OUTDOOR FUN ON THE EASTERN SHORE

Outdoor field day to occur

Elk Neck State Forest shooting range complex in Cecil County will be closed on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008, in order to host the Northern Chesapeake Sportsman for Kids field day event.

DEER HUNTING DATES SET FOR WYE ISLAND N.R.M.A

Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area (N.R.M.A.) will allow both archery and firearms deer hunting in the 2008-2009 season. As in the past, all hunts will be by permit only.

“Responsible hunters are critical in keeping our ecosystems in balance with the environment and we look forward to a good, safe season,” said Ranger John Ohler of the Maryland Park Service.

HARRIET TUBMAN PARK VISITOR CENTER PRESS CONFERENCE

Thursday, September 4 at 10 a.m.

Key Wallace Drive, just south of Rt. 335 in Dorchester County

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and DNR Assistant Secretary Kristin Saunders Evans join representatives of several local and community organizations to announce plans to secure funding for the development of the Harriet Tubman Park Visitor’s Center and the introduction of legislation to create the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park and The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park Act, to highlight the deeds and bravery of Harriet Tubman, who has often been referred to as “The Moses of Her People.”

Mounted Patrol Trail Ride

Saturday, Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; $15

Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area, 60 Kennel Drive in Elkton (Cecil County)

Volunteer equestrians invited to enjoy a leisurely trail ride with the Fair Hill Volunteer Mounted Patrol to support trail maintenance.  Reservations required by calling 302-222-3624.

Skull Detectives

Saturday, Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., free

Elk Neck State Park, 4395 Turkey Point Rd. in North East (Cecil County)

You’ll be amazed at what you can tell about an animal just by looking at the skull. For ages 5-15.

Pre-registration suggested as program size is limited.

Owl Prowl

Saturday, Sept. 6 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., free

Elk Neck State Park, 4395 Turkey Point Rd. in North East (Cecil County)

Naturalists will introduce participants to native owl species. After a short, moderately strenuous hike, visitors may hear our resident owls. All ages, children with adult. Remember, quiet is key when considering whether to bring young children. Bring bug spray and a flashlight. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Canoe Adventures

Saturday, Sept. 6 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., $10

Elk Neck State Park, 4395 Turkey Point Rd. in North East (Cecil County)

Meet at the park store and be prepared to get wet. If you know how to swim, come for a fun time on the water. Must be 16 or older to paddle. Children 8-15 can ride in the center of the canoe. Call 410-287-5333 for more details.

Bird Walk at Turkey Point

Saturday, Sept. 6 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., free

Elk Neck State Park, 4395 Turkey Point Rd. in North East (Cecil County)

Join birders from the Cecil Bird Club to kick-off their 15th Annual Hawk Watch at Turkey Point in Elk Neck State Park. The Hawk Watch field at Turkey Point will be staffed with volunteers daily from Saturday, September 6, 2008 and continue through Thanksgiving from 9am – noon. The public is welcome to join these volunteers or to join in the kick-off bird walk, which will take place on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 7am. Meet for the bird walk at Turkey Point Parking lot. Meet for the Hawk Watch at the Hawk Watch bulletin board located on the blue trail approximately 0.5 miles from the parking lot.

OUTLAW DAYS at the Tuckahoe Equestrian Center

Saturday, Sept. 6 and Sunday, Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $7 adults, $3 kids, under 4 free

Tuckahoe State Park, 13070 Crouse Mill Road in Queen Anne (Caroline County)

Journey back to a time before cars and trucks, when the horse reigned supreme! Set in the wild west town of “Tuckahoe City,” Outlaw Days features original cowboy shows and historical skits as well as fun and informative equine demonstrations, stage coach and wagon rides, kiddie “train,” food, crafts and great company! Ride a horse (or a sheep if you can!), enjoy the All-Equine Parade or pan for gold!

THREE EVENTS ON THE SHORE

Guided Tuckahoe Creek Canoe Trip

Saturday, Aug. 30 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; $6

Tuckahoe State Park, Lake Boathouse, 13070 Crouse Mill Road in Queen Anne (Caroline County)

Join park staff for a relaxing and educational guided canoe outing along Tuckahoe Creek.  Reservations required by calling 410-280-1668.

Raptor Show

Saturday, Aug. 30 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; FREE

Pocomoke River State Park, Shad Landing Nature Center Amphitheatre

3461 Worcester Highway in Snow Hill (Worcester County)

Get up close with a raptor.  A $10 donation to “adopt a raptor” helps care and feed each bird.

Open Rock Wall at Tuckahoe’s Challenge Course

Sunday, Aug. 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; $5

Tuckahoe State Park, Lake Boathouse, 13070 Crouse Mill Road in Queen Anne (Caroline County)

Take part in Tuckahoe’s open rock climbing sessions, designed for both experienced climbers looking to practice as well as those who have never climbed before.

MID-SHORE: Talbot girl is Miss Maryland Agriculture

Daily Times Staff Report

BALTIMORE — A Talbot County girl was picked Miss Maryland Agriculture Sunday at this year’s Maryland State Fair.

Eighteen-year-old Lisa Daffin of Queen Anne was an active member of 4-H for 10 years during which time she held the offices of president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and represented Maryland at 4-H Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio, a state fair news release said.

She graduated from Easton High School in 2007 and is currently majoring in agricultural education and extension with a minor in agriculture business at West Virginia University.

Daffin was awarded with scholarship and cash awards valued up to $13,000. As Miss Maryland Agriculture 2008, she will be present throughout the run of the Maryland State Fair to award prizes, and meet with fairgoers, dignitaries, and media representatives.