New episode, premiering February 27, showcases saviors of stunned migratory birds,
wild food enthusiasts, and a treasure trove of Maryland’s natural history
Maryland Public Television’s (MPT) award-winning original series Outdoors Maryland, now in its 35th anniversary season, will feature wildlife, people, and places statewide during its season finale episode premiering Tuesday, February 27. Produced in cooperation with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Outdoors Maryland continues to captivate viewers with memorable stories and dazzling videography.
Outdoors Maryland airs Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. on MPT-HD and online at mpt.org/livestream. Episodes are also available to view live and on demand using the free PBS App and MPT’s online video player.
The episode debuting February 27 highlights efforts to protect migrating birds from the dangers of development, a gastronomic tour of the autumn woods, and a profile of the state’s long-standing Natural History Society. Segments premiering during the episode are:
- A Perilous Passage (Baltimore City, Baltimore County) – Billions of birds pass through the Mid-Atlantic during the spring and fall migration seasons, and Maryland makes for an ideal rest stop. Tragically, modern urban landscapes – reflective windows and bright lights – often stand in the way of safe flight. Join a crew of wildlife enthusiasts with Lights Out Baltimore, an initiative of the Baltimore Bird Club, as they scour the streets of Baltimore for injured birds, and learn how they’re working with local businesses to make Birdland bird safe. Then, follow the rescued birds’ path to recovery at the Phoenix Wildlife Center in Baldwin.
- Autumn’s Wild Bounty (Prince George’s, Frederick, Montgomery counties) – Even as both leaves and temperatures drop, wild food enthusiasts flock to the woods to harvest nature’s bounty. Follow Fox Haven Farm’s mycologist Jared Urcheck on a fall mushroom foray at Catoctin Quaker Camp in Thurmont to learn how to distinguish tasty from toxic. In Bowie, see how forager and social media influencer Hannah Vega connects to her own heritage through the harvesting of local wild plants and seeks to make space for other Black and Indigenous Marylanders in the foraging community. Join Jonathan Till, executive chef at Gaithersburg’s Simply Fresh Events, as he prepares a mid-hike al fresco meal-for-one with seasonings plucked from the forest floor.
- Nature’s Archivists (Baltimore, Allegany counties, Baltimore City) – From ancient arthropods to rare butterflies to century-old pressed plants, Baltimore’s Natural History Society of Maryland boasts a treasure trove of local wild wonders. Tag along with botanist Charlie Davis and Entomology Curator James Young for a tour of this cabinet of curiosities, and join society members on a fossil hunting expedition in western Maryland. Plus, visit a classroom in Baltimore County’s Dumbarton Middle School where a new generation of would-be naturalists is getting hands-on with the state’s prehistory.
Since debuting in 1988, MPT has produced more than 700 Outdoors Maryland stories on topics ranging from science-oriented environmental issues to segments about unusual people, animals, and places around the state. The series has earned more than 50 awards over nearly 35 years of production, including several Emmy® Awards from the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Past episodes can be viewed at https://video.mpt.tv/show/outdoors-maryland/, while episode segments are available on the series’ YouTube channel at http://bit.ly/OutdoorsMarylandYouTube. Engage with the show on social media @OutdoorsMarylandTV on Facebook and @outdoorsmarylandtv on Instagram.
About Maryland Public Television
Maryland Public Television (MPT) is a statewide, public-supported TV network and Public Broadcasting Service member offering entertaining, educational, and inspiring content delivered by traditional broadcasting and streaming on TVs, computers, and mobile devices. A state agency, it operates under the auspices of the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission. MPT creates local, regional, and national content and is a frequent winner of regional Emmy® awards. MPT’s commitment to educators, parents, caregivers, and learners of all ages is delivered through instructional events and Thinkport.org. MPT’s year-round community engagement activities connect viewers with resources on a wide range of topics. For more information visit mpt.org
