JUG BAY WETLANDS SANCTUARY NEWS VOLUME 33, NUMBER 1 SPRING 2019

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n a past issue of Marsh Notes, Patricia Melville, one of our Jug Bay volunteers, wrote “A Short History of Jug Bay Farm.” I would like to add a page to this

story by sharing with our Jug Bay community some details about the Sanctuary’s vision for this property as we take over its management in March of 2019.

Since Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks purchased the property in 2004, members of the Riggleman family have been the caretakers and stewards of the Jug Bay Farm, maintaining its farm culture while protecting its forests, creeks, and other natural resources. As the Sanctuary takes over its management, we envision great things for this property that will expand but also continue to promote our conservation and stewardship efforts, environmental education, citizen science, public recreation, and volunteering opportunities.

Jug Bay Farm Preserve’s AssetsThe 307-acre Jug Bay Farm Preserve adds 225 acres

of forest, additional vernal pools, two small creeks, and 0.75 mile of coastline to the Sanctuary. It also brings new features including 64 acres of active farm land, a small vineyard, and its own cultural and archaeological resources (Figure 1). In addition, the property includes

two barns, two campsites (accessible by water only), a pier, and two historical homes.

Our Vision for the Jug Bay Farm Preserve

One of the long-term goals of the Sanctuary is to create a field-based biological station where hands-on experiences inspire and empower people about learning, doing, sharing, and teaching science and becoming advocates and stewards of the environment.

To make this dream a reality requires hard work and the support and collaboration of many individuals and organizations. Together we believe that the Jug Bay Farm Preserve can become the premier place in southern Anne

I

Ken Riggleman, FOJB member and resident at Jug Bay Farm Preserve, during a working day at the Jug Bay Farm vineyard. Photo by Patricia Delgado.

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary’s “New” Shining Star:

Jug Bay Farm PreserveBy Patricia Delgado, JBWS Superintendent

Continued on page 2

Figure 1. Location of the Jug Bay Farm Preserve (orange outline) with respect to the Sanctuary Proper (green outline in low left corner reduced map).

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Jug Bay Farm Preserve, continued from page 1

Arundel County for students, teachers, researchers, and the public to become immersed in the environment and ultimately advocates and protectors of the Patuxent River and Jug Bay natural resources.

In the short term, we envision some changes to the property that will be closely aligned to our overall vision and mission for the Sanctuary. We hope to implement them step by step with a timeline depending on what resources are available.

SANCTUARY VISION: A diverse and healthy network of protected natural habitats for the preservation of wildlife, associated ecosystems, and public appreciation.

SANCTUARY MISSION: To increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of estu-arine and other natural ecosystems and their conservation through outdoor education, research, stewardship, and volunteering.

In 2018, Sanctuary staff invited valuable current and potentially future partners to brainstorm exciting ideas and opportunities that could be implemented at the Jug Bay Farm Preserve. Representatives included individuals from The Friends of Jug Bay, Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks’ Natural and Cultural Resources Division, AA County Planning and Zoning’s Cultural Resources Division, AA County Public Schools, University of Maryland at College Park, UMD College of Agriculture and Natural Resources,

continued on page 7

Volunteers participating in a grape harvest day at the Jug Bay Farm Preserve’s vineyard. Photo by Patricia Delgado.

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary 1361 Wrighton Road Lothian, MD 20711 410-741-9330 e-mail: info@jugbay.org

www.jugbay.org

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary is operated by the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks. It was established in 1985 with the goals of wetlands research, environmental education, and protection. The Sanctuary is a limited-use park. Groups are requested to make a reservation by calling the office before planning a visit.

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary is a component of the Maryland Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, which along with 27 other Reserves around the country pro-motes scientific research, public education, resource management and stewardship in estu-aries across the nation.

SANCTUARY STAFFPatricia Delgado, SuperintendentLiana Vitali, Education CoordinatorDebra Gage, Office ManagerMelinda Fegler, Volunteer & Stewardship CoordinatorDiane Benedetti, Naturalist & Outreach Coordinator Richard Chaney, MaintenanceDonald Smith, Maintenance

FRIENDS OF JUG BAY OFFICERS:Colin Rees, PresidentDarcy Herman, Vice PresidentJim Harle, TreasurerJohn Norris, Secretary

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Blythe AlexanderTor BjerknesGwen BrewerChris EberlyJudy HartmanSiobhan PerceyJeff ShenotAl Tucker

Marsh Notes is produced quarterly by Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary.

Comments and suggestions are welcome.

Editor: Darcy HermanGraphic Design: Liz Fisher, EC Fisher Design contact: liz@ecfisherdesign.com

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Dear Friends,Spring heralds change and a chance to renew our acquaintance with the natural world. Old friends

reappear in form and sound: the first migrants, buds abursting, peeps apeeping, and the mighty resurgence of the marsh. All this and more nourishes our hectic lives and gives us pause, reminding us how lucky we are to have Jug Bay on our doorstep to enjoy and introduce to young and old.

In the last issue of Marsh Notes, I promised to update you on progress with the Jug Bay Farm Preserve and actions taken by the Friends’ Transition Team. As you may recall, the Friends will take over the management of the Jug Bay Farm House and its immediate property on the 15th of April, and in preparation a financial plan has been developed along with an investment plan for use of the Farm, both short and long term. The Riggleman House will be occupied by Debra Gage in late April, the meadowland created in the autumn will begin flowering over the next few months, and a trail connecting the Sanctuary Proper to Jug Bay Farm Preserve will be completed by the time of the FOJB Annual Meeting on the 28th of April.

The Annual Meeting program will assume a new format given changes over the past 12 months. I will offer a brief account of accomplishments and future activities, to be followed by short presentations by our Treasurer and Committee heads, the latter covering the FOJB Strategy, Funding (Development), Communications, and Membership. We will then break for refreshments before moving by vehicle or walking the new trail to tour of the Farm House and its grounds. Sanctuary staff and FOJB volunteers will introduce members to the history of the Jug Bay Farm, the planted meadowland, the shoreline, archaeological investigations, and plans for the Riggleman House and grounds, including building an educational facility.

Some furniture has been donated, and decorating and financial plans are being developed for use of the Riggleman House. This is an exciting prospect and will naturally rely upon volunteers and funding.

See you there,

Colin Rees, President, Friends of Jug Bay

Angela Atwood-MooreMichael BeaghenA. BirtleThomas CiampiSue DralleMichael FritzLaure and Stephen FullerSheri HillKate LiccioneRachel MacCleery

Andrea and Terese McClendonLois Ann PearoWade StephenFaye WaltonBrad WellsTracy WilcoxYsabel WoodyJ. Zygmont

We welcome new and returning FOJB members:

Photo by Mike Quinlan

Friends of Jug Bay Annual MeetingSunday, April 28, 2019; 2–5 pmMcCann Wetlands Center (and later, the Jug Bay Farm House!)Come to the FOJB Annual Meeting at the Wetlands Center to learn about and give input into exciting changes in progress and planned. Enjoy a piece of Ami Hazell’s famous cake and then journey by vehicle or on foot on the new trail to Jug Bay Farm Preserve, where Sanctuary staff and volunteers will present the history of Jug Bay Farm and plans for the Farm House and grounds. Get in on the ground floor (literally and figuratively) and help shape the vision for the Sanctuary’s newest acquisition.

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By Melinda Fegler, JBWS Naturalist and Volunteer & Stewardship Coordinator

In the summer of 2018, Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, U.S. Geological Survey, and

Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (CBNERR) partners launched the first freshwater tidal estuary pollinator inventory study of its kind. It is well known that the diversity of Jug Bay’s wetlands is a rare wonder that is visited by 52% of the world’s bird species, hosts over 100 plant species, and is responsible for numerous ecological services that improve human lives.

Ecosystems of this magnitude are built on a sound food web that would not exist without the power of pollinators. Pollinators do not just pollinate our food sources, but also the food of our edibles’ edibles, food sources of wildlife and wildlife edibles, and,

possibly least noticed, proliferating plant seeds that often require pollination for success. Therefore the total power of freshwater estuarine pollinators must include their vital role in the food chain in providing food and pollination services and in maintaining the plants that are responsible for flood control, water quality, oxygen production, fish nurseries, and important economic and recreational natural resources.

Because of their efficiency in pollination, bee species are thought by some to be the most valuable members of the animal kingdom (their beauty and outright adorableness doesn’t bias me at at all). Regardless of your particular fondness for or appreciation of these hard-working insects, they are facing the challenge of their existence. There are some 7.2 trillion bees in the mid-Atlantic and 20,000 bees on a floral acre. It may sound like an incredible number, but populations have plummeted and species are being lost. Loss of habitat is a reoccurring challenge for all wildlife, but the heavy use of pesticides may have

consequences for bees that we do not even fully understand to date. The impacts of pesticides on bees’ ability to learn and fight disease, on their fecundity, and on their nest success are currently being studied.

To advocate for policies to protect bees and other pollinators vital for wetland ecosystem health, we are beginning by identifying the species that inhabit Jug Bay’s fresh tidal wetland⸺but we hope to not stop there. One objective for the inventory is to pilot a protocol for use at NERRS sites across the country. We are partnering with the Patuxent Research Refuge Bee Lab and CBNERR to develop protocols, assist in confirming species identifications, and fund this long-term endeavor. Another objective for the project is to link the important role bees play to wetland ecosystem services. One other is to research the shared neighboring habitats and spaces in which the species in the wetland intermingle and pollinators’ roles in the success of those lands whether they be working lands or natural spaces.

Jug Bay’s pollinator inventory team

Solitary bee visiting a flower at JBWS. Photo by Pollinator Paparazzi.

JBWS Launches First Freshwater Tidal Estuary Pollinator Inventory

Blue vane trap used in pollinator inventory. Photo by Pollinator Paparazzi.

Jug Bay/Recreation & Parks

Partnership with AACPS Invasive Species Curriculum ContinuesBy Liana Vitali, JBWS Naturalist and Education Coordinator

Last spring, Anne Arundel County’s Recreation & Parks staff, rangers, and Jug Bay naturalists partnered with our county public schools to launch a new curriculum for 9th grade students designed to engage them in learning about and removing invasive plants from our local parks. The effort resulted in over 900 students removing 1,200 lbs of invasive plants. To kick-start the 2019 program, Naturalist Liana Vitali and Chief of Natural & Cultural Resources Chris Carroll joined Arlington Echo staff to lead a professional development skills course for new and existing teachers. As part of the course, teachers pulled invasive plants from Broad Creek Park totaling nearly 100 lbs!

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collects samples all year. Samples are being collected from the high marsh, low marsh, transitional habitat, and upland habitat. The team then processes the bees in preparation for the fun part, our winter identification parties. Identification also includes some identification practice trips to the Bee Lab at the Patuxent Research Refuge where Sam Droege graciously will improve our identification skills and confirm species. If you are interested in joining the team contact Mel Fegler at rpfegL00@aacounty.org.

AACPS teachers join Jug Bay/Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation & Parks staff to pull 100 lbs of invasive plants from Broad Creek Park. Photo by Val Wesner.

Bee bowl used to capture bees for identification in Jug Bay’s pollinator inventory. Photo by Pollinator Paparazzi.

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary Open Hours:Sanctuary Wetlands Center: Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and (Mar-Nov) Sundays 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Glendening Nature Preserve: Wrighton Road entrance daily, gate open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; Plummer House entrance Monday to Saturday, gate open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (trails, Butterfly Garden, dogs on leash)

Patuxent Wetland Park: Daily, dawn to dusk (fishing, hand-carried boat launch)

Wootons Landing Wetland Park: Daily, dawn to dusk (fishing, loop trail, hand- carried boat launch)

Sanctuary Wetlands Center admission fee: $6/vehicle

· Free for current Friends of Jug Bay members, active volunteers, and active military and their immediate families.

· There are no fees to visit our other sites.

· Visit www.jugbay.org for directions, information and updates to our schedule.

Registration is required for all programs. Please call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org to register, or, in the case of ActiveNet programs, register online at https://apm.activecommunities.com/aarecparks.

All programs meet at the Wetlands Center at 1361 Wrighton Road unless otherwise noted. An adult must accompany children under 13.

Visit www.jugbay.organd follow links to public programs offered at JBWS.

no surprise to those who have spent any time at the Sanctuary and attests to the species richness and diversity found there.

For comparison, the atlas project documented 85 of 89 native and naturalized species found in Maryland: 42 amphibians (22 salamanders, 20 frogs and toads) and 47 reptiles (23 snakes, 18 turtles, 6 lizards). Of these, 30 were not native to the state.

The atlas is available in hardback from the publisher, the Johns Hopkins University Press (https://jhupbooks.press.jhu.edu) and from Amazon. Copies are available in the Sanctuary’s reference library, as well.

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Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas PublishedBy Mike Quinlan, JBWS Volunteer

TThe Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas (MARA) was designed to system-

atically update our knowledge of the distri-bution of herpetofauna throughout the state. The results reflect the efforts of a primarily volunteer data collection effort covering five years of intensive field work (29,180 total hours, including 14,752 search hours). More than 2,000 individuals and organizations contributed to the project, a testament to the value and power of citizen science. The atlas presents a picture of the current state of amphibian and reptile species in Maryland and will guide management and conservation decisions in the near term as well as serve as an accurate baseline for future efforts.

Of special interest to the Sanctuary, former Superintendent Chris Swarth was instrumental in establishing the project and was a member of both the MARA Planning and Steering Committees. In addition, Chris wrote several of the species accounts in the atlas.

The basic geographic reporting entity was the atlas block, 1/6th of a standard

Figure 1. Distribution of Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapin carolina carolina) in Maryland.

Eastern Rat Snake. Photo by Mike Quinlan.

USGS topographic map sheet, each covering about 10 square miles in area. Maryland includes all or part of 260 quads and 1,427 blocks (Figure 1).

The Bristol SW block encompassed most of the Sanctuary south of Wrighton Road as well as a large portion of Patuxent River Park in Prince George’s County. This block had the second-highest species count in the atlas, 43 (Table 1). This should come as

Table 1. Amphibian and reptile species found in Atlas block Bristol SW.

Amphibians Salamanders 8 Frogs and toads 12Reptiles Snakes 13 Turtles 7 Lizards 3

Number of Species

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Washington College, Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Maryland, National Wildlife Federation, and the Chesapeake Bay Trust.

A few of the exciting potential ideas that emerged and are included in the 2018–2020 Jug Bay Farm Preserve Action Plan include converting some of the existing farmland to meadow habitat for pollinators and wildlife; exploring alternative farming practices such as the production of native plants for native seeds, permaculture, etc., which can be used for demonstration, research, and/or education purposes; and continuing the operation of the vineyard while implementing more organic practices.

As these and other longer-term projects unfold, the staff along with our dedicated volunteers will be working to build a network of hiking trails connecting the Jug Bay Farm Preserve with the Sanctuary, adding new park signage and parking areas, expanding stewardship and volunteer opportunities at this property, and beginning to offer public programs such as “The Jug Bay Farm Preserve - Make the Connection” hike scheduled for June 9th from 12 to 3 pm.

The Jug Bay Farm Preserve is our “new” shining star, full of promise and opportunity, which we hope will enhance our Sanctuary’s mission.

As a Friends of Jug Bay member, volunteer, or nature enthusiast, we invite you to join us at the 2019 FOJB Annual Meeting on Sunday, April 28th from 2 to 5 pm to learn more about our accomplishments and new initiatives, some including the Jug Bay Farm Preserve. During this event, you will have the opportunity to have a “first peek” at this property to learn about the many ways you can become involved and be part of a team eager to make some of these proposed ideas a reality!

Jug Bay Farm Preserve, continued from page 2

Eastern Fence Lizard. Photo by Mike Quinlan.

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JUG BAY 2019 SUMMER CAMPSThings will be heating up this summer at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary! We’ve created a brand new science camp and we’re expanding our offerings to include younger campers. For full camp details and registration, visit http://bit.ly/AnneArundelActiveNet. If you have questions or would be interested in scholarship information, send us a message at programs@jugbay.org.

WILD Discovery Nature Camp (ages 7–9); July 8–12Catch frogs, build forts, seine for fish, walk in a stream, and squish your toes in the marsh! Campers will enjoy outdoor summer fun along the Patuxent River at the Sanctuary and end the week with a field trip to a museum to see some of Jug Bay’s most-loved animals up close.

Ultimate River Watersports Camp (ages 12–16); July 15–19 and July 29–August 2Experience the only summer watersports camp on the Patuxent River! Nationally assessed instructors will build your child’s skills and confidence in canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUPing) all around the beautiful Jug Bay Natural Area of the Patuxent River.

Into the WILD Nature Camp (ages 10–12); July 22–26Get hands-on with the WILD world by paddling on the Patuxent River, wading through the marsh, and getting up close and personal with a few feathered friends. Put your map reading and compass skills to the test to discover secrets of the Sanctuary.

Ologies Camp (ages 13–15); August 5–9Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a scientist? Explore a new “ology” every day, then spend time practicing the field methods real scientists use in their studies. We will have experts in ornithology (birds), archaeology (human history), ichthyology (fish), and more.

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Blythe AlexanderTere BarañanoChloe BarrDick BlassJessica BradleyPeter BradleyCynthia BravoJudy BurkeJeff CampbellRegan ChristianAlan ChristianSylas CoxVictoria DeTollaMichelle DeTollaCathryn DippoDarcy DrewerKim ElliottLee FisherSarah FranklinElaine FriebeleJoyce Gillespie

Diane GoebesChuck HatcherDarcy HermanNora HowardMike IgnowskiJeanette KazmierczakKristin LarneyDave LarrabeeBradley MannChuck McClainRob McEachernPat MelvilleDavid MozurkewichAnne MueckeManfred MueckeJohn NorrisBianca NovenoJames OlandVerne OlandJan OwingsMatthew Payne

Siobhan PerceyDave PerryMichael QuinlanColin ReesGordon ReynoldsDoris SchmitzMary K. SistikBob SmithPete UimonenCharlie WeddellRobert WilliamsZoran Zdravkovich

During the winter, 163 volunteers logged 725 hours.A contribution worth over $18,850!

Winter Volunteers at JBWS:

Thank You!

Explore our volunteer opportunities online at http://www.jugbay.org/volunteer. For more information, call 410-741-9330 or e-mail Volunteer & Stewardship Coordinator Melinda Fegler at rpfegL00@aacounty.org.

Photo of FocusWith unprecedented rainfalls in 2018, Sanctuary staff are eager to see what emerges from our vernal pools this year. This photo, taken in 2017, depicts a soon-to-hatch larval spotted salamander. It was found free floating in Mark’s Pond and could be seen moving around within its egg. It likely hatched hours or a few short days later. Photo by Liana Vitali.

Meet the Friends of Jug Bay Board:

Chris EberlyMy professional life started

with an 11-year career in computers. I then returned to grad school and earned an M.S. from the University of Georgia. I spent 17 years managing the bird conservation program for the Department of Defense and visited military bases in the U.S. (including AK and HI) and Canada. After 1½ years in Texas as Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory (Roseate Spoonbill on my yard list!), I returned to this area and began working with the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership as Science Coordinator. I have served as Director since July 2017 and am currently on the Anne Arundel Bird Club board. I am excited to be on the Friends of Jug Bay board and look forward to talking with many of you throughout this coming year. The Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary and its programs, staff, and volunteers are an incredible resource!

Friends of Jug Bay board member Chris Eberly.

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The Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (CBNERR-MD) comprises three unique components: Otter Point Creek at the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, Jug Bay at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary and Patuxent River Park, and Monie Bay at the Deal Island Wildlife Management Area. Our Western Shore components are blessed to be partnered with strong county park systems that provide infrastructure, staff, access, and programming, making our job of promoting these sites as living laboratories and classrooms pretty effortless. Our Eastern Shore component, however, is a different story. CBNERR-MD’s oldest and most remote component has struggled for decades with lack of access, and therefore lack of research and programming

opportunities, but that is now changing.In 2018, CBNERR-MD kicked off a

new five-year strategic plan, which included a deliberate focus on Monie Bay. The Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland is an underserved area that is experiencing the one-two punch of sea level rise and subsidence. We feel a sense of urgency to connect with and support the community and drive research towards these delicate marsh systems. One strategy that we are employing to increase our research and educational presence in the area has been to begin work on designing a field station for Monie Bay.

The vision for a facility started years ago, under the leadership of CBNERR-MD’s previous manager, Beth Ebersole. In 2011, the State acquired property in the area to provide the water access and infrastructure

Check out the CBNERR-MD web page at

www.dnr.state.md.us/bay/cbnerr

Jug Bay is one of the three components in the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Maryland. The purpose of CB-NERR is to manage protected estuarine areas as natural field laboratories and to develop a coor-dinated program of research and educa-tion as part of a national program administered by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

STAFF

Jennifer Raulin, Reserve Manager 410-260-8745

jennifer.raulin@maryland.gov

Sasha Land, Coastal Training Program Coordinator

410-260-8718 sasha.land@maryland.gov

Kyle Derby, Research Coordinator 410-260-8724

kyle.derby@maryland.gov

Chris Snow, Stewardship Coordinator 410-260-8731

chris.snow@maryland.gov

Coreen Weilminster, Education Coordinator

410-260-8744 coreen.weilminster@maryland.gov

Trystan Sill, Education Assistant 410-260-8827

trystan.sill@maryland.gov

Becky Swerida, Research and Stewardship Assistant

410-260-8762 rebecca.swerida@maryland.gov

Website: http://dnr2.maryland.gov/waters/cbnerr

In Design: CBNERR-MD Begins Planning for a Field Station at Monie Bay By Jenn Raulin, CBNERR-MD Reserve Manager

Architecture students from the University of Maryland visit Monie Bay to learn about how CBNERR conducts research and education and gather information about functionality of a field station. Photo by Jenn Raulin.

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the Reserve was lacking. Unfortunately, the farmhouse, which was the intended field station, was in disrepair, and it was deemed too expensive to renovate. So a new plan was hatched. Using the best available data, the Reserve analyzed the property for storm surge and sea level rise to determine a sound location for a new building. Over the summer of 2018, we developed a partnership with the University of Maryland School of Architecture, engaging a graduate-level class to develop concept designs for the field station. Our next step will be to begin work on developing complete architectural and engineering designs. For more information about the design studio and our work in Monie Bay, check out our Story Map on the Monie Bay page on CBNERR-MD’s website: http://dnr.maryland.gov/waters/cbnerr/Pages/moniebay.aspx.

Funding for this effort is provided by the National Oceanic and Administrative Administration (NOAA). CBNERR-MD has been fortunate to have been able to utilize National Estuarine Research Reserve funding to support improvements at all of our components, some of which may be near and dear to your heart: The Anita C. Leight Estuary Center building, Plummer House and the Chris Swarth boardwalk at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary; bathrooms and the observation tower at Patuxent River Park; and interpretive signage around all of the properties. If you value these enhancements at your sites and want to show your support, consider contacting your Congressional representative and show your #estuarylove. We’ll continue to use these newsletter opportunities to keep you up to date on what’s happening with the Reserve all across the state.

Throughout fall 2018, students developed concepts for a field station based on input from CBNERR staff, Maryland’s Coast Smart Council, and professional architects and engineers. Photo by Jenn Raulin.

Fish Hawkby Elaine Friebele Your high-pitched chirps bring my eyes skyward.High overhead, on white and chocolate-brown wingsstretched wide, sailing on invisible air currents, you circlecalling, calling, showing off the fish in your talonsto a female somewhere attending a nest.~ ~ ~Peepers are singing.We’ve waited by winter fires anticipatingyour return from tributaries of the Amazon.Your familiar cry in the raw March windis like that of a long-lost love:A signal to let spring mania begin!~ ~ ~You rise higher and higher, building waves of music.Your golden eye detects silvery forms in the murky ribbon below.You hover as if treading water.Drawing wings to your side, head tucked, you plummet,splashing hard, flap your heavy wet wings and begin to rise,the silver tint of a herring snared in your talons.You adjust the fish, turning it forward like a torpedo,fly to a nearby tree to tear the flesh and dine.~ ~ ~From a boat we approach nests to place bands on the legs of the young of this year. Holding a young osprey is a miracle, fingering its feathers, scaly legs and feet, looking into its fierce bandit eyes,comprehending the sharpness of its beak and talons. Despite these weapons, there’s a guilelessness to the young birds, babies, who, though full-sized, have not yet learned to fish, they cry helplessly from the nest.~ ~ ~A young osprey lies dead in the woods.Probably killed by a Great Horned Owl, it fell from its home in the skyto this spot beneath the trees, leg band intact.The bird’s legacy lives on as children touch its small wingfinger the talons, tips as sharp as needlesfeel the rough skin of its toe pads that once held a fish.We watch the live bird fly above usand understand the elegance of its making.

DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary1361 Wrighton RoadLothian, MD 20711410-741-9330

SPRING2019

FOJB President Colin Rees’ book Nature’s Calendar: A Year in

the Life of a Wildlife Sanctuary chronicles the sights and sounds

of Jug Bay and its neighboring landscapes over the course of

a year. Nature’s Calendar will be available from Johns Hopkins

Press on April 5, 2019.

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Winter donations: Diane Goebes: children’s book for JBWS education library; Judy Hartman and the Sustainable Investment Group at Morgan Stanley: Ned Tillman books for sale to benefit the Friends of Jug Bay.