MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — Families, students and local nature lovers braved bursts of rain Saturday to attend the third annual St. Mary’s County Earth Day Celebration.
“It’s liquid sunshine,” said St. Mary’s County Commission on the Environment volunteer Molly Boron.
The free event, held at Summerseat Farm in Mechanicsville, featured 27 vendors, native plant giveaways, wildlife exhibits, nature walks, live music by Wildgood Band and educational activities for all ages.
Visitors were drawn by the promise of outdoor fun. “I’m a big garden enthusiast,” said attendee Deajuna Thomas, holding a bundle of newly acquired yarrow. “I want to do better for the earth that we’re inhabiting and leaving to our kids.”
Wildlife exhibits were a popular attraction, with local naturalists showcasing rescued snakes and turtles. Rebecca Stump and Megan Shepherd, from the NAS Patuxent River Natural Resources Program, introduced the animals to visitors.
“This is a red-bellied turtle, even though its belly isn’t red,” Shepherd said with a grin, gently lifting a turtle from its enclosure. Stump held an eastern kingsnake, which curled tightly in her hands.
“Can I hold it?” one child asked eagerly, peering up at Stump.
Her dad, Josh Crosley, said she loves the outdoors. He and his two daughters attend every local event they can.
“She gets visibly upset if she sees someone littering; she’ll say something too,” he said. “Whenever I’m not working, I’m taking the girls out.”
Meanwhile, Jalisa Garrow and her children fed the goats, Cosmo and Casper, from cups and cupped hands. “His favorite things are tractors,” she said of her son, who ran from the animals to eye one.
The Commission on the Environment chose Summerseat Farm as the Earth Day host site to highlight local conservation efforts. “We wanted to bring attention to another environmental nonprofit that a lot of people weren’t aware existed,” Boron said. “It’s a beautiful location.”
The historic farm, first documented in 1678, spans 120 acres and grows grapes for the Port of Leonardtown Winery. It is home to llamas, chickens, geese, cows and a flock of about 30 sheep.
“Summerseat Farm is one of the old farms that were generated way back in the ancient times,” said Richard Foller, a member of the Summerseat Board of Directors. “The mission is to save the farm from development and to provide an interface between the people and the animals and the farm.”
Organizers said they hope events like this will continue to nurture a love for nature among Southern Maryland families — one snake, seedling and sheep at a time. The commission is also working on future initiatives, including a composting pilot program and a tree canopy task force.
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