Maryland Historic District
type: channel
date: 2023-12-21T01:11:35Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
generator agent: https://wordpress.org/
items: Glaciers and Maryland
items: Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center
items: Terrapin Nature Park
items: Downs Park
items: Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
items: Bill Burton Fishing Piers State Park
items: Fort Smallwood Park

Glaciers and Maryland
type: item
creator: Travis Crouse
date: 2023-12-21T01:10:35Z
subject: Abroad
subject: Parks
subject: Photography
description: I recently had the pleasure of visiting Perito Moreno glacier in El Calafate, Argentina. This is probably the most accessible glacier in the Americas (and maybe the world). Unlike most glaciers, you can hike up close and along the glacier for a few miles. Also unlike most glaciers, Perito Moreno glacier is in a state […]
encoded: I recently had the pleasure of visiting Perito Moreno glacier in El Calafate, Argentina. This is probably the most accessible glacier in the Americas (and maybe the world). Unlike most glaciers, you can hike up close and along the glacier for a few miles. Also unlike most glaciers, Perito Moreno glacier is in a state of equilibrium instead of retreating every year (Roach, 2009). The movement of the glacier is visible from its interactions with the landscape and adjacent Lake Argentino. If you stand along the platforms in the south, you can even get a view of the Andes mountains where snowfall slowly becomes glacial ice over many years. This trip improved my understanding of climate change and its real impact on the world. Besides, glaciers are important enough because they contain almost 70% of all fresh water on earth (usgs, 2018). This got me to thinking about Maryland–has Maryland ever had glaciers? According to many sources: no, glaciers never reached Maryland. However, Maryland was considered to border glaciers and therefore be affected during the ice age (Douglas, 1992). The closest glaciers reached parts of Pennsylvania as early as 20,000 years ago (Sevon & Fleeger, 1999). Glacial melting helped to form the Susequehanna River valley and shape the Chesapeake Bay as we know it (Douglas, 1992). Meltwater also created Maryland’s only natural lake during that time. Today, all that is left of the lake is Buckel’s Bog in western Maryland (Rosenwald, 2012). Also in western Maryland you can find Cranesville swamp–a frost pocket which is an area much closer to what you would find in Canada (Brown, 1995). Cranesville swamp was also created by glacial melt. <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" data-id="10022" src="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Glacier011-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10022" srcset="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Glacier011-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mdhistoricd…

Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center
type: item
creator: Travis Crouse
date: 2023-01-31T01:13:01Z
subject: Parks
description: Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center is operated by the Wildfowl Trust of North America with the goal of training environmental stewards of the bay. To get to the park from most of the state you will need to cross the Bay Bridge and continue just past Kent Narrows to Grasonville, MD. The visitor center has a […]
encoded: Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center is operated by the Wildfowl Trust of North America with the goal of training environmental stewards of the bay. To get to the park from most of the state you will need to cross the Bay Bridge and continue just past Kent Narrows to Grasonville, MD. The visitor center has a lot of programs available for all ages. This park is a good birding and hiking spot with views of marsh, coastal pine forest, and the bay. Additionally, the park offers kayaks for tours and rentals. There is no entry fee to the park. For more information, check out the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center website. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" data-id="9991" src="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ChesapeakeBayEC024-1024x683.jpg" alt="Boardwalk with kayaks for rent" class="wp-image-9991" srcset="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ChesapeakeBayEC024-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ChesapeakeBayEC024-350x233.jpg 350w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ChesapeakeBayEC024-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ChesapeakeBayEC024-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Boardwalk with kayaks for rent <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" data-id="9982" src="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ChesapeakeBayEC015-1024x683.jpg" alt="Coastal pine forest" class="wp-image-9982" srcset="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ChesapeakeBayEC015-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ChesapeakeBayEC015-350x233.jpg 350w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ChesapeakeBayEC015-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ChesapeakeBayEC015-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Co…

Terrapin Nature Park
type: item
creator: Travis Crouse
date: 2023-01-21T23:47:13Z
subject: Parks
description: Terrapin Nature Park is located just north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. To get to the park from most of the state, you will need to cross the bay bridge (with toll) and turn off in Stevenson, MD. Terrapin Nature Park is a nice alternative to Sandy Point State Park, with picnic areas and a […]
encoded: Terrapin Nature Park is located just north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. To get to the park from most of the state, you will need to cross the bay bridge (with toll) and turn off in Stevenson, MD. Terrapin Nature Park is a nice alternative to Sandy Point State Park, with picnic areas and a public beach. There is also a nice 2.5-mile loop through the park amidst marshes/wetlands and meadows. There is no entry fee to the park. For more information, check out the Terrapin Nature Park website. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" data-id="9949" src="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Terrapin003-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9949" srcset="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Terrapin003-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Terrapin003-350x233.jpg 350w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Terrapin003-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Terrapin003-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Terrapin Nature park sign <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" data-id="9946" src="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Terrapin008-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9946" srcset="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Terrapin008-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Terrapin008-350x233.jpg 350w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Terrapin008-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Terrapin008-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> View of the Bay Bridge from Terrapin Nature Park <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" data-id="9947" src="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Terrapin009-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9947" srcset="ht…

Downs Park
type: item
creator: Travis Crouse
date: 2022-10-19T01:27:52Z
subject: Baltimore
subject: Parks
description: Downs Park is a small park located along the Chesapeake Bay in Pasadena, MD. It is a nice local park with a public beach, fishing pier, and a separate dog beach. There is also a kayak and canoe launching area that takes you to Wharf creek, Bodkin creek, and Main creek as they empty into […]
encoded: Downs Park is a small park located along the Chesapeake Bay in Pasadena, MD. It is a nice local park with a public beach, fishing pier, and a separate dog beach. There is also a kayak and canoe launching area that takes you to Wharf creek, Bodkin creek, and Main creek as they empty into the bay. Downs Park has a long history of use as farmland and timberland dating back to the 1700s (Roche 2018). Mother’s garden-located inside the park-came from a garden originally built for Helen Hopkins Thom (Roche 2018). Helen was the great grand-neice of Johns Hopkins (Van Morgan 2021). Downs Park has a day use fee of $6. For more information, check out the Downs Park website <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1707" data-id="9940" src="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DownsPark4-scaled.jpg" alt="Downs Park Sign" class="wp-image-9940" srcset="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DownsPark4-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DownsPark4-350x233.jpg 350w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DownsPark4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DownsPark4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DownsPark4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /> Downs Park Sign <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1707" data-id="9939" src="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DownsPark3-scaled.jpg" alt="Downs Park Dog Beach" class="wp-image-9939" srcset="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DownsPark3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DownsPark3-350x233.jpg 350w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DownsPark3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DownsPark3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/w…

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
type: item
creator: Travis Crouse
date: 2022-10-05T02:54:18Z
subject: Parks
description: Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is located in Cambridge, Maryland. It was established in 1933 as part of the “Atlantic Flyway” migration route for birds. The Blackwater river and Little Blackwater river feed saltwater to the marshes in the refuge. The rivers’ names come from the type of river-a blackwater river-which is any river that gets […]
encoded: Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is located in Cambridge, Maryland. It was established in 1933 as part of the “Atlantic Flyway” migration route for birds. The Blackwater river and Little Blackwater river feed saltwater to the marshes in the refuge. The rivers’ names come from the type of river-a blackwater river-which is any river that gets dyed a dark color by the tannins from decaying plants in the wetland. Tannins are a type of chemical commonly found in tea, berries, and wine. Another component of a blackwater river is that the decaying plants make the water more acidic than normal with a pH between 3.8 and 5.4 (Blackwater rivers, 2022). The refuge is operated by the US Fish & Wildlife Service–which carries out annual hunts for turkey, deer, and waterfowl. Species of deer in the refuge include the Sika, which were introduced into the refuge from asia. Sika are the species of deer/elk commonly found in Japan in places such as the island of Miyajima (Chris, 2020). Nutria–an invasive species of rodent that can destroy marshes–are also hunted. Thankfully, as of September 2022, the nutria species was declared eradicated from the refuge (Miller, 2022). Until 2024, the US Fish & Wildlife Service is conducting a study of the invasive Snakehead fish–if you catch a tagged fish, you can collect a reward of up to $200 (Tagging study… 2022). Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is an important part of US history. Harriet Tubman grew up and lived in the area (Friends… 2022). It is believed that she used the refuge area as a hiding place for slaves as part of the Underground Railroad (Friends… 2022). There is a day use fee of $3 upon entering the refuge. For more information, check out the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge website <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1707" data-id="9933" src="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BlackwaterNWR10-scaled.jpg" alt="Lots of herons and waterfowl sitting on dilapidated pier" class="wp-ima…

Bill Burton Fishing Piers State Park
type: item
creator: Travis Crouse
date: 2022-09-07T01:56:21Z
subject: Parks
description: Bill Burton Fishing Piers State Park consists of two large fishing piers and waterfront areas overlooking the Choptank River near Cambridge, MD. The park is so-named because Bill Burton helped preserve the original bridge dedicated by President FDR in 1935. Mr. Burton was also a bay fisherman and outdoor writer for the Baltimore Sun and […]
encoded: Bill Burton Fishing Piers State Park consists of two large fishing piers and waterfront areas overlooking the Choptank River near Cambridge, MD. The park is so-named because Bill Burton helped preserve the original bridge dedicated by President FDR in 1935. Mr. Burton was also a bay fisherman and outdoor writer for the Baltimore Sun and other publications. As of September 2022, the fishing piers remain closed to the public due to structural issues. The trails and picnic areas are still open. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" data-id="9907" src="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BillBurton1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9907" srcset="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BillBurton1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BillBurton1-350x233.jpg 350w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BillBurton1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BillBurton1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BillBurton1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" data-id="9909" src="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BillBurton2-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9909" srcset="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BillBurton2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BillBurton2-350x233.jpg 350w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BillBurton2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BillBurton2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BillBurton2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" data-id="9911" src="https://mdhist…

Fort Smallwood Park
type: item
creator: Travis Crouse
date: 2022-08-16T01:22:24Z
subject: Attractions
subject: Parks
description: Fort Smallwood Park is located at the mouth of the Patapsco river on the Chesapeake Bay. The park is the site of a fort built during the Spanish-American war and used up until the late 1920s. The fort gets its name from William Smallwood, the commander of the “Maryland Line” regiment of the continental army […]
encoded: Fort Smallwood Park is located at the mouth of the Patapsco river on the Chesapeake Bay. The park is the site of a fort built during the Spanish-American war and used up until the late 1920s. The fort gets its name from William Smallwood, the commander of the “Maryland Line” regiment of the continental army during the Revolutionary War. Today you can still visit the fort’s battery. The park features a public beach, picnic areas, a coastal marsh, and a 380-foot fishing pier next to boat ramps and a kayak launch. The park has a paved path loop starting at the entrance. At spots near the beach and marsh, you have a good chance of seeing herons and other water birds. The pier is a popular fishing spot with great views of the river and bay. Come early during the summer in order to find parking! The park charges a fee to enter, and an additional fee for boat launches. For more information, visit the anne arundel county website <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="350" height="233" data-id="9865" src="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/FortSmallwood1-350x233.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9865" srcset="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/FortSmallwood1-350x233.jpg 350w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/FortSmallwood1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/FortSmallwood1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/FortSmallwood1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/FortSmallwood1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" /> Fort Smallwood Battery <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="350" height="233" data-id="9866" src="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/FortSmallwood2-350x233.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9866" srcset="https://mdhistoricdistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/FortSmallwood2-350x233.jpg 350w, https://mdhistoricdistrict.co…