TMNR Winter 2016

maryland department of natural resources $2tnhMe atuararlyrelsaounrcde Vol. 19, No. 1 I Winter 2016 ON THE COVER Photo Contest Results IN THIS ISSUE... Garrett County Trails Secret Saw-Whet Wild Turkey Management

CONTENTS features in every issue 6Trailblazing 2The Nature of Change & Aboveboard Expanding paths in Garrett County 3Ask an Expert 8The Secret Saw-Whet 4Short Takes Hiding in plain sight 5Department News 10Talkin’ Turkey 12A Walk in the Park Wildlife success story The Bay Game 24 25From the Field 132015 Photo Contest Winners 22Through an Educator’s Eyes Explore and Restore Maryland streamstnhMe atuararlyrelsaounrcde Cover photo by Jennifer Solpietro contact us staff contributors Contents photo by Wes Bunton The Maryland Natural Resource Communications Director Stephen Schatz Steve Carr, Dorcas Coleman, subscribe at shopdnr.com 580 Taylor Avenue, D4 Sr. Manager of Strategic Communications Kristen Peterson Lauren Mitchell, Kristen Peterson, Annapolis, MD 21401 Creative Services Manager; Design & Layout Lauren Mitchell DNR 01-12162015-792 1/16 Amanda Sullivan, John Taylor, [email protected] Subscriptions & Distribution Stephen Badger CandSpyriTnhgo2m01s5onI 1 410-260-8021 n 877-620-8DNR Editorial Support Karis King, Candy Thomson, Darlene Walker Winter 2016 I 1 Larry Hogan, Governor Mark Belton, Secretary 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. © 2016 Maryland Department of Natural Resources ISSN 1521-9984

THE NATURE OF CHANGE ABOVEBOARD ASK AN EXPERT Happy New Year! In December, the First As the days become even From who to call about a fallen tree to how to make a reservation at a state park, we are featuring a new Lady and I spent four days visiting shorter and the tempera- section that answers YOUR questions on all things natural resources. western Maryland, or what I call “Mountain tures grow colder, we often Maryland.” Traveling just a few hours from neglect getting outside and I caught a snakehead; what should I do with it? TODD MURPHY Annapolis brought us to this beautiful, scenic enjoying nature. area of the state, rich with natural resources. (Charles in Charles County) Todd Murphy caught this record-breaking snakehead on Mattawoman Creek in August 2015. But the Maryland outdoors The northern snakehead is an invasive aquatic species that is a My trip was centered on promoting eco- provide unique winter oppor- voracious predator of fish and crustaceans. It has spread rapidly All anglers who submit a report will be entered into a raffle nomic growth in the region, touring local tunities. A few weeks ago, two in Maryland since its first discovery in 2002 and is now firmly businesses and engaging and talking with of my sons and I traveled to established throughout the Potomac River and other rivers of the drawing at the end of the year for a prize. Another winning possi- constituents—things leaders in Annapolis western Maryland to enjoy Chesapeake Bay. have neglected for far too long. Our administration is committed to a weekend exploring our state parks. I was heading in bility: break a state record. As of December 2015, the official Mary- changing Maryland for the better and will work to ensure that our that direction to celebrate and recognize the latest park If you catch one, we at the Department of Natural Resources friends from all areas of the state have a seat at the table. rangers, who graduated at New Germany State Park. ask you to harvest the snakehead by putting it on ice and then land state record snakehead was 17.49 pounds. Any angler who While there, we were able to announce progress on several top It is up to these fine men and women to manage killing it to prevent its spread. priorities. Rocky Gap continues to be an important economic driver and protect our parks, and serve our citizens. Over the catches a snakehead more massive than that could be the new for Mountain Maryland, and we celebrated the completion of a new weekend, we had the opportunity to see first-hand just Reporting the catch is critical too. Please report your snake- water treatment plant at Rocky Gap State Park. The state invested how picturesque some of our western parks are. head (especially if it is caught outside of the Potomac River) by state champion! —JOE LOVE, TIDAL BASS MANAGER $5.64 million to replace obsolete, unreliable technology with a fully Following the ranger school graduation, we visited taking a picture and sending it to the department’s Angler’s Log at automated, membrane ultra-filtration water system to accommodate Swallow Falls State Park. It was a fascinating time to visit [email protected]. Fisheries will verify the picture the campground, park and resort. the area. We had the whole park to ourselves, which and report it to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and ultimately, Employing 500 people, the state park and adjoining casino and my sons loved. Being alone in these places of natural the U.S. Geological Survey. resort are vital to the region’s economy. Redevelopment at Rocky beauty has an appeal all of its own, providing unique Gap has led to many new construction jobs and has drawn people interaction with nature. We felt like we were on the set Who do I call to repair a damaged buoy? How do I get rid of nuisance animals in my to Allegany County hotels, restaurants and shops. By investing in the of the movie, “The Last of the Mohicans,” climbing over house or on my property? plant, we are ensuring that the current and future needs of visitors and rocks and taking in majestic waterfalls surrounded by (Anne in Anne Arundel County) businesses will be met. patches of green from the virgin hemlock trees. This is a seemingly simple question, with a not so simple answer. (Fred in Frederick County) We also announced the reopening of Youghiogheny Welcome That evening, we stayed at the restored historic Buoys are owned by different agencies and jurisdictions, including Center in Friendsville in Garrett County and participated in a ribbon- cabins at Herrington Manor State Park, located within the U.S. Coast Guard, the state or even private communities and The Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage cutting for Love’s Travel Stops in Cumberland in Allegany County. Once Garrett State Forest. marinas. The Coast Guard marks most of the main water channels open in the spring of 2016, the Youghiogheny center will again be a On Saturday morning, we visited four additional while the Department of Natural Resources marks the smaller, less Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have teamed gateway into our beautiful state, benefiting the tourism industry and sites. We walked around Fort Frederick State Park. We traveled waterways. In some cases, a creek or entrance channel is businesses in western Maryland. Love’s Travel Stops’ new location will ran into thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail, and ob- marked by a community or marina. Each entity is responsible for up to provide you with a toll-free phone number (877-463- create 70 new jobs, and will be a tremendous benefit for the thousands served migrating raptors and birders at Washington their buoys, lights and markers. of professional drivers, visitors and residents who travel the I-68 route Monument State Park. 6497) to report any nuisance, injured or sick animal. every day. We even took advantage of the vistas in the Knob To report a damaged buoy that you believe belongs to the In support of our ongoing effort to combat heroin and opioid Hill area at Gambrills State Park. We finished the day Department of Natural Resources, please call the Natural Re- The staff that answer these calls are experts on nuisance abuse in the state, we announced more than $200,000 in additional at Greenbrier State Park, which brought back mem- sources Police at 800-628-9944 or 410-260-8888. grant funding. These funds will provide additional support to ongoing ories for my boys of previous camping trips with our animals and can give you quick, practical advice to resolve efforts to help addicts break free of their addiction, while strengthening whole family. Below are some photos of various buoys that may help you western Maryland’s ability to track down and arrest drug traffickers. As we enter the New Year, why not make a resolution determine the best organization to contact. —JOHN GALLAGHER, your problem. The phones are staffed Monday through Our administration is committed to making Maryland the place in to get outside more often to take advantage of some America to live, work and raise a family. This commitment holds true in of Maryland’s most beautiful and treasured places—our HYDROGRAPHICS OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Friday during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you need all parts of our great state, and my trip to western Maryland was the first state forests and parks—this winter and beyond. of many I hope to make as governor. In 2016, I look forward to working On behalf of the Natural Resources family, we wish assistance after hours or if you concern involves bear or deer, with you as we continue changing Maryland for the better! you a peaceful, joyous and adventurous 2016. please call the Natural Resource Police at 800-628-9944 or 410-260-8888. The department has a list of licensed Wildlife Damage DNR PHOTOS Control Cooperators if you decide you need to hire a profes- sional. These companies will respond to wildlife problems for a fee and are listed by county at dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife. Important note: The department does not regulate the fees charged by these cooperators so we encourage you to obtain a few quotes. —KARINA STONESIFER, WILDLIFE AND HERITAGE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Larry Hogan Mark J. Belton Have a question you would like answered by a Department Governor Secretary of Natural Resources expert in an upcoming Natural Resource State-owned daymark Coast Guard buoy Natural Resources buoy magazine? Submit it to [email protected] I The Maryland Natural Resource Winter 2016 I 3

SHORT TAKES By Lauren Mitchell DEPARTMENT NEWS HOWARD SMITH Polar Bear Plunge Slow Cooker Deer Stew DNR PHOTO DNR PHOTO Rail Trail Inducted into Hall of FameA previous plunge JENNY HA The 20th Annual Polar Bear Plunge will take place Serves 4-6; Submitted by Kathleen Catania Rail Trail Hall of Fame plaque In November, the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail claimed its spot in the Rails-to-The 2015 winning poster at Sandy Point State Park on Jan. 30. This popular Ingredients Kayaking at Mallows Bay Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame. Sharing the spotlight with its Pennsylvania(L to R) Steve McAdams, Bill Basil, Chris Gleason- winter event benefits children and adults with 2 pounds venison Delmarva fox squirrel DARYL BYRD counterpart—the Heritage Rail Trail County Park—it became only the 29thSmuck, Yumi Hogan intellectual disabilities. Each participant’s $75 (or 1 can of beer network to earn this honor out of 1,900 across the nation.Graduation at New Germany State Park JOE ANDRUCYK more) pledge enables more than 7,000 special 1 onion, chopped athletes to enjoy the life-changing benefits of part- 1 cup of frozen peas Originally chartered in 1828, this stretch from Ashland north to the state CHRISTINA HOLDEN icipating in more than 24 sports through Special 3 potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces THERESA WILTROUT line passes through many historically significant communities. Troops traveled Olympics Maryland. To form a team or sign up as 6 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces the same path throughout the Civil War, as did President Lincoln en route to an individual, go to plungemd.com. 1.5 cups of beef stock Gettysburg to give his famed address. 1.5 cups of flour Arbor Day Poster Contest Salt and pepper For a combined total of 44 miles, these two trails serve as an important Instructions link in the proposed 300-mile Grand History Trail, which would connect The Maryland Forest Service and Maryland For- Coat meat with a flour/salt mixture: one Washington D.C., Annapolis, Baltimore, Gettysburg, Hanover and York. est Conservancy District Boards announce the cup flour to one teaspoon salt. (Use more “Trees are Terrific…in Cities and Towns!” Arbor as needed.) Place coated venison in slow Mallows Bay: The Road to Designation Day poster contest. Fifth graders across the state cooker. Add beer, peas, carrots, onion and may submit artwork to their local county Forest potatoes. Pour in just enough beef stock In October, the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration declared Service office by 4:00 p.m. on Feb. 26. Winners’ to cover vegetables. Add 1/2 cup flour (or its intent to designate Mallows Bay as a National Marine Sanctuary. teachers will be notified directly by March 25. 1 tbs. cornstarch mixed with 3 tbs. cold For complete information, go to dnr.maryland.gov/ water.) Add salt & pepper to taste. Cook Located in Charles County on an area of the Potomac River called forests and click on TREEMENDOUS Maryland. on low for 6-8 hours​. (If cooked on high, it Nanjemoy, Mallows Bay features a host of archaeological, recreational, gets too chewy.​) historical, cultural, educational and environmental qualities, and is home Park Ranger Honored in Annapolis To submit a recipe for consideration, email to one of the largest assemblages of historic shipwrecks in the Western [email protected]. Hemisphere. Known as the Ghost Fleet, this collection totals nearly 200 First Lady Yumi Hogan presented Maryland Park vessels dating back to the Revolutionary War and World War II. Ranger Chris Gleason-Smuck with the AmeriCorps Internships Available Alum Award for his significant contributions in The Department of Natural Resources and the state of Maryland sub- helping others. He serves as a full-time ranger at Longing for a career promoting the welfare mitted the nomination in 2014. Following the decision to move forward the South Mountain Recreation Area complex and of our natural resources, but green to the with the designation in October, partners held two public meetings to hear has volunteered more than 400 hours as a first re- business? The department’s office of com- straight from citizens who voiced overwhelming support for the sanctuary. sponder. Confident and calm in emergencies, he has munications has public relations, online helped bridge gaps in emergency response services services and video production internships To keep up with the current status of the designation process, which may between organizations in the region. available for college students and recent take up to two years, visit dnr.maryland.gov/mallowsbay. graduates. Those interested in applying New Rangers Join the Force should go to dnr.maryland.gov and click Delmarva Fox Squirrel Rebounds on internships for more information. Congratulations to Maryland’s 24 newest park rang- As of December 2015, the Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel is no longer ers! During four weeks of classroom and practical on the list of Threatened and Endangered Species thanks to efforts from the instruction, candidates learned how to handle Department of Natural Resources and our partners. situational scenarios, resource management con- cerns, search and rescue missions, campground Development and agriculture, short-rotation timber logging and over- operations, park maintenance and more. A gradua- hunting began to drive the population into decline in the early 1900s. tion ceremony held this past November marked the It was named an endangered species in 1967, and in 1971, hunting ninth class of new rangers since the program was was banned. reinstated in 2009. The species’ comeback has rested heavily on landowners’ willingness toRecycle Christmas Trees provide habitat for the squirrels, loggers’ and developers’ commitment to maintaining mature forests, and conservation agencies’ ability to ensureReal Christmas trees continue to hold purpose long after the holidays have passed. They appropriate habitat preservation. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlifecan be recycled into mulch, sunk into private ponds for fish habitat or placed in backyards Service, the current population of up to 20,000 squirrels now covers 28as bird feeders and sanctuaries. Some trees may even be replanted. Various removal percent of the Delmarva Peninsula, primarily in Maryland.options also include nonprofit pickup, recycling centers and other programs. Explorelocal county resources, or go to realchristmastrees.org for more information. Nearly 50 years after its original listing, the Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel joins more than 30 other species, including the bald eagle, American4 I The Maryland Natural Resource alligator and peregrine falcon, which have recovered with the help of the Endangered Species Act. Winter 2016 I 5

Trails are changing the face of western Maryland. Towns network of high-quality trails that provide access to Garrett GARRETT TRAILS such as Hancock, Cumberland, McHenry and Oakland are County’s historic, municipal and environmental treasures, and INK BYERSpart of a trail expansion initiative that is pumping revenue into link to trails outside the county.local coffers and making the area a world-class destination for GARRETT TRAILShikers and bikers alike. Garrett County is home to some of the finest outdoor activities around, and features trails that come in all shapes and This has not happened by accident or overnight. It is the re- sizes. Take the Youghiogheny River water trail, which has thesult of visionary advocates and organizations, such as Garrett wildest white water rafting on the East Coast.Trails, that steadily push state and local governments to helpbuild and promote a network of trails connecting natural The area also offers more than 80 miles of snowmobilewonders of western Maryland. trails on frozen Deep Creek Lake as well as a 22-mile long western Maryland Rail Trail (with another 4.5 miles opening Created in 1999, Garrett Trails is a non-profit, volunteer in 2017).organization dedicated to the development of a well-used There is something for everyone. Garrett Trails Swallow Falls State Park board treasurer and then the rail line to Meyersdale that Steve Green connects to the Passage. explains the beauty and As Mike Dreisbach, the president of challenges of Garrett Trails, showcased the projects, he building the stressed the importance of partnerships. completed “It was a great pleasure for Garrett Trails phase 1 section to host the secretary and his staff and give of Meadow them a taste of what this area has to offer Mountain Trail to to hikers, bikers, paddlers and outdoor Natural Resources enthusiasts. It will take a lot of effort and leadership cooperation on everyone’s part to bring and Garrett this exciting eco-tourism destination to Trails staff. Garrett County and Maryland.”trailblazing Day two We next explored the Fishermen’s Trail Herrington Manor State Park Expanding paths of Garrett County that runs through the spectacular Yock After three days in western Maryland, By Steve Carr The following day we began with a hike Gorge, ending at a magnificent vista over- through the state’s largest hemlock forest looking Muddy Creek Falls, the largest Secretary Belton went home with a few blis-A route to economic growth The Department of Natural Resources currently under construction. This 14- to Swallow Falls, a breathtaking waterfall single-drop waterfall in Maryland. ters and a firm resolve to help make Garrett is heavily involved in the investment and mile long (one-way) biker/hiker trail is that flows into the Youghiogheny River (af- County the “Trail Capital” of the state.Governor Larry Hogan has made investing strategy behind a trail network. As an out- the linchpin of the proposed Eastern fectionately referred to as the Yock, like Later on, we hiked some of the rockyin parks and trails a major part of his plan to door enthusiast and the department’s land Continental Divide Loop Trail. Supporters rock), the state’s only designated scenic single-track mountain bike trails in the Belton called the trip an eye-openingexpand sustainable business opportunities trails planner, I was asked to help lead envision it as a 150-mile, multi-surface and wild river. Fork Run area being built by Garrett Trails. experience. “Together with Garrett Trails,in rural areas, such as western Maryland, Secretary Mark Belton and the Governor’s trail, connecting state forest and parks with When completed, there will be more than we are providing exceptional recreationalwhere tourism offers year-round economic Chief of Staff, Craig Williams, for a three- population centers, such as Grantsville Under Maryland’s Scenic and Wild 10 miles of trail, running from the top of opportunities for Maryland citizens on ourbenefits while also showcasing the beauty day trail tour arranged by Garrett Trails. and Deep Creek Lake, and the Great Rivers program, which was enacted Wisp Mountain all the way to Sang Run. public lands,” Belton says. “We are con-of the state. Allegheny Passage. more than 20 years ago, the entire necting with and engaging our citizens on The weather was perfect and the fall Maryland portion of the Youghiogheny Day three the importance of natural resource con- Chairman Paul Clayton Edwards, a colors were in all of their glory as we hiked Our first day ended at the historic River has been declared “scenic.” A servation, and enabling economic expan-Garrett County commissioner, is a strong through the rugged trail. Casselman River Bridge, where Garrett 21-mile segment is also the state’s only Sang Run is the place where the Yough- sion—a focus of the Hogan administra-supporter of trails. “Areas such as Garrett Trails is devising a route that will follow “wild” river, meaning it is protected iogheny River trips begin. It’s 10 miles tion—by creating and enhancing tourismCounty have to use the resources available Day one an abandoned rail line beside the rainbow from development to remain in near- of incredible chills and thrills to the little destinations.” nto grow economically,” he explains. “The trout-stocked Casselman River, just south town of Friendsville. Rafting or kayakingnatural beauty is already here and if we We spent our first day learning about the of the Meadow Mountain Trail. The trail natural condition. through each of the “Class V” rapids is a dnr.maryland.gov/landcan capture just 10 percent of that eco- new Meadow Mountain trail on Savage will run north through “Amish Country,” pinball ride as you drop and bounce yournomic impact, it is a game changer for our River State Forest. The department made following old Route 219 to Salisbury, way through a maze of snaggletooth rocks. Steve Carr is the state Land Trails Planner.county, and ultimately the state.” the land available for the trail, which is Several professional white water rafting companies operate out of Friendsville and Winter 2016 I 7 will guide enthusiasts through a land vir- tually untouched. In Friendsville, we walked up the Ken- dall Trail, along the edge of the Youghiogh- eny River where float trips went zooming by. We hiked through a world of giant ferns and granite walls that most people would never imagine existed in Maryland.6 I The Maryland Natural Resource

The northern saw-whet owl disappears caused many to wonder, what prompted SAM MAY Founded in by simply staying still. Flapping its this tiny nomad to fly such a distance in 1994, Project Owlnet started as an wings would give it away, so it remains the wrong direction. BRANDON LALLY effort to link owl researchers in North motionless—a behavior developed through The Secret Saw-Whet the ages. Rather than fleeing from danger, “When we started Project Owlnet 25 America. It facilitates communication, Hiding in plain sight it uses its cryptic coloration and physiol- years ago, we had very little information cooperation and innovation among a Painting and article ogy as natural camouflage. on the saw-whet owl,” Maryland Natural by John Taylor Resource Ecologist Dave Brinker says. “We rapidly growing network of hundreds of While relatively rare in Maryland, started with about 10 banding stations and owl-migration researchers in the U.S. and they are common but seldom-observed now have 125 across the country. Since our birds across North America, from south- start in 1985, volunteers have banded more abroad. The project was the brainchild ern Alaska through the central provinces than 10,000 saw-whet owls in Maryland of Maryland Department of Natural of Canada to the Atlantic Coast and south alone and 217,434 across the country.” Resources Ecologist Dave Brinker. in the Appalachians to the Great Smoky Mountains. Yet it is only by chance that “A lot of people didn’t understand the Visit projectowlnet.org to learn more. even a practiced observer spots one. impetus for the project—they didn’t realize the magnitude of the saw-whet population,” do not think the owl ever sounded A hooter’s home Brinker says. “We really surprised them. It anything like a saw being whetted. What has turned this little known owl that people this owl does sound like is a “toot.” The The preferred nesting habitat of the saw- seldom see into the most banded owl in same note, monotonously repeated, all on whet owl is heavy coniferous forest, usually North America.” the same pitch. Often the sound has a bell- where it is wet and swampy. During mig- like ring to it. At other times it is flatter in ration and in the winter, it may be found Juvenile saw-whet owls tone. Less often heard is a series of shrill in deciduous woods, but retains a decided squeaking sounds. preference for evergreens and thick brushy Adult saw-whet owl tangles of vegetation. It was apparently Audubon who first Branding the bird used the name “saw-whet.” He did not Because of its preference for northern name it as such, but noted in his Bird forest habitats, in Maryland, it breeds only The etymology of the word “saw-whet” Biographies (1839) that in Massachusetts in western counties such as Garrett, using has led to a tangle of confusing rhetoric. the bird is known as “saw-whet.” He then natural cavities or abandoned woodpecker Ever since the days of famed ornithologist goes on to describe in detail the similarity holes. It does not build a nest, but lays its John James Audubon, reams have been of the owl’s call to the sharpening of a saw. eggs in the chips or debris on the floor of written to explain how the call of the owl the cavity. sounds like the whetting, or sharpening, of Now, after 150 years, a more plausible a saw. Many books and publications have explanation for the name has been ad- The plumage of the young bird is quite offered lengthy explanations. vanced. It could be called the French different than that of its parents. It has Connection. In France and in the French unmarked cinnamon-orange breasts and The saw-whet owl may have been parts of Canada, the word for owl is “la chocolate brown on the head and neck. A named for giving a call that sounds like a chouette.” An Anglicized pronunciation white “V” decorates its forehead. saw being sharpened on a whetting stone, would certainly sound like “saw-whet.” but there is no consensus as to which of its Further, if one considers that many French Roaming research several calls gave rise to the name. Many Canadians use an “s” sound for the initial “ch,” the derivation becomes more likely. The saw-whet owl has a strong migratory instinct, which has been well documented It seems puzzling that Audubon, who across the northeast. In October and is of French descent and who travelled November, exceptionally large flights take much of Canada and New England, did place along the Great Lakes and in the not notice the use of the word “chouette” Delaware Valley. In Maryland, the owls by the people there. regularly winter in the forests of the Eastern Shore and on Assateague Island. It is one of many mysteries surrounding this stealthy little owl. n At concentration points, department staff and volunteers who are passionate dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife about studying the migration of the owls have established banding stations. Here, John Taylor is a local artist and wildlife enthusiast. the birds are fitted with numbered leg bands. Much can be learned about its habits and wanderings. Of special interest was the capture of a saw-whet owl, originally banded in California in 2008. It8 I The Maryland Natural Resource Winter 2016 I 9

DNR PHOTO LORI R. BRAMBLE “I was a DNR groupie by the time ITurkeys in Cambridge wildlife success story was 8 years old,” he says. Frank Ryan displaying his infamous robo turkey barriers between his chosen hunting spot and his potential prey. By Candy Thomson His dad was an avid hunter and fisher- Wily white meat man, who subscribed to the Pennsylvania “The best part of the sport is callingYou want to talk turkey? Talk to Frank through careful management as well as As a Natural Resources Police officer, he Game News, a publication Ryan devoured As he hunted, Ryan marveled at the them in close,” explains Ryan, who still Ryan. The Reisterstown resident has public involvement. protected those new flocks from poachers. as a youngster. He was especially drawn to comeback. After harvesting turkeys in uses a small, battered box call. “It’sseen them at their lowest point, when the the stories about wild turkeys and the men five counties, he challenged himself and something about the call that gets thestate’s wild turkey population hovered “Wild turkey lack the charismatic ap- And as a hunter, Ryan reaped the ben- who hunted them. his skills to take a bird in each of the 18 senses humming like a Stradivarius.”near 2,000. And he’s watched with pride peal of deer, bears and geese, but the re- efits of those efforts, harvesting a turkey in remaining counties.as their numbers puffed up like a tom covery of this great bird remains one of the each of Maryland’s 23 counties—an ac- Just before his 20th birthday in the However, the wild turkey recoveryturkey in full strut to about 35,000 birds. greatest wildlife conservation success sto- complishment that could never have hap- fall of 1969, the pages of that Pennsyl- It’s not as easy as it sounds. Contrary to won’t remain successful without vigi- ries in history,” says Paul Peditto, director pened 25 years ago. vania magazine became reality when myth, turkeys are wily and easily spooked. lance and more hard work. Experts “It’s good to see the flocks thriving of the department’s Wildlife and Heritage Ryan killed his first turkey at Indian They know the lay of the land and can estimate that 6,000 acres of habitatand prospering. If people take care of Service. “The annual strut and gobble of Natural resources devotee Springs Wildlife Management Area in disappear like a wisp of smoke in a breeze. disappear nationally each day. Hunters,them, they’ll continue to be around for an adult tom signals the arrival of spring Washington County, Maryland. who fund many conservation effortsa long time,” says Ryan, who spent 40 and reminds us of the remarkable work of Ryan’s enthusiasm for the Department of “Their brains are the size of a walnut, through license fees, are dwindling inyears as a Maryland Park Service ranger our wildlife management team.” Natural Resources and wild turkeys came “It’s not much of a story,” he says, but they’re tough and many times they’ve number and are now less than 10 percentand Maryland Natural Resources Police naturally. He grew up hunting small game chuckling. “I was sitting on a rock at the outfoxed me,” Ryan says. of the American population.officer. “They are a testament to the good As a park ranger, Ryan helped that effort and fishing near his family’s home just edge of a ravine and it flew by.”work the agency does.” by trapping wild birds on state lands and north of Annapolis, where many of his In 2006, he took his largest bird—a “We can continue the success story. neighbors worked at the department. That next spring, Maryland held its 25 pounder—in Prince George’s County. Wise wildlife management, sportsmen Indeed, wild turkeys join black bears, relocating them to places where scientists first limited spring gobbler season, and Mounted by a taxidermist and animated and landowners who were knowledgeablestriped bass and others on the endangered as the population grew and spread, so by a battery pack, it became a robo-turkey enough and generous enough got us to thislist that have been revived in Maryland predicted they would blossom. did the season. decoy for the Natural Resources Police to point,” Ryan says. “Now we have to keep catch poachers. public opinion on our side. With positive10 I The Maryland Natural Resource According to the National Wild Turkey Federation, turkey hunters spend Growing gobblers public opinion, we can do anything. more than $4 billion a year on calls and other gear. In Maryland, they add On May 22, 2014, he ended his quest Without it, we can do nothing.” n During that time, Ryan, who was work- with a gobbler in Harford County. nearly $5 million to the economy annually. ing as a ranger at Cunningham Falls State dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife Park, began teaching hunting seminars. Laying the groundwork was the secret to Ryan’s success: scouting the hunting Candy Thomson is the Natural Resources Police public “It was slim pickings at that time, so area the year before; getting written per- information officer. the seminars weren’t about killing turkeys, mission from the landowner; walking the they were about getting people to appreci- area to familiarize himself with the habitat ate them,” he says. and turkey behavior; and noting physical The bird’s revival got a major push in 1973 with the formation of the National Wild Turkey Federation, which began promoting more efficient ways to expand the flocks. To that point, Maryland and other states were failing in their efforts to release farm-raised birds into the wild, where lacking survival instincts or defen- sive mechanisms, they quickly perished. The federation urged local biologists to trap wild birds with nets and relocate them. It also encouraged species conservation and habitat protection. Armed with that new strategy, “We transferred turkeys all throughout the state,” Ryan says. Those trapped near Fort Frederick were relocated to Patapsco Valley State Park. Some from Muddy Creek in Garrett County found new homes at Morgan Run in Carroll County. Once established, some of the Morgan Run flock was trapped and sent to Aberdeen north of Baltimore and Nanticoke on the Eastern Shore. Winter 2016 | 11

DNR PHOTOTUCKAHOE: AN ADVENTURER’S OASIS 2015 By Dorcas Coleman PHOTOIn the heart of the mid-shore, inland and turned-abolitionist, Frederick Douglass, Challenge course CONTEST miles away from the Chesapeake Bay’s was born in a log cabin along the creek open waters, lies a park unlike most of just south of the state park. A picturesque paddle WINNERS those that dot the Eastern Shore. Tuckahoe State Park—located along Tuckahoe Creek, Abundant amusement Tuckahoe Creek travels the length of the the dividing line between the agricultural park’s 3,800 acres and provides recreation landscape of Queen Anne’s and Caroline The area’s unique composition of fields, for anglers and paddlers. counties—is a stream-and-valley park pro- forests and wetlands provides habitat for viding a welcome diversion from the miles a tremendous diversity of fauna and flora, One of the most tranquil—and unex- of surrounding corn and soybean fields. making it an inviting destination for out- pected—places to canoe or kayak is the door adventures. More than 18 miles of upper portion of the creek. This stretch Created in 1962, Tuckahoe became a trails cover the mid-shore’s gentle terrain passes through thickly-wooded, gentle quiet little gem that travelers bypassed for and are open to hikers, mountain bikers banks in the middle of miles of unbroken years, heading instead for campgrounds and equestrians. A campground welcomes parcels of farmland. and outdoor opportunities along the Atlan- more than 15,000 campers each year, and tic Ocean. Today, the park attracts 73,000 a 60-acre lake offers boating and fishing. As one leaves the lake and ventures up- visitors annually. stream, the forest slowly begins to close in Home to a popular Scales & Tales pro- and takes on the appearance of a flooded History and heritage gram—that affords visitors the opportu- woodland. The stream continues to nar- nity to see live wildlife up close and per- row and become more shallow until gently An area rich with history, the creek was sonal—the park also features an aviary, worn pebbles and schools of small darting once lined with villages established by the which houses injured birds of prey that fish appear. Algonquin Indians. Although officially un- cannot be released back into the wild. documented, it is widely believed that the Skilled rangers handle these creatures Here, the attentive paddler is likely to creek valley later served as a route along and educate thousands of people around get a glimpse of some of the animals that the Underground Railroad, the secret net- the region. make their home along the waterway. work of safe houses that welcomed run- Turtles are the most commonly sighted— away slaves on their journeys north. A group challenge course encourages dozens of painted and red-bellied terrapins team building through activities like sun themselves along exposed sections of Maryland’s own Harriet Tubman freed wall climbing, zip lining and swinging. The fallen trees. Bullfrogs, migrating songbirds herself from slavery in nearby Dorchester park also hosts a variety of environmental and the occasional croak of a great blue County and returned to the area numerous education programs, including day camps heron can be heard. A sharp eye might spot times to lead more than 300 other slaves as well as youth and adult nature programs, a muskrat swimming along the shoreline, to freedom. Another famous former-slave- throughout the year. its head barely breaking the water.Scales & Tales SAKI Even natives of the area remark at howKayakers STEPHEN BADGER surprising it is to find a water trail of this kind on the Eastern Shore, as so many are accustomed to paddling the salt water marshes and tidal flats that line the many bay tributaries. Anyone looking for a new adventure should consider a visit to Tuckahoe State Park to take in all that it offers. They will not be disappointed. n dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands Dorcas Coleman is the office manager at Tuckahoe State Park.12 I The Maryland Natural Resource Winter 2016 I 13

3 1 1 first place and grand prize winner 2 3 Female Red-winged Blackbird BIRDS FLORA first place Glorious Mushroomsby Santosh Shanmuga at Swan Harbor Farms by Annette Conniff in Parkville second place Bald Eagle with Rockfish by Stephen Hayes at Conowingo Dam second place Unfurling third place Tundra Swans by Nick Becker at Gunpowder Falls State Park by Mitch Adolph in Arnold 2 third place Milkweed 14 I The Maryland Natural Resource by Tim Ray at Centennial Lake Winter 2016 I 15

11 3 2 3 first place Busy Busy Busy INSECTS NATURE IN ACTION first place Ice After the Storm by Stefan Kaben at McKee-Beshers by Jennifer Solpietro in Columbia second place Monarch Caterpillar second place Pine Trees in Snow by Addison Likins at Wheatley Lake by Laurie Brice at Jug Bay third place Pollen Faced third place Bmore Ivy by Cindy Ellis at Piney Point by Erika Sneeringer in East Baltimore16 I The Maryland Natural Resource 2 Winter 2016 I 17

113 3 first place Hay Bale Stretch 2 first place Fishing Bay Jetty by Nick Becker at Susquehanna State Park by JH Soares at Elliott Island OUTDOOR RECREATION second place The Best Farm second place Sunrise Hunt by Tammy Walla in Frederick by Michael Parsons in Wye Mills third place Point Lookout third place Crossing Water by Andy Padden at Point Lookout State Parkby James Corbett at Patapsco Valley State Park 2 18 I The Maryland Natural Resource SCENIC LANDSCAPES Winter 2016 I 19

3 1 fan favorite Halloween Pennant Dragonfly by Alper Kerman at Black Hill Regional Park first place Call of the Wild 2 A NOTE FROM THE JUDGES... by Marie-Ann D’Aloia in Ellicott City second place Snapper from the Deep WILDLIFE Year after year, the photos submitted to our annual contest continue to impress department staff and leadership.by Robert Geary at Fountain Rock Park Approximately 200 people entered more than 1,100 photographs for consideration in 2015, which set a new record. As it becomes increasingly difficult to select just a few photographs from each category, we decided to let you, our third place Sleepy Raccoon readers, chose an additional image to include amongst our selections. The photo of the dragonfly above gained more thanby Melissa McCeney in Germantown 480 Facebook likes in early September, claiming recognition as our first ever Fan Favorite. We hope you share our congratulations to all participants and winners, and that you enjoy these images as much as we20 I The Maryland Natural Resource do! For information on how to enter in 2016, please visit dnr.maryland.gov/photocontest. —LAUREN MITCHELL 2016thenMatuararlyrcelaasloenundrdcaer immersedSPEND 2016 & BEYOND in maryland’s beauty! 14-month calendars are available at shopdnr.com Winter 2016 I 21

Through an Educator’s Eyes Explore and Restore started in 2013 as a partnership Educators at 77 schools are slated to receive training through- Explore and Restore Maryland streams out the 2015-2016 academic year, with a By Amanda Sullivan between environmental educators and scientists to connect students with streams. The collaboration led reach of more than 12,000 to the development of a workshop and accompanying students. resources that show teachers how to use streams as a living laboratory. The program is expanding through funding provided to partners to work with additional schools statewide. Since its onset, the program has reached more than 150 schools and 283 teachers in 22 counties and Baltimore city. DNR PHOTOS a rain garden or developing a plan for person. I’ve had kids look around intro- a daily basis and they start to realize change community outreach. spectively and say ’Jeez, it’s really beautiful can start with them.” out here,’ as if they just had never thought “You can do a lab, but that doesn’t re- about it before.” Hughes has even given other teachers ally connect with anything beyond the within her school some tools to use with classroom,” Hughes says. “This experience Empowering students their students to introduce some program links everything together for the kids— concepts. Her fellow educators have intro- they aren’t looking at disjointed pieces. It’s In the wake of such a practical lesson, duced their own students to water moni- wonderful to see everything fall into place students take away a new appreciation for toring, reinforcing how the health of the for them.” how important it is to tread lightly in the stream impacts the fate of the Chesapeake environment—to be more conscious of Bay and, equally, how everyone affects An added bonus for teachers, students what they put down a storm drain, to think the environment. love the experience and exposure to na- about where trash ends up, to recycle. ture. Even if they aren’t excited in the be- “I’d recommend this program to any ginning of the project, they eventually get “The biggest takeaway for students that teacher,” Hughes concludes. “I will use keyed up. I can see is an understanding that what they my training for years to come, and I’m do has an impact on a lot of other things,” confident it will continue to have a big “I’ve had students say ’I’m not touch- Hughes says. “When they throw trash on impact on my students, who are the future ing any bugs’ and yet, they can’t not do the ground, for example, it’s not just a stand- of Maryland.” n it,” Hughes says. “They’re wading in the alone event when everybody else does the water, even in cold water. They’re picking same thing. They get a better grasp for the dnr.maryland.gov/ccs up leaves and rocks, trying to find some- impact of many actions that might occur on thing…trying to find more than the next Amanda Sullivan is the Streams Education Coordinator with the department’s Chesapeake & Coastal Service.Teachers learn how to measure the cross-section of the stream to monitor how big storms impact streams (L) and collect fish to measure the biodiversity of an ecosystem to compare to historical findings (R).Modeling practices used by Depart- A teacher’s tale equipment or resources to incorporate most A teacher investigates microhabitats. ment of Natural Resources scientists, of the activities into the classroom or leadadventurous teachers and their inspired stu- Suzanne Hughes—a recent workshop par- students through studies of nearby streams.dents have been heading out of the class- ticipant—from Reservoir High School ravesroom to monitor streams across the state. over the Explore and Restore Maryland “Through Explore and Restore, the stu- Streams program. dents gain a deeper appreciation for their Their mission: to determine the health surroundings,” Hughes says. “When youand conditions of the waterways near their “It’s always nice to attend meetings for get them to turn off the TV and go outsidelocal schools. professional development and actually get without their phones for a couple of hours, out and do something meaningful that the it makes a huge difference in how they see Conducted through the Explore and Re- students are going to use and find helpful,” everything around them.”store Maryland Streams program, depart- Hughes says.ment biologists host one-day professional The program uses the diversity of life Taking the classroom outsidedevelopment workshops covering topics within a stream—fish, salamanders, mac-such as stream ecology, how land use influ- roinvertebrates—as an indication of its over- Hughes found that through these outdoorences streams and which animals call these all health. Students use current scientific experiences her students got a chance toecosystems home. practices to arrive at a conclusive water engage and connect with concepts dis- quality assessment, and ultimately use their cussed in the classroom. They prepare teachers to facilitate bio-logical, chemical and physical assessments findings to take appropriate action to im- After students investigate their streamof stream health, allowing them to grow prove the stream’s health. and analyze their data, they are asked toboth their content knowledge and their con- Hughes and others in the workshop propose and carry out a plan of action to Students gather and collect data.fidence working in outdoor environments. found they did not need a lot of high-tech improve the conditions: perhaps building22 I The Maryland Natural Resource Winter 2016 I 23

januaryBay Game natural resources police Corporal Mike Berry DNR PHOTO By Candy ThomsonBreak the ICe Blow Frozen Bubbles! In addition to law enforcement duties, ice safety q&a the Maryland Natural Resources PoliceDuring cold months, bodies of water—even those as big as the Have you ever seen liquid freeze? Observe how quickly is charged with teaching residents about How did your ice education role develop?Chesapeake Bay—can freeze into thick sections of ice. This can it can happen, what it looks like, and which factors boating and hunting safety.have a big impact on those who rely on the bay for transporting (such as blowing through a straw instead of a wand) It started as part of the Maryland Park Service outreach programs offered in westerngoods and harvesting fish. Some Marylanders even live on cause different effects! In western Maryland, the agency spear- Maryland about 26 years ago. I was an Emergency Medical Technician and when I wentislands only accessible by boat! What you’ll need: heads an education program that goes into to the police academy in 1991, my instructor in first-responder training said, “I’m going to schools to teach youngsters about being make you an assistant this instant.” The next year, I was back as the teacher. Luckily, expert crews aboard four department of natural • ¼ cup liquid dish soap safe on the ice.resources boats break up the ice and maintain clear paths all • ¾ cup water My mom was a teacher and I was a substitute teacher, so it was a natural fit. I beganwinter long, so that boats can navigate, watermen can fish and • 1 ½ tbs light corn syrup Cpl. Mike Berry, who goes from school teaching ice safety in schools and getting more and more requests in Garrett County.residents don’t get stranded. • Bubble wand or straw to school in Garrett County to spread the • A cold night (below freezing!) with no wind safety message, knows first-hand that this When is a good age to start with ice safety education? is an important lesson.Word Scramble What you’ll do: DNR PHOTO Starting with students who are 5 or 6 years old is appropriate, but I don’t think it’s • Mix the detergent, water and syrup, and refrigerate Three years ago in late January, he was ever too early. You don’t want to scare them, but you want to teach them respect forRearrange the 10 groups of letters to the right to spell until cold one of a group of officers who raced to the the elements.them correctly! • Go outside scene of a 911 call on Deep Creek Lake to _ _ _ _ • Blow bubbles and be amazed! find two ice fishermen flailing in the water How do you get young students to engage? _ _eeezrf o Can you catch one before it freezes? about 250 yards from shore and a thirdrwtine _ _ _ _ _ _ o Do they freeze before they hit the ground? stranded, surrounded by thin ice. It’s pretty easy. They’re inquisitive. I bring along my exposure suit, we call it the Gumby_rekeicbaer _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ o Do they fill up with fog from your breath? suit, and put a kid in it. We bring in the rescue gear we use and let them handle it. They_nmetwrae _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Corporals Bob Mayles and Bill Thomas really like that.levess _ _ _ _ _ _ dsinal _ _ _ _ _ _ donned exposure suits and lifelines and _vgnaionita _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ went in after them. Cpl. Berry helped an- For the most part, we lay out a scenario, one they’re likely to be familiar with, and we chor a human rescue chain that resulted in walk through how to stay out of trouble. They’re pretty sharp and they get it. We stress to _blbebus _ _ _ _ _ _ saving all three men. them that no ice is safe ice, but they should make sure that any ice they step on is at least wcer _ _ _ _ two-inches thick. The fishermen, who had been in the _ptnrsaort _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ lake for about 20 minutes, said that with- And if they get into trouble? out the officers’ help, they would not have lasted another two minutes. n It’s the same thing we tell adults. We tell them to always have an escape plan, to know how close to shore they are, and how to get out if they fall in. They should carry Natural Resources Police officers and dive team performing something that they can jam in the ice to help pull themselves up and out, then roll on an annual drill in western Maryland the ice surface—distributing their weight—until they are away from danger. They don’t really have a lot of time to act, right? Right. That’s why wearing a life jacket when you walk on the ice or ride a snowmobile on a lake is so important. If you can keep your head and upper chest above water, you’ve got an hour. If you can’t, you’ve got 15 minutes. When the water is that cold, it doesn’t matter how strong a swimmer you are. You hit that water and everything seizes up on you in a matter of six to eight minutes and you lose the ability to get yourself out. In those cases, you won’t die of hyperthermia, you’ll drown. dnr.maryland.gov/nrp Candy Thomson is the Natural Resources Police public information officer. answers (1) freeze (2) winter (3) icebreaker (4) watermen (5) vessel (6) island (7) navigation (8) bubbles (9) crew (10) transport Winter 2016 I 25 play all year at dnr.maryland.gov/baygame

Presort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 62 Annapolis, MD580 Taylor Avenue, D-4 n Annapolis, MD 21401 department directory dnr.maryland.gov boating 410-260-8456 lands 410-260-8424 fishing 410-260-8325 parks 410-260-8186 forests 410-260-8531 police 410-260-8880 hunting 410-260-8540 water 410-260-8706 licensing & registration dnr.maryland.gov/service annapolis 410-260-3220 southern prince frederick 410-535-3382 bel air 410-836-4550 central dundalk 410-284-1654 salisbury 410-713-3840 eastern centreville 410-819-4100 rocky gap 301-777-2134 western stay connected news.maryland.gov/dnr shop & subscribe shopdnr.comWhen snow falls, nature listens. -ANTOINETTE VON KLEEF