Interested in learning how to ice fish? Join Ranger Brian at New Germany Lake for a free introduction to the sport of ice fishing. Explore the beginner's skills, equipment, safety considerations, and excitement surrounding winter fishing. Depending on safe ice conditions, skills will be demonstrated and practiced on the lake. Email Brian for more information and a list of recommended items to bring to the class. Jan. 22, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm; New Germany State Park, Grantsville, MD. More information and events.

The Zimmerman Center is offering Susquehanna NHA-guided hikes through Native Lands County Park in Wrightsville, Pennsylvania. The walks are rated moderate to easy and are appropriate for both adults and children. Observe winter wildlife and practice species identification along the way, while themes will vary depending on the guide, group interests, and weather. Hikes will conclude with a cup of hot chocolate in hand while warming up next to a toasty campfire! $5 for adults, ages 16 and under are free. Jan. 22, Feb. 12 and 26, and March 12, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm; Zimmerman Center for Heritage, Wrightsville, PA. More information and registration (required).

Cabin fever? January doldrums? Check out the Cambridge Ice & Oyster Fest, featuring more than 40 ice sculptures, master ice carver demonstrations, interactive games for children of all ages, an outdoor oyster bar, fire pits, s’more stations, and much more. One of the most interesting ice sculptures will be one done in the likeness of Harriet Tubman. (In the fall, a new 12-foot bronze sculpture of Harriet Tubman will be permanently installed and dedicated at the Dorchester County Courthouse). On Saturday at 4:00 pm there will be an Oyster Shucking and Slurping Relay Competition. Free admission. Jan. 28, 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm; Jan. 29, 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm; downtown Cambridge, MD. More information.

You may have a hidden treasure in your attic or garage and not even know it! Bring your treasures to St. Clement’s Island Museum, where appraisers for various types of items will be available. Only items that can be hand-carried will be appraised. Space is limited and items will be viewed on a first come, first served basis. Admission is free, but there are various small fees for item appraisals (usually $5 each; cash and check only). For the fine arts category, there is a two-item limit per person. Jan. 22, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm; St. Clement’s Island Museum, Coltons Point, MD. More information.

Each month the Audubon Naturalist Society returns to a stretch of towpath moving from the Carderock Recreation Area upriver to Widewater. On this hike you’ll retrace your steps along the canal back to Carderock for a total of around four miles. Experience the winter world in January and February, and celebrate the first signs of spring in March. These hikes will move faster and farther than the usual naturalists’ shuffle. February 4 and March 4, 10:00 am to 2:30 pm; Carderock Recreation Area, Potomac, MD. Members $34, non-members $48. More information and registration.

The Audubon Naturalist Society’s winter birding series visits natural areas throughout the DC metro-area where a variety of habitats—including field, forest, and wetland—provide good opportunities for the observation and study of birds during the winter months. On Saturday, January 22 they will be leading an exploration of Kenilworth Gardens. Members $30; non-members $42. The walks are aimed at beginning to mid-level bird enthusiasts. January 22, Kenilworth Gardens, Washington, DC. More information and registration.

Orchids are among the most diverse and specialized plants on earth and are found around the world. In this course learn about the unique features of orchid life, the species that live in Virginia, and the ways that scientists are trying to preserve species in their native habitats. $5 for members and $10 for not-yet members. Jan. 25, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Registration and more information.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Maryland has announced that Chesapeake photographer Jay Fleming’s work will be featured in a new special exhibition entitled Island Life: Changing Culture, Changing Shorelines. Fleming’s photographs reveal how the changing environment is affecting the cultures and shorelines of inhabited and formerly inhabited offshore islands in the Chesapeake. The exhibition will open January 28, and run through May 29, 2022. More information.

This is a great opportunity for college students to work with scientists and other experts on Chesapeake Bay topics, while exploring careers in marine-, environmental-, and climate-related fields. The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office is teaming up with the Chesapeake Research Consortium to offer five Chesapeake-focused internships in several different career areas in summer 2022, from mid-May to mid-August. Applications for all five internships are due by February 20, 2022. More information.

Head out on the water and learn firsthand the experiences of Captain John Smith's Voyage on NOAA's Chesapeake Bay interpretive Buoy System. CBIBS provides real time weather and environmental information, as well as a glimpse into living Chesapeake Bay History. You can also download the app for your Android or iPhone from the website. Note: some buoys may be offline with no data currently available.

Take a virtual tour of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail from your computer or mobile device! To help you plan your trip before you go, the Chesapeake Conservancy partnered with Terrain360 to bring you virtual tours of the trail’s great rivers. Sit back and virtually explore the Elk, James (sponsored by the James River Association), Nanticoke, Northeast, Patapsco, Patuxent, Potomac, Rappahannock, Sassafras, Susquehanna, and York rivers. Check out some of the Chesapeake’s special places like Werowocomoco, Fones Cliffs, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and Mallows Bay. We hope to eventually bring you a virtual tour of the entire Chesapeake Trail! Explore the Chesapeake's great rivers on our website.