Bob Chance, the region’s recognized authority on ecology, natural history and, yes, even Bigfoot, presents an entertaining and informative look at his local experiences and international journeys in his newly published “Earthline: A 30-Year Anthology.”

Chance has been penning his local nature column in Harford County since 1972 and, for the first time, nearly 100 of those columns spanning more than 30 years have been reprinted and reorganized into this 180-page book.

“Earthline: A 30-Year Anthology” is a captivating journey through the collected field experiences of naturalist-author Chance, a man who has dedicated his life to preservation and appreciation of the natural world.  Whether he’s studying the outdoor terrain of Harford County, Maryland, marveling over creatures great and small, or exploring distant exotic lands, Chance presents his thoughts and observations with an informed, passionate voice that calls for ecological conservation through awareness, education, and understanding.

Autographed copies of the book, with postage pre-paid and one-of-a-kind nature inserts included, can be purchased HERE for just $25.  Chance is available for environmentally-themed appearances, nature talks and book signings accompanied by an assortment of snakes, turtles, fossils and Native American tools.

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Yesterday I was attending a class at Wildlife Rescue, Inc.  It was a 7-hour class…that I didn’t get paid to sit in.  I dreaded having to sit in a class for that long.  ’Tis one of the reasons why I opted to not go to college.

But as I sat there learning about osprey, I thought…what the heck else would I rather be doing?  This is 7 hours of talking about animals.  Better yet, local wildlife that I may have to deal with in the future.  At that very moment I fell in love with the whole day.

My ultimate goal is to have a wildlife rescue facility in about 2 years.  I would rather be building cages right now than typing this if I had the resources.  I walked out of that class ready to go.  And because I am HUGE on educating people about critters - so that maybe you will know what to do in their presence - I will now spout off some interesting facts I learned.  Prepare to be wowed.

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Ranger Bob is planning a Spring trip for outdoor and nature enthusiasts of all ages, adults and children alike. 

Ancient Hemlock Grove

Saturday, March 29, 2008

(Rain Date – Sunday, March 30, 2008) 

10am to 3pm  Cost: $30* 

This 3 mile hike to a remote grove of majestic, ancient Eastern Hemlocks off of Broad Creek in northern Harford County will awe and inspire you. These 75 to 150 foot tall trees are like the wise old kings of the county – bearing secrets of our land’s past. This ‘old growth’ forest is recognized as a natural heritage site and is a true county treasure. Be prepared to go back in time and bear witness to these woods of timeless timber. As always, pack a lunch and wear waterproof shoes, if possible. 

*Note: A 10% ‘Refer a Friend’ discount is being offered for past adventurers that bring a new friend, and a ‘Family Fun’ discount of $5/person is being offered for parent/child, sibling and husband/wife teams.  

Click here for a Registration Form or for more information, contact Ranger Bob at 410-457-4766 or chancetreefarm@aol.com

Baltimore City – On Wednesday, March 5, James Alexander Bush Jr., 63, of Baltimore stood trial in Baltimore City District Court for two counts of possessing wild birds without a permit and two counts of possessing endangered species of wildlife.

Bush was charged on Oct. 2, 2007, after the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) seized four taxidermal animals, two Delmarva fox squirrels, a Red-tailed Hawk and a Yellowleg Sandpiper from his residence.

Bush was found guilty on one count of possessing wild birds without a permit and was fined $1250. Bush received probation before judgment on the two counts of possessing endangered species of wildlife and other count of possessing wild birds without a permit and was fined $150 for each of those charges.

(Bel Air, MD – March 5, 2008) - - The State Board of Public Works has announced approval of state funding for a Program Open Space request from Harford County Department of Parks and Recreation.  The action taken by the state supports the Vaughn Property acquisition in northern Harford County.

The Board of Public Works approved $671,000 for the initiative, of which $375,000 is from the Program Open Space State Share and the remaining $276,000 from the Program Open Space Local Share allocated to Harford County. The funds assist Harford County in acquiring 43.9 acres as an addition to the existing Eden Mill Nature Center and Park.

The property includes one-half mile of stream bank of Big Branch Creek, and more than 30 heavily wooded acres as well as flood plains and wetlands.   As a partner in this acquisition, the Harford Land Trust is contributing $64,000 to the purchase.

Commenting on the support received from the State of Maryland for this Program Open Space initiative, County Executive David R. Craig stated, “We are pleased the Board of Public Works supported us with this project to enhance the Eden Mill Nature Center and Park. The acquisition of this property will add to the beauty of Eden Mill,” Craig stated.