There are numerous ways to enjoy the month of May outdoors. Fishing, spring gobbler hunting, hiking or boating are among excellent opportunities There are ways in which the whole family or friends can experience and learn about the fun things outside of our “structured” world, within an hour or two of our busy schedules. Outdoor days which focus on what nature has to offer and what we as good stewards of are again being offered, on both sides of the Potomac River. Consider trying out one of these either alone, with the family or friends. 

     On Saturday, May 3, 2003 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the “Virginia Outdoors Day” takes place at the beautiful Belle Isle State Park in Lancaster County, Virginia. Virginia’s Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) are again pooling resources and ideas to the benefit of all who attend. Events to be included are canoeing/kayaking, supervised shotgun shooting opportunities, a fishing simulator with interactive video (a big hit with our daughter, Brittany, last year), hunting dog handling demonstrations, muzzle loading including historical demonstrations, saltwater fly fishing, supervised archery shooting opportunities, “Hunters for the Hungry” information, wildlife habitat, 11:00 a.m. visit with “Smokey the Bear” and the Virginia Department of Forestry, turkey hunting techniques and a 4-H shooting club. A concession stand with food and drinks will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For information or directions, call (804) 367-6351, 462-5030 or 436-0717. Other outdoor event information can be viewed at the DGIF website; www.dgif.state.va.us

     On Sunday, May 18, 2003 the Izaak Walton League’s Southern Maryland Chapter is holding their “ Discover the Wonders of Southern Maryland’s Wetlands”day. The event takes place on the beautiful Izaak Walton Outdoor Education Center in Charles County Maryland just a few miles from Waldorf, at the end of Gardiner Road. The celebration day begins at 1:00 p.m. and continues through 5:00 p.m. Included will be “Scales and Tails” by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from 2 to 4:00 p.m. which shows up close, live and personal birds of prey and reptiles. Boardwalk tours into the Zekiah Swamp will take place and include narrative and explanations of wetland habitat facts and mysteries. Hayride conservation tours of the Izaak Walton League’s extraordinary outdoor education center will be available. Fishing time is included so bring your own gear and freshwater fishing license (if over the age of 16) Bait will be available and some tackle for youth will be accessible for loan. Also included will be “Save our Streams” Demonstrations, information and display handouts, wetland videos and a silent auction (bids close at 3:30 p.m.) Food and drinks will be available. Everything except food and drinks is free. For information or directions, call (301) 932-9949 or visit their website at; www.iwlasomd.org/iwlamap. 

© 2003 Steve & Chelly Scala. All Rights Reserved.