Oregon Ridge Nature Center Council 13555 Beaver Dam Road NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE Cockeysville, MD 21030 PAID TIMONIUM, MD PERMIT NO. 120

SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2009 Supporting TRAILBLAZERand Nature Center for 27 years

Is YourCurrent? Membership

2008-2009 WAS AN EVENTFUL YEAR By ORNCC President Jack Kerns

Return Service Requested

(l to r, Jamming at Music in the Woods, Planting Trees, Ribbon Cutting for Iron Ore Exhibit) Look What’s Buzzing at the Looking back over the last year, there have been significant and substantial changes and improvements at Oregon Ridge Honey Harvest Festival! efforts at Oregon Ridge. He and his committee continue to be Park and Nature Center due to the efforts of many people: busy developing exciting new displays. Congratulations and appreciation to them all. New Staff To commemorate the significant role of mining in the With the transfer of the former Director, Kirk Dreier, early history of Oregon Ridge Park, an educational display to Marshy Point Nature Center, Courtney Peed has been was unveiled at the location of the iron ore-smelting furnace. appointed as the new Director of the Oregon Ridge Nature This recognition of the Park’s cultural and natural history Center. Shannon Davis has been selected as her assistant. is a product of the Council’s Display Committee and was Courtney has been with the Nature Center for the last nine supported by a generous donation from REI. We thank REI years, and with this extensive background of experience, she for their support. brings many new ideas for Oregon Ridge. In addition, we Furthermore, REI has provided continuing financial welcome Beahta Davis as our new County Nature assistance to our educational and conservation programs. At and Recreation Resources Area Coordinator. Best wishes to all present, REI has provided funding for signage for a deciduous in their new positions. forest and Gypsy Moth interpretation to be part of a gazebo display overlooking the devastated area near the Loggers Red Facility Upgrades Trail. Look for this display when you are hiking the trails this Oct. 3 and 4 autumn to enjoy the fall foliage. 10 AM - 4 PM Joe Warfield, our exhibit committee chair was awarded a Baltimore County “Shining Star Award” for his volunteer (Continued on page 10) FREE ADMISSION! Oregon Ridge Nature Center & Park Council, 410-887-1815; [email protected]; www.oregonridge.org; TDD/Deaf 410-887-5319 Page 2 Sept/Oct/Nov 2009 Sept/Oct/Nov 2009 Page 11 ORNC COUNCIL SPEAKER SERIES MUSIC IN THE WOODS 2009: A Stomping Good Time

WHAT’S EATING THE UNDERSTORY? The Little Deer Dilemma By Clark Howells Monday, September 21, 7:30 PM

Deer are so graceful and beautiful to observe, and are erosion and to prevent sediment from moving into streams especially dear to all of us of the Bambi generation. and reservoirs.” Therein lies the dilemma: Deer have adapted so well For sixteen years Clark Howells has been to development and other human encroachments the Assistant Manager of the Reservoir Natural to their natural habitat, that they are voraciously Resources Section for the City of Baltimore The ominous gray skies that a beautiful flute for our raffle (photo eating not only the daylilies and hostas in your and is responsible for the environmental welcomed the dawn on May 16th above, won by 8-year-old Rebecca Allen yard, but also a damaging amount of forest programs for the municipal drinking water seemed to confirm the gloomy, rainy who borrowed the dollar for the winning understory that is crucial to protect reservoir reservoirs. He has important information forecast gleefully predicted by all of the ticket from her brother) and also sold watersheds from sediment and pollutants. to convey about the negative impact deer professional weather watchers. Fortunately, they were wrong his creations. And the Oregon Ridge Nature Center Council The State of DNR issued a browse has on the forest understory and its and Music in the Woods started promptly at 10 AM. The day opened their hotdog concession stand with a smile. report in 2003 titled A Comprehensive Forest effect on forest health. His talk will also was filled with dynamic melodies and the stomping sounds A big “Thank You!” goes to all who volunteered their time Conservation Plan for Long-term Watershed focus on the management techniques used of cloggers. Lively tunes played by musicians from around and shared their talents and love of music and dance. Here are Protection on the City of Baltimore’s Reservoirs, by the City to reduce the deer population here and elsewhere set everyone’s toes to tapping almost the volunteers who assisted in festival preparations, performed, which lists deer browse as the primary reason on our reservoir watersheds. involuntarily. Local artist and flautist Bryan Burns donated and exhibited their crafts this year: for the lack of multi-layered, understory Mr. Howells holds a Masters degree from vegetation, including seedlings, herbaceous plants, Johns Hopkins University in environmental Andy Anders Anne and Jack Kerns Bauld Mountain shrubs and understory trees. This report states that science and policy, and is currently working to earn Griff Atkinson Charles Loubert Beaumont Pottery it is the lack of understory “…which is reducing the another Masters in public administration in 2010. Laurie Ballentine John and Erin McCleary Kollar Nursery ability of the forests to intercept rainfall and protect soil from Bryan Burns Bob and Gayl Meier Carroll County Cloggers (center photo above) Anne and Noot Canoles Scott Morrison Kristin, Rob and Susan Meyer (Painted Trillium) COMBATING NON-NATIVE INVASIVE PLANTS Jeanne Cole Chris O’Brien Carol and Dave Erhardt, Kim Shapiro (Back Porch Players) By Carole F. Bergmann Todd Crowley Courtney Peed Sandy Hofferth, Howard Zane, Heidi Most, Fred Cherney Kirk and Winny Dreier Ben Poscover (New Southern Cow Tippers) Monday, October 19, 7:30 PM Bryan Gall Dave Powers Tom Reedy, Jim Bienemann, Alice Rodman, Lisa Roberts Mary Genovese Joe Salvaggio (Loony Tunes) Carole F. Bergmann serves as Forest Ecologist and based WEED WARRIOR program in 1999. Over 700 Frank Wolfchild Greene Robert Willasch Field Botanist for the Maryland-National Capital citizens have become certified Weed Warriors, logging Christopher James Jennifer Witt The Oregon Ridge Staff Park and Planning Commission. Ms. Bergmann in well over 20,000 volunteer hours removing will describe non-native invasive plants, giving non-native invasive species from M-NCPPC some of their characteristics and discussing park properties. where they come from and why, and just why Ms. Bergmann is also an Instructor for the they are a persistent ecological problem. She USDA Graduate School, teaching classes on will identify some of the worst invasives in Ferns and Fern Allies, Non-native Invasive the MD/DC/VA area, such as multifloral Species, and Spring Wildflowers. She is a rose (center photo), and explain what is lecturer/field excursion leader for numerous groups including the Audubon Society, being done region-wide to combat the The Maryland and Virginia Native Plant problem. She will also explain what you Societies, and the Washington Botanical can do to help in battling these invaders Society. and talk about the value and importance of Ms. Bergman is a Founding Board Member maintaining our native plant communities. of the Mid-Atlantic Exotic Pest Plant Council As Forest Manager for the Commission’s and the Maryland Invasive Species Council, a Board Scott Morrison (left) teaches how to play the The Back Porch Players set a lively pace 34,000 acres of parkland in Montgomery County, Member of the Montgomery County Forestry Board, Bodhrani in a “Meet the Instrument” session Maryland, Ms. Bergman founded the citizen volunteer and past President of the Maryland Native Plant Society. Page 10 Sept/Oct/Nov 2009 Sept/Oct/Nov 2009 Page 3 (2008-09 - An Eventful Year, continued) Many thanks are extended to the Maryland Master THE STATE OF THE OREGON RIDGE FOREST TRAIL GUIDING IS FUN AT ORNC Appreciation is extended to Eagle Scout candidate Keith Gardeners for their efforts in replanting the herb garden in the By Donald C. Outen meadow. This garden will feature native species and flowers. Porter, who conducted a fund-raising spaghetti dinner, Trail Guide Training at Oregon Ridge Nature Center used the proceeds to purchase building materials, and then Watch this garden grow as their five-year plan blooms. Monday, November 16, 7:30 PM begins September 1, running four consecutive days from constructed a new, enlarged enclosure for our chickens and 10 AM to 1 PM. If you hike and find joy in nature, and are turkeys. Please be sure to visit it on your walk to the Nature Programs Oregon Ridge Park consists of nearly 900 acres of willing to share that joy with children, please join this spirited Center immediately behind the maple syrup evaporator shed. contiguous forest, and with an estimated 499 trees per acre, group of Trail Guides for fun and education. The nominal A job well done, Keith! The Honey Harvest, Pancake Breakfast, and Music in the it is the County’s second largest forest holding. Now imagine $25 fee is refunded Also adjacent to the Nature Center and near the bridge to Woods events were all very successful thanks to the support of hiking in the park through this great woodland and seeing only when you lead your the Loggers Red Trail, there is the new many volunteers and the community. a smattering of oak trees and even fewer birds and animals due first solo field trip. Possum house (center photo) where you The funds raised will allow us to to habitat loss. No experience may see Matilda, the female opossum, continue to train trail guides, provide This is not an imaginary scenario, but one that could is required. Each day if she decides to come out during the and maintain improved displays, and actually occur according to a 630-page study by MAR- highlights a different daylight hours. A new enlarged home support the newsletter, speaker series LEN Environmental on the state of the Oregon Ridge topic, which includes was also developed for our black snake and scholarships. Thank you to the forest titled Oregon Ridge Park Forest Health Assessment and Native Americans of to allow more movement and eye-level many volunteers who donated their Forest Management Plan. Don Outen, MD, insects, reptiles viewing for children. time and skills to these efforts and to Natural Resource Manager of the and amphibians, and Jeanne Cole, volunteer coordinator, Baltimore County Department habitats. Following Grounds Improvements Dave Power, publicity director, Anne of Environmental Protection this week of training, and Noot Canoles, Gift Shop co- and Resource Management you are encouraged to Appreciation goes to the volunteers coordinators, and Bill La Barre, Pancake (DEPRM), will discuss its accompany and observe an experienced guide until you feel who planted 100 Chestnut saplings Breakfast chair. findings, the most surprising confident enough to lead your own group. Each month trail and to the American Chestnut Society This year the staff published being the projected loss of guides are treated to a special field trip of their own, like May’s for providing the seedlings. This is part ORNC’s first calendar in color. Plans oak dominance in the absence trip to Shenk’s Ferry Wildflower Preserve shown in the photo. of an experiment to find a strain or have also been initiated to improve of proper management, which Please call 410-887-1815 to register. Payment is due on inherited trait of this species that would the Council’s Trailblazer newsletter would result in the ascendancy of the first day of training (checks are preferred). Make this your be resistant to the chestnut blight. Over through changes in layout and content. shade loving trees such as the red maple, year to do something different! a century ago, the Chestnut, standing Newsletter Editors Mary Jane Shanks black gum, and beech. This change could radically transform over 125 feet high, constituted 25% of and Joe Salvaggio have done a great job the character of the forest, affecting the forest’s ability to all of the hardwoods in the Appalachian Mountains and was in showcasing our activities and the speakers lined up by Kevin protect water quality and sustain adequate habitats for birds AN HERBAL MAKEOVER an important source of food for wildlife. O’Neill. Thanks to all for your efforts. Please let us know of and animals that depend In May, the Maryland Department of Agriculture speakers you would like us to bring to the Ridge. on the oak-dominated Our herb garden received an overdue sprayed a microbial insecticide, BT (Bacillus thuringiensis), This year the Council’s Scholarship Committee enjoyed system. Mr. Outen will makeover this summer. The Master on approximately 300 acres of the an abundance of extremely well-qualified applicants. Thanks also talk about the lack of Gardeners of Baltimore stepped in to help Oregon Ridge forest to control a heavy to your support, the committee, headed by Dr. Polly Roberts, regeneration due to deer the Council with the revitalization of the infestation of Gypsy Moth egg masses. was able to award five scholarships. The recipients are Baltimore browsing, Gypsy moths, garden, and it looks great. Native shrubs This control measure has prevented County and City high school seniors entering into nature and invasives, and he will were placed around the outside edge of the these insects from maturing and saved studies or environmental college programs. Read more about outline the management garden to give it a border and distinguish where the garden approximately one-third of the Park’s these awards on page 5 of this newsletter, and please continue plan to perpetuate oak Gypsy moths devastate begins. Flagstone oaks at Oregon Ridge mature forest. Thank you to all who to encourage environmental studies students to apply. dominance. paths will be re-laid wrote letters or made phone calls to Jim Curtis, Council Vice President, assisted by naturalist Don Outen, a Maryland native, has worked since 1973 and the pond will be achieve this result. Your reward can be Todd Thropp, has updated the Oregon Ridge web site to include in land use planning and environmental management at the expanded. Five new found by walking the trails of Oregon pages for news, monthly speakers, and information regarding State, regional, and county levels, currently as the coordinator plots for plants were Ridge and enjoying the lush, fully the Council and scholarships. Check out the updated site for of the County’s Forest Sustainability Program. He earned his edged and given developed green leaves of our mature forest and experiencing the latest information on happenings, programs and volunteer B.S. in Geography/Environmental Planning from Towson themes. Each plot the cool shade of these huge giants on a hot afternoon. activities at Oregon Ridge. University and an M.S. degree in Urban Planning from The will receive signage Thanks to the Oregon Ridge volunteers who planted Our appreciation goes out to all the volunteers who Johns Hopkins University. He is a long-time member of the on the history and young saplings donated by the Maryland Department of continue to make Oregon Ridge a vibrant, healthy center Association of American Geographers and a charter member usage of the plants it Natural Resources (DNR). Approximately $5,000 worth of to appreciate nature. With your continued assistance and of the American Institute of Certified planners. He is also a contains. We thank the Master Gardeners for all of their hard various types of trees, seedlings and wildflowers were planted support, Oregon Ridge Nature Center Council will be able to Master Gardener and a Coverts Cooperator, managing for 28 work and help in maintaining this landmark in Oregon Ridge with the assistance of DNR staff to provide a riparian buffer support the many and varied educational and nature programs years a private reforestation project. Park. near Shawan Road. that make Oregon Ridge a model among county parks. Page 4 Sept/Oct/Nov 2009 Sept/Oct/Nov 2009 Page 9

THE HONEY HARVEST using an old-fashioned cider press. WE HELPED THE BAY! WATCH FOR NEW EXHIBITS The driveway ends at the Nature Center where there is FESTIVAL BUZZES IN THE FALL FOOD — hotdogs topped with honey mustard, chips, sodas, Volunteers and staff helped plant a riparian buffer zone water, hot cider, and perhaps something sweet. The best this summer with a grant from the DNR. Riparian buffer The Exhibit Committee (Chair Joe Warfield, Noot October 3 and 4, 10 AM to 4 PM place to eat lunch is down the steps to the meadow at the zones gather debris and filter out pollutants from water before Canoles, Courtney Peed, and Shannon Davis) is currently picnic tables across from the stage where a foot-stomping, live they can enter a designing several exhibits to be placed along the park trails Upon driving up to ORNC for the Honey Harvest bluegrass band is playing “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” or stream or river. The to enlighten visitors about various aspects of the forest Festival, a helpful teen directs you to an available parking some other bluegrass favorite. zone usually consists environment. Planned are exhibits that will acquaint the POP-U-LAR space, an obvious tip-off that this event is . Don’t Across from the food stand, Jack the Starling, the Nature of trees, grasses viewer with some of the intricacies of the Eastern Deciduous worry! Parking is very accessible and our parking volunteers Center’s mascot, might call out “How you doin’?” if you are and other plants Forest – things to look for as you walk the trails. Also planned do a good job. lucky, or whistle a bit of Green Acres, the theme song to the old that grow close to are exhibits covering two recent changes in the forest along the On the walk up the drive towards the Nature Center, TV show of the same name. Jack is luring you over to buy a a water supply. You Red Trail. flying sparks and the clang ofa raffle ticket for the big basket filled can see this zone One exhibit will cover the origin and natural history of hammer striking metal turns heads with honey goods — honey wine, from Shawan Road the non-native gypsy moth that destroyed about 18 acres of towards the muscular blacksmith, jars of honey, home-made beeswax across from Shawan trees along the ridge. Another will point out the area where bending over his anvil, forging a candles, and so much more. He Downs. this past spring volunteers planted a block of native American pothook or maybe a decorative knows the money from this raffle A huge area was Chestnut seedlings with the grand hope that some or all may trivet. Next to the smithy sits a helps pay for his room and board. replanted with over thrive, not succumbing to the Chestnut blight that destroyed lovely lady, dressed in a 1800’s At the table next to Jack, children 200 trees, both these great trees many years ago. cotton, stripped day dress, weaving sit while a teen volunteer decorates seedling and sapling. In addition, the committee has received approval from wool on a spinning wheel. Union their chubby cheeks with a painted All of the species Baltimore County for the installation of a gazebo along the and Confederate soldiers peek over bee, flower, or other image of their were natives and trail at the moth devastation area. Some exhibits would be her shoulder and mill around close choosing. most will produce incorporated into the gazebo giving a neat spot to stop and by, resting after shooting off their Things are really buzzing inside Brina Doyle rests after planting trees fruits or nuts. The sit for a moment, check out displays, take in the vista, and noisy muskets during a skirmish the Center. Beekeepers are selling trees were staked, contemplate this forest gem at Oregon Ridge. out in the meadow. Woolly sheep, their wares in every room, the tubed and weed-matted. Bird netting was placed on top of the The Exhibit Committee hopes that park visitors have seen scruffy goats and skittish chickens ORNC Council Gift Shop is open tubes to keep out animals. the excellent series of interpretive signs installed adjacent to roam the area, eating hay or grass, and full of affordable gift items, A section of grass was also cleared and wildflower seeds the remains of the Oregon Iron Furnace (photo below). These pecking at the ground, and waiting and of course, there are numerous were spread in its place. The seeds were a special Maryland exhibits incorporate wonderful graphics detailing the cultural for a friendly pat from a friendly exhibits to enjoy. A group of teen mixture, which were native species to the state. We hope this history of the Oregon mining town. kid. There is also a neat museum volunteers run comical, nature project will help our streams and the Bay in the long run. to tour, containing artifacts of a puppet shows for children in the There may be another planting project next year. If you would miner’s life at Oregon Ridge in the 1800’s. auditorium on an hourly schedule. like to help with planting, we are always looking for more Across the driveway, a naturalist holds out his tired arm to The day would not be complete without a trek down to the hands! Watch our website for opportunities to help. show off a raptor that has a firm claw-hold on his gloved hand, meadow to take a scratchy hayride on a tractor-pulled wagon. which is tightly gripping a tether attached to the bird’s leg. Just watch out for those noisy soldiers battling nearby. Pesky bees buzz around to his right, bothering the volunteers Admission is FREE! So please join the festivities — and TRAILBLAZER STAFF who are crushing fresh, local apples into sweet tasting cider bring along the whole family and lots of friends. Editor/Design/Layout: Mary Jane Shanks Managing Editor: Joe Salvaggio

BUZZ ON CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE OVER HONEY HARVEST FESTIVAL COMING IN OCTOBER Writers: Jim Curtis, Jack Kerns, Kevin O’Neill, Courtney Peed, Polly Roberts, Mary Jane Shanks, Todd WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT! Thropp

Photographers: Jim Curtis, Bryan Burns (flute), Bill Diegel, The 2009 Annual Honey Harvest Festival is on October 3 and 4. ORNC Staff If you have made this a family tradition, we look forward to seeing you again. If you’ve never attended, please check it out. It is great fun. OREGON RIDGE NATURE CENTER Volunteers are needed to help the festival run smoothly, including 13555 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030 cooking hotdogs, making apple cider, and selling raffle tickets. If you 410-887-1815; Fax: 410-785-1020 or 410-887-1816 [email protected].; www.oregonridge.org can volunteer, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Jeanne Cole via Articles for the Dec/Jan/Feb issue are due October 27. the Nature Center (410-887-1815). Page 8 Sept/Oct/Nov 2009 Sept/Oct/Nov 2009 Page 5

BEWARE OF THE SADDLEBACK Unfortunately, unwary humans can also suffer painful A Banner Year for Scholarships! stings from these spiny caterpillars. The poisonous hairs or By Dr. Polly Roberts, Scholarship Chair By Jim Curtis spines are hollow and are connected to underlying poison glands. Contact with them causes a burning sensation and an For the 15th consecutive year, the ORNC Council has number of applications and were heartened to learn that so Have you ever seen a poisonous caterpillar? Well guess inflammation that can be as painful as a bee sting. The irritation awarded scholarships to deserving Baltimore City/County many of the best and brightest students now plan to pursue what? We have a poisonous caterpillar residing here at Oregon can last for a day or two and is sometimes accompanied by high school seniors who have demonstrated a commitment environmental careers. Ridge Park. Its name is Acharia stimulea, or more commonly nausea during the first few hours. Usually the site of contact to the environment and plan to pursue environmental studies A total of $12,000 has been divided among the five known as the Saddleback caterpillar. On a fall trail guide reddens and swells much like a bee sting. in college. This year we received almost three times the usual successful candidates: outing two of these colorful creatures were spotted. If stung by this caterpillar one should immediately wash the The Saddleback caterpillar is found all along the East affected area to remove any insect hairs and poison that remain. Coast of North America. While not rare it usually does not Placement of tape on the wound may assist in removing the Victoria Stott, a graduate Maxwell Lehner graduated exist in large enough numbers to be considered a stinging hairs, and an ice pack will help reduce of Eastern Tech pursuing first in his class at Sparrows serious pest. swelling. People known to be sensitive to insect environmental studies at Point High School and has The adult Saddleback is about one stings should consult a physician. the University of Maryland received $2000 toward his inch long with stinging hairs and spines The best bet is to avoid Saddleback Baltimore County, was studies in environmental protruding from horn-like lobes on its caterpillars or any other brightly colored, awarded $4000. She is science at Ursinus College. front and rear, and with clusters of spiny caterpillar. If Saddlebacks are interested in environmental His plans include a law spines lining each side. Its name is found in your area, use caution education, particularly for degree in order to influence derived from the appearance of a when pulling weeds or handling disadvantaged youth, and environmental public policy brown, saddle-like patch, bordered brush or branches. Fortunately, plans to use her multimedia at the state/local level. in white, which sits atop a distinctive these caterpillars are not often skills in developing green “saddle pad” that covers all but found in gardens or backyards. These educational materials. the caterpillar’s almost indistinguishable caterpillars are usually solitary feeders head and tail. and will feed on the leaves of many different Jennifer Grauer graduated first in her class at Western The design of the Saddleback caterpillar is trees and shrubs. They often lurk in the shade Andrew Reighart, who Tech and has received $2000 quite amazing. Since the Saddleback is usually under leaves. graduated from Towson to study environmental active during the daytime, predators can spot it easily. Insects As with all caterpillars the Saddleback progresses through High, was awarded $2000 science and evolutionary normally prevent predatory capture through camouflage, the typical moth life stages of egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa for his studies at St. Mary’s biology at the University of but in this case the caterpillar’s bright green saddle pad is a (chrysalis), and adult. The pupa undergoes a metamorphosis College in public policy and Vermont. Jennifer envisions bold, colorful warning to predators of its poisonous sting. It’s into the adult stage as a small moth. The adult Saddleback environmental science. He a career in environmental double-ended appearance often confuses predators by causing Caterpillar Moth (shown below) is dark brown, with wings plans to study environmental research. them to wonder which end to attack. Regardless, any predator shaded in charcoal and black and containing several white spots, law after college, with a foolishly attacking this caterpillar is likely to be stung. The and a two-inch wingspan – quite a subtle result considering it’s career goal of policy analysis nasty sting is a painful lesson to any predator and undoubtedly bold beginnings. at the international level. leaves a lasting memory that discourages any future attacks on Additionally, two college students will receive funding as this colorful caterpillar. part of continuing, dedicated scholarships:

Kimberley Maier, a Catons- • Halshka Graczyk will receive $1000 from the Eleanor ville High graduate, has Cunliff Lindsay Scholarship for her final year at the Johns JOIN the Oregon Ridge MEMBERSHIP FORM been awarded $2000 to Hopkins University, where she is pursuing a double major Nature Center Council! study environmental science in environmental science and public health. Name______Phone ______at the University of North • Megan Milliken, who is studying environmental science If you are already a member, Carolina. She is interested in at Washington College, has been awarded $1000 from check your mailing label for Address ______State ____ Zip ______environmental education and the Getty Dutrow Mullan Scholarship for her sophomore your membership status. “C” believes that it can be taught year. ___ $15 Individual ___ $ 50 Sustaining means current, “E” means in a “fun” way. expired, and “X” means this ___ $20 Family ___ $100 Corporate is your last issue unless you ___ $12 Senior Citizen/Student ___ $100 Patron CONGRATULATIONS ___ $25 Non-Profit ___ $150 Lifetime renew now.

THANK YOU FOR Checks payable to ORNC Council, 13555 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville, MD 21030 Once again, the Council extends sincere gratitude to all who have contributed so generously to our scholarship fund. With YOUR SUPPORT! your help, we are enabling the next generation to become effective stewards of the environment. Page 6 Sept/Oct/Nov 2009 Sept/Oct/Nov 2009 Page 7

2009 SUMMER CAMPS feature a different nature theme each day, all designed to NEW STAFF ARRIVE ABBY CAHALAN CREATE ADVENTURE discover the outdoors in our forest, fields and streams. These OVER SUMMER Is a Ridge Runner Natural camps are structured for 6-8 year olds and 9-10 year olds. As summer draws to a close and fall crispness creeps into They are always a huge hit with the kids and the counselors. You may have seen some new faces working around Every Wednesday afternoon Abby Cahalan shows up to the air, it is gratifying to know that our summer camps went so Finally, we had our Survivor Camp for 11-12 year Oregon Ridge Nature Center over the summer. Two new part- volunteer her time with a BIG smile. In early February Abby well this year. There was such strong interest in 2008 that we olds. Pre-teens who attended learned how to make it in the time staffers and one not so new full-timer have become part joined our other Wednesday Ridgies, Jackie and Kayla. She decided to add another week of wild in a survival situation. of the ORNC family. makes our topnotch mid-week team even better! When asked camp this year, allowing more Throughout the week they Laura Steber, our new Building Attendant, has been busy why she wanted to be a Ridge Runner, Abby quickly replied, “It children to experience nature practiced skills such as fire learning how to handle the questions and requests of many was something new and different that I hadn’t experienced.” at its finest. Brina Doyle was making, shelter building, and phone callers and visitors at the front desk. Hers is the first face our Camp Director, capably orienteering. The campers had you see as you enter the Center, so say hello to Laura on your aided by Camp Counselor fun learning unique skills with next visit. Nate Lipinski. Both Brina and our counselors, and we are Greg Schaefer is our Nate are Weekend Naturalists hopeful that they remember new Weekend Naturalist. at Oregon Ridge and have enough to pass onto others. Greg graduated from also worked with our field trip If your kids would like to Frostburg State University. programs during the week. attend our camps next year, He worked for Nature They had a lot of knowledge why not become a member and Camps, Inc., in Monkton to share and many eager young get first dibs on the best camp for many years, so he minds willing to learn. Their deal in the County! Members is well acquainted with days were filled with adventure receive a quarterly newsletter our forest ecosystem and and surprises, and everyone and are eligible to register its inhabitants and is an had a good time. for camp two weeks prior to excellent addition to our There were camps for all non-members. That’s why nature center staff. ages. Mom, Me and Nature was our first session of the summer, our camps fill up so fast. A family membership is only $20 a Finally, we’re pleased to designed for the youngest campers. Pre-schoolers age 4 and 5 year, so give us a call to join! Members receive a 10% camp announce that Shannon and their parent/guardian shared in the experience, learning discount. Davis is now the full-time Naturalist, taking over the position about nature by playing outdoor games and taking woodland We hope to see some of our 2009 campers and parents at vacated by Courtney Peed when she was promoted to Director. hikes. We hope the small steps taken in this camp instill a love the Nature Center during the school year so that we can say, Some of you may already know Shannon from her many years of nature that will grow and flourish in the future. “Hi!” working as a Weekend Naturalist here at Oregon Ridge and Many children attended the Junior Naturalist camps this . Maybe you met her during one her Abby has a twin sister, Lauren, who hopes to become a year, all going away with a better understanding of the outdoors ORNC treasure hunt hikes or in the garden at Cromwell Ridge Runner in the future, and an older brother Joey. Abby and a deep respect for Mother Nature. Junior Naturalist camps Valley Park. If you have yet to cross paths with Shannon, you‘re is an 8th grade student at Ridgely Middle School where she in for a treat. Her bright and engaging personality, sharp is involved in soccer and lacrosse. She likes to explore the skills as a naturalist, great outdoors with her family by hiking and kayaking. She NEW CHICKEN PEN A HIT WITH FOWL! and her expansive has been fortunate enough to travel to beautiful natural areas knowledge about like Crescent Beach and Acadia, Maine. Abby and her family Keith Porter and his fellow scouts did a magnificent job building our new chicken pen. the great outdoors joined in on both of the Nature Center’s canoe trips down the Not only does it provide enough room for our assure that she will Upper Gunpowder this summer, and they can even be found chickens and turkeys to cohabitate comfortably, provide wonderful walking Mia, their Border Collie/Burmese Mountain Dog it also protects our precious birds from predators programming for mix, on the beautiful trails of Oregon Ridge. Abby likes to that would love to have them for dinner! everyone in the draw and doodle in her free time. Keith raised money for his supplies by coming months. So far at Oregon Ridge Nature Center Abby has enjoyed hosting a spaghetti dinner at his church and by We are happy learning the proper handling techniques for holding animals collecting donations at our Pancake Breakfast. to have Shannon, and how to care for them. Her favorite part of being a Ridge The dinner was a great success, so we also thank Greg, and Laura as Runner is that she “…gets to interact with the different those of you who attended the dinner and new members on animals.” When asked which is her favorite critter, she couldn’t breakfast to help the cause! our staff. decide on just one, explaining “…either the corn snake or Jack, Next time you visit the Center, stop over to but I like them all.” Jack, of course, is our European starling. see the chickens and the amazing job the scouts Welcome We are very glad to have enthusiastic, excited Ridge did with the coop. Thanks Keith! Aboard! Runners like Abby join us here. We hope she will stay for years to come.