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$18 in advance; $20 day of race
Although most of the Richard and Patricia Hazel Trail is complete, the beaver exhibit still has a little more work to be done before it can be opened, but the long awaited red wolves are here as are the deer and the turkey. Each can be viewed through large glass windows in the trail’s building which gives you the feel that you are right there next to them. Designed by Becker Morgan Associates, the building provides an excellent viewing area and shelter to Zoo visitors. Special thanks to the Hazel family for making this a reality. The family has been a longtime friend to the Zoo and this exhibit is a tribute to their support. We would also like to thank you for your patience and support of this project and believe it was well worth the wait. Please visit the Richard and Patricia Hazel Delmarva Trail and see these wonderful animals. If you are interested in purchasing an 8” x 10” glossy photo of the female red wolf shown, please call Mary Seemann at (410) 860-6880.
On a blustery winter day in December, local high school students
took time to gaze into the big, round, yellow eyes of a saw-whet
owl, a nocturnal predator found in the forest in winter on Assateague;
examine a diamondback terrapin, an inhabitant of the brackish
marshes (and the Maryland State Reptile); discover the unique
behavioral adaptations of the Eastern hog-nosed snake and its
prey, the Fowler’s toad; get nose-to-nose with one of
the few species of birds with a highly-developed sense of smell,
the roadkill-eating turkey vulture; and witness the grace of
the peregrine falcon, a federally-listed endangered species
that careful observers are fortunate to see soaring over the
marshes at Assateague. In January, the students dedicated a Saturday to get the scoop
on poop! The day started with basic identification skills –
who can discern the difference between the flaky (with fish
scales) feces of an otter, round balls of deer dung, and green-hued
goose droppings? A field trip to the Berlin Wastewater Treatment
Plant rounded out the day with a lesson which stimulated the
senses. Participants also saw a spray irrigation operation and,
as always, left with something to take home – a roll of
toilet tissue made from 100 percent total recycled content. The partnership program, which began in the summer of 2006, has 26 students enrolled this school year, 17 of whom are returning participants – a testament to the appeal of the program. During the academic year, students meet at the UMES Coastal Ecology Teaching and Research Center (CETRC) with professionals from Assateague State Park, Assateague Island National Seashore, Environmental Protection Agency, UMES, Maryland Coastal Bays Program, the Salisbury Zoo and more to learn about issues affecting the local environment. This year, activities are designed to empower the high school students to take action. Each session provides examples of changes they can make – at home, at school, and in their community – to effect positive change for the benefit of the environment and, ultimately, for the benefit of us all. And, through generous contributions from program partners and local businesses and organizations, the students receive some of the tools they need to make those changes. During the first session, held in November, students conducted an energy assessment of the UMES Coastal Ecology Teaching and Research Center and learned how to conduct home energy audits. Each student was provided two energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (thanks to Delmarva Power and Choptank Electric) – one to use at home and one to give to someone else – in an effort to spread the word about easy changes we can all make to reduce energy consumption. Even lunchtime incorporated information about simple ways to recycle and included a group effort to reduce waste and recycle lunchtime leftovers. Upcoming spring sessions include Earth Day activities at the Salisbury Zoo, searching for reptiles and amphibians during the Great Worcester Herp Search, and canoeing at Assateague. In the New Year, these green teens are sure to make a difference in our world. We should all follow their lead. If you are interested in becoming involved in this exciting program – lending support and expertise – please contact the Maryland Coastal Bays Program at (410) 213-2297. Go Green and Save Green Whether you believe in global warming or not, the planet needs
our help. Due to pollution, population growth, increased consumption
of resources, habitat destruction, and invasive species we have
created an unhealthy home for us and the animal world but we
can do something about it. CFL, LED vs. Incandescent LCD vs. Plasma TVs Unplug, Unplug Save on Your Water Bill Install a rain barrel that will collect water from your roof. Use the collected water to water your yard and garden. You can make your own rain barrel or buy one. Use the internet as a resource for plans or to find retailers for rain barrels. Visit watersavertech.com and oxygenics.com for more water saving ideas for your home. Reduce Heating and Energy Costs in
Your Home When the old appliances need replacing look for those that have the Energy Star rating. The lower the rating is, the more efficient the appliance. Probably the simplest and least expensive way to save on heating costs is to wear a sweater. You can reduce your heating bill 4% by lowering your thermostat by 2 degrees. Why not? Green Your Car Support Your Local Farmers Join your local Community Supported Agriculture group (CSA
which provides locally grown organic produce and often delivers
right to your door! Buying produce that grows in our area helps
us be better neighbors. Zoo Director Jim Rapp Takes Helm of Nature Tourism Alliance ”Jim brings tremendous enthusiasm for Delmarva’s wildlife and wild places, and is exceptionally qualified to direct our alliance,” said Karen Falk, DLITE Chair and former Executive Director of Southern Delaware Tourism. “We are fortunate to work with Jim as DLITE moves forward into a new era.” Serving as director of the Salisbury Zoo for the past 14 years, the affable naturalist is uniquely positioned to move nature tourism forward on the shore. Rapp is currently also chair of the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Council, the president of Assateague Coastal Trust, the chair of the MD/DC Teaming With Wildlife Coalition, and past president of the Nanticoke Watershed alliance. For the past four years, DLITE has been directed by Dave Wilson, Jr., who concurrently served as Public Outreach Coordinator for the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. During his time as Director, Wilson supervised DLITE projects such as the Great Delmarva Bicycling Trail, the E.A. Vaughn Kayak Trail, and African-American Heritage markers. Wilson was named Worcester County Tourism Person of the Year in 2005. ”The Board of Directors is extremely grateful to Dave Wilson for moving DLITE forward,” said Lisa Challenger, Director of Worcester County Tourism and DLITE Board Member. “Dave’s passion for nature and expert communication skills have provided us with the opportunity to hire a full-time executive director and put Delmarva on the map as a destination for tourists seeking nature-based adventures.” During Dave Wilson’s tenure as DLI TE Director, Jim Rapp served on the Board of Directors. Rapp assumed the role of full-time executive director on July 9, 2007. Wilson will remain active with DLITE as a Board member. ”Jim’s intellect and love of the outdoors make him a perfect fit for this position,” said Wilson. “People in the community really admire this guy and we hope to use that respect to launch DLITE to a new level.” One of Rapp’s first projects will be to create a Cape to Cape Birding Trail for the shore from Cape May NJ to Cape Charles, Va. Tourism professionals have been touting the piece as the next big national lure to the shore. Rapp started as a Zoo Docent in 1988, conducting tours for school groups. Working with the City of Salisbury and the Salisbury Zoo Commission, he has helped build exhibits, facilities, endowments, and education programs. The Zoo is nearing completion of the new Richard & Patricia Hazel Delmarva Trail, the first project from the Zoo’s master plan. ”While I am very excited to join DLITE as director, I am saddened to leave my many human and animal friends at the Salisbury Zoo, “ said Rapp. “This is a unique opportunity for me and the DLITE Board to foster enthusiasm for nature on Delmarva, which is what I have been doing at the Salisbury Zoo for nearly 20 years.” Zoo Education Curator Carrie Samis Joins Maryland Coastal Bays Program Staff
In August, Carrie officially resigned as Zoo Education
Curator to accept a position as Education Coordinator for the
Maryland Coastal Bays Program, a valued conservation partner
of the Salisbury Zoo. It was a bittersweet moment, as Carrie
truly cherished her time at the Zoo. Samis’ contributions to such experiences will help not only to better inform program participants about local wildlife and habitats, but also will help participants build a positive relationship with nature, foster an appreciation of the environment, and serve as inspiration for behavior changes and actions which will benefit the Coastal Bays. With the scope of responsibility undertaken as Education Curator at the Salisbury Zoo, Carrie is uniquely qualified to oversee and implement Coastal Bays education initiatives which include kickstarting the outdoor programs at Cherry Point Farm in Worcester County. The Coastal Bays Program ran environmental education programs on the formerly called “Weidman Farm” for four years until funding constraints nixed the program two years ago. With help from an anonymous donor and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources funding for the operation has returned, and with it canoe trips, seining, nature walks, and wildlife observation. A specific focus of Carrie’s work will also be to engage minority communities in local conservation issues. Samis’ diverse experiences, extensive professional training, and knowledge of local resources will make the Maryland Coastal Bays Program’s educational experiences better than ever. As MCBP Education Coordinator, Carrie will work closely with the Maryland State Department of Education and local Boards of Education to provide curriculum-based experiences for Maryland students and teachers, and develop new minority outreach programs. Additionally, she will work with local schools
and universities to provide high-quality, multi-disciplinary
internships, and service-learning opportunities for middle school,
high school, and college students. Carrie will also work diligently
to provide professional development opportunities to Maryland
teachers and environmental educators designed to model best
practices in environmental and conservation education. The Maryland Coastal Bays Program is excited to add Carrie to their staff. Her extensive experience and her enthusiasm for the environment and education ensure that she will be a valued addition to the MCBP team. Through her work with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, Carrie will continue to partner with the Salisbury Zoo on existing and new programs. The Zoo looks forward to working with Carrie in her new capacity. In September, the Zoo will partner with Maryland Coastal Bays for the 11th Annual Maryland Coast Day. Visit www.mdcoastalbays.org for more information. The staff and volunteers of the Salisbury Zoo give their best wishes to Jim and Carrie as well as veterinary technician, Steve Sarrow, who is now at the Pittsburgh Aviary. Their hard work and dedication is appreciated and they will be greatly missed.
Our beaver will be extremely excited to swim in this new pool built by Harkins Concrete Construction. We hope to see him construct a dam in the bottom pool. This exhibit is part of the Richard & Patricia Hazel Delmarva Trail. It will house the beaver, wood duck, screech owl and native marsh birds. Come back here often for pictures of the progress of this and other exhibits in the Richard and Patricia Hazel Delmarva Trail. |
Zoo
Stampede - 5K Run/Walk
The
long awaited arrival of the Red Wolves has come. The Zoo received
a pair of red wolves, a male from North Carolina Zoological
Park and a female from The Virginia Living Museum over the holidays.
Since the two were not familiar with each other, the keepers
let them get acquainted gradually before opening the exhibit.
The
Board of Directors of Delmarva Low-Impact Tourism Experiences
(DLITE) is proud to announce the selection of Jim Rapp as their
new executive director. DLITE is an alliance of local, state,
and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, local
tourism providers and natural resource managers organized to
encourage nature-based tourism on Delmarva and foster a sense
of wonder and value for the natural world.
Carrie
Samis has worked at the Salisbury Zoological Park for the past
14 years and has served as Zoo Education Curator for the last
10 years. Throughout her career as an environmental and conservation
educator at the Salisbury Zoo, she has had the chance to work
with thousands of children and adults helping them to better
understand the environment in which they live. She has been
involved in programs that highlight local species and issues
as well as programs which focus on national and global conservation
issues. During her tenure in Salisbury, the Zoo Education Department
became financially self-sustaining and has grown to serve in
excess of 25,000 program participants each year, with the assistance
of Zoo educators including staff, volunteers, AmeriCorps members,
and interns. 
Beaver
Exhibit