Sunday, November 16, 2008

Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia got an early 35th birthday present when nearly 10 inches of snow fell late last month. Video that was broadcast on the resort's Web site showed a mid-winter scene, snow hanging on tree branches, signs and roads, and, yes, trails painted white.

The natural stuff, combined with the man-made snow the resort is pumping out with 15 new snowmaking guns whenever it's cold enough, should allow Snowshoe to open Nov. 26. Early passes are on sale now.

HIKING: The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is holding a trail work party at Gunpowder Falls State Park on Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Officials and volunteers will discuss some of the issues on the parks trails, then will head over to the park to fix them. Bring boots and work gloves. Call 410-592-2897 to register.

On Nov. 23 the department is also holding a talk and short hike in Patapsco Valley State Park on how to identify trees in winter when they no longer have their leaves. The program is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Meet at area #600. Cost is $2 per person. Call 410-461-5005 to register in advance.

For more information on these and other programs, visit the department's Web site at http://www.dnr.state.md.us.

HUNTING: Maryland's Atlantic Population Canada goose hunting season began yesterday and runs through Nov. 28. It then runs again from Dec. 18 to Jan. 24.

For a detailed map of hunting zones visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/Goose_Hunt_Zones.html.

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is now offering an apprentice hunting license to people who want to learn to hunt. New hunters can buy the license and hunt, as long as they are being directly supervised by an adult over 18 who has a valid Virginia hunting license. The license is good for two years during which time you must complete the state's hunter education course to get a regular license. For more information see http://www.dgif.virginia.gov.

-- Christian Davenport

Have an item to list in the Outside Line? Please send it to me at davenportc@washpost.com.