#patapsco park

[istandonsnowpiles]

Buzzard's Rock Rail Bridge

[viktorian-ghost]

04/04/23; Patapsco Valley State Park, Maryland

[deadweight-at7am]

Someone who lives locally keeps putting these grandfather clocks in the woods. People are stumbling upon them on hikes. This is off of Rockhaven trail in Patapsco State Park. We have no idea who puts them there, how they get them up there and also why. People think it's a call out to Vecna in Stranger Things but I don't know! It's so funny. The mystery continues.

[travel-with-kat]

Avalon area; Patapsco State Park 🌳

[coquettishbaguette]

Liberty Dam; North of Patapsco Valley State Park

[picsbymoss]

Patapsco park

[realspacelasers]

https://www.americanrivers.org/patapsco/index.html

This is a dam removal project that happened in a state park I frequent in 2018. The only signs now that the dam was ever there are the slope restoration still in progress and a defunct road already mostly reclaimed by the forest. The dam was pretty and its shape was "iconic", but it was blocking fish spawning routes and attempts to build a fish ladder had already failed, it was expensive to maintain, and the currents at the base semi regularly killed people. The more of these we can remove on northeast waterways, the better! (And the last big dam on the Patapsco River is also being studied for removal right now.)

Although dam removals have been happening since 1912, the vast majority have occurred since the mid-2010s, and they have picked up steam since the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided funding for such projects. To date, 806 Northeastern dams have come down, with hundreds more in the pipeline. Across the country, 2023 was a watershed year, with a total of 80 dam removals. Says Andrew Fisk, Northeast regional director of the nonprofit American Rivers, “The increasing intensity and frequency of storm events, and the dramatically reduced sizes of our migratory fish populations, are accelerating our efforts.”

Dam removals in the Northeast don’t generate the same media attention as massive takedowns on West Coast rivers, like the Klamath or the Elwha. That’s because most of these structures are comparatively miniscule, built in the 19th century to form ponds and to power grist, textile, paper, saw, and other types of mills as the region developed into an industrial powerhouse.

But as mills became defunct, their dams remained. They may be small to humans, but to the fish that can’t get past them “they’re just as big as a Klamath River dam,” says Maddie Feaster, habitat restoration project manager for the environmental organization Riverkeeper, based in Ossining, New York. From Maryland and Pennsylvania up to Maine, there are 31,213 inventoried dams, more than 4,000 of which sit within the 13,400-square-mile Hudson River watershed alone. For generations they’ve degraded habitat and altered downstream hydrology and sediment flows, creating warm, stagnant, low-oxygen pools that trigger algal blooms and favor invasive species. The dams inhibit fish passage, too, which is why the biologists at the mouth of the Saw Kill transported their glass eels past the first of three Saw Kill dams after counting them...

Jeremy Dietrich, an aquatic ecologist at the New York State Water Resources Institute, monitors dam sites both pre- and post-removal. Environments upstream of an intact dam, he explains, “are dominated by midges, aquatic worms, small crustaceans, organisms you typically might find in a pond.” In 2017 and 2018 assessments of recent Hudson River dam removals, some of which also included riverbank restorations to further enhance habitat for native species, he found improved water quality and more populous communities of beetles, mayflies, and caddisflies, which are “more sensitive to environmental perturbation, and thus used as bioindicators,” he says. “You have this big polarity of ecological conditions, because the barrier has severed the natural connectivity of the system. [After removal], we generally see streams recover to a point where we didn’t even know there was a dam there.”

Pictured: Quassaick Creek flows freely after the removal of the Strooks Felt Dam, Newburgh, New York.

American Rivers estimates that 85 percent of U.S. dams are unnecessary at best and pose risks to public safety at worst, should they collapse and flood downstream communities. The nonprofit has been involved with roughly 1,000 removals across the country, 38 of them since 2018. This effort was boosted by $800 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. But states will likely need to contribute more of their own funding should the Trump administration claw back unspent money, and organizations involved in dam removal are now scrambling to assess the potential impact to their work.

Enthusiasm for such projects is on the upswing among some dam owners — whether states, municipalities, or private landholders. Pennsylvania alone has taken out more than 390 dams since 1912 — 107 of them between 2015 and 2023 — none higher than 16 feet high. “Individual property owners [say] I own a dam, and my insurance company is telling me I have a liability,” says Fisk. Dams in disrepair may release toxic sediments that potentially threaten both human health and wildlife, and low-head dams, over which water flows continuously, churn up recirculating currents that trap and drown 50 people a year in the U.S.

Numerous studies show that dam removals improve aquatic fish passage, water quality, watershed resilience, and habitat for organisms up the food chain, from insects to otters and eagles. But removals aren’t straightforward. Federal grants, from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the Fish and Wildlife Service, favor projects that benefit federally listed species and many river miles. But even the smallest, simplest projects range in cost from $100,000 to $3 million. To qualify for a grant, be it federal or state, an application “has to score well,” says Scott Cuppett, who leads the watershed team at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Estuary Program, which collaborates with nonprofits like Riverkeeper to connect dam owners to technical assistance and money...

All this can be overwhelming for dam owners, which is why stakeholders hope additional research will help loosen up some of the requirements. In 2020, Yellen released a study in which he simulated the removal of the 1,702 dams in the lower Hudson watershed, attempting to determine how much sediment might be released if they came down. He found that “the vast majority of dams don’t really trap much sediment,” he says. That’s good news, since it means sediment released into the Hudson will neither permanently worsen water quality nor build up in places that would smother or otherwise harm underwater vegetation. And it shows that “you would not need to invest a huge amount of time or effort into a [costly] sediment management plan,” Yellen says. It’s “a day’s worth of excavator work to remove some concrete and rock, instead of months of trucking away sand and fill.” ...

On a sunny winter afternoon, Feaster, of Riverkeeper, stands in thick mud beside Quassaick Creek in Newburgh, New York. The Strooks Felt Dam, the first of seven municipally owned dams on the lower reaches of this 18-mile tributary, was demolished with state money in 2020. The second dam, called Holden, is slated to come down in late 2025. Feaster is showing a visitor the third, the Walsh Road Dam, whose removal has yet to be funded. “This was built into a floodplain,” she says, “and when it rains the dam overflows to flood a housing complex just around a bend in the creek.” ...

On the Quassaick, improvements are evident since the Strooks dam came out. American eel and juvenile blue crabs have already moved in. In fact, fish returns can sometimes be observed within minutes of opening a passageway. Says Schmidt, “We’ve had dammed rivers where you’ve been removing the project and when the last piece comes out a fish immediately storms past it.”

There is palpable impatience among environmentalists and dam owners to get even more removals going in the Northeast. To that end, collaborators are working to streamline the process. The Fish and Wildlife Service, for example, has formed an interagency fish passage task force with other federal agencies, including NOAA and FEMA, that have their own interests in dam removals. American Rivers is working with regional partners to develop priority lists of dams whose removals would provide the greatest environmental and safety benefits and open up the most river miles to the most important species. “We’re not going to remove all dams,” [Note: mostly for reasons dealing with invasive species management, etc.] says Schmidt. “But we can be really thoughtful and impactful with the ones that we do choose to remove.”

-via Yale Environment 360, February 4, 2025

[agnesconaty]

The Laurel Inner Space

The Laurel Independent Newspaper, October 2024 Issue

Written in stone: Geology in our region

By AGNES PASCO CONATY

Many structures in the District — the monuments and museums, the federal buildings — reveal much of the underlying geological history of this region. Take the Washington Monument, for instance. The marble exterior faces have a number of characteristics, including shades of color, that indicate the stone was sourced from different quarries, including two right here in Maryland. The core of the structure is bluestone gneiss and granite, also quarried in Maryland, while the interior walls are faced with Maine granite. When finished in 1884, this 554-foot-7-inch monument was the tallest structure in the world. It’s the world’s tallest obelisk and predominantly-stone structure to this day.

And right here in Laurel, we can take a geologic walking tour of historical landmarks, too, that might be seen as monuments, of a sort, to our region’s geology: The Montpelier Mansion and St. Mary of the Mills Catholic Church are two good examples of how geology influenced both architecture and construction in earlier eras. Like most of the city’s historic buildings still standing, the mansion and church were constructed of bricks and clay, which were standard materials in the 18th and 19th centuries.

I’m fascinated by these historic examples of local geology, and my fascination prompted me to learn more about the ground my home in West Laurel stands on. What lies beneath its foundation — and even beneath my own feet? To answer these questions, I turned to easy-to-access, reliable sources including the U.S. Geological Survey (pubs.usgs.gov) and the Maryland Geological Survey (mgs.md.gov).

The state’s site has a map showing six distinct but connected landforms, five of which, stretching from the state’s western border east to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic, we can explore on foot. (The sixth is the Atlantic Continental Shelf, which is offshore.) Laurel, along with the greater D.C. region, is located along the north-south border between the Piedmont and the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the landform that gives way to the continental shelf.

Rocks found in Maryland’s Piedmont, to our west, are primarily igneous and metamorphic; igneous rocks form from volcanic activity and, with sufficient pressure over time, transform into metamorphic rocks.

The Atlantic Coastal Plain, spreading out to out to the east, has primarily sedimentary rocks (i.e., sandstone, limestone and shale). Sedimentary rocks form when small rock fragments, typically resulting from weathering or erosion, are compressed over thousands of years. Many sedimentary rocks in our area, for instance, have formed from deposits of the Patuxent and Patapsco rivers.

Dinosaur Park, a 22-acre tract under the auspices of the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation, offers us an unusual geological glimpse into our region’s history. In 1858, African American workers mining iron ore at the site discovered dinosaur fossils, the first ever found in Maryland.

Since those first finds, scientists have discovered hundreds of dinosaur teeth and bones at the site; most are from sauropods (long-necked herbivores), and theropods, which, like the Tyrannosaurus rex, were large predatory carnivores. The majority of these fossils date to the Cretaceous period, which followed the Jurassic period, taking place 145 million to 66 million years ago.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission purchased the tract and established Dinosaur Park in 1995.

And dinosaurs roamed far beyond the bounds of that 22-acre tract, of course. (Indeed, they inhabited most of the Mid-Atlantic region during a period that lasted roughly 158 million years.) I work at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, and we have an exhibit (pictured below) of dinosaur artifacts, most of which were found right here in Greenbelt by Ray Stanford, an amateur paleontologist with an extraordinary knack for finding dinosaur tracks.

During excavation of a Goddard parking lot in 2012, Stanford unearthed the footprint of a nodosaur, a heavily armored plant-eating dinosaur from the late Jurassic period, some 145 million years ago. (You can read Stanford’s account of his finds in this article in Nature magazine: tinyurl.com/yuw8p56t). Subsequent excavations at Goddard have uncovered sauropod tracks like those found at Dinosaur Park, as well, and scientists excavating the parking lot also found pterosaur tracks. Not the ancestor of a bird or bat, and not a dinosaur (though on a branch of the same family tree), the pterosaur was the earliest-known vertebrate capable of flight.

My office at Goddard is a few yards from this intriguing exhibit of digs, and sometimes I spend my lunch break looking at a cast of a fossilized dinosaur poo!

If you’re eager to learn about rockhounding, there are clubs you can join to connect with others who share your interests. I can recommend three clubs right here in Maryland: the Maryland Geological Society (mdgeosociety.org/), the Baltimore Mineral Society (tinyurl.com/2hpe3z3h) and the Southern Maryland Rock and Mineral Club (smrmc.org/).

A quick search online will turn up numerous guides to common rocks and minerals, including specimens you may easily find in our area. Rockchasing.com has a particularly good section about Maryland’s rocks and minerals that includes a list of sites where you can find each type. Rockchasing’s Maryland resources are at tinyurl.com/yfrw7d2b.

And one of the very best ways to experience rockhounding is to start in your own backyard (like I did) — you may be surprised what you can find right under your feet! If you live near a creek (like I do), you may find rocks and minerals, maybe even shells, that have been polished as they’ve been tumbled, over time, by moving water.

I encourage you to get a nice journal so you can describe your digs and draw them in detail. And if you catch the rockhounding bug, consider investing in a hand lens and a rock pickaxe, too. It’s never too late to follow your curiosity and dig right in!

Photo:

Agnes Conaty holding her team’s 2024 Robert H. Goddard Honor Award for Excellence in Outreach in front of the exhibit of dinosaur digs at Goddard Space Flight Center.

Credit: Kristen Weaver

[nevinscons]

Discovering Patapsco Valley State Park: A Natural Treasure in Maryland

Introduction to Patapsco Valley State Park Patapsco Valley State Park, stretching along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The park, rich in history and natural beauty, covers over 16,000 acres and provides a variety of recreational activities. Whether you're an avid hiker, a casual picnicker, or a history buff, Patapsco Valley State Park has something to offer. Its diverse ecosystems and historical sites make it a prime destination for both locals and tourists. Hiking Trails and Natural Beauty The park boasts an extensive network of hiking trails catering to all skill levels. From the flat, family-friendly Grist Mill Trail to the challenging Cascade Falls Trail, there's a path for everyone. The trails wind through lush forests, past cascading waterfalls, and along scenic riverbanks. Each trail offers unique vistas and opportunities to observe the park's abundant wildlife. Walking through the park, you'll encounter a variety of flora and fauna. The park's diverse habitats support a wide range of species, making it a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. Keep an eye out for deer, foxes, and an array of bird species that call the park home. Historical Significance and Landmarks Patapsco Valley State Park is not only a natural wonder but also a site of significant historical importance. The park features numerous historic landmarks, including the remnants of the Orange Grove Flour Mill and the Thomas Viaduct, the world's oldest multiple-arched stone railroad bridge still in use. Exploring these sites provides a glimpse into the region's rich industrial past. Visitors can also find the ruins of the Bloede Dam, once the world's first submerged hydroelectric dam. Although no longer operational, the dam's remains are a testament to early engineering marvels and add a layer of intrigue to the park's landscape. Activities and Amenities Beyond hiking, Patapsco Valley State Park offers a wide range of recreational activities. The park is equipped with picnic areas, playgrounds, and camping sites, making it an ideal spot for family outings. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy casting their lines in the Patapsco River, which is stocked with trout and other fish species. Mountain biking is another popular activity, with designated trails that challenge even seasoned riders. For those who prefer a slower pace, the park's scenic areas are perfect for leisurely strolls and photography. The park also hosts various educational programs and events throughout the year, providing visitors with opportunities to learn about the environment and history of the area. Enhancing Your Outdoor Space with Nevins Construction If you're inspired by the beauty and functionality of Patapsco Valley State Park and wish to enhance your own outdoor living space, consider consulting Nevins Construction. Specializing in deck building, they can transform your backyard into a personal retreat. With a focus on quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, Nevins Construction offers a range of services from custom deck designs to full-scale renovations. Here’s a comparison of popular deck materials to help you decide:

Material Type Pros Cons Pressure Treated Cost-effective, Durable Requires maintenance Cedar Natural look, Decay-resistant Higher cost, Regular upkeep Composite Low maintenance, Long-lasting More expensive upfront cost Vinyl Variety of styles, Durable Can appear less natural

Conclusion and Call to Action Patapsco Valley State Park is a gem worth exploring for its natural beauty, recreational activities, and historical significance. It offers a rich tapestry of experiences for all who visit. And if the park's serene settings inspire you to upgrade your outdoor living area, Nevins Construction is ready to help. For a consultation or to discuss your project needs, contact Keith at Nevins Construction at (410) 746-1068 or visit their Arbutus, Maryland Deck Builder page. Your dream outdoor space is just a call away.   Want to learn more about Arbutus? Check Out the All About Arbutus Book.   Nevins Construction 304 High Rock Ct. Brooklyn Park, MD  21225 (410) 746-1068 https://www.nevinsconstruction.com https://www.google.com/maps?cid=5003705160934189173 https://www.nevinsconstruction.com/deck-builder/arbutus-maryland/ 69CH+J4 Brooklyn Park, Maryland  

[annaking0011]

Towson's Best-Kept Secrets: Hidden Gems and Underrated Spots in Maryland.

Nestled just north of Baltimore, Towson, Maryland, is often overshadowed by its larger neighbor. However, this charming town has a variety of hidden gems and underrated spots that deserve more recognition. Whether you are a local or a visitor, Towson, Maryland offers a range of unique experiences that are sure to delight.

1. Hampton National Historic Site

A step back in time, the Hampton National Historic Site is a must-visit for history buffs. This 18th-century mansion and its surrounding grounds provide a glimpse into Maryland's colonial past. The beautifully preserved estate features period furniture, stunning gardens, and informative tours that highlight the history of the Ridgely family who once called it home. It’s a serene spot that offers both educational value and a peaceful escape from the modern world.

2. Towson Town Center

For those who enjoy a bit of retail therapy, Towson Town Center is a shopping haven that often flies under the radar. This upscale shopping mall houses over 180 stores, ranging from high-end brands to popular retailers. Beyond shopping, the mall offers a variety of dining options that cater to all tastes, making it a perfect spot for a day out.

3. Loch Raven Reservoir

Nature lovers will find solace at the Loch Raven Reservoir, an underrated outdoor escape. Just a short drive from downtown Towson, this reservoir offers miles of scenic trails perfect for hiking, biking, and bird watching. The serene waters are ideal for kayaking and fishing, providing a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

4. The Recher Theatre

For a taste of Towson’s vibrant music scene, the Recher Theatre is a hidden gem that hosts an array of live performances. This historic venue has seen a variety of artists grace its stage, from local bands to national acts. Its intimate setting makes it an ideal spot to enjoy live music up close. Keep an eye on their event schedule for a chance to discover new favorite artists in a cozy atmosphere.

5. Cunningham’s Café & Bakery

When it comes to culinary delights, Cunningham’s Café & Bakery is an underrated spot that offers a farm-to-table dining experience. Known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the café serves up delicious breakfast and lunch options. From artisanal sandwiches to delectable pastries, every item on the menu is crafted with care. The cozy ambiance and friendly service make it a perfect spot for a leisurely meal.

6. The Towson Circle

For a more laid-back experience, the Towson Circle offers a collection of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options in one convenient location. It’s an ideal place to explore local businesses, grab a bite to eat, or catch a movie at the Cinemark Towson theater. The Circle’s lively yet relaxed atmosphere makes it a popular spot for both day and night outings.

7. Watson-King Planetarium

A true hidden gem, the Watson-King Planetarium located on the Towson University campus is a fascinating spot for stargazers and science enthusiasts. The planetarium hosts regular public shows that explore the wonders of the universe, offering an educational yet awe-inspiring experience. It’s a great way to spend an evening learning about astronomy and marveling at the night sky.

8. Patapsco Valley State Park

While technically just outside Towson, Patapsco Valley State Park is worth the short drive for its expansive outdoor recreational opportunities. With over 200 miles of trails, the park is a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and nature enthusiasts. The picturesque Patapsco River runs through the park, providing scenic views and opportunities for fishing and kayaking.

Conclusion

Towson, Maryland, is a town full of surprises. From historical sites and nature reserves to shopping centers and local eateries, there are plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you are seeking a peaceful retreat or an exciting outing, Towson offers a little something for everyone. Next time you find yourself in Maryland, take the time to explore Towson’s best-kept secrets—you won’t be disappointed.

[istandonsnowpiles]

Grist Mill Walking Bridge

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 5.27 (after 1960)

1960 – In Turkey, a military coup removes President Celâl Bayar and the rest of the democratic government from office. 1962 – The Centralia mine fire is ignited in the town's landfill above a coal mine. 1965 – Vietnam War: American warships begin the first bombardment of National Liberation Front targets within South Vietnam. 1967 – Australians vote in favor of a constitutional referendum granting the Australian government the power to make laws to benefit Indigenous Australians and to count them in the national census. 1967 – The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy is launched by Jacqueline Kennedy and her daughter Caroline. 1971 – The Dahlerau train disaster, the worst railway accident in West Germany, kills 46 people and injures 25 near Wuppertal. 1971 – Pakistani forces massacre over 200 civilians, mostly Bengali Hindus, in the Bagbati massacre. 1975 – Dibbles Bridge coach crash near Grassington, in North Yorkshire, England, kills 33 – the highest ever death toll in a road accident in the United Kingdom. 1977 – A plane crash at José Martí International Airport in Havana, Cuba, kills 67. 1980 – The Gwangju Massacre: Airborne and army troops of South Korea retake the city of Gwangju from civil militias, killing at least 207 and possibly many more. 1984 – The Danube–Black Sea Canal is opened, in a ceremony attended by the Ceaușescus. It had been under construction since the 1950s. 1988 – Somaliland War of Independence: The Somali National Movement launches a major offensive against Somali government forces in Hargeisa and Burao, then the second- and third-largest cities of Somalia. 1996 – First Chechen War: Russian President Boris Yeltsin meets with Chechnyan rebels for the first time and negotiates a cease-fire. 1997 – The 1997 Central Texas tornado outbreak occurs, spawning multiple tornadoes in Central Texas, including the F5 that killed 27 in Jarrell. 1998 – Oklahoma City bombing: Michael Fortier is sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined $200,000 for failing to warn authorities about the terrorist plot. 1999 – Space Shuttle Discovery is launched on STS-96, the first shuttle mission to dock with the International Space Station. 2001 – Members of Abu Sayyaf, an Islamist separatist group, seize twenty hostages from an affluent island resort on Palawan in the Philippines; the hostage crisis would not be resolved until June 2002. 2006 – The 6.4 Mw  Yogyakarta earthquake shakes central Java with an MSK intensity of VIII (Damaging), leaving more than 5,700 dead and 37,000 injured. 2016 – Barack Obama is the first president of United States to visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and meet Hibakusha. 2017 – Andrew Scheer takes over after Rona Ambrose as the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. 2018 – Maryland Flood Event: A flood occurs throughout the Patapsco Valley, causing one death, destroying the entire first floors of buildings on Main Street in Ellicott City, and causing cars to overturn.

[stevishabitat]

Baltimore bridge collapse: The decline of Twitter as measured by disasters - Vox

https://www.vox.com/technology/24113765/twitter-x-misinformation-baltimore-bridge-collapse

The same conspiracy-theory-peddling personalities who spammed X with posts claiming that Tuesday’s Baltimore bridge collapse was a deliberate attack have also called mass shootings “false flag” events and denied basic facts about the Covid-19 pandemic. A Florida Republican running for Congress blamed “DEI” for the bridge collapse as racist comments about immigration and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott circulated among the far right. These comments echo Trump in 2019, who called Baltimore a “disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess,” and, in 2015, blamed President Obama for the unrest in the city.

As conspiracy theorists compete for attention in the wake of a tragedy, others seek engagement through dubious expertise, juicy speculation, or stolen video clips. The boundary between conspiracy theory and engagement bait is permeable; unfounded and provoking posts often outpace the trickle of verified information that follows any sort of major breaking news event. Then, the conspiracy theories become content, and a lot of people marvel and express outrage that they exist. Then they kind of forget about the raging river of Bad Internet until the next national tragedy.

I’ve seen it so many times. I became a breaking news reporter in 2012, which means that in internet years, I have the experience of an almost ancient entity. The collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge into the Patapsco River, though, felt a little different from most of these moments for me, for two reasons.

First, it was happening after a few big shifts in what the internet even is, as Twitter, once a go-to space for following breaking news events, became an Elon Musk-owned factory for verified accounts with bad ideas, while generative AI tools have superpowered grifters wanting to make plausible text and visual fabrications. And second, I live in Baltimore. People I know commute on that bridge, which forms part of the city’s Beltway. Some of the workers who fell, now presumed dead, lived in a neighborhood across the park from me.

The local cost of global misinformation

On Tuesday evening, I called Lisa Snowden, the editor-in-chief of the Baltimore Beat — the city’s Black-owned alt-weekly — and an influential presence in Baltimore’s still pretty active X community. I wanted to talk about how following breaking news online has changed over time.

Snowden was up during the early morning hours when the bridge collapsed. Baltimore’s X presence is small enough that journalists like her generally know who the other journalists are working in the city, especially those reporting on Baltimore itself. Almost as soon as news broke about the bridge, though, she saw accounts she’d never heard of before speaking with authority about what had happened, sharing unsourced video, and speculating about the cause.

Over the next several hours, the misinformation and racism about Baltimore snowballed on X. For Snowden, this felt a bit like an invasion into a community that had so far survived the slow death of what was once Twitter by simply staying out of the spotlight.

“Baltimore Twitter, it’s usually not as bad,” Snowden said. She sticks to the people she follows. “But today I noticed that was pretty much impossible. It got extremely racist. And I was seeing other folks in Baltimore also being like, ‘This might be what sends me finally off this app.’”

Here are some of the tweets that got attention in the hours after the collapse: Paul Szypula, a MAGA influencer with more than 100,000 followers on X, tweeted “Synergy Marine Group [the company that owned the ship in question] promotes DEI in their company. Did anti-white business practices cause this disaster?” alongside a screenshot of a page on the company’s website that discussed the existence of a diversity and inclusion policy. That tweet got more than 600,000 views. Another far-right influencer speculated that there was some connection between the collapse and, I guess, Barack Obama? I don’t know. The tweet got 5 million views as of mid-day Wednesday. Being online during a tragic event is full of consequential nonsense like this, ideas and conspiracy theories that are inane enough to fall into the fog of Poe’s Law and yet harmful to actual people and painful to see in particular when it’s your community being turned into views. Sure, there are best practices you can follow to try to contribute to a better information ecosystem in these moments. Those practices matter. But for Snowden, the main thing she can do as her newsroom gets to work reporting on the impact of this disaster on the community here is to let time march on. “In a couple days, this terrible racist mob, or whatever it is, is going to be onto something else,” Snowden said. “ Baltimore ... people are still going to need things. Everybody’s still going to be working. So I’m just kind of waiting it out,” she said “But it does hurt.”

[poetandwolf]

I did not see it, but I heard it. I work in one of the warehouses by the bridge. I assumed it was one of the trucks or noises with in the warehouse.

Our last break is at 1:30 AM. I missed seeing it by mere minutes. It is haunting. The bridge was always in the background of my life. You could see the bridge from the warehouse, through the doors, windows, and when outside in the courtyard or parking lot. You could see the bridge, always, at work. I usually would ground myself by watching the cars drive over the bridge ... that night I didn't. I was distracted by all these posts on Facebook wondering what the 'explosion' was... seeing post after post. Worrying about a bomb or fire.. what it could be. And if I needed to be concerned..

Until someone finally shared the bridge falling into the Patapsco.

Imagine seeing that video, and looking up, through a large speed door. And seeing that, indeed. The Bridge is Gone. I couldn't believe it. I asked my supervisor to go outside and check - and he doesn't believe me, or the video. And goes outside himself and then.. haunted over the radio. " You're right, The Key Bridge is Gone... there's helicopters looking for survivors." Cue everyone panicking over the radio, people rushing to my desk (I'm kind of like a foremen). It was crazy.

I have driven over- and under*- the Key Bridge through out my entire life. I will admit I was always hated driving over it because of how large/tall it was.. and a fear of falling off of it.

*everyone near the bay either has a boat, or know someone who has a boat. What size or condition of that passenger boat may very.

[realtorjamier]

10 Great Autumn Camping Trip Ideas Around the DC Area!

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, autumn is the perfect time to embark on a camping adventure around the Washington, DC area. With its stunning fall foliage, moderate temperatures, and proximity to beautiful natural settings, the region offers great camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are ten fantastic autumn camping trip ideas within a short drive of the nation’s capital.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park offers an unparalleled camping experience. The park boasts several campgrounds, with Big Meadows being a favorite due to its central location and picturesque views. Hike the Appalachian Trail, enjoy fall foliage, and stargaze at night. It’s a must-visit destination for leaf-peeping enthusiasts.

Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland/Virginia For a unique camping experience, head to Assateague Island. Campers can pitch their tents in the sand dunes and enjoy the sight of wild ponies roaming freely. The island’s pristine beaches, marshlands, and clear night skies make it an ideal spot for autumn stargazing and enjoying the tranquil beauty of the coast.

Catoctin Mountain Park, Maryland Catoctin Mountain Park is a hidden gem located less than 70 miles from DC. Campers can choose from three campgrounds and explore miles of hiking trails that lead to picturesque overlooks, including the renowned Cunningham Falls. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Camp David Museum for a bit of presidential history.

Greenbelt Park, Maryland: If you’re looking for a convenient camping spot close to the city, Greenbelt Park is just 12 miles from downtown DC. The park offers walk-in campsites surrounded by forests and hiking trails. It’s an excellent choice for a quick weekend escape without having to venture too far from the city.

Prince William Forest Park, Virginia A peaceful oasis located only 35 miles south of DC, Prince William Forest Park is a fantastic autumn camping destination. The park features several campgrounds, including Oak Ridge Campground and Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground. Explore the park’s 37 miles of hiking trails, visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps nearby, and enjoy the fall colors.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia Situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, Harpers Ferry offers an excellent blend of history and natural beauty. Camp at nearby campgrounds and explore the historic town, which played a significant role in the Civil War. You can also hike along the Appalachian Trail and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area, Virginia A hidden gem in George Washington National Forest, Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area offers a serene camping experience. The area is known for its scenic hiking trails, including the Buzzard Rock Trail, which leads to a breathtaking overlook. The autumn foliage here is spectacular, making it an ideal camping spot for leaf-peepers.

Seneca Rocks, West Virginia For a more adventurous camping trip, head to Seneca Rocks in West Virginia, approximately 2.5 hours from DC. Camp at Seneca Shadows Campground and explore the area’s rugged beauty. Rock climbers will be in paradise, as Seneca Rocks is a renowned climbing destination. Hiking trails around Seneca Rocks offer excellent views of the surrounding wilderness.

Sky Meadows State Park, Virginia Located less than an hour from DC, Sky Meadows State Park is a peaceful retreat for fall camping. The park offers a variety of campsites and 24 miles of hiking trails that wind through meadows and woodlands. Climb Mount Bleak for stunning panoramic views or simply relax amid the picturesque fall scenery.

Patapsco Valley State Park, Maryland Only 20 miles from DC, Patapsco Valley State Park offers a variety of camping opportunities and numerous hiking trails that follow the meandering Patapsco River. The park is particularly stunning in the fall, with vibrant foliage and the soothing sound of rushing water. Don’t miss the impressive swinging bridge at Orange Grove.

Before embarking on your autumn camping trip, be sure to check for park regulations, make reservations if necessary, and pack appropriately for the season. Remember to bring warm clothing, as fall evenings can get chilly. So, grab your gear, light a campfire, and create unforgettable memories amid the fall splendor of the Washington, DC area.