Howard Life - June 2008-September 2008 - (Page 30)

VACATION WITH A PURPOSE BY LORI PADDY Denise Reed Kenneth Losurdo, Jr. Indulge in family-friendly vacation activities that enrich your travel experience with hands-on learning and directly help non-profit museums and attractions. Looking for a unique way to spend your vacation this year? Howard County, Maryland, is the perfect destination to try your hand at VolunTourism. As defined by www.VolunTourism.org, VolunTourism is “a seamlessly integrated combination of voluntary service to a destination and the best, traditional elements of travel – arts, culture, geography, and history – in that destination.” Here are five ways to make your next vacation hands-on: 1. The Patapsco Valley State Park offers many opportunities for tourists from near and far to participate in their volunteer program (campsites are also available). The possibilities include trail workdays from April through October. Volunteers spend the day removing litter from the park, as well as helping with the upkeep of the trails; some focus on removing noxious and/or exotic plants from the park. The experience is both fun and educational, providing volunteers with hands-on knowledge about the history and geography of the park and surrounding area. Volunteers also come away from the experience having been immersed in the natural beauty of the Patapsco Valley. Information on volunteer opportunities at the park can be found through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Contact Larry Martin (volunteer coordinator for the Patapsco Valley State Park) at 410-465-3287, or visit www.dnr.state.md.us. Greenway. Become a stream monitor and access the water quality of a chosen stretch of waterway, or spend the afternoon outdoors removing litter and debris from the Patapsco and other rivers in the Patapsco Valley. Stream cleanups are very family friendly and a fun way to get hands-on information about the geography and natural habitat that Howard County has to offer. More information can be found by calling 410-4800824 or visiting www.friendsofpatapsco.org. 3. The Howard County Conservancy at Mt. Pleasant also has endless opportunities for volunteers. Mt. Pleasant is comprised of nature trails, historic gardens, livestock, and history/agriculture displays. The farm depends on volunteers for the upkeep of trails and wildlife habitats. This is a great, 2. Another great VolunTourism prospect is joining in on a stream cleanup with the Friends of the Patapsco Valley and Heritage http://www.VolunTourism.org http://www.friendsofpatapsco.org http://www.dnr.state.md.us

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Howard Life - June 2008-September 2008

Howard Life - June 2008-September 2008 Contents Important Numbers Welcome to Howard County, Maryland Join Howard County Tourism The Good Life Events Clark’s Elioak Farm: Home of the Enchanted Forest Farms Merriweather Post Pavilion Ghost Tours Howard County’s Famous Firsts History Resources Volunteerism Getaways: Trips for the Guys and the Girls Golf Resources Spas and Wellness Resources Recreation Resources Howard County Map Ellicott City Walking Tour Savage Mill Artists Art and Music Resources Dining Profiles: Aida Bistro, Jordan’s Steakhouse, and Tersiguel’s Dining Resources Shopping Shopping Resources For the Event Planner Where to Stay Relocation Resources Business and Service Listings

Howard Life - June 2008-September 2008

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