What are your favorite words that start with the letter “B”? If you’re hanging out with ecologist John Canoles, your favorites are sure to be bugs, birds, and blooms! Join John at Swan Harbor Farm in Havre de Grace to explore a diversity of habitats, including natural and man-made wetlands, forests, fields, and the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay. At this time of year, the property should be brimming with activity as eagles soar overhead and migrating warblers flit through the wetland woods. A bounty of dragonflies, butterflies, and other insects will add to the excitement as we explore the various habitats in the park.
All ages are welcome to join us, including young naturalists, ages 5 and above.
Trail difficulty is easy to moderate. Most of the trail is level and grass-covered but does contain some uneven terrain. Easy for kids. The total walking distance will be about 1-2 miles. The route is not wheelchair accessible.
Get to Know Your Guide: John Canoles is an ecologist by trade, focusing on the identification/assessment of natural resources and the creation of natural upland and wetland habitats. He is also involved in nature education having helped in the design of the Nature Walk and Butterfly House at Ladew, the Accessible Trail at the Cromwell Valley Park, and taught “Introduction of Birdwatching” classes for Johns Hopkins Odyssey Program, Community College of Baltimore County, and Cromwell Valley Park. John also writes a monthly Nature Notes column for the Country Chronicle newspaper (Baltimore Co distribution) and he is currently a member of the Harford Bird Club, the Harford County Land Trust, and is on the board of Trustees for Ladew Topiary Gardens.
John, like most of the other people who lead NHSM field trips, is a volunteer, so your money will go directly to support the programs, the nature collections, and the building that make this kind of nature education possible. Donate or become a member of the Natural History Society of Maryland by visiting https://marylandnature.org/support-maryland-nature/.
Remember to
- Dress according to the weather. Layers of non-cotton clothing work best. For sunny days, a hat with a brim may be needed.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking boots or sneakers with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
- Bring water, snacks, sunblock, bug spray, and for your camera, an extra battery and memory card, and lens-cleaning cloth.
- Bring binoculars and a magnifying glass or a hand lens.
- Bring your guidebooks.
- No pets, please.
SPACES ARE LIMITED. The tour should take approximately two hours to complete. The exact meeting space will be provided when registration and payment are complete.
Cancellation Policy: NHSM Field Experiences – Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the field experience will receive a refund (minus a $5 processing fee). Cancellations made within the week of the event will not receive a refund but can be transferred to a friend.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.