Become a weed warrior
The Potomac Valley Audubon Society, with wildlife sanctuaries in Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan Counties, West Virginia, is recruiting weed warriors to help conserve the sanctuaries. The training program teaches participants how to identify and control invasive plant species and then help volunteers control invasive weeds in their spare time. The training is open from the age of 10. The first serving is on June 22nd from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. via Zoom. After the virtual training, the participants register for a one-hour outdoor training session in small groups at one of the reserves; dates are still to be set. PVAS is also looking for volunteers to help out in their public nature reserves to maintain them for summer camp children and hikers. For more information, visit www.potomacadubon.org.
Hunter training courses are starting soon
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers hunter training courses for those interested in hunting in Maryland. The course lasts 12-14 hours and most require that teenagers under the age of 14 be accompanied by an adult aged 21 and over. The course covers the responsibilities of the hunter, firearms and ammunition, gun handling and safety, basics of marksmanship and shooting, principles of wildlife management, bow hunting, muzzle loading, tree population safety and more. All first-time hunters must complete training as a hunter. Upcoming sessions include July 14-17 at the Thurmont Sportsman Conservation Club; 2-3 and 6.-7. August at Brownsville Church of the Brethren, Brownsville; and August 16-17 and August 20-21 at the Burkittsville Ruritan Club. Details on registration and other upcoming locations can be found at www.dnr.maryland.gov.
