“Shrimp of the Bottom”
Brood X periodic cicadas are coming soon. While you may not be excited about the arrival of the Great Eastern Brood, wildlife will show up as smorgasbord with “shrimp of the ground,” according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. When the nymphs show up and dig dime-size holes in the ground, look for box turtles, raccoons, flickers up north, wild turkeys, foxes, and other wildlife to feast on, and likely make those dime-size holes bigger if they go after that dig cicada. Citizen scientists can help with cicada science by reporting their observations at cicadasafari.org, a free smartphone mapping app in the Apple App Store or Google Play. The site is also full of facts and activities related to cicadas.
Reminder: Let the deer go wild
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources warns anyone who encounters a fawn not to disturb it and resists the urge to feed or handle the animal. Removing deer from the wild and keeping it in captivity is illegal in Maryland for both animal welfare and public safety. Deer are born with special adaptations – born in the spring, fawns instinctively lie motionless when approached by potential predators, and rely on their adaptations to hide. Their virtual lack of smell, the natural camouflage through their stains and the freezing behavior help them to avoid danger. Inquisitive fawns sometimes explore new environments and appear lost or orphaned. No human intervention is usually required, as in most cases the doe will be nearby foraging and will return to care for their fawn when it is safe.
Three are inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame
To celebrate those who have made an important contribution to bass fishing, the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame board of directors has selected Gene Gilliland, Jason Lucas and Trip Weldon as newcomers for 2021. Gilliland is known for his work in fisheries management and bass protection. Lucas, who died in 1975, is the former fishing editor of Sports Afield and is considered one of the “fathers of bass fishing” of modern times. His book “Lucas on Bass Fishing”, published in 1947, is one of the first guides on bass fishing. Weldon retired from BASS in 2020 and was tournament director for almost 20 years. The induction dinner will be held on September 30th in Springfield, Missouri.
New Md. Outdoor Recreation Ambassadors named
Two nonprofits and two private companies have been named Maryland Outdoor Recreation Ambassadors, recognized for their efforts to promote and expand access to state outdoor recreational opportunities. The new ambassadors are all from: the Black Girls Dive Foundation, which encourages young black women to engage in recreational swimming and diving, STEM activities and the environment; City Ranch, a nonprofit equestrian center; Trout and About, which offers personalized lessons and fly fishing experiences on the Gunpowder River; and Backwater Angler, a fly fishing shop and tour guide service for the gunpowder.
The region’s national parks offer game to non-profit organizations
Seven national parks in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia have completed operations this year to help reduce white-tailed deer abundance. These parks donated more than 11,000 pounds of venison to local nonprofits that provide around 44,000 meals to families in need as part of deer management programs. Participating parks include Catoctin Mountain Park, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, C&O Canal National Historical Park, Antietam National Battlefield, and Monocacy National Battlefield. Catoctin donated 1,959 pounds of venison to the HELP hotline, Thurmont Food Bank, and the Montgomery County Police Department. More than 1,300 pounds of venison was donated to the Maryland Food Bank from the Monocacy National Battlefield.
