THE PEEPER Battle Creek Nature Education Society May 2013
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THE PEEPER Battle Creek Nature Education Society www.calvertparks.org May 2013 Bird Banding Project Lands at Flag Ponds ith its varied habitats and rich bird diversity, Flag Ponds Nature Park was a natural choice to take Wpart in a large-scale study of bird populations. The Calvert County Nature Park was selected as a site for the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) Program, which comprises more than 500 banding sites throughout North America. Beginning this May, biologists from US Geo- logical Survey, Calvert County Natural Resources Division and volunteers will be installing mist Red-winged black- birds (Agelaius nets to capture breeding birds at various locations phoenicius) and a in the park. The nets will be checked on a regular yellow billed schedule on specified dates throughout the sum- cuckoo (Coccycus mer months. Birds will be identified, measured americanus, left) and their age and sex will be recorded. The data are ready for collected at Flag Ponds will be deposited in a data banding. Photos bank with the other banding stations. courtesy of Charlie Muise. (continued on page 9) Trail to Kings Landing Amphitheater Gets Upgrade Footpath to the Arts short way off the entry road to Kings It all started in 1996 when Jackie, founder Landing Park, Ranger Jackie Waymire of the Chesapeake Youth Players, melded her created a performance space in a passion for song and theater with her love of Anatural setting. From Shakespeare to nature. Thespians from the surrounding community spring mummers to evening concerts, the Wood- auditioned and performed at the Woodlands Am- lands Amphitheater is a place where sound carries phitheater and a community was born. true and the trees act as a backdrop for the artistic ~ endeavors of local performers. Over the years, the After almost two decades of use, the trail lead- amphitheater has hosted plays, concerts, festival ing to the Amphitheater has degraded and is in celebrations, and more. Most events are targeted need of repair. Recently, BCNES and the Division to the youth audience and are open to the of Natural Resources were granted funds to repair community and the general public. (continued on page 9) No Better Way To Enjoy Summer Park Update Summer is the busiest season for our nature parks. During a walk through Battle Creek Cypress Swamp There are so many great programs in the summer as the winter birds are calling, I listen for the first calls schedule, it’ll be a tough decision for what park to visit. of our spring and summer migrants. Each year this So be sure to visit them all! anticipation helps me through the days when winter Staff will be holding summer camps through June seems to never want to end. Each Spring day brings a and July. From Yuckology to Herpetology, there is sure new experience as all of nature seems to burst with life. to be something of interest for your children. The There are many changes happening throughout the camps registrations are going fast, so check for updates Division that also bring great excitement. at www.calvertparks.org. Plans for the Fishing Shanty at Flag Ponds Nature You’ll notice that we are hosting programs at new Park are moving forward. Architectural drawings are venues, Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm, Hutchins Pond, being developed and grants and donations being secured and the Ward property. The Ward property, in to rebuild the shanty and continue telling the history of Dunkirk, is a new acquisition for the county and will the fishing community that was active at the site. feature nature trails to complement the recreational Over the next few months, a new park will be facilities also planned for the site. Biscoe Gray is lo- emerging: the Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm on Grays cated on Grays Road, close to Battle Creek Cypress Road just beyond the Cypress Swamp Sanctuary. The Swamp. Taken together, these two parks offer an excel- park has been available for equestrian use and special lent view of how people worked the farms and forests programs, but by the end of 2013, a new entry drive and of Calvert and how we are working today to preserve marked trails will provide opportunities for all visitors. the natural and cultural resources of these lands. Look for updates on our website. BCNES and the Division of Natural Resources are The Division suffered a great loss with the planning new programs and events for these sites, in- retirement of Jackie Waymire, Park Manager of Kings cluding a celebration of Calvert’s farming heritage at Landing Park. She created a vibrant atmosphere for ac- Biscoe Gray that will incorporate the annual Herb Sale tivities at the park. The Junior Rangers Corps will be her (which is on hiatus in 2013). enduring legacy—a crew of young adults who have We hope to see you at our parks soon. spent countless hours devoted to the Park. Over the next year, we hope to have them share their experience and —Anne Sundermann, Executive Director spread their talents throughout the entire division. There’s always something going on at the nature Love Nature? Volunteer! parks and so much to discover, learn and share. Use your experience to help preserve our future in Calvert County by becoming a volunteer. To volunteer, contact —Karyn Molines, Division Chief [email protected]. The Battle Creek Nature Education Society (BCNES) is dedicated to the development of a responsible environmental ethic by providing opportu- nities for environmental education and compatible recreation; and the preservation of the natural heritage of Calvert County primarily within the mission of the Calvert County Natural Resources Division. BCNES Staff & Board of Directors: Natural Resources Staff Anne Sundermann, Executive Director Karyn Molines, Division Chief John H. Jones, President Andy Brown, Senior Naturalist Lloyd Hepburn, Vice President Linda Lanzisera, Office Assistant II Julia Cornellier, Treasurer Tania Gale, Naturalist Bev Izzi, Secretary Gene Groshon, Naturalist Fred Bumgarner Shannon Steele, Naturalist Franki Coughlin Connie Sutton, Park Manager Martha Grahame Jerry King, Building & Grounds Maintenance Worker Dudley Lindsley Dwight Williams, Administrative Agent The Peeper is a publication of Battle Creek Nature Education Society. Copyright 2013. Visit BCNES online at www.calvertparks.org. 2 SUMMER 2013 PROGRAMS B ATTLE C REEK Calvert County Natural Resources Division N ATURE E DUCATION Battle Creek Nature Education Society S OCIETY www.calvertparks.org Online Registration BCNES MEMBERS You can now register online for programs at RECEIVE DISCOUNTS New www.calvertparks.org. You will be able to pay ON ALL PROGRAMS registration fees online as well. Unless noted, programs are FREE for Battle Creek Nature Registrations are also accepted by mail. Education Society (BCNES) Call 410-535-5327 or email [email protected] to members, whereas nonmem- register for programs that are free. bers pay $8 per family. When you join BCNES you To register online, your membership profile must have your can register at the member current email address. price. Members pay a re- duced fee for kayak trips, Please verify your email and your membership status before you camps, and other special try to renew or register. Here's how: events. Log on to calvertparks.org using your email and Nonmember fees are raised password. and are charged per „family‟, Click "forgot password” if you have never logged in that is, one or more child before. and a parent or an adult guardian. If your email is not found call the office at We adjusted the program 410-535-5327 or email Anne Sundermann at fees to reflect a stronger [email protected] to update your records. benefit for our current members and to encourage membership, particularly for SUPPORT CALVERT‟S NATURE PARKS… individuals and families who attend more than one JOIN BCNES! program. The Battle Creek Nature Education Society is a 501(c) 3 non-profit “friends” organization that supports the quality environmental education programs Your membership and pro- offered by Calvert County Natural Resources Division. gram fees support the nature Join or renew today online at www.calvertparks.org. parks. BCNES MEMBER BENEFITS: We encourage you to explore our website Most of the programs listed in this program are free to BCNES members. (calvertparks.org) to renew Members receive discounted rates on summer nature camps and special and register for events events. “Members Only” activities are scheduled throughout the year. In online. addition members receive the quarterly newsletter and program schedule in Thank you! advance of the general public. 3 PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES Families can experience the fascinating natural world found in our area. These programs incorporate activities to entertain learners of all ages. Most programs spend time outdoors: dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear. Reservations required. Adult participation required. Children must be the age indicated for each program. Fee per program: Free for BCNES members. Nonmembers pay $8 per family. * New Spring programs added. See page 8 for other Animals on the Move May-June programs. Wednesday, July 24, 10:00-11:00 a.m. Kings Landing Park Magic Cicadas* Ages 3-5 with adult Friday, May 17, 6:00 -8:00 p.m. Come learn how different animals move differently while we Battle Creek Cypress Swamp slither, crawl and fly our way around Kings Landing Park. All Ages The Brood II cicada will rise from the ground, having Gone Fishing spent the last 17 years growing underground. We’ll take a Sunday, July 27, 9:00-10:30 a.m. close up look at these amazing insects and make our own Hutchins Pond cicada callers to take home. Ages 6-9 with adult We’ll go fishing and also talk about the wildlife around the Fireflies* pond.