The June Monsoon
I was really looking forward to my two hour eco-adventure on the Rhode River when I left early this morning. Gray clouds may discourage some, but it’s perfect for this melanoma veteran . The sun glare on water defies even the best sunscreen. Besides, a little misty rain adds atmosphere.
I was the first of the canoe crew to arrive, just as the birdwatching flock was ready to take flight. There seems to be lots of activity at the center. In addition to the canoe trips, the Smithsonian has a full calendar of family-oriented, environmentally focused educational experiences with elements of adventure. http://www.serc.si.edu/public_programs/event_calendar.aspx?year=2009&month=6 Birdwatching is just one of the guided field trips. Others study native flora, wildlife, and archeology. Some programs are geared specifically for parents and children.
They also offer canoe and kayak rentals, and free access to the miles of woodland trails. It’s a clever way to exercise while experiencing nature and enjoying family time. Also very inexpensive, with a nominal $5.00 contribution to the center.
Unfortunately, just as the final canoe party arrived, so did the deluge. Even the birdwatchers flew back to the nest. Our tour guide studied the radar (with its ominous yellow blip over Anne Arundel County) and decided to scrub the excursion for today. I’m disappointed, but will be back next week. I heard the birdwatchers talking about the Owl Prowl and it sounds like a real hoot.
If the weather clears, I’ll head to Quiet Waters for a little kayaking. Just that short visit this morning made me yearn to paddle in a secluded cove. That’s one thing about Maryland – water conditions range from extreme to tranquil, sometimes on the same river. Before the summer is out, we’re going to see them all.
About the Smithsonian Environmental Education Center:
http://www.serc.si.edu/
During Colonial days, the Rhode River was dotted with massive tobacco plantations. John Contee, a naval officer on the USS Constitution, purchased one such estate with his share of the plunder after Old Ironsides captured HMS Java in 1812. In appreciation to his benefactor (and perhaps with a touch of irony) he named his farm “Java” Through the years, as the estate was divided and tobacco gave way to dairy farming, the 300+ acre portion of Java became the property of Robert Lee Forrest, who bequeathed it to the Smithsonian Institute upon his death in 1962.
Instead of selling the property for the Smithsonian’s endowment, incoming Smithsonian Director S. Dillon Ripley, a noted ornithologist, saw its potential as an environmental research center. In 1965, the first center opened.
Through the years, as the center has expanded its scope and gained an international reputation for studying many ecological issues, additional land has been acquired. The original Contee property was purchased and merged into the center complex. Other parcels along the Rhode River have been added as the parcels became available.
Today, SERC encompasses 2800 acres. Its operations include hundreds of researchers, scientists, educators and students who work with field stations all over the world. Best of all, SERC offers the public the opportunity to study the environment first hand through the programs and activities they offer throughout the year. Miles of hiking trails and launching docks for canoes and kayaks offer a look at the amazing Chesapeake ecosystem.
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