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. (more…)

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

Winter/Spring 2008 Trip Itinerary - for outdoor, nature and wildlife enthusiasts of all ages, adults and children alike

Lost Valley of the Susquehanna (Hike in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania) - February 18, 2008, Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Harford County public schools are closed that day). Cost: $30. This steep, 3-mile Lancaster County hike will take us to an undiscovered valley of the Susquehanna.

Ancient Hemlock Grove (Hike at Broad Creek) - March 29, 2008, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $30. This is a 3-mile hike to a remote grove of ancient 75- to 150-foot Eastern Hemlocks off of Broad Creek in northern Harford County.

Chesapeake Bay Shoreline Kayak Paddle (at either Swan Harbor Farm or Furnace Bay) - May 17, 2008, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $39. This 3-mile moderate flat water paddle includes beach walks, shoreline animal tracking, examination of fossils and artifacts and points of historic interest.

For more information, trip discounts or a registration form, contact Ranger Bob at (410) 457-4766 or chancetreefarm@aol.com

The project will take place on Good Friday, March 21, 2008, beginning at 9:00 AM.  Volunteers will be joined by various county officials in planting 900 tree seedlings and installing tree shelters.  The trees will be planted on a three acre tract of land set along a tributary of Deer Creek.  The planting site is located on the Scarboro Landfill property near Sandy Hook Road in Street, Maryland.

Be prepared to get your hands dirty while helping to keep the Chesapeake Bay clean.  Volunteers are asked to bring work boots and gloves, a hammer for driving in tree shelter stakes and a bag lunch.  Parking will be available at the site and the planting will occur rain or shine.  The project qualifies for community service hours and youth groups are encouraged to participate.

For directions or more information, contact Department of Natural Resources Forester Michael Huneke at 410-836-4579.

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be training volunteers to help monitor the health of local streams across the state. DNR relies on volunteer “Stream Waders” to support its annual Maryland Biological Stream Survey which monitors the health of more than 10,000 miles of streams to provide critical information needed to protect and restore our aquatic resources, including the Chesapeake Bay.

“The Chesapeake Bay begins in the small streams located in many Marylander’s backyards,” explained Ron Klauda, Director of DNR’s Monitoring and Non-tidal Assessment Division. “Successful protection and restoration of Maryland’s rivers and the Chesapeake Bay requires monitoring, protecting, and restoring the thousands of miles of headwater streams that feed them.”

Over the next month DNR will hold three Stream Waders volunteer training sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.:

• Saturday, February 16 at the Patuxent River 4-H Center
  18405 Queen Anne Road in Upper Marlboro (Prince George’s County)
• Saturday, February 23 at the Fairview Outdoor Center
  12808 Draper Road in Clear Spring (Washington County)
• Saturday, March 1 at the West Nottingham Academy
  1079 Firetower Road in Colora (Cecil County)

“Maryland’s volunteer Stream Waders provide valuable support and water quality data that enable the DNR to assess local stream health,” added Dan Boward, DNR Biologist.

Interested volunteers may register for a training session by emailing streamwaders@dnr.state.md.us or calling 1-877-620-8DNR (x8623). For additional information visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/streams/mbss/w_new.html.