Explore the transformed farmland of the historic Spocott Farm, now hosting many species of seasonal birds in its restored meadows & buffer zones. We will tour the site with owner George M. Radcliffe, Jr., the seventh grandson of the Radcliffe family who settled here in Dorchester County in 1663. We’ll learn about their restoration efforts, including 30 acres of Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program strips along its waterways and the creation of a 49-acre warm-season grass meadow managed for bobwhite, Eastern meadowlark, Dickcissel, and grasshopper and field sparrows. We’ll be on the lookout for nesting bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and a rookery of great blue herons.
We will meet up at the village area to learn about the farm’s 400-year old history, including its windmill, store, and one-room schoolhouse, before carpooling out to the property, spotting birds along the way. Rising sea levels are a concern for the property, and we’ll learn about how it affects the farm and the surrounding areas.
If you would like to explore more on the Eastern Shore that weekend, join us on Friday as we tour the nearby Horn Point Laboratory Oyster Hatchery on Friday, March 27. Register here: https://marylandnature.wildapricot.org/event-6535392
Our trip leader, George M. Radcliffe, Jr., is a retired teacher, youth birding leader, environmentalist, historian, and writer. He lives with Jackie, his wife of 54 years, and two crazy beagles on the Dorchester County (Maryland) property his family has owned since 1663. He taught science for thirty-eight years in Dorchester and Queen Anne’s County Schools. He received numerous awards, including the Presidential Award for Science Teaching (1986) and the Disney Creativity in Teaching Award (2005). He is the youth coordinator for the Maryland Ornithological Society (2000 to present), where he organizes and leads trips for youth birders around the state. He manages Spocott Farm near Cambridge, where he has implemented numerous habitat restoration projects, including several to promote bobwhite quail. He is also the president of the Spocott Windmill Foundation, which oversees the working post mill, museum, and accompanying village.
- Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is completed.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
- All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up to the event uninvited, you will not be allowed to participate.
- This trip is for adults, ages 18 and over.
- Carpool signup here: https://groupcarpool.com/t/8m0av2. Cars can be left overnight at our building in Overlea, 6908 Belair Rd, Baltimore.
- Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
- Bring water, snacks, sunblock, and bug spray.
- Bring binoculars, if you have them.
- Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
- No pets, please.
All events are held rain or shine. If any event is cancelled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.
NEW Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
Registration
Levels:-
NHSM Members: $20
Guest names must be listed on your family membership to qualify for this discount. Extra adults with individual memberships should register independently. - Non Members: $25