This month, Earth Day celebrations will be held throughout the county. Annmarie Garden will host ECO Weekend, Saturday April 17 through Monday, April 19. There will be a variety of Earth-friendly activities available in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day. (www.annmariegarden.org)
An Earth Day Celebration and clean-up is sponsored by the American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) on Saturday, April 17. Volunteer crews will work along roadsides and on selected projects. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the ACLT south side trailhead barn off Scientists’ Cliffs Road, Port Republic. Lots of volunteers are needed – and all will be rewarded for all their hard work with a picnic at noon. (www.acltweb.org)
Have you ever wondered what archaeologists do? Join the staff of Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum on Saturday, April 17 for the opening of their 2010 season with Discovering Archaeology Day. Learn the where, what and how of archaeology through demonstrations, tours, displays and hands-on activities for all ages. (www.jefpat.org)
The Calvert Marine Museum features two new additions to its Speakers Series this month. On Saturday, April 17, at 3 p.m., Dr. William Ruddiman speaks on The Impact of Early Agriculture on Global Climate, and will discuss his hypothesis of how, from very early on, farming caused the release of carbon dioxide and methane that has had measurable effects on global climate.
On Friday, April 23, the Calvert Marine Museum and the Leagues of Women Voters of Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties invite you to explore To the Last Drop: Our Looming Fresh Water Crisis. Dr. Robert Summers, Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment, will deliver the keynote address. A panel discussion, posters and displays will also be available. (www.calvertmarinemuseum.com)
The 32nd Annual Celtic Festival of Southern Maryland will be held on Saturday, April 24. It is the oldest Celtic celebration in Maryland, highlighting the heritage of the Scots, Irish, Welsh, Manx, Breton, Cornish and British. More than 50 clans and societies will have information to share. Three performing stages offer continuous music and dance featuring internationally known recording artists and groups. Enjoy craft and country dance demonstrations. Listen to storytellers weave their tales while harp and Scottish fiddlers play in the background. Competitions will occur throughout the day including pipers, fiddlers, highland dancers, athletes, drummers, pipe bands and Celtic harpers. After closing ceremonies there will be an evening ceili. (www.cssm.org)
Saturday, April 24, American Chestnut Land Trust hosts two guided hikes. A leisurely guided walk along Gravatt East will allow you to view wildflowers and early migratory birds. Bring binoculars and meet at 9 a.m. sharp at the south side trailhead barn off Scientists’ Cliffs Road. The hike will be held rain or shine, unless thunderstorms occur. At 10 a.m., bring the kids and enjoy a guided hike along the south side trails. The hike will last approximately two hours. For information or to register for an event at ACLT visit
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