Anne Arundel Community Events May 15-22, 2008

Visitors will be invited to learn about beekeeping and the modern and historic uses of herbs from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday during a free event at the historic Hancock's Resolution in Pasadena. (By Jahi Chikwendiu -- The Washington Post)
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SMITHSONIAN "OPEN HOUSE ON THE BAY," meet researchers, take a boat ride or hayride and climb the research tower, with children's activities. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Rd., Edgewater. $2; children, $1. 301-238-2737 or http://www.serc.si.edu.

COMPOSTING WORKSHOP, led by master gardeners. Compost unit or troubleshooting guides distributed while supplies last. 10-11 a.m., Quiet Waters Park, Wildwood Trail, composting demonstration site, 600 Quiet Waters Park Rd., Annapolis. Free admission; $5 per vehicle. 410-222-1777.

REFUGE DRAGONFLY PROGRAM, for age 12 and older, information about dragonflies and a search for them. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., National Wildlife Visitor Center, Patuxent Research Refuge, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel. Free. 301-497-5887 or http://patuxent.fws.gov.

CROFTON MEDIEVAL ENTERTAINMENT, for children age 7 and older and adults, with a troupe of medieval costumed actors and stories, songs, games, combat demonstrations and displays of arts and crafts. Co-sponsored by the Anne Arundel Scottish Festival Inc. 11 a.m., Crofton Area Branch library, 1681 Riedel Rd. Free. 410-222-7915 or http://www.aacpl.net.

CULINARY HERBS PROGRAM, for adults, information on the historical uses of herbs and the health benefits that have been associated with them. 1 p.m., Kinder Farm Park, Comfort Station, 1001 Kinder Farm Park Rd., Millersville. Free, registration required; parking, $5. 410-222-6115 or http://www.kinderfarmpark.org.

ANIMAL SKULL EXAMINATION, for age 12 and older, a naturalist discusses what a skull reveals about the animal's life. 1-2:30 p.m., Patuxent Research Refuge, North Tract, Visitor Contact Station, Route 198, between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Route 32, Laurel. Free, registration required. 301-497-5763 or http://patuxent.fws.gov.

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP,1 p.m. the third Saturday of each month, Anne Arundel Medical Center, Sajak Pavilion, Suite 250, 2001 Medical Pkwy., Annapolis. Free. 410-263-6982 or http://www.aahs.org.

REFUGE OWL PROWL, guided hike to search for the nocturnal bird. 7:30-9:30 p.m., Patuxent Research Refuge, North Tract, Route 198, between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Route 32, Laurel. Free, registration required. 301-497-5887 or http://patuxent.fws.gov.

MARYLAND BOATING SAFETY COURSE, for age 10 and older, a two-part course on the rules and fundamentals; boating safety certificates issued, children 10-12 must be accompanied by a paying adult; sponsored by the Friends of Downs Park. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday and May 24, Downs Park, 8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena. $25, registration required. 410-222-6230.

Sunday 18

BEES AND HERBS, information on beekeeping and the modern and historic uses of herbs. 1-4 p.m., Hancock's Resolution, 2795 Bayside Beach Rd., Pasadena. Free. 410-255-4048 or http://www.historichancocksresolution.org.

HERP SEARCH, a guided search for reptiles and amphibians, led by a refuge naturalist. 2-3:30 p.m., Patuxent Research Refuge, North Tract, Visitor Contact Station, Route 198, between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Route 32, Laurel. Free, registration required. 301-497-5763 or http://patuxent.fws.gov.

KIDS BIRD PROGRAM , for ages 8-10, an interactive program about birds. 2-3:30 p.m., National Wildlife Visitor Center, Patuxent Research Refuge, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel. Free, registration required. 301-497-5887 or http://patuxent.fws.gov.