge Nature Center Council13555 Beaver Dam RoadCockeysville, MD 21030

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDTIMONIUM, MD

PERMIT NO. 296

Many branches make a strong tree. Many members make a strongCouncil. Use thismembership form to renewandgive a copy toafriend.You can now join or renew online. Please visit:

http://oregonridgenaturecenter.org/membership.html

Email______________________________________________ Phone _______________________

Address _____________________________________________ State ____ Zip ______________

___ $ 15 Individual ___ $ 250 Sustaining ___ $ 30 Family ___ $ 500 Lifetime ___ $ 75 Supporting ___ $ Extra Donation

Checks payable to ORNC Council, Inc., 13555 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville, MD 21030

Name ______________________________________________________

rEnEW noW and sIGn UP a FrIEnd, too!