2010 Sunday Field Experiences

The environmental impacts of coal mining the Georges Creek Watershed are unique in Maryland due to the geology and topography of western Maryland and the intensity of mining in this region.  These impacts include: acidified stream and ground waters, seasonally dewatered stream segments, loss of aquatic habitat, lowering of the groundwater table and greatly altered hydrology, and surface subsidence associated with settling over deep mines.

Since 1979, the Maryland Bureau of Mines has administered an Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program which draws upon the Federal Abandoned Mine Lands Fund.  Reclamation projects endeavor to eliminate acid mine drainage by treating the acid mine drainage at its source and neutralizing it before it enters into streams. 

Observe firsthand active and passive treatment systems at the Hoffman Drainage Tunnel and maybe an area where stream loss can be observed.  Additional water quality improvement projects spearheaded by the GCWA including riparian restoration and rain gardens will also be explored.

Winter Birdwatching @ Rocky Gap
7 am-10 am
Max number of participants: 20

Join skilled local bird enthusiast Reed Portney for an early morning guided birding  expedition around Rocky Gap State Park. All experience levels are welcome. Bring optics  and field guides if you have them and dress for the weather. This trip will depart from and return to the conference center and involve several miles of hiking.

Note: Reed Portney is high school junior whose expertise is well beyond his years. His environthon team recently place 3rd in North America out of ~100,000 teams.

Join in on a short hike that explores the wonders of the woods in winter.  Come learn how to identify trees and shrubs by bark and buds. Explore the origins of the plants native and Latin names along with Appalachian folk stories about the species.  Learn about the plants edible and medicinal values and enjoy some fun along the trail.  The hike will span habitats from lakeside to rock outcrops and see the difference that a short distance can make in species composition. 

Service Project - Rocky Gap State Park Aviary and Interpretive Improvements
9am

Want to do something to help the local environment? Join us as we buckle down and serve the Rocky
Gap aviary! Our service project this year will be developing interpretive design and doing trail work at the Rocky Gap
aviary. No cost to participants.