What's New at Holt
We're preparing for some of our favorite annual events here at Holt Park. Here are just a few things we're thankful for as winter approaches:
- New volunteer Becca has brought her energy and talent to the Preschool Nature Hour this season. There are still four more classes left in 2022!
- Many of our trees are still at peak fall foliage! Stop by this week to see our tulip poplars, beeches, and sycamores in their autumn glory.
- Three new native trees have been planted in the park this weekend: two pawpaws and a serviceberry. It is our hope we will one day be host to a grove of native fruit trees!
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Nature Notes: The Lanternflies Arrive
By Mel Tillery, Naturalist
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They're finally here: multiple spotted lanternflies have been apprehended in Holt Park this fall. These invasive insects have been in Harford and Cecil counties for months, and you have probably heard about their impact in other states. But can you identify them?
The spotted lanternfly is a large planthopper native to east Asia. Its grayish forewings cover bright red hindwings with black and white bars. Young lanternflies, called nymphs, hatch in April and May and are black with white spots. As they grow, they turn a bright red before reaching their winged adult form in July.
Lanternflies pose a serious threat to native trees and crops, as they have few predators in Maryland. Unlike many other insects, they are not picky about their host plant, and are willing to feed on over 100 different types of plant, including keystone species such as oaks. Large numbers of lanternflies can cause extreme damage to trees, making them vulnerable to disease and other pests. It is for these reasons that the USDA has issued a Squash-On-Sight order for adults, nymphs, and eggs of this species.
As the temperature drops, adult lanternflies will die off as they would in their native range, leaving behind their eggs to survive winter and hatch in spring. These egg masses resemble a splotch of mud and may be laid on trees, buildings, or even vehicles. It is important to eliminate egg masses before they hatch in April or May, to prevent the spread of this destructive species. You can watch Penn State University's instructional video on how to remove these egg masses here. It is not recommended to spray harsh chemicals on the eggs, as this may harm the host tree and other wildlife.
If you encounter a spotted lanternfly in Maryland, you can report it to the Department of Agriculture using this website. Keep an eye out for lanternfly-catching hikes in 2023!
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Upcoming Events at Holt Park
Pre-register for programs on our website here. Program space is limited! Payment is accepted as cash or check (addressed to OFRC) at time of sign-in. Registration pages are created manually and will be available for all programs soon.
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The Natural World of Art
Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:30pm |
$2 per project
For all ages
Register Online |
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Discover the connection between art and nature using a variety of materials and techniques. Projects are designed to bring out the inner artist in people of all ages.
⭐ December 7: Soda Can Star
Bring a clean aluminum drink can (or two -any size) and turn it into a star
🎄 December 14: Cinnamon Dough Ornaments
Spice up your home with some fragrant decorations
⚪ January 4: Snowballs
Use natural materials to make lasting snowballs
❄ January 11: Winter Collage
Create a winter scene with a variety of materials
🎅 January 18: Winter Gnome
Craft a gnome to watch over your treasures |
⛄ January 25: Snowman Face Accent Pillow
Use simple stitches to sew a winter friend
👤 February 1: Silhouette
Cast a shadow on a collage of color
💗 February 8: Quilled Heart
Learn the art of quilling and give your quilled heart to someone you love
🦉 February 15: Stone Owl
Transform a stone into a friendly raptor of the night
🖼 February 22: Stick Frame
Use sticks and other natural materials to frame your favorite winter photo |
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Creative Clay
Fridays, 6:30 - 8:00pm |
$10 per project
For all ages
Register Online |
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 Creating with clay is both relaxing and rewarding. Projects are geared to all ages and levels of experience. On the first class, we will create our project. On the second, we will add color. Join us as we roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty!
🐧 January 6 & 20 – Penguin
Learn how to make a penguin from a ball of clay
👩👧👦 February 3 & 17 – Faces
Get creative making expressive faces in clay
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Open Nature Cabin
Saturdays, 12:00 - 3:00pm |
Free for all ages
No pre-registration required |
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 Visit Holt's historic Nature Cabin to see our live animals on exhibit, and enjoy a simple nature craft. No pre-registration is required for these drop-in times, but space inside the cabin is limited.
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🌲 Wreath Making Workshop: Friday, December 2, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Use natural greens and embellishments to create and personalize your own decorative wreath. ($10 per project, for adults and children ages 15+)
🌳 Natural Ornaments: Sunday, Dec. 4, 1:00 - 2:00pm
Decorate for the holidays the natural way. We'll have a variety of materials to choose from to create your own handmade ornaments! ($2 per project, for adults and children ages 5+)
🏠 Gingerbread House Workshop: Saturday, December 10,
🏠 Two sessions at 2:00pm and 4:00pm
Use graham crackers and tasty treats to create a whimsical winter wonderland. ($5 per project, for adults and children ages 4+)
🎄 Log Cabin Christmas: Sunday, December 18, 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Celebrate the holidays with us at Holt Park! Enjoy making crafts, edible treats, and decorations while keeping warm in our beautifully decorated historic cabins and listening to festive tunes. (Admission is free for all ages! Some activities have a fee.)
🐿 Squirrel Tales: Sunday, Jan. 8, 1:00 - 2:00pm
They are feeder-thieves and acrobats and so much more! Come learn about our native gray squirrels, find out how they adapt in winter, and take a hike to see them in action. We will end with a squirrel craft you can take home! (Free, for adults and children ages 5+)
🦌 Winter Wildlife: Sunday, Jan. 22, 1:00 - 2:00pm
Discover the different adaptations animals have that helps them survive winter. And then explore Holt Park to look for animals and their signs! (Free, for adults and children ages 6+)
❄ Snowy Cabin Paint Night: Friday, January 27, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Create a serene winter scene at this guided paint night. All materials provided. ($10 per project, for adults).
🌞 The Groundhog's Shadow: Sunday, Feb. 5, 1:00 - 2:00pm
Learn the lore and natural history of Groundhog Day. Then explore the park to see if there are any signs that spring is coming. End the program with a cool craft to take home! (Free, for adults and children 5+)
🍕 Parents' Night Out Party: Saturday, February 11, 5:00 – 8:00pm
Drop off the kids for an evening of fun, games, crafts, and pizza at the park, and have a quiet evening to yourself! ($10 per child, for ages 6 - 12)
💟 Valentine's Crafternoon: Sunday, February 12, 12:00 – 3:00pm
Come by the Holt Center any time between noon and 3pm to browse our buffet of craft supplies and create cards and crafts for Valentine's Day. ($5, for all ages)
🐦The Great Backyard Bird Count: Sunday, Feb. 19, 10:00 - 11:00am
Bring your binoculars (or borrow a pair of ours) and join a naturalist to learn about winter birds and take part in this annual global citizen science event. Participants will head out into the park to search for and tally our feathered friends. Visit www.birdcount.org for more information. (Free! For adults and children ages 4+)
🔥 February Campfire: Saturday, February 25, 5:00 – 6:30pm
Bring a snack to roast over the fire and gather around for songs and games. The campfire ring is located near the pond. (Free for all ages!)
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