The Deep Creek Blog

First Hikes in MD State Parks

Don't forget the State Park system is sponsoring a day of "First Hikes" on New Years Day. 

DNR Invites Wildlife Artists to Enter 16th Annual Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp Design Contest

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites artists to submit their original artwork for the 16th Annual Black Bear Conservation Stamp Design Contest. Both Maryland residents and non-residents may enter now through Friday, March 16, 2012.

“The proceeds from the sale of the Black Bear Stamp and other related products are used to compensate farmers in Maryland who experience agricultural damage caused by black bears,” said Patricia Allen, Information & Education program manager for DNR’s Wildlife & Heritage Service.

All entries must be original, previously unreleased artwork. Each contestant may submit one entry for a non-refundable $10 entry fee. Contest entries will be judged on Sunday, March 25, 2012 at the Patuxent National Wildlife Visitors Center in Laurel, Md., in conjunction with the 23rd Annual Patuxent Wildlife Art Show.For complete contest rules and entry forms visit dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/StampContests/BlackBear/ContestBrochure.pdf, email Patricia Allen at pallen@dnr.state.md.us or call 410-260-8537.

 

Heritage Area Grant Workshop

The Garrett County Heritage Area Grants Committee will be accepting grant applications for Fiscal Year 2013 which begins July 1, 2012. Heritage Funding is designed to assist and encourage the preservation of historical, archeological, natural and cultural resources in Garrett County that support economic development through heritage tourism. A mandatory pre-grant worshop will be held at the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce in the conference room on January 5, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Complete project applications will be due February 1, 2012. For additional information, please call Dee Dee Ritchie, Heritage Manager at the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce at (301) 387-2050 or by email at deidra@garrettchamber.com.

Savage River Lodge on Going Green

The Savage River Lodge, winner of the MD Office of Tourism's 2011 Green/Sustainable Tourism Award, shares on "going green" in Maryland Life. 

Tree Lighting Ceremony at Wisp Resort

Enjoy Wisp Resort's Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday December 23rd from 6-8 pm at Bear Claw Adventure Park.  Caroling will be provided by Deep Creek Lake Resort Ministries as visitors enjoy holiday characters, roasting marshmallows and hot chocolate. Standard activity fees will apply for this event. 

Take a First Day Hike in a State Park

Celebrate the New Year with a First Day Hikes on January 1, 2012.  

Local State Parks will participate in America's State Parks First Day Hike Programs on New Year’s Day 2012. America’s State Parks First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a guided hike on January 1, 2012 at a state park.  

Below is a list of opportunities to participate within  Garrett County.  

Deep Creek Lake State Park First Day Hike - First Day on the Lake
Time of Event:  2 p.m.
Hike will last approximately 1 hour.
Meeting Location: Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center
Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike for families of all ages
Length of Trail: The length of this hike will depend upon the weather conditions of the day.
Things to Bring: It is recommended that participants bring snowshoes or ice cleats to wear for those types of conditions. Participants should come prepared to be outside for an extended period of time in possibly very cold and windy weather conditions and bring drinking water.
Cancellation Information: Call Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center at 301-387-7067.
Additional Information: Take a shoreline walk with a Ranger on the first day of the new year. Walkers will learn about lake surface ice, what happens in the water under the ice during winter, and other tidbits about lakes in winter.

New Germany State Park First Day Hike - Walking in a Winter Wonderland
Time of Event:
1 p.m. Hike will last approximately 1 hour
Meeting Location: Meet at New Germany State Park Lake House
Degree of Difficulty: Easy hike for all ages.  Minimum age for kids: Age 4
Length of Trail: 1 mile
Things to bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking, and a camera (optional).
Cancellation Information: Call New Germany State Park at 301-895-5453.
Additional Information: Dogs on a leash are welcome

Swallow Falls State Park First Day Hike - Realm of the Ice King
Time of Event: 1 p.m. Hike will last approximately 1 hour.
Meeting Location: Meet at the main parking lot.
Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike for families of all ages
Length of Trail: 1 mile
Things to Bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking, and a camera (optional).
Cancellation Information: Call Herrington Manor State Park at 301-334-9180
Additional Information: See the falls in their winter dress. Rangers will discuss what we are doing to help protect this fragile eco-system. Not many people get to see the falls this time of year, so it should be a great treat!

Youghiogheny Scenic and Wild River First Day Hike - First Day on the River
Time of Event: 10 a.m.
Meeting Location: Meet at Friendsville access point.  Parking is limited. Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate walk for families of all ages
Length of Trail: The length of this hike will be determined by the weather conditions that day.
Things to Bring: Participants should wear footwear for snow and ice conditions. Participants should come prepared to be outside for an extended period of time in possibly very cold and windy weather conditions and bring drinking water.
Cancellation Information: Call the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center at 301-387-7067
Additional Information: Take a riverside walk with a Ranger to celebrate the start of a new year. This walk is on a level path.

 

Deep Creek Discovery Center Holiday Schedule

Friday, December 23                            Closed State Furlough Day 

Saturday, December 24                      
11:00 a.m. Scavenger Hunt.  Meet at the front desk of the Discovery Center.                         1:30 p.m. Story n’ Craft.  Join the Park Naturalist for a seasonal story & craft. The program is $2.00 per child.

Sunday, December 25              Closed          

Monday, December 26                        
11:00a.m. Slithering Snakes.  Kids of all ages! Slither your way over to the Discovery Center for an afternoon of Snakes! Hear stories, learn interesting facts, participate in a craft, and even get the chance to see and touch these resident reptiles.                                                               
1:30p.m. Turtle Talk Come learn about the different species of turtles found in Garrett County. Explore the shell from the inside out and get the chance to touch these resident reptiles!  

Tuesday, December 27                      
11:00 a.m. Resident Raptor.  Come to the Discovery Room and meet one of the hawks or owls that live at the Center! Learn some interesting facts, take pictures, and hear their stories.
1:30 p.m. Wildlife Investigation This self guided program allows you to become a detective for the natural world. Open your eyes and see the clues left behind by nature. Can you tell the difference between the details and solve the puzzle? Fill out the worksheet and win a prize! 

Wednesday December 28                
11:00 a.m. Winter Birding.  Come sit inside and learn about the birds that visit the feeder. Also, create your own bird seed treat! Experienced and Beginner birders of all ages are welcomed!                           

1:30 p.m. Story n’ Craft.  Join a Park Naturalist for a seasonal story & craft. The program is $2.00 per child 

Thursday, December 29                      
11:00 a.m. Scavenger Hunt                                                               

1:30 p.m. The Bear Essentials. Discover the life of the American Black Bear and see how it revolves around their sense of smell. Dive in, nose first and learn some interesting facts. Appropriate for all ages. 

Friday, December 30                            Closed State Furlough Day 

Saturday December 31                        
11:00 a.m. Resident Raptor.  Come to the Discovery Room and meet one of the hawks or owls that live here at the Center! Learn some  interesting facts, take pictures, and hear their stories.                  
1:30 p.m. Bullfrog, Baby! Come over to the Discovery Center for a hoppin’ good time & learn about the Bullfrog!   

Sunday, January 1                              

11:00a.m. Slithering Snakes Kids of all ages! Slither your way over to the Discovery Center for an afternoon of Snakes! Hear stories, learn interesting facts, participate in a craft, and even get the chance to see and touch these resident reptiles.                                               

10:00 am First Day Hike on the Yough River Corridor.  Meet at the Friendsville access point bulletin board. If weather is inclement call the Discovery Center for hike information.

2:00p.m. First Day Hike at Deep Creek Lake State Park.  Join a Ranger for an hour walk along the shoreline of Deep Creek Lake. Walkers will learn about lake surface ice, what happens in the water under the ice during the winter and other winter lake facts. 

Deer Hunters See Increased Firearm Season Harvest

Maryland deer hunters experienced a range of weather for the two-week firearm season and harvested an estimated 41,421 deer ─ a 2 percent increase from last year’s harvest of 40,694 deer for the same period. This year’s total included 14,302 antlered deer and 27,119 antlerless deer. Sika deer totals were 455 antlered and 549 antlerless.

“Nearly half of the annual deer harvest occurs during this two-week period and a large portion of the harvest consists of female deer,” said Brian Eyler, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) deer project leader. “Harvesting a sufficient number of female deer is a critical part of our deer management plan.”

Region A deer hunters (Garrett, Allegany, and western Washington counties) reported 4,960 deer for the two-week season, up 12 percent from last year’s harvest of 4,422 deer. The antlered harvest increased 12 percent from 2,528 deer last year to 2,830 deer this year, while the antlerless harvest increased 13 percent from 1,894 deer to 2,130 deer.

The Region B deer harvest of 36,461 deer was similar to last year’s harvest of 36,272 deer. The antlered harvest increased 4 percent ─ from 11,077 deer last year to 11,472 deer this year. The antlerless total decreased about 1 percent ─ from 25,195 deer last year to 24,989 deer this year.

Deer hunters harvested 3,952 deer (1,467 antlered, 2,485 antlerless) on Sundays during the two-week season. Deer hunting is currently permitted on the first Sunday of the two-week firearm season in all counties, except Baltimore, Howard, and Prince George’s. Sunday deer hunting is also permitted on the second Sunday of the two-week season in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties. Carroll County deer hunters took advantage of new legislation that permitted Sunday hunting for the first time this year and harvested 298 deer for the day.

Junior deer hunters enjoyed a weekend-long firearm season in most counties and harvested an estimated 3,014 deer. The official Junior Firearm Deer Hunt traditionally had been a Saturday event, but legislation passed last year expanded the hunt to Saturday and Sunday in 20 of the 23 Maryland counties. The extra day of hunting resulted in a record harvest, which was up approximately 47 percent from last year’s 2,053 deer. Included in the total were 1,754 antlered deer and 1,260 antlerless deer.

“Junior hunters are the future of deer hunting and effective deer management in Maryland,” said Eyler. “Without deer hunters, conflicts between deer and humans would continue to grow. Special seasons such as the junior firearm weekend are invaluable in recruiting and keeping the interest of younger hunters.”

Junior hunters are reminded they may obtain an official DNR Junior Hunter certificate for the deer they harvest this year. The certificates are available from participating retail agents. Junior hunters can also have their picture posted on the DNR website at dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/yh_certprogram.asp.

Maryland’s two-week late muzzleloader season opens Saturday, December 17 and closes on December 31, 2011.

New this year, a Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management Area (land code 233) has been established in a portion of Allegany County with regulations designed to prevent the unintentional spread of CWD to other locations. Hunters wanting more information regarding CWD and the regulations pertaining to the Disease Management Area should visit dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Hunt_Trap/deer/disease/cwdinformation.asp or consult the 2011-2012 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.

Hunters are urged to carefully inspect all treestands before using them. A full-body safety harness should be used while climbing into or out of a treestand and while in the stand. DNR strongly recommends using a sliding knot, commonly known as a prussic knot, attached to a line that is secured above the stand that allows the hunter to be safely tethered to the tree as soon as they leave the ground. For more information on treestand safety and view a helpful video visit dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/ts.asp

Complete bag limits, season dates, deer registration procedures and other deer hunting information can be found at dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide. The 2011-2012 Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping issued with each hunting license contains detailed information on all of Maryland’s hunting seasons.

Garrett Lakes Arts Festival 2012 Season Announced

The Garrett Lakes Arts Festival announced their 2012 Season this week.  Subscribe now and enjoy 20% off a season subscription.  If you've never been to a GLAF event, make sure to attend one this year.  They never disappoint.    


 Duquesne University Tamburitzans
 April 20 @ Garrett College

Beatlemania Now
April 28th @WISP Resort

Clipper City Brass Quintet
May 18 @ Garrett College

Cashore Marionettes
June 23 @ Garrett College
 
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
July 12 @ WISP Resort

Johnny Staats and the Delivery Boys
August 11

 

Burglaries at Deep Creek Lake

From the Garrett County Crime Solvers Web Site:

The Garrett County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information on a series of burglaries that have been occurring at homes around Deep Creek Lake. Most of these are rental homes and are located around Deep Creek Lake. Burglars are typically stealing flat screen televisions and other related electronic entertainment equipment. 

Anyone with information regarding these thefts is urged to leave a tip at this site or, if phone contact is necessary, call the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office at 301-334-1911. Calls can remain anonymous. 
Anyone with information that leads to the arrest of the individuals and/or recovery of the stolen property may be eligible for a cash reward up to $1,000.00. Not all tips are eligible for compensation.
The reward is being offered through crime solvers by Railey Mountain Lake Vacations Rentals.
When leaving a tip, please be as detailed oriented as possible and check back to the site frequently to see if your tip was eligible for reward. Don''''t forget to document your Crime ID # and Pass Code. Tips that are authorized and not responded to by the tipster within 30

Wisp Resort Slated to Open This Weekend

 Wisp Resort is slated to open this weekend.  The Wisp Resort Lift Status and Grooming Page will keep you in the know on conditions at the resort. 

Santa Claus At Uno's This Evening

Santa Claus will be at Uno's this evening from 5-8 pm for photos. 

Shop for a Cause at the Simon Pearce Customer Appreciation Event

Simon Pearce is holidng a Customer Appreciation Event/Open House today from 1-5pm.  Enjoy mulled cider and holiday goodies while shopping for gifts.  Fifteen percent of sales will be donated to The Dove Center.  

Holiday Open House at Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center

Today is the annual Holiday Open House at the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center.  Enjoy crafts, cookies, hot chocolate and photos with Santa between 10am - 1pm today. 

Holiday Delight at the Historic Friend's Store and Residence

Join park staff and volunteers for this unique holiday open house at The Friend’s Store and main residence on Saturday, December 17, 2011 from 5:00- 9:00 P.M.  

Celebrate in the traditional way with egg nog, hot cider and gingerbread.  Enjoy candle dipping, wreath making demonstration, and Dutch oven deserts along with other traditional crafts and activities.  

A candlelight tour of the property, including inside the house main foyer, library and main living room renovations will be provided from 6:00 -7:00 p.m. and 7:30-8:30 p.m.   Enjoy this special look inside the store and main residence decorated for the holidays with family and friends this holiday season!

For more information call 301-387-7067 Friday – Sunday 10am -4pm or visit our website at www.discoverycenterdcl.com