Outdoors Notes -- Sept. 30

Sep. 30—Friends of Lefty Kreh speaker series continues

The Friends of Lefty Kreh is celebrating the late Frederick native, who is considered one of the pioneers of saltwater fly fishing and creator of the popular and successful fishing lure Lefty's Deceiver. At 2 p.m. on Oct. 1, at the C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick, Don Fine will present his talk on fly fishing equipment and flies. In addition to the weekly talks, an exhibit dedicated to Kreh and to the upcoming dedication (Oct. 14) of the FOLK statue of Lefty to be installed in Culler Lake, Baker Park, will be on view at the library.

Hunter education class in Thurmont

The Thurmont Sportsman Conservation Club near Thurmont will host a free, four-session hunter education class from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 11, 12 and 13, and 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 14. The course topics include firearm equipment, basic shooting and hunting skills, hunter responsibilities and ethics, tree stand safety, among others, and a range session. Get the full schedule of hunter education classes and register at dnr.maryland.gov.

Walk Maryland Day is Oct. 4

Walk Maryland Day is a celebration of the state's official exercise. You can join or lead a walk event that day in your neighborhood or in a park. Register as a Walk Leader and invite "Sole Mates" to join you in your location. Registered walks can be alone or in groups, via wheelchairs or on treadmills, anywhere for a safe walking experience. Throughout the month of "Walktober" (aka October) there will be walk-related events and educational opportunities ("walkinars") every Thursday in October. Learn more at mdot.maryland.gov or dnr.maryland.gov.

Clay shoot tournament

Fort Ritchie Community Center hosts a clay shoot tournament at the Orvis Hill Country Shooting Grounds in Fairfield, Pennsylvania, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 13. The cost is $125 per person, and registration includes 100 targets, 15 shooting stations, eye and ear protection, catered lunch, awards presentations and a complimentary gift. Participants must be age 12 or older. Register at thefrcc.org.

Fall foliage outlook for Maryland

Fall is officially here, and leaf peepers may be wondering where and when to see the best in autumn's colors. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there are three primary factors that influence autumn leaf color: leaf pigments, length of night and weather.

So what can Maryland leaf peepers expect? Aaron Cook, State Forester at Indian Springs Wildlife Management Area, says the early leaf out and long summer dry weather will negatively impact fall foliage in Western Maryland, particularly in Frederick and Washington counties. "In Frederick County, most of the black gum and sweet birch have already lost their leaves due to drought stress," said Cook in a DNR news release. "They did change color, but leaf drop immediately followed."

The weekly foliage reports are posted online at dnr.maryland.gov, where you can sign up to receive the newsletter.

Beech leaf disease found in Maryland

Beech leaf disease has been confirmed in Harford County. The Maryland Department of Agriculture says the new disease, associated with a nematode, is affecting all beech species, including American beech. It has also been found in 10 nearby states, including Pennsylvania, Virginia and New Jersey. The disease causes a dark banding or striping between the leaf veins and can kill understory trees in two years and mature trees in six to 10 years, according to a WJZ report. Leaves also appear shrunken and thicken. Report symptoms of the disease to fpm.mda@maryland.gov.

— Susan Guynn