The Patuxent Research Refuge will offer an Earth Walk for all ages from 10:30 a.m. to noon today at the National Wildlife Visitor Center, on Powder Mill Road between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Route 97, near Laurel. The walk will focus on using the five senses to appreciate and understand the refuge's ecology.
Admission is free, but donations to The Friends of Patuxent are appreciated. Reservations are required. Information or to reserve a place: 301-497-5887.
Patuxent Research Refuge's National Wildlife Visitor Center is temporarily closed for repairs, and will remain closed through most of the spring season, but spring tram tours and other programs are being held. Weekend public tram tours on the visitor center grounds will begin the first weekend in April.
Trails remain open daily, except on federal holidays. For program information for visitor center grounds and the refuge's North Tract: patuxent.fws.gov.
Around Town
Turkey hunt -- The Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel will be the venue for a spring wild turkey hunting season in April and May. The hunt, which is being conducted in partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation, Wheelin' Sportsmen and Meade Natural Heritage Association, is open to youth, the disabled, those whose mobility is impaired, and the public. Hunters will be selected by lottery. Application forms for the lottery are available at patuxent.fws.gov or by calling 301-776-3090. Applications must be submitted in person at the refuge's North Tract Visitor Contact Station by 4 p.m. Friday. The refuge's station is off Route 198 on Bald Eagle Drive, 1.4 miles east of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.
Free screenings -- Howard County General Hospital will offer free blood pressure screenings at the Savage branch library on the second Monday of each month, beginning next month. The walk-in screenings, which do not require an appointment, will be held from noon to 3 p.m. at the library, 9525 Durness Lane. 410-740-7601 or www.hcgh.org.
Egg hunts -- Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks will hold its annual Spring Egg Hunts from 10 a.m. to noon March 15 at two locations. The hunts, for children ages 2 to 10, will be held at Schooley Mill Park, 12975 Hall Shop Road, Fulton, and at Laurel Woods Elementary School, 9250 N. Laurel Road, North Laurel. Children should bring a basket to collect the eggs and arrive promptly. Games, crafts and other activities are also planned. The children will be divided into groups according to age. The cost is $5 a child; $15 for a family of up to four children. Registration is required. 410-313-7275; text telephone, 410-313-4665; or www.howardcountymd.gov/rap. In case of inclement weather: 410-313-4452 after 7 a.m. on the day of the event.
Baseball, softball -- The Savage Boys & Girls Club is accepting spring registration for recreational baseball and softball. The club holds evaluations to create balanced teams, but players of all skill levels are welcome. Registration is available online. The club is also seeking volunteer coaches. www.SavageBGC.org.