Tourism News

We received some fantastic entries in our Summer #CaptureCaroline Photo Contest! Our winning entry was TipToes at Martinak State Park by Ashley Ruggiero-Eason, receiving 62 votes on Facebook. Check out all of the great entries below!

There’s something magnetic about Diane DuBois Mullaly’s tiny plein air oil paintings in her show Light and Life, on view in the Adkins Arboretum Visitor’s Center through Dec. 1. At only six inches square, their energy and color entice you to take a closer look. At the show’s reception, from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 20, this Easton artist will explain why she came to the Arboretum again and again over the past year to paint its trees, meadows and wetlands in all kinds of light and weather.

Whether flooded with brilliant sunlight or glowing with the suffused light of an overcast day, these little paintings are all about the different qualities of light, color and texture she found. While many of them show wide vistas of autumn meadow grasses or paths winding into the forest, as Mullaly grew more and more familiar with the Arboretum’s landscapes, she also began to paint some of the things that make it special, including gourds hung up for nesting purple martins, the rainbow picket fence of the children’s garden, a tree decorated for last year’s Candlelit Caroling event and even one of the Arboretum’s goats.

Mullaly paints with a palette knife, troweling the paint on, sometimes scraping it back, sometimes adding more on top, until each painting hums with textures and layers of surprising color. Each one is a fleeting portrait of a specific place in the Arboretum at a specific time in a specific season. On another day—or even a few hours later—each scene would have been different.

The idea for this series of paintings grew from the Daily Painting movement, which began a dozen years ago when artist Duane Keiser began posting a new painting each day and offering it for sale online. Mullaly learned about the movement and was subsequently able to study with another of its leaders, Carol Marine. Marine’s book Daily Painting helped define the process as a practice of creating a small painting every day by working in a fresh, loose manner with the emphasis on spontaneity and experimentation.

“Part of the whole point is making it a daily habit,” Mullaly explained. “It takes away the ‘preciousness’ of each one so that if you fail, it’s fine because you’re going to do another one tomorrow. It’s a good way for artists to create an income, too.”

Daily painting practice can help an artist overcome procrastination and gain confidence. Painting so often also can lead to a steady stream of ideas and self-discovery.

A graduate of Tyler School of Art of Temple University and an award-winning plein air painter, Mullaly teaches workshops in Daily Painting at Easton’s Academy Art Museum. In addition, she recently completed Maryland Master Naturalist training at the Arboretum.

“With the Master Naturalist training, I was here a lot,” she noted. “I wanted to do that to figure out a way to connect art and science, and it was so interesting to learn everything that was taught.”

With this new perspective and her artist’s eye, Mullaly found a seemingly infinite variety of things to paint in the landscape she was coming to know so well. Many of her paintings were created outdoors, but when weather or her schedule didn’t allow, she worked in her studio using field studies, memory and photos for reference.

“It was just a joy to do this,” she said. “It’s amazing what I found here.”

This show is part of Adkins Arboretum’s ongoing exhibition series of work on natural themes by regional artists. It is on view through Dec. 1 at the Arboretum Visitor’s Center located at 12610 Eveland Road near Tuckahoe State Park in Ridgely. Contact the Arboretum at 410–634–2847, ext. 0 or info@adkinsarboretum.org for gallery hours.

Check out the November happenings at Martinak and Tuckahoe State Parks!

ART IN THE PARK AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

Paint Afternoon: Paint a lovely nature scene and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Martinak State Park Nature Center on Sunday, November at 2:00 PM.  The cost is $15.00 per canvas. Light refreshments included. RSVP by calling or texting 410-924-1529.

Environmental Concerns: Join a new group of like minded people concerned about the environment at Nich’s Café on November 28 at 7:00 PM.  Begin planning how you can be a part of the solution.

WALKS

Senior Stroll: Meet up with others to walk the paved fitness trail on Tuesdays and Thursdays in November at 10:30 AM, at the Martinak State Park Office.

Nich’s Rise-Up Walk: Meet at Nich’s Coffee Shop, 5N 3rd St. in Denton on Wednesday, November 28 at 8:00 AM for a 3 -mile walk. Join the group for coffee after the walk. There is a .50 discount per cup for walkers!

Mind Over Miles: How many steps equal a mile, and how many miles can you walk at a moderate+ pace? Need to tone up? Meet at the Martinak Nature Center at 9:00 AM on Thursday, November 1, 15 and 29 for walking and body weight exercises.

Tuckahoe Trek: Meet for a fall evening 3+ mile hike at the Tuckahoe Park Office on November 2 at 4:30 PM and On November 30 at 9:00 AM.

Turkey Trot: Join us November 17 for our Annual Turkey Trot fun run, walk, or jog! This event is a 2-mile walk, run, or jog for all ages from Denton Elementary School to Martinak State Park and back, includes gifts to the first 100 registrants, and everyone is entered in the free turkey raffle. Registration check-in begins at 8 a.m. and the event begins at 9:00 a.m. Other events include Turkey Dinner Relay, games, crafts, and refreshments. Flyers are available on our website and our office. For more information, call Recreation & Parks at 410-479-8120.

First Saturdays: Discover native habitats as you walk at Adkins Arboretum. The cost is $5.00 for non-members, Free for members and Park RX holders on November 3 at 10:00 AM.

Dog Walk: Meet with fellow dog lovers to walk at the Adkins Arboretum Visitor Center at 9:00 AM, on November 1. The cost is $5.00 for non-members, free for members and Park RX holders.

YOGA AND DANCE

Yoga Practice: Improve your flexibility, core development, and balance on Tuesdays and Thursdays, November 1, 6, 13, 14, 20, 27 and 29 at 8:00 AM, at the Martinak State Park Amphitheater. Bring a mat or towel.

Evening Yoga: Yoga is perfect for winding down after a busy day. Stretch major muscle groups, become flexible, and feel calm at the Martinak State Park Nature Center on Tuesdays, November 6, 20, and 27 at 7:30 PM.

Zumba Gold: Kathy Leary leads a perfect low intensity workout to music for adults on Tuesdays, November 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 9:00 AM at the Martinak State Park Nature Center. Come join the fun!

Walk 15: Join a group aerobic class for everyone of all fitness levels. Walk/dance 4,000 steps to upbeat music in 30 minutes.  This is a great aerobic workout for busy people at the Martinak State Park Nature Center on Tuesdays, November 6, 20, and 27 at 6:30 PM.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAM

Martinak Park Discovery: Children ages 6-10 will complete nature activities, games, and crafts at the Martinak State Park Nature Center on Tuesdays at 5:30 PM. The program is free. Call 410-924-1529 to reserve a space.

Turkey Rock Hunt: All children are invited to come to the Turkey Rock Hunt at the Martinak State Park boat ramp parking lot on Saturday, November 3 at 12:30 PM. The cost is $5.00. Children will be divided into 3 age groups and prizes will be awarded for the most rocks found.  Money raised will go to the Children Exploration Organization.

BIKING

Caroline Cycles: Cycle 20+ miles on dirt roads.  Bike helmet required. Water, lights and bright clothing suggested. 13 mph ride. Call 410-924-7402 for more information. Meet on Saturday, November 3 at 9:00 AM at the Wal-Mart parking lot, the garden side in Denton, MD.  Call 410-924-7402 for more information.

Tuckahoe Trail Ride: Meet at the Tuckahoe Lake Parking area with a bike appropriate for off road riding to ride the trails in the park. Bike helmet required and water. This ride is for those experienced in riding a bike but new to trail riding.  November 4 and 18 at 11:00 AM Call 410-924-7402 for questions.

SELF-GUIDED ANY DAY ACTIVITIES

Park Quest:  Families have fun exploring with this self-guided nature art activity. Explore the Lore of the Land Trail at Tuckahoe. Bring pen/pencil. For more activities, borrow the Quest backpack from the camp store at the entrance to the electric loop.

Orienteering: Use your navigational skills to find locations at Tuckahoe State Park. Stop at the park office or go to the youth camp area bulletin board for more information.

Disc Golf: Come try it as you enjoy a beautiful walk on the Tuckahoe Disc Golf Course. Meet up for a round on Sunday, November 18 at 3:00 PM. (Loaner discs are available at the park office or camp store.)

Check our website for more park activities by clicking on the calendar of events at http://dnr.maryland.gov/Publiclands/Pages/outdooreduc.aspx or like us on Facebook at Friends of Tuckahoe and Martinak State Parks

Celebrate the rich diversity of our area, learn about cultural differences, and share in unity at the 2^nd annual Multi-Cultural Festival on Saturday, September 15, from 11am-3pm.  The festival, sponsored by the Caroline County Public Library, will be held at the Greensboro Community Center (in front of the North County Branch Library, MRDC & Head Start building).  Admission is free.

Enjoy dance from all over the world, with performances of West African dance from the group A Master’s Peace, the traditional Indian dance of Reno Retu Natayalaya and belly dance by Sammadi Dance Company, along with dance from local favorite To the Pointe Dance Studio. 

Enjoy the sweet sounds of gospel music from Friends in Faith, and taste diverse cultures with Muhammad’s Caribbean Kitchen, Tenchi’s Spanish American fare, soul food from Aretha’s Creative Touch, hot dogs from Dobson’s Dogs and sno-cones from Sno-Angels.

In addition, local agencies, organizations and small businesses will offer information, giveaways and items for purchase. 

In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the Greensboro Elementary School. 

For a full schedule of performers or for more information, please visit the library’s website, carolib.org, or call 410-479-1343.

Celebrate autumn’s arrival and the splendor of nature at Adkins Arboretum’s Magic in the Meadow: An Equinox to Remember! Tickets are now available for this annual gala event on Sat., Sept. 22. Proceeds benefit the Arboretum’s education programs that promote the conservation and preservation of the Chesapeake Bay region’s native landscapes.

Set against the Arboretum’s backdrop of forests, meadows, wetlands and streams, Magic in the Meadow will showcase the magic and elegance of nature. As twilight falls, guests will enjoy signature cocktails on the wetland bridge and explore the meadow and woodland paths by foot or by tram. Scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, hoop dance performances and a lesson by Baltimore artist Melissa Newman (performing as Mina Bear) and a tantalizing array of silent auction items will add to the evening’s allure. World-class jazz by the Peter Revell Band and a moonrise over golden meadow grasses will set the stage for dancing and an unforgettable autumnal equinox.

Tickets are $75 per person ($50 tax deductible) and may be reserved at adkinsarboretum.org or by calling 410.634.2847, ext. 0.

Magic in the Meadow is generously sponsored by Shore United Bank and Avery Hall Insurance Agency, Inc. Contact Kellen McCluskey at 410-634-2847, ext. 34 or at kmccluskey@adkinsarboretum.org for information about sponsorship opportunities.

Healthy Parks, Healthy People

Summer seems to be passing quickly, but we have new programs for you to enjoy as you continue your journey of becoming healthy.  This month we have added Yoga Nidra on Tuesday nights, a Learn to Series on Thursdays and a paint afternoon on a Sunday afternoon.  It’s your month to learn a new skill or take up a new practice so be sure to read the listings below to learn more or give us a call at 410-820-1668. See you at the park!

WALK AND HIKE

Go the Extra Mile:  Join a relaxing guided walk at the end of the day at the Martinak State Park Amphitheater on Mondays, August 6, 13, 20 at 5:00 PM.

Senior Stroll: Meet up with others to walk the paved fitness trail on Tuesdays, August 7, 14, and 21 and Thursdays, August 2, 9, 16, and 30 at 10:30 AM at the Martinak State Park Office.

Get Out & Hike:  Meet for a summer evening 3+ mile hike at the Tuckahoe Park Office on August 3 at 4:30 PM. Bring bug spray and water.

First Saturdays: Discover native habitats at Adkins Arboretum.  The cost is $5.00 for non-members, Free for members and Park RX holders on August 4 at 10:00 AM.

Dog Walk: Meet with fellow dog lovers to walk at the Adkins Arboretum Visitor Center at 9:00 AM, on August 2.  The cost is $5.00 for non-members, free for members and Park RX holders.

Nich’s Rise-Up Walk:  Meet at Nich’s Coffee Shop, 5N 3rd St. in Denton on Wednesdays in August and on Saturday August 25 at 8:00 AM for a 3 -mile walk.  Join the group for coffee after the walk!  There is a .50 discount per cup for walkers!

YOGA

Yoga Practice: Improve your flexibility, core development, and balance. Tuesdays, August 7, 14, and 21 and on Thursdays, August 2, 9, 16, and 30 at 8:00 AM, at the Martinak State Park Amphitheater.  Bring a mat or towel.

Evening Yoga:  Yoga is perfect for winding down after a busy day. Stretch major muscle groups, become flexible, and feel calm at the Martinak State Park Amphitheater on Mondays, August 6, 13, 20 at 7:00 PM.  Bring a mat or towel.

Yoga Nidra: Join Mary Gellen at the Martinak State Park Amphitheatre, which is the perfect setting to experience sound bathing!  It is a deeply relaxing sonic meditation with crystal singing bowls, on Tuesdays in August at 7:00 PM.  Bring a mat or towel.

AEROBIC DANCE

Zumba Gold: Kathy Leary leads a perfect low intensity workout to music for adults on Tuesdays at 9:00 AM at the Martinak State Park Nature Center.  Come join the fun!

Walk 15:  Join a group exercise class for everyone of all fitness levels. Walk 2 miles to music in 30 minutes.  This is a great aerobic workout for busy people at the Martinak State Park Amphitheater on Mondays, August 6, 13, 20 at 4:30 PM.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Aviary Tour: Learn about our various birds and feeding habits on Saturdays at 3:00 PM at Tuckahoe State Park Aviary located beside the park office.

Caterpillar Counts: Participate in a citizen science project for measuring variation and abundance of foliage.  Meet at Tuckahoe State Park Cherry Lake Pavilion on Friday August 3 at 6:30 PM.

Nature Center Activities:  Join others on Saturdays at the Martinak Nature Center between 9:30 AM –5:00 PM for games, stories and other nature activities.

Roving Rangers:  Rangers will be walking the camp loops at Tuckahoe and Martinak State Park on Fridays from 6:00-8:00 PM.  See what creature is featured!

Summerfest: The free Family Festival in Historic Downtown Denton that provides free arts and entertainment is held on Friday, August 17 from 5 to 10 PM, and on Saturday, August 18 from 2 to 9 PM.

Learn to Series: Thursdays in August at 6 PM ($10/person/ program) come out to Tuckahoe State Park for our new adventure series! Learn some of the outdoor activities that you have always wanted to try under the direction of trained park staff. No experience or equipment is necessary! Preregistration required. Sessions will be offered in archery, paddling, disc golf and more!  Call 410-820-1668 to register and to learn more about the sessions.

Paint Afternoon: Paint a lovely nature scene and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Martinak State Park Nature Center on Sunday May 20 at 2:00 PM.  The cost is $15.00 per canvas. Light refreshments included.  RSVP by calling or texting 410-924-1529.

BIKING

Caroline Cycles:  Cycle 25+ miles through country roads.  Bike helmet required.  Water, lights and bright clothing suggested. 13mph ride. Call 410-924-7402 for more information.  Meet on Saturday, August 11 at 9:00 AM at the Tuckahoe State Park Lake.

Easy Breezy Ride: Borrow a beach bike and join the group for a ride at Martinak State Park on Mondays, August  6, 13, 20 at 6:00 PM and Thursdays, August 2, 9, 16, and 30 at 9:00 AM.  Meet at the Martinak Nature Center.

Peddle Power:  Meet at the Martinak Park Office on Tuesdays August 7 and 21 at 5:00 PM and meet at Tuckahoe State Park Lake on August 14 to ride a 10+ miles on local roads. 10mph ride. Beginning road riders welcome. Helmets are required.  Water, lights and bright clothing suggested. Call 410-924-7402 for more information.

PADDLING

Kayak Meet Up: Bring your kayak and gear to paddle Tuckahoe Creek at 5:00 PM.  Meet at the Tuckahoe State Park boat ramp on August 16 and meet at Martinak State Park boat ramp on August 30.  Life jacket required.  Call 410-924-1529 for more information.

Choptank Rivah Run: Rivah Run is a fun open 2-mile paddling event for children and adults of all ages (under 18 must be with adult).  Any type of paddle craft is eligible for this “POKER RUN”.  Beginning at Martinak State Park boat ramp on August 18 at 9:00 AM each paddler stops at a series of checkpoints to receive a playing card, finishing at the Choptank River Yacht Club where prizes are awarded.  Call 410-479-8120 to register.

Programs are Free unless noted in the description.  Check our website for more park activities by clicking on the calendar of events at http://dnr.maryland.gov/Publiclands/Pages/outdooreduc.aspx or like us on Facebook at Friends of Tuckahoe and Martinak State Park

A Full Moon Party will be held at Martinak State Park on Friday July 27th. There will be plenty of moonlight activities for the whole family to enjoy. The evening begins at 7:30 PM with Amazing Bats, a presentation that will dispel myths and highlight the benefits of bats. Following the presentation, a high microphone will be used to listen for bats.

Then, you will have the opportunity to participate in a drumming circle with Ted Nichols, World Music Instructor from Salisbury University. Ted is intrigued with percussion and studies new styles and instruments. In the spring of 2005, Ted traveled to West Africa where he researched African instruments and rhythms. He has developed a drum circle which incorporating these world rhythms. Ted also served as a visiting artist performer for the Maryland Center for the Arts in 2009 and 2012 and led an African drumming workshop and performance with the Chris English Blues Band.   Join Ted in the drumming circle by bringing your own drum or learning how to bucket drum with the buckets provided.

Another activity is paddling in the moonlight down Watts Creek. Call to register for this activity because space is limited.  You may bring your own canoe/kayak, lifejacket and flashlight or register to rent a canoe for $10.00. All paddlers must register at 410-820-1668.  Lifejackets and flashlights or headlamps are required.

If water is not your thing, consider taking an easy guided night hike through the nature trails at Martinak.  Using other senses besides vision, you will experience nature uniquely learning about the animals that thrive at night.

In addition, a presentation about bats will be given featuring their unique hearing abilities.

Glow in the dark games will be available as well as a location to bring your telescope to view the moon. Activities begin at 7:30 PM. For more details or questions, call 410-820-1668.