The Maryland Natural Resource

maryland department of natural resources $2

the

Maryland

natural resource Vol. 20, No. 4 I Fall 2017

ON THE COVER Fall foliage and festivals

IN THIS ISSUE...

Creepy creatures Spooky parks and eco-costumes Then & Now: Natural Resources online

CONTENTS

features

Bird Brains

The intelligence of common ravens

Costumes, Naturally

Creative getups for nature lovers

Parks in the Dark

Spooky events this Halloween

The Golden Season

Fall foliage & festivals

Dancing, Deception and Cannibalism

Myths and realities of Maryland spiders

Wildlife Calls

Reserve officers relieve dispatch overload

Fishing at Conowingo Reservoir More than meets the eye

A Four Star is Born

International prestige at Fair Hill

A-Hunting We Will Go

New apprentice program

Connecting Outdoor Enthusiasts in a Digital World

6 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 20 22

in every issue 2

The Nature of Change & Aboveboard Ask an Expert

3

Short Takes

4

Department News

5 25

From the Field

We’re just a click away

the

Maryland

natural resource

Cover photo by Tim Ray Contents photo by Mary Johnson

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contact us

The Maryland Natural Resource 580 Taylor Avenue, D-4 Annapolis, MD 21401 customerservice.dnr@maryland.gov 410-260-8021 n 877-620-8DNR

staff

Editor-in-Chief Stephen Schatz Publication Manager; Design & Layout Lauren Mitchell Subscriptions & Distribution Stephen Badger Editorial Support Gregg Bortz, Karin Dodge, Cheryl Wise

contributors

Stephen Badger, Brett Coakley, Karin Dodge, Gene Deems, Madison Hill, Lauren Mitchell, John Mullican, Ross Peddicord, Glenn Therres, Candy Thomson,

Spring 2015 I Linda Wiley, Kerry Wixted

1

The facilities and services of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources are available to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin or physical or mental disability. This document is available upon request in alternative format from a qualified individual with a disability.

Larry Hogan, Governor

Mark Belton, Secretary

Š 2017 Maryland Department of Natural Resources

ISSN 1521-9984

Fall 2017 I 1

THE NATURE OF CHANGE T

A

s fall settles in across the Old Line State, we become a little more sensitive to the sounds of rustling leaves on the ground, the moan of wind through the trees, and the eerie sensation out in nature that we’re not alone.

In this edition of the Maryland Natural Resource, we investigate some fascinating phenomena around the state, most of which have perfectly natural and scientific explanations.

Among the articles, you’ll find insight on some seasonally spooky species that too often get a bad reputation. Enter the world of Maryland’s spiders to learn more about the perennially misunderstood and tremendously beneficial arachnid.

Also featured is the story of the raven—the “grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt and ominous bird of yore” immortalized in Edgar Allan Poe’s poetic masterpiece. Far from being sinister, this striking animal is among the most resourceful and intelligent birds.

Although if you do have an interest in the other-worldly, one of our feature stories will send you some pre-winter chills. You can find some of Maryland’s allegedly haunted public lands for an offthe-beaten-path adventure.

For unwanted visitors of the more corporeal variety, the Natural Resources Police has a new service to report wildlife issues.

2 I The Maryland Natural Resource

Another new program we’re highlighting is the Apprentice Hunting License, just in time for the fall and winter hunting seasons. Available to anyone who has never held a hunting license before, this program will allow individuals to try the sport before deciding whether to pursue a traditional license.

Fall is also the time when we must beware the real danger of wildfires, and remember those that protect us. I invite you to read our From the Field profile of State Fire Supervisor Monte Mitchell.

His oversight of our fire teams that respond to wildfires here and around the country earned him the Employee of the Year award.

And finally, you don’t have to believe in the supernatural to enjoy some true magic. Our fall foliage guide can show you where to track the beautiful colors of the autumn season. With our partners in the Maryland Office of Tourism, we can help you keep track of peak vibrancy forecasts and festival details through the Fall Foliage and Festival Hotline.

Whatever else you do this fall, be sure to get outside and enjoy one of the most spectacular and dynamic times of year in our many public lands and waterways. I hope to see you out at your own favorite haunt.

Mark J. Belton Secretary

Send YOUR questions for our experts to news.dnr@maryland.gov

Pumpkin-lined walkway

What can I do with my pumpkins after Halloween is over? (Annie in Oakland)

STEPHEN BADGER

ABOVEBOARD

Larry Hogan Governor

ASK AN EXPERT ALBERT HERRING

he Chesapeake Bay is Maryland’s most treasured natural asset. Since taking office, our administration has made incredible progress toward protecting the bay, including more than $3 billion in restoration efforts—an unprecedented investment.

We continue to make great strides— this year the bay received one of the highest scores calculated by scientists at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science in its annual survey. In addition, fish populations greatly improved to an A (90 percent).

This is great news for the many Marylanders who enjoy the waters for recreation or rely on the bay to make their living.

In order to continue our progress, we must continue to work with all of the bay jurisdictions and our federal partners. In June, I hosted the annual meeting of the Chesapeake Executive Council of the Chesapeake Bay Program at the State House in Annapolis, and was honored to be elected the new chair. This council includes representatives of each jurisdiction within the watershed— Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia—along with the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

During the meeting, we signed a resolution supporting the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership and advocating for continued federal funding to restore and preserve the region’s most

precious natural resource. The resolution also calls for science, monitoring, modeling and restoration to continue with the full participation of local, state and federal agencies, and private sector entities as appropriate.

Under our administration, Maryland will continue to do its part to have a long-lasting, positive impact on the bay and our environment. Shortly after taking office, we brought farmers, scientists, community leaders and environmental advocates together to develop Phosphorous Management Tool regulations, one of the most significant initiatives to clean up the bay in a generation.

We are also committed to addressing the threat posed by sediment flowing from the Susquehanna River through the Conowingo Dam. We have worked to bring together scientists, local and regional leaders, and environmental regulators to address this critical issue, recently convening a second Conowingo Dam Summit and issuing a Request for Proposal for a pilot program on dredging behind the dam and the beneficial reuse of dredged material.

In order to be successful as we move ahead together, Chesapeake Bay restoration must include innovative financing, transparent public-private partnerships, and market-based solutions that drive costs down and promote new technologies.

As a lifelong Marylander and the proud governor of this great state, I will remain committed to ensuring that our natural treasures will be preserved for future generations.

New Germany Lake House

What should I know about selecting firewood?

Serve sections of pumpkins. If you have leftover pumpkin, cut it up and lay it out specifically for wildlife. Chipmunks, groundhogs, squirrels and even late-season butterflies will all feed off of it. n —kerry wixted, wildlife education specialist

(Will in Bel Air) Many people prefer to heat their homes with wood, and for good reason. Wood gives a rich, dry heat that seems to warm you from the inside out. Many also prefer the dancing flame of the fire itself to that of a gas or oil burner. Plus, modern wood stoves reduce pollution.

Choosing wood is easy. Oak has more heat content than maple, but the main consideration is dryness. It takes about 12 months to fully season firewood—that is, for it to air-dry enough to allow it to burn efficiently. Green wood—that which isn’t yet sufficiently dry—burns poorly. It gives off more smoke and less heat, plugs up your chimney and ultimately wastes your money.

Species matters less than dryness, so whatever wood you use, make sure it’s been split in half, if not quarters, for at least nine months before burning.

For those who cut their own wood, remember that we have a serious invasive pest in our woods: the emerald ash borer. Though treatment efforts are underway, this devastating beetle has no predators and is ravaging our ash trees. And it’s not the only bad bug out there. The ambrosia beetle, black walnut twig beetle and gypsy moth may all hitch rides in the backs of trucks loaded with firewood. For this reason, Maryland’s state parks don’t allow you to enter with your own wood. Also bear in mind that snakes and other wildlife may seek cover in woodpiles kept outside.

One of the greatest hallmarks of firewood is it’s natural. Odds are that it grew within 15 miles of your home, so it’s the ultimate “buy local” example. The economics of burning wood is still a good deal as well, even with the recent decline of fossil fuel prices. Pound for pound, or rather, dollar for dollar, wood is about as cheap as oil, and let’s be honest: wood is just plain prettier. And more fun. And satisfying.

About 23,000 Maryland households use wood as their primary heat source; most users rely on it as a secondary source. If you are thinking of switching to wood, the Maryland Energy Administration offers grants to help you get started. n —dan rider, forest stewardship manager

dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife

dnr.maryland.gov/trees

While pumpkin-flavored everything crowds the shelves at coffee shops and supermarkets, many of us are also buying whole pumpkins to carve and decorate. Interestingly enough, pumpkins are native to North America and can be a great food source for humans as well as wildlife. Here are some ideas to recycle your festive orange gourds: Carve and compost. After carving a pumpkin, compost the innards. The material is mostly water and will break down quickly. Once you are done with the pumpkin, you can compost that as well!

Serve and/or sow the seeds. If you don’t eat pumpkin seeds, wildlife will. Allow seeds to air dry (do not salt or season), and lay them outside where critters can get them.

Alternatively, you can take some of your collected seeds and plant them for next year’s patch. They can be sown directly in the ground following the last spring frost. Leave at least 20 feet for each plant. If you want large pumpkins by next Halloween, start them off indoors before transplanting.

Tiny, native squash bees that live in the ground pollinate pumpkin flowers, so be sure you don’t destroy their nests by over-tilling the soil.

Create a snack-o-lantern. For this all-natural bird feeder, you’ll need two dowels and four evenly cut pieces of rope. Remove the top of the pumpkin, poke one dowel across the width of the pumpkin, and the other about midway down in the opposite direction. Tie a strand of rope to each of the pegs sticking out, and tie them all together in a large knot.

Poke several small holes in the bottom as well to allow rainwater to get out. Fill with birdseed, hang it in your yard and watch as hungry birds come to eat!

Fall 2017 I 3

SHORT TAKES

DEPARTMENT NEWS

INGREDIENTS 1 lb venison tenderloin or roast, well trimmed 1 tbsp liquid smoke 1 lb uncooked bacon ¼ tsp fresh ground black pepper ½ cup soy sauce 3 large jalapeno peppers (optional) ½ cup water ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce Bamboo skewers INSTRUCTIONS Cut venison into 1-inch chunks and set aside. Combine soy sauce, water, Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke. Add venison chunks and refrigerate for at least six hours. While meat is marinating, soak bamboo skewers in water. Cut bacon slices in half.

Wrap bacon around venison chunk. For added kick, add 1-inch piece of jalapeno before wrapping. Use skewer to hold together. Each skewer will hold 5-6 wrapped chunks. Grill on medium heat, turning frequently until bacon is fully cooked—about eight minutes.

If desired, the skewers can also be made in the broiler or on a grill pan. Bacon will smoke at high temperature, so be sure to have adequate ventilation. n Prepared by Jim Thompson.

STEPHEN BADGER

Tawes Garden Celebrates Anniversary

Tawes Garden

4 I The Maryland Natural Resource

This time of the year, oak trees all across the state are dropping their acorns. Take a trip out to your backyard or local park to collect some, and let your kids’ imaginations soar!

MATERIALS Capped acorns Colored fuzzy yarn or wool Tacky glue Permanent markers Scissors String

INSTRUCTIONS Gather capped acorns and carefully remove the caps. Use a permanent marker to draw faces or other designs. For “hair,” put one large drop of glue on the top of each acorn and press wisps of yarn onto it. Apply a second glue drop, put the cap back on and hold it for one minute.

Make the necklace chain by tying string around the cap stem and securing it with a drop of glue.

MORE ACORN ACTIVITIES AND TIPS 1. If your kids decide to only draw on the acorns, they can later plant them. Label the areas where they are placed in the ground and check them in the spring to see what sprouts! (Remember, oak trees can grow quite tall, so be sure there is enough space in your yard to accommodate them.)

2. Caps, if intact, can be used as loud, effective whistles. Hold a cap in both hands between your thumb and index fingers, with the inside facing you.

Position your thumbs to create a triangle with the cap. Place your upper lip on the knuckles of your thumbs and use the rest of your hands to make sure no air can escape when you blow.

3. Collect acorns from different types of oak trees. Set them out and see if any wildlife, like squirrels, carry them off. You’ll find that some species are preferred over others.

Enjoy! n

Launch event

Project Green Classrooms Kicks Off The Maryland Department of Natural Resources joined the Maryland State Department of Education to kick off a new statewide initiative dedicated to promoting outdoor learning.

Established by Gov. Larry Hogan to educate and Pollinator garden inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, Project Green Classrooms held its initial meeting at the Howard County Conservancy in July. ​Natural Resources Deputy Secretary Joanne Throwe led the launch event, where she discussed the initiative’s focus.

Serving as an advisory body, project staff works collectively across multiple disciplines and public/private sectors to identify gaps and barriers, and makes recommendations to decision-makers regarding solutions to improve environmental literacy.

The group aims to: • Promote and build support for use of the outdoors for learning, discovery, healthy play and career exploration.

• Support educators and education systems in advancing environmental literacy through planning, training, exchange of best practices, linking schools with partners and more.

• Increase access to “nearby nature” to assure opportunities for youth and others to experience nature within close proximity of ther homes and communities.

• Serve future generations of innovators who will solve environmental challenges by preparing our youth for 21st century environment-based careers and “green” jobs through workforce development and other enrichment programs.

The event brought together several leading federal and state agencies, including the Maryland departments of Health, Planning and Transportation, as well as a litany of nonprofit organizations and partners such as the Chesapeake Bay Trust.

As you help spread the word, share what you are doing to put the outdoors back in childhood in Maryland with hashtags #MDkidsoutdoors and #projectgreenclassrooms. n

New State Fishing Record Set The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has confirmed a Deal Island resident has set a new state fishing record in the Chesapeake Division for sheepshead.

Dave Alveberg caught the 13.73-pound record breaking fish Aug. 17, in roughly 4 feet of water off South Marsh Island near Tangier Sound.

Intent on catching rockfish and white perch, Alveberg was using soft crab as bait when his line went “haywire.” After a brief struggle, he pulled aboard the record sheepshead.

“Seeing something like this on my boat was amazing,” Alveberg said. He plans on getting the fish mounted for display.

The weight was confirmed by Brent Malone of How Sweet It Is, a market in Somerset County. The catch broke the previous record 13.3-pound fish caught by Dan Thomas in 2016.

The department maintains state records for sport fish in four divisions—Atlantic, Chesapeake, nontidal and invasive—and awards plaques to anglers who achieve record catches. Fish caught from privately-owned, fee-fishing waters are ineligible for consideration.

Anglers who think they have a potential record catch should fill out the state record application and call 443-569-1381 or 410-260-8325. The department suggests the fish be immersed in ice water to preserve its weight until it can be checked, confirmed and certified. n DEPARTMENT PHOTO

After serving as the state’s 54th governor, J. Millard Tawes was appointed the first Natural Resources secretary, whose building was later named in his honor. Forty years ago, a beautiful 5-acre garden nestled between it and another large office building opened to the public.

Employees at the time were given the opportunity to help name it. Popular ideas included Maryland in Miniature and A Garden of the Senses, but the Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden won out for his wife and former first lady.

A Crisfield native known for making delicious crab burgers and pound cake, Mrs. Tawes wrote a cookbook of her recipes and distributed it on the campaign trail. This book is still in print and is available for purchase in the gift shop, located just inside the building lobby.

Today the garden is one of the smallest state parks managed by the Maryland Park Service.

Easy-to-walk pathways wind through representations of each of the state’s major geographic areas. There is also a pond and raised planters with various fragrances, herbs and textured plants.

Within the past four decades, the nonprofit Friends of Tawes Garden group has added a semi-circular arbor, an aerating fountain and a picnic area. They also manage the gift shop and host annual plant and holiday sales. n

STEPHEN SCHATZ

STEPHEN BADGER

Victory Venison (Serves 3)

How to Make Acorn Necklaces

Alveberg with record catch

Fall 2017 I 5

Bird Brains

By Stephen Badger

the intelligence of common ravens

I

t seems almost foolish to try and introduce the common raven. Our comprehension is nearly automatic, innate even. But why?

Ravens are certainly the most widely distributed of all corvids, ubiquitous in a variety of habitats throughout the Northern Hemisphere with population numbers in the tens of millions globally.

Their density and distribution is similar to our own, and as such, humans have coexisted with them for thousands upon thousands of years.

Their proximity and proliferation isn’t the sole source of our familiarity, though.

Nor is it an under standing of the natural

world or a love of birding. It is perhaps, above all, because of their persistent foothold in popular culture.

Ravens have enjoyed widespread notoriety and a strong connection to humans throughout recorded history, and our depictions of them have varied widely. There are a handful of cultures that

revere them, seeing them as gods or messengers thereof, as protectors or as fun-loving, mischievous friends. The great majority, however, cast them in a rather ominous light, holding them as harbingers of death, pestilence and war.

In modern times, our associations are a bit less pointed, most likely drawn through the recollection of macabre poems, love for local sports franchises or fanaticism for premium television dramas. Regardless of the reason, the prevalence of raven symbolism continues to thrive.

They are also distinguished by a wedge-shaped tail and longer, narrower wings with long, thin, finger-like feathers at the tips.

It is perhaps their behavior more than appearance that we find so compelling.

They are confident, graceful and intentional. Aloft, they’re known to practice aerobatics like dives and rolls, and can even incorporate toys into their routine. On the ground they’re just as bold, hopping or sliding about fearlessly.

Researchers note that these birds are careful observers… thinkers… problem solvers. Indeed, they are thought to be among the most intelligent of all birds.

They understand cause and effect and are able to use that knowledge artfully to aid in their endeavors. They’re even known to employ tools if the need arises.

Their brainpower is evidenced mostly in the quest for food. They’re carnivores but opportunists. They routinely manage

At a glance Much like their crow cousins, ravens are entirely black—tip-to-tip, beak to claw.

Their glossy yet sooty plumage is complemented by iridescent blue, green or purple tones. It is primarily their size that helps differentiate the beasts, as ravens are considerably larger.

success where others fail. They’re known to prey upon animals as large as lambs, though it’s more typical for them to feed on seeds, insects and carrion.

But it’s not all serious either. Ravens are playful and mischievous too. For those who would watch, they’re nearly always doing something fascinating.

Home sweet home In the United States, ravens can be found throughout the continent—with the exception of the great open plains and eastern forests, though they are beginning to resettle the latter.

Marylanders might look to find these birds in the westernmost counties, where densely forested, high, rocky habitat is most welcoming. n dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife Stephen Badger is a Maryland Master Naturalist and a public affairs officer in the Office of Communications.

american crow

NEAL HERB

corvus brachyrhynchos bill to tail: ~19 inches wingspan: ~36 inches weight: ~1.5 pounds throughout maryland lives anywhere

ERT

common raven

corvus corax bill to tail: ~54 inches wingspan: ~49 inches weight: ~3 pounds western maryland prefers woods STEPHEN BADGER

nevermore!As famously illustrated by the celebrated poet Edgar Allen

Poe, ravens are known to practice mimicry. They typically call upon sounds from their native environment but occasionally delve into human speech as well.

6 I The Maryland Natural Resource

scales & tales

Did you know that the Maryland Park Service offers educational programming featuring live animals?

There are, in fact, multiple aviaries across the state that house non-releasable birds of prey, reptiles and other creatures that serve as animal ambassadors. With their help, naturalists and rangers offer the public an uncommon, up-close-and-personal experience, and by so doing, better promote the conservation and stewardship of native wildlife.

The Scales & Tales program currently has two ravens in their care, one at Tuckahoe State Park and another at Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area. The birds are some of the newest members of the team, and as such, caretakers are working hard to make them feel at home. Programming is available but limited. dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands

Common raven

Tuckahoe’s Scales & Tales raven

Fall 2017 I 7

U

sing materials I had at home, I skipped the costume shop last Halloween and floated through the holiday as a jellyfish. There’s no shortage of spirit and creativity among natural resources staffers this time of year, either. Below I’ll share how I made my outfit from scratch, and show you what some colleagues came up with as well!

WHAT I USED Bubble wrap, clear tape, foam board, hot glue and glue gun, white cowboy hat, iridescent and metallic tissue paper, sheer white fabric, two thin wire batteryoperated LED lights, variety of ribbon, white duct tape and white grocery bags.

Costumes, Naturally Creative holiday getups for nature lovers

By Karin Dodge

Spooky events this Halloween

By Alison Woodfield

B

y day, Maryland State Parks are showing off their vibrant views and welcoming visitors with every cozy comfort the season brings. Cabin stays, harvest crafts, hayrides, pumpkin patches, warm cider. We’ll get to that with the turn of the page, but first, let’s take a look at what some of our parks are up to when the sun goes down and the ghouls come out.

ALICIA NORRIS

WHAT I DID I started by creating the top of the jellyfish. I took the foam board and cut out a circle with a 20-inch diameter. I carefully cut a hole in the center for the top of the hat to fit through, making sure to cut it to the size of the center of the hat for a snug fit. Then I applied hot glue around the top of the rim and glued the foam board circle onto the hat.

Next, I poked two holes on the underside of the hat: one on each side near where my ears would be in order to thread through the lights. Then I glued the battery case underneath the hat, making sure the tops were left exposed so the batteries could be accessed. I didn’t place the lights until the top of the jellyfish was built up, so for the time being, I just left them hanging off to the side.

At this point, I saw I needed to make the hat look like the puffy top of a jellyfish. I took some white grocery bags and placed them on top of the hat. Once I achieved the shape and height I wanted, I attached a variety of tissue paper with clear tape.

Time for the lights. I laid out the strings in no particular pattern; just spreading them out evenly over the top of the tissue paper and attaching them with clear tape. I then covered the entire top of the hat with large bubble wrap, bringing it over the edge and attaching it underneath with hot glue. Then for the very top, I used an old, white sheer curtain to cover the entire thing, leaving enough fabric underneath to glue to the hat.

Last were the tentacles. First I cut the ribbons in varied lengths, but at least long enough to reach my knees. I attached the ribbons underneath the hat with hot glue and tape. I alternated ribbons, so that the jellyfish would have a unique look. Then to blend in with the costume, I dressed all in white. n

Parks in the Dark

Spirits of the Furnace tour

THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW Gunpowder Falls, Harford County

SPIRITS OF THE FURNACE Cunningham Falls, Frederick County

HAUNTED HISTORY HIKE Soldiers Delight, Baltimore County

A magical fall celebration transforms the historic village at Jerusalem Village into Sleepy Hollow. Come and hike our family-friendly haunted trail—spooky, but not horrifying—get your face painted, make a scarecrow, play games and listen to music.

Ghostly guides will take you on a night hike through the haunted trails to the historic Catoctin Iron Furnace. Costumed spirits will make frequent stops along the way to tell old folklore of Frederick’s past.

Hikes will take approximately a halfhour and cover some rocky terrain and steep steps. After the hike, a van will take guests to the Visitor Center to enjoy apple cider and s’mores by the campfire. The museum will also be open for viewing.

Wear warm clothing and shoes appropriate for hiking, and bring a flashlight. This hike may not be appropriate for young children and does not accommodate strollers or wheelchairs.

Are you afraid of the dark? We hope not!

Follow a ghostly guide by lantern light through the park while listening to ghostly tales of local lore. Among the sites is Berry’s Hill, where the state’s first instance of capital punishment took place in 1752.

Other stories include those of tommy knockers at Choate Mine and Civil War soldiers stationed at Gravity Hill.

Wear closed-toed shoes and bring a flashlight with you.

Additionally, on Oct. 28, our partners from Soldiers Delight Conservation Inc. host a pumpkin-carving program during the day.

DATE: Oct. 21 | Time: Noon-8 p.m.

COST: $10/person (for craft) REGISTER: 410-877-3560 JA

CK BE

NE SC

H

DATE: Oct. 21 | Time: 7-9:30 p.m.

COST: $5/adult (13 & up), $3/child (7-12) REGISTER: 301-271-3676

Pack Pollinator 8 I The Maryland Natural Resource

Sharknado

The Old Man and the Sea

Karin Dodge is a webmaster in the Office of Communications.

DATE: Oct. 20-21, 27-28 | Time: 7-10 p.m.

Last tour departs at 9 p.m.

COST: $5/person REGISTER: 410-922-3044

dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands Display at Jerusalem Mill

Alison Woodfield is the customer service manager with the Maryland Park Service.

Fall 2017 I 9

TIM RAY

The GolDen SeAsoN Fall foliage & festivals

By Linda Wiley

“In autumn, don’t go to jewelers to see gold; go to the parks!”

-Mehmet Murat ildan

A

fter the candy is eaten and the costumes are put away, our focus shifts to our natural world’s final glorious display of the year.

It’s official. It’s autumn in Maryland. Living in the Old Line State, you know how lucky we are. Although small geographically, the landscape is quite diverse and complex, often referred to as America in Miniature.

From the barrier islands, cypress swamps and Delmarva bays of the Eastern Shore to the mountain boreal bogs, caves and limestone woods of the Appalachian Plateau, our state boasts a wide range of typography and habitats that support an impressive variety of flora and fauna. In fact, more than 160 native or naturalized tree species are found here.

When you finally put that lawnmower away in late September, summer falls into autumn, first in Western Maryland. Over

the course of the coming weeks, fall foliage tours and festivals are family weekend fare. Soon after the last leaf has fallen in Leonardtown, Thanksgiving Day will herald winter’s imminent arrival and the whirlwind holiday season.

With input from the Maryland Office of Tourism, the Department of Natural Resources publishes a weekly Fall Foliage and Festival Report online to give Marylanders and our visitors a heads up on the coming weekend—where the leaves are turning, recommended driving routes and events along the way. n news.maryland.gov/dnr visitmaryland.org Linda Wiley is a webmaster in the Office of Communications and compiles the weekly fall foliage reports.

Fair Hill International Eventing Competition

Invasion at Point Lookout State Park

Oct. 12-15 in Cecil County A showcase of world-class horse sport features Olympic-caliber athletes taking on daunting courses with impressive speed and accuracy. The festival also features a kids’ corner, live music, miniature horse demonstrations, a trade fair and more.

Oct. 28-29 in St. Mary’s County Point Lookout was a target of British raids during the War of 1812.

This event showcases American and British camps, living history programs and weapon demonstrations.

Oct. 14 in Carroll County This free event raises awareness about farm-raised oyster aquaculture. Learn how our local community is restoring wild oysters while creating new reefs from recycled shell and concrete reef balls.

Tilghman Day Oct. 21 in Talbot County A celebration boasts boat-building demonstrations, nautical crafts, crab picking, oyster shucking and a look into the life of a waterman.

A Pleasant Diversion at Fort Frederick State Park Oct. 21-22 in Washington County Experience pleasant diversions during the French and Indian War with colonial games and musket firing demonstrations. There also will be a bonfire at 7 p.m.

Oct. 21-22 in St. Mary’s County A celebration of the opening of the Chesapeake Bay oyster season, this event includes the National Oyster Shucking Championship and the National Oyster Cook-Off.

Fall Fest at Martinak State Park Oct. 21 in Caroline County Activities include an apple butter boil, corn shelling, pumpkin decorating, Scales & Tales, scarecrow wizardry, food and live music.

Downrigging Weekend in Chestertown Oct. 27-29 in Kent County One of the biggest annual Tall Ship gatherings in the Atlantic region, the waterfront is packed with schooners, ships and wooden boats, plus world-class musicians.

Alsatia Mummers Parade in Hagerstown Oct. 28 in Washington County The largest nighttime parade on the East Coast, the Alsatia Mummers is a lavish event with bands, floats and mummers in outrageous feathered garb.

Nov. 4 in Calvert County A re-created Eastern Woodland Indian village and demonstrations honor the lasting legacies of Maryland’s native peoples.

Eden Mill Nature Center Fall Fest Nov. 4 in Harford County This free event includes a park-wide scavenger hunt, honey and beeswax demonstrations, live animals, mill tours, music, a flying pumpkin cat-a-pult and much more.

LORI LIVINGSTON

A leaf by any other color

CHRIS CERINO

Downrigging Weekend

Artist at Deep Creek

Oyster Festival

JULIE BRUNE

ST. MARY’S COUNTY

10 I The Maryland Natural Resource

Oct. 28-29 in Allegany and Garrett counties Self-guided art studio tour.

American Indian Heritage Day at Jefferson-Patterson Park

U.S. Oyster Festival in Leonardtown

One of the best parts of the season is watching the leaves change from green to gorgeous shades of orange, red, yellow and brown. After the colorful show, the leaves fall and trees stand bare until the arrival of spring. Why does this happen?

It has to do with plants’ food and the time of year. Plants make their own food using sunlight and chlorophyll—the chemical that makes leaves green. Fewer hours of sunlight in the fall tells trees that winter is coming and they can stop making so much food. The chlorophyll then breaks down and reveals the reds, oranges and yellows typically hidden by green.

In the meantime, cells grow over spots where the leaves are attached in order to save water. Once the water is gone, the leaves dry out and

fall to the ground.

Chimney Rock Trail at Catoctin Mountain National Park

Mountain Maryland Studio Tour

Westminster Oyster Stroll

Pumpkin patch in Frederick

Fall 2017 | 11

Cannibalism &

The myths and realities of Maryland spiders

By Kerry Wixted

F

rom their unique mating rituals to their importance for biomedical research, spiders are fascinating yet highly misunderstood creatures.

Maryland is home to more than 270 species of spiders that work hard both as predator and prey. A recent study published in the Science of Nature estimated that the world’s spider population consumes 400-800 million tons of prey in any given year. More than 3,000 bird species dine on spiders, and some, like the ruby-throated hummingbird, use spider silk to make their nests strong and stretchy.

The majority of spider species have venom designed to paralyze or kill their prey.

Researchers use spider venom to create drugs to kill cancer cells, prevent strokeinduced brain damage and treat chronic pain. In Maryland, only two species of spiders have medically-significant venom, that is, venom that often causes negative reactions in humans: the northern and southern black widow.

Super silk Spiders produce seven types of silk, each with different structure and function. No one species is able to make all seven types, however. Silk is produced within glands and is gently eased from the back of the spider by its legs. Fun fact: only around 50 percent of spider species create webs.

Spider silk is elastic, strong and resilient.

It can absorb three-times more energy than Kevlar and is very light in comparison. Spider silk has appealed to humans for thousands of years. Biomedical researchers are studying spider silk to create bio-adhesives

The basics Spiders belong to a group of animals known as arachnids. This group also includes mites, scorpions and ticks. Arachnids have two main body segments and eight legs, and lack wings or antennae. Worldwide, there are more than 50,000 species of spiders, from the giant goliath birdeater tarantula to the omnivorous Bagheera kiplingi jumping spider.

CHUCK EVANS

The black widow is the only native Maryland spider that is dangerous to humans. All other venomous spiders here either have too little venom to affect people, or their venom is specially adapted for their prey.

Female black widow

12 I The Maryland Natural Resource

Spider bites are actually quite uncommon. Most only bite humans in self-defense and rarely bite more than once; multiple bites are usually caused by insects such as bedbugs, chiggers, fleas, mites and ticks.

KERRY WIXTED

Dancing Deception

Female orchard orbweaver

Wolf spider

Bold jumping spider

Marbled orbweaver

Six-spotted fishing spider

and lightweight armor, mend broken bones and repair damaged nerves. Currently, this research is limited by the inability to produce mass quantities; genetically modified goats are being used to meet some of the demand.

Date or dinner?

Male spiders often are significantly smaller than their female counterparts. So, many males have a tough task of convincing potential partners that they are more than just a meal. Because of this issue, spider species around the world have evolved captivating mating rituals.

Jumping spider males are well-known to woo any lady they meet, regardless of species. Their mating rituals include elaborate dances with lots of abdomen (butt) wiggling, arm flailing and vibrations designed to make the right lady go crazy.

Unfortunately for the male, if the female doesn’t like his moves, he can become her next snack.

Many other species rely on vibratory signaling to attract potential mates. These include the black widow, several species of orbweavers and some wolf spider species.

Male nursery web spiders court ladies by presenting silk-wrapped invertebrates as nuptial gifts, which increase his chances of being accepted by the female. The larger the gift, the longer he might have to spend with her. Unfortunately, some deceitful males present worthless gifts—cotton, exoskeletons, twigs—wrapped in silk.

If the female catches wind of the fake gift, he also may become a meal.

Diversity Spiders come in many colors, shapes and sizes. In the late summer and fall, some of the most visible are the orbweavers, which

create the quintessential orb-shaped web.

Charlotte from the children’s novel Charlotte’s Web was modeled after the barn spider (Araneus cavaticus), an orbweaver that is also found in Maryland.

One of the most colorful species is the marbled orbweaver, (Araneus marmoreus) which has a mottled yellow and black back end, and orange, striped legs. As it ages, the colors fade into hues of orange. Orchard orbweavers (Leucauge venusta) are often seen in backyards and gardens.

Another large and visible group is the jumping spiders. These typically have flat faces and large, front-facing eyes. They don’t build webs except for occasional molting or mating retreats, and they spend their days hunting down food wherever they can find it. Like Spider-Man, this group often uses silk draglines as they plunge off ledges. One of the common jumping spider species found in and around Maryland homes includes the bold jumping spider (Phidippus audax). This species is easily recognized by its iridescent blue or green chelicerae (mouthparts).

The big, brown and hairy spiders fall into several groups: nursery web spiders, grass and funnel spiders, fishing spiders and wolf spiders. Funnel and grass spi-

Male orchard orbweaver

ders tend to have large, visible spinnerets on their back end. Some species create large, funnel-like webs where they lay and wait for prey to walk by. Wolf spiders are well-known for their maternal tendencies.

The females carry their egg sacs and later their young, providing a lot of care. When startled, the female often rears up and the young scatter. Once the danger is gone, she gathers up her young. Fishing spider females can grow rather large, and aren’t always found around water.

Overall, the world of spiders is unique and diverse, and we still have much to learn about this amazing group of animals. n dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife Kerry Wixted is an education specialist with the Wildlife and Heritage Service.

Fall 2017 I 13

R ES ERV E O F F ICERS R EL IE V E DISPATCH OV ER LOAD

By Candy Thomson

The new setup mirrors what is used at larger police departments, where paid call

14 I The Maryland Natural Resource

Tools and training Right now, three reserve officers are helping out, sitting at the row of desks behind the dispatchers’ consoles. They are getting a lot of the same entry-level training as dispatchers: learning geography, patrol areas, and the missions of the department and police.

No such thing as typical Some callers are merely seeking a phone number or an online resource so that they can handle a simple issue by themselves.

Others have a more challenging problem that requires the attention of a member of the wildlife response team. But sometimes, only a visit by an officer will do. Before the reserve officers joined the team, it fell to a dispatcher to address each concern while juggling other duties.

“These calls just take time,” says Hunt.

“Sometimes, they take even more time

Diverse backgrounds aid customers Several reserve officers bring to the communications center outside experience that brings another dimension to their shifts.

For example, Kirk Gardner, 51, has helped out at the Maryland State Police barrack in Glen Burnie for 11 years. An avid hunter, he also has been a taxidermist and a commercial crabber.

“I’m an outdoors person. I can put myself in the caller’s shoes, spend some time with them and talk them through a situation,” Gardner says. “I love it. You can really feel like you’re making a contribution.”

Seven other reserve officers are being trained. It is hoped that they will be able to expand coverage to Thursday through Sunday, when the phone traffic is the heaviest.

“Right now, while they’re learning, the dispatchers are their wing men if they get in a bind,” says Hunt.

“But when we get better,” says Campbell, with a smile, “we will be their wing men.” n

There’s a bear in my bird feeder! What should I do? (Scare it away with loud noises, and be sure to take any and all food in at night.)

I thought we didn’t have water moccasins in Maryland! What is this near my house? (We don’t. This is a northern water snake, which isn’t venomous, but isn’t friendly either.)

I found my dog playing with a turtle! Will he be ok? (Turtles do carry salmonella, so be mindful even if your house is home to both pets.

Also remember that your dog may hurt a turtle’s all-important shell while playing, even if he’s more curious than aggressive.)

STEPHEN BADGER

Managing volume

takers act as middle men, directing phone traffic to the right person.

The idea surfaced in 2009, when the communications center moved from the basement of the Department of Natural Resources headquarters in Annapolis to a new facility near Sandy Point State Park.

“The idea impressed me,” recalls Reserve Officer Joe Campbell. “I jumped at the chance. I said I would like to help.”

Other projects took priority until earlier this year, when supervisors and commanders began looking for cost-efficient ways to meet growing public demand.

Dispatchers, officially called police communications operators, handled 33,285 calls for service in 2016. With nearly 24,000 calls logged as of July 31, they are on pace to far surpass that total in 2017.

A team of 24 dispatchers handles those calls, 24/7.

than other types of calls because people are frightened or shaken.”

Wildlife calls are no small part of a dispatch shift. Last year, officers responded to 1,393 wildlife calls, but the number of requests handled by dispatchers “was probably triple that,” says Hunt. “Having trained reserve officers peel off the non-emergency requests balances the workload.”

Add to that mix a fair number of totally off-the-wall inquiries. Recent satirical social media posts claiming state officials were going to drain large bodies of water for cleaning created an uptick in calls, increasing the amount of work for dispatchers. While funny at first, the joke quickly lost its charm.

“Oh, boy,” says Hunt, shaking his head and rolling his eyes at the memory.

JENNA KERR

W

hen the phone rings at the Maryland Natural Resources Police communications center, a dispatcher has no idea whether it is a boater’s cry for help or a homeowner with a frog in their bathtub.

Each caller deserves, and gets, prompt attention. But clearly there is a lot more at stake in an emergency.

To take the strain off the dispatchers, the Natural Resources Police has begun using volunteer reserve officers to answer the phones, handle general questions and basic wildlife complaints.

“It’s both a customer service improvement and a public safety upgrade,” says Sgt. Cameron Brown, who proposed the program. “If a dispatcher is handling an emergency, that person with a question about a fishing license is going to have to wait.

“We think this has the potential to let dispatchers focus on the urgent calls—especially in summer when every minute counts—and have the reserve officers assist in those non-emergency situations,” Brown says.

In any wildlife encounter, safety is key and photos are not usually priorities. These images illustrate what some calls may entail.

STEPHANIE KENDALL

DEPARTMENT PHOTO

Reserve Officer Campbell in dispatch center

Sgt. Murray Hunt, who supervises the dispatching team, devised PowerPoint lessons so that the trainees could study at home before they received training in the communications center.

After receiving the basics, the reserve officers were taught where to find answers: hunting and fishing guides, official government websites, tide charts, state natural resources law books.

Dispatcher Michael Barr customized the list of wildlife trappers and rehabilitators to include the territory to which each is willing to respond.

“The training was thorough and gave us confidence,” says Campbell, 71, who worked for the U.S. Postal Service and as an electrician before his retirement. “Sgt. Hunt really has it together. He is bringing us along gradually, adding duties as we master each level.”

For now that means tackling wildlife calls. On a recent day, the calls ranged from reports of a possible rabid fox near an Anne Arundel County playground to a seemingly abandoned fawn near Bowie in Prince George’s County and a bald eagle injured by a passing vehicle in Allegany County.

SARAH MILBOURNE

Wildlife Calls

hypothetical scenarios

dnr.maryland.gov/nrp Candy Thomson is the Natural Resources Police public information officer.

Sometimes emergency calls have a fantastically happy ending. After this snowy owl was found with an injured wing, wildlife experts rehabilitated and later released her at Assateague State Park.

Summer 2017 I 15

fishing at conowingo reservoir

an interactive fishing access map is available at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries, as well as a statewide fishing conditions guide at eyesonthebay.dnr.maryland.gov.

For those wishing to fish upstream, there are several access points available that are maintained by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

More than meets the eye!

By Brett Coakley and John Mullican

BRETT COAKLEY

A

sk any fisherman what the largest freshwater impoundment in the state is, and most will confidently say Deep Creek Lake. It’s a good guess—the man-made Western Maryland lake does span 3,900 acres—but not entirely correct. Deep Creek Lake is the largest impoundment fully within Maryland. However, from a fishing access perspective, the Conowingo Reservoir on the Susquehanna River includes more than 9,000 acres of water, and Maryland residents possessing a nontidal fishing license can fish it all!

Although unknown to many, a resident of Maryland possessing a valid Maryland Nontidal Sport Fishing License issued in that resident’s name may fish on the portions of the Conowingo Reservoir lying within the boundaries of Pennsylvania without a Pennsylvania fishing license. Likewise, a resident of Pennsylvania possessing a valid Pennsylvania fishing license issued in that resident’s name may fish in the portions of the Conowingo Reservoir lying within the boundaries of Maryland without a Maryland fishing license.

Reciprocal fishing privileges extend from waters’ edge to waters’ edge. The area includes the waters downstream of Holtwood Dam to Conowingo Dam, but does not include tributaries or fishing from shore.

An expansive area Approximately 14 miles of water run from Holtwood Dam to Conowingo Dam, and it includes a variety of aquatic habitats.

The uppermost section below Holtwood is more riverine, with many large rocks at or just below the surface. (Boaters should use caution here.) Below Peach Bottom, the velocity of the current lessens, and the water becomes more lake-like. Far from featureless, the lower section contains shallow, weedy bays, steep rocky shorelines, deep drop-offs and several creeks that provide great fish habitat.

An angler’s smorgasbord Conowingo’s variety of habitats is the key to its diverse fisheries, and successful fishermen recognize this. Currently, the reservoir supports one of the best smallmouth bass fisheries in Maryland.

16 I The Maryland Natural Resource

TOP Susquehanna River ABOVE Biologists Rebecca Bobola and David Fletcher with large trophy largemouth and smallmouth bass

Few other areas can compare to the abundance and size of fish available. Sixteen to 18-inch smallmouth bass are quite common.

They clearly prefer rocky edges and points along the main reservoir and creek mouths where they can hunt one of their preferred prey: crayfish. Anglers target them by hopping weighted, soft plastic baits along the bottom or casting and retrieving diving crankbaits—a technique also used to catch walleye.

Largemouth bass are also abundant, though their numbers are lower than the smallmouth. Largemouth bass tend to prefer more shallow areas with logs, submerged aquatic vegetation or other physical habitat. Successful fishermen target them in these areas with weedless surface lures in the morning and evening from spring through fall. Like the smallmouth, the largemouth bass here can grow to impressive sizes.

Both bass species are popular targets for anglers. Nevertheless, Conowingo has much more to offer. Many panfish species thrive here too, including black crappie, bluegill, green sunfish, pumpkinseed, rock bass, yellow perch and white crappie. Large bluegills are common, yet seldom targeted. They can be found in shallow areas in late spring and early summer where they gather to spawn. Once plentiful and highly sought after—especially in colder months— black and white crappie have seen an inexplicable population decrease, but those caught are generally massive.

A warning to outsiders Recently, invasive flathead catfish have become established in the lower Susquehanna River and have moved downstream into the

Conowingo Reservoir. Native to the Mississippi River, flathead catfish are large, fast-growing predators, which are considered invasive here due to their predatory habits. Anglers have reported catching some individuals exceeding 40 pounds. At that size, no fish is off the menu.

The population continues to increase, and it is unclear what long-term effects they will have on the rest of the aquatic ecosystem. The department’s Fishing and Boating Services requests that anglers harvest, rather than release, any flatheads they catch in order to help control their numbers.

From land or water Access to the reservoir is excellent for boaters but somewhat limited for those casting from shore. Concrete ramps are located at Conowingo Creek in Cecil County and Glen Cove in Harford County.

Broad Creek also provides a ramp, however, low reservoir levels can hinder access for larger vessels. Although most of the shoreline is open to the public, steep banks and thick vegetation can make access difficult. Broad Creek, Conowingo Creek and Funks Pond all offer some decent options.

Whatever your preference, the fish are ready to bite as soon as you get there. n dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries Brett Coakley is the department’s eastern region freshwater fisheries manager; John Mullican is the department’s regional operations manager for freshwater fisheries.

fifteen fish species are currently considered invasive to Maryland waters. Invasive describes any species that is introduced to a new area and aggressively establishes a population at the expense of native plants or animals. They have no known predators and can therefore quickly throw off the balance of the entire local ecosystem. On the bright side, many invasive fish, such as snakehead and catfish, can be quite delicious. To learn more, visit dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries and click on Invasive Species.

Fall 2017 I 17

International prestige at Fair Hill

POPULOUS

A Four Star is Born

By Ross Peddicord

Choosing Fair Hill

Rendering of future accommodations

O

nce the Federation Equestrian Internationale gives its stamp of approval this fall, one of the world’s great equestrian competitions is going to be calling Maryland—more specifically the 5,600-acre Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area—its permanent home.

Set to unveil in October 2019, the Fair Hill International Four Star is an arduous annual equine triathlon that takes place over four days. This type of event is so demanding that there are only six other Four Stars in the world and of such magnitude that it is a degree of difficulty higher than the Olympics. The pool of horses and riders that compete are the very best in the world.

Once established, the event could draw as many as 80,000 spectators to Cecil County each fall, provide an estimated $15-30 million economic boost to the region and elevate the State of Maryland into the stratosphere of global equine destinations.

To be named the new home for this prestigious event took an exhaustive bidding procedure conducted by the U.S.

18 I The Maryland Natural Resource

Equestrian Federation that lasted for more than a year and involved five of the nation’s finest facilities in four states. Fair Hill was chosen for a combination of culture, history, geography and ideal terrain—a natural surface considered perfect footing for outdoor equestrian events. Its selection positions Maryland and its resurgent horse industry to be a major player in an increasingly competitive equestrian event market.

History During the first part of the 20th century, William duPont Jr.—a scion of one of America’s wealthiest families from the Wilmington, Delaware area—developed a fierce passion for racehorses and the adventurous sports of foxhunting and steeplechasing.

He started the famed Foxcatcher Racing Stable, quartering his thoroughbreds at his Bellevue estate in Wilmington, and then branching further afield to amass nearly 10,000 acres in Cecil County, Maryland and beyond into Pennsylvania. There he established the Foxcatcher Hounds to accommodate his horses and hounds in a

territory similar to the renowned hunting country of the English midlands.

His sister, Marion duPont Scott—who was at one time married to the Hollywood film star, Randolph Scott—started a similar venture in Virginia at Montpelier, once the home of President James Madison.

The bulk of the hunting territory in Maryland came to be known as Fair Hill.

In the 1930s, William duPont established both the Cecil County Fair and the Fair Hill steeplechase races. Over the next 40 years, the races and the Foxcatcher Hounds were synonymous with excellence in equestrian sports. At the same time, duPont developed champion racehorses such as the fillies Berlo, Fairy Chant and Parlo, and a colt named Dauber, winner of the 1938 Preakness. He developed several other racecourses as well, including Delaware Park in the nearby Newark area.

After his death in 1965, duPont’s heirs continued running the Fair Hill estate and, along with local equestrian groups, put on carriage drives, foxhunts, horse shows, steeplechase races, three-day events and trail rides.

State purchase During the 1970s, the Maryland portion of Fair Hill was purchased by the state with the idea of maintaining open space and continuing equestrian pursuits. It was acquired by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and is managed by the Maryland Park Service.

Considered an equine paradise for nearly a century, Fair Hill is practically ingrained in the DNA of generations of local horsemen and women. Members of the duPont family are still active in many of the activities, as are descendants of the original area families who grew up riding and competing over this treasured land.

The long-established grasslands, rolling hills and wooded coverts prompted the late Col. Donald Walker Thackeray—a Marylander and a high-ranking Equestrian Federation official who officiated at six Olympic Games and judged in four equestrian disciplines—to call Fair Hill “One of the world’s premier sites to host equestrian field events.”

It is no wonder then that when the Federation went looking to complement Kentucky’s annual springtime Three Day event by adding another Four Star location in the United States that Fair Hill was in the mix. For nearly 30 years, Fair Hill International has been running a Three Star event and standing as a launching pad for many Olympic-level competitors.

What made applying for the event more prescient, however, is that entrepreneurs, assisted by state and local governments in neighboring states, are investing millions of dollars to build new equestrian centers, while some long-operating facilities in Maryland, like Fair Hill, have been languishing.

There have been examples of local stables and prominent horsemen relocating to places like Tryon in North Carolina and Middleburg in Virginia, and as far afield as Wellington and Ocala in Florida.

Recent studies show that the Maryland equine industry is on the upswing, growing by nearly 25 percent in the past five years. The attrition rate among defecting horsemen has also been kept to a minimum, but if the state is to maintain and grow its industry from its current $1.15 billion annual level of economic activity, then it must address overhauling its major equine competition venues before the drip of defectors becomes a flood.

That is why Fair Hill needs major renovation work at its existing facilities, why gaining the Four Star is so important to the industry’s future, why investors have committed $30 million to improving Laurel Park, and why the 147-year-old Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore is in need of an overhaul.

Maryland pride Marking a major shift in thinking, horsemen who have long considered Fair Hill “theirs” realize they share this natural paradise with many other environmental and recreation user groups, who greatly add to its upkeep and enjoyment.

Plans for the new Four Star are consolidating activities in a Special Events Zone, and every effort is being made to maintain the pristine beauty of this rural environment. This, after all, is the appeal of the land and what drew William duPont to this area in the first place.

The idea is to make the Fair Hill International Four Star an iconic event all Marylanders will want to see and be proud to call their own. n dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands fairhill4star.com fairhillinternational.com Ross Peddicord is the executive director of the Horse Industry Board at the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

Fall 2017 I 19

DEPARTMENT PHOTOS

MENTORING TIPS

Proper instruction

Multi-generational bonding

obey all laws, regulations and license requirements. | emphasize the quality of the experience, not the harvest. | demonstrate ethics and good sportsmanship. | know your apprentice’s endurance level and attention span. | make the outing about the apprentice, not you. | involve the apprentice in making preparations. | tell someone of your plan, your destination and when you expect to return. | be prepared for emergencies (first aid kit, charged phone, etc.) | dress for conditions and have the proper gear for changing weather. | take lots of photos. | prepare for another outing, while the thrill of the hunt is still fresh.

Goose hunt

a-hunting we will go F

rom an ice cream shop that hands out small samples to an auto dealership that has a weekend loaner program, introductory offers have long been used to entice potential shoppers to try a product.

In order to build a relationship with an un-tapped customer base, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is rolling out a reduced-cost hunting license for firsttime hunters from any state and of any age who have never held a hunting license.

The Apprentice Hunting License is $10 for residents and $20 for nonresidents, and provides the same privileges as other Maryland hunting licenses. It gives people interested in hunting a chance to try it before committing to the more lengthy process of obtaining a traditional license.

“This program is long overdue and perhaps the most meaningful step toward growing the number of life-long hunters, right here in Maryland,” says Paul Peditto, Wildlife and Heritage Service director.

A national model

Camaraderie

20 I The Maryland Natural Resource

The concept of novice hunting licenses was addressed by the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses at its 2005 annual meeting, where representatives made it a legislative priority.

Wisconsin added an apprentice program in 2009, and many other states followed. As of 2016, 41 states have some type of apprentice license and more than

NEW APPRENTICE PROGRAM 1.5 million such licenses have been sold nationwide, according to the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia all offer a version of the program.

Maryland’s entrance This year, Delegate Herb McMillan, a lawmaker from Anne Arundel County and a member of the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, filed the apprentice license bill.

A fiscal analysis of the measure concluded an apprentice license would have “a meaningful economic impact” on some businesses in the state and add $100,000 to the Wildlife Management and Protection Fund. The estimate assumed the sale of 5,000 resident apprentice hunting licenses and 2,500 nonresident apprentice hunting licenses.

“Hunters remain the primary source of revenue for wildlife conservation and are critical to the management of our deer and bear populations,” Peditto says.

“Without hunters, we would have to close the doors on the business of scientifically informed wildlife management here and across the country.”

In its 2011 annual report, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service noted that the average hunter in Maryland spent $49 per hunting day on trip-related expenditures and $9.67 on ammunition. The report also

By Glenn Therres

estimated these hunters spent more than $260 million annually on equipment, food, lodging and transportation.

And hunting remains the most cost effective means to manage the state deer population and its associated problems. In 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that deer caused $7.7 million in crop damage statewide. The car insurance industry projected total annual damage in Maryland due to deer-vehicle collisions at $119 million.

The assessments proved compelling, and the bill, which died in 2016, was approved this year by unanimous votes of the Maryland General Assembly. Gov. Larry Hogan signed it into law, and it took effect July 1.

“Like most successful legislative initiatives, stakeholder advocates were key to moving the idea from bill to law,” Peditto explains. “Conservation, hunting and wildlife organizations worked together with the sponsors of this bill to ensure its passage.”

Allan Ellis, executive director of the Maryland Hunting Coalition and host of the Outdoorsman Radio Show, was pleased that the department has been given a proven marketing tool.

“Mentors—men and women, relatives and family friends—can now introduce a newcomer to the wholesome and exciting world of hunting with this new try-before-

you-buy approach,” he says. “When vigorously promoted by the department, it should measurably enhance recruitment of new hunters into the ranks.”

The specifics A person may buy only one Maryland apprentice hunting license in their lifetime and applicants must first pass a short, online hunter safety course. Apprentice hunters must be directly supervised by a Maryland resident at least 18 years old who holds a valid Maryland non-apprentice hunting license.

While hunting, the two hunters are required to remain close enough to each other so that the mentor can take control of the firearm or bow. An apprentice hunter can hunt unaccompanied after completing the full hunter safety course and receiving a Certificate of Competency in Firearms and Hunter Safety.

Licensed apprentice hunters can hunt deer, rabbits, squirrels, turkey or waterfowl. However, appropriate stamps are needed to hunt migratory birds, waterfowl, and deer with a bow or muzzleloader. A Managed Hunt Permit is required to hunt in certain state parks for people 17 years old and older. n dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife Glenn Therres is an associate director of the Wildlife and Heritage Service.

Fall 2017 I 21

THEN & NOW

ConnectIng Outdoor EnthusIasts In a DigItal World

By Gene Deems

We’re just a click away DEPARTMENT PHOTOS

Original web creators: Gil Funk, Gene Deems, Mike O’Brien and Michelle Bennet

Today’s homepage

T

Original website

Today’s web team: Karin Dodge, Tracy Sweeney, Linda Wiley and Gene Deems

wo decades ago, staff of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources connected with our customers through letters, the occasional television or radio story, phone calls, and articles

in newspapers that were published from press releases we physically mailed out.

Fax machines, landline phones, single reflex cameras and typewriters were the communications tools of the day. Em-

@MarylandDNR @MDStateParks @MarylandDNRFisheries @MDDNRWildlife @MarylandNaturalResourcesPolice

22 I The Maryland Natural Resource

ployees did not even have desktop computers; the department only had 10 in a lab in the basement.

Humble beginnings In the fall of 1994, two graduate students from the University of Maryland—Michelle Bennet and Gil Funk—came to us wanting to create a webpage of their favorite state park. Recognizing the importance of the internet, we embraced their offer and worked with them to create a 36-page website promoting our state parks.

By March 1995, we launched the first website in Maryland state government history. At that time, we were only one of about 16,000 websites in the world. Our domain name was gacc.com:82, because there were no unified naming conventions for government websites at that time. We later became dnr.state.md.us. During that period, our vision was focused on expanding services to the public, saving resources and eventually generating revenue online.

It didn’t happen overnight. Staff initially saw neither the value nor the potential of using the internet and how it would help us do our jobs more effectively. We

@MarylandDNR @MDStateParks @MDDNRFish @MDDNRWildlife @MDNRPolice

used the computer lab to give introductory classes and showed hundreds of employees—two per machine—what was being used by regular customers. We showed them bluemountainarts.com, pets.com, washingtonpost.com and even sites for ordering groceries. We explained that this instant source of information was going to end up creating the same type of customer expectations from us. The training worked.

Those employees became evangelists for the department, embracing the use of the internet as a communications and service delivery tool.

Services in 2017 Today, dnr.maryland.gov serves more than 430,000 unique visitors a month. Millions of pages are viewed and tens of thousands of transactions are completed using desktops, laptops, mobile phones and tablets.

Our social media presence grows daily, offering both agency-wide and unit-specific pages on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and others to more than 215,000 users. Serving more than 6,200 customers annually, our online store—shopdnr.com—sells items such as conservation stamps, park pass-

ports and magazine subscriptions, as well as facilitates our annual photo contest and the popular Gift of Trees program. Other portals allow customers to make park reservations or obtain fishing and hunting licenses. Email marketing has evolved into a major communications tool, and in some cases has a greater reach than articles in traditional newspapers.

We launched a free mobile app for outdoor enthusiasts in both the Apple Store and Google Play. More than 55,000 people have downloaded and are using this location-based tool to find local recreational opportunities, from hunting and fishing to biking and hiking. There are interactive maps, a sportsman’s trophy and even a fish identifier. It’s no wonder the department won the 2016 MarCom Platinum Award.

The iWatch version also won two national awards: the StateScoop 50 for Innovation of the Year 2016 and the 2016 Communicator Award for maps and navigation.

A virtual future The next frontier we are exploring is services for personal assist-

App developers Whitney Garner, Jesse King, Gene Deems, Greg Urban and Janet Grard at StateScoop

ant home and office devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home. These voiceactivated devices are already providing the ability to obtain information, place food and grocery orders, turn lights on and off, lock doors and more. It is our goal to offer licensing and other services this way within the next few years.

We are always looking for the best digital tools to reach, connect with and serve you: our citizens, customers, residents and visitors.

It’s all about making sure that you are intuitively served with accurate, costeffective and timely information—perhaps even with an emoji or two. :-) n dnr.maryland.gov Gene Deems is the eGov and digital services manager in the Office of Communications.

One of the first things you’ll see at dnr.maryland.gov is this invitation to sign up for our email service. With more than 20 unique content areas, you’re sure to find everything you need to stay up-to-date with our latest and greatest!

@AccessDNR @MarylandDepartmentofNaturalResources

Fall 2017 I 23

THEN & NOW

in 2017

By Madison Hill DEPARTMENT PHOTOS

430,000+

we see...

1998

unique visitors a month

215,000+

social media followers

55,000+

Monte Mitchell State fire supervisor

mobile app users

6,200+

annual online store customers

E

mployees of the Maryland Forest Service perform many roles. Some plant trees, some manage their harvest, some inspect properties. Some even battle wildland fires and educate the public about fire safety. Leading this operation is Fire Supervisor Monte Mitchell. As part of my

internship, I sat down with him to ask how it all works.

A veteran of nearly three decades with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Mitchell oversees both the heroics in the field and the necessary work behind the scenes: awarding

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN FIREFIGHTING? I went to college for forestry and took a wildland fire class. We actually got to go out on a few fires. I was instantly drawn to the adrenaline I got while firefighting, and I loved being able to help my community and keep them safe. I became a forest ranger, and eventually moved up to being Regional Fire Specialist for the Eastern Shore. I have been with the department for 29 years now, and still get the same enjoyment out of it as I did back in that course.

This concludes our special 20th anniversary Then & Now feature series. We hope you have enjoyed this journey remembering where we started, learning about our progress and respecting the work still to come.

24 I The Maryland Natural Resource

ABOVE Fire crew in Colorado July 2017 LEFT Monte Mitchell

WE OFTEN SEE MARYLAND CREWS DEPLOYED TO OTHER STATES TO FIGHT WILDLAND FIRES. HOW COME? We have an agreement with the U.S. Forest Service to help them fight and contain wildfires all across the nation. Back in early July, we sent a crew to Colorado for about two weeks; they were subsequently sent to South Dakota and Wyoming. At the end of July, we sent another crew out west to California.

How this mobilization works is we put our available resources in a national dispatch system called ROSS (Resource Ordering and Status System), and whoever needs help can make requests.

We send anything from crews to single resources and equipment.

If crews are selected, we send the firefighters in groups of 20. They are gone for 16-18 days, including travel, and work 12-16 hours each day. They do anything from initial attack on fires to maintaining long-burning fires, or even just smaller, local project work.

grants and equipment to community fire companies, managing partnerships with federal and local organizations, and purchasing equipment.

In honor of this important and lifesaving role, Mitchell was named the department’s 2016 Employee of the Year.

WHAT SHOULD WE KNOW ABOUT PREVENTING FIRES? About 96 percent of forest fires are started by people—whether by arson, debris burning, etc. It’s important to remember to always be careful and to follow the regulations put in place when burning outside. Firewise Maryland is a great outreach program that teaches people how to mitigate the effects of fire, such as having a disaster plan, strategic landscaping, or something as simple as making sure a fire truck can make it up the driveway. Fall is one of the peak wildfire seasons in Maryland, as the drier air and breeze create conditions for wildfire to spread rapidly. So, now is a good time to get educated on fire safety.

YOU WERE NAMED THE DEPARTMENT’S EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR; WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR JOB? I was very humbled and surprised being named employee of the year. The most rewarding part of my job is being able to help my community by providing resources to neighboring fire stations in need—something that would not be possible without my team. I am grateful and proud that my employees, the Volunteer Fire Assistance Program, and the amazing firefighters of Maryland were recognized for their great work with this award. n dnr.maryland.gov/trees Madison Hill was a summer intern for media relations in the Office of Communications.

Fall 2017 I 25

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LARRY HELMS

“Autumn is a second spring, where every leaf is a flower� - a l b e rt c a m u s