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When heading outside for a while, it is always important to be prepared and take along items that can help make your experience enjoyable and safe!
Weather
Check the weather for the possibility of strong winds, thunderstorms or air quality warnings.
Sun
Apply sunscreen and wear a hat to protect your skin from sunburn. Don't forget sunglasses! Your eyes are sensitive. Be sure to take breaks and keep cool when it is hot!
Shoes
Wear sturdy shoes when walking outdoors. If you know you will be hiking a trail or walking in the woods, it is important to protect your feet!
Water
Continuously drink water! It's easy to miss the signs of dehydration. Use a reusable bottle please!
Phone
Useful for information and doing your challenges, taking pictures, and of course safety! Download apps before heading out. The Seek app by iNaturalist is especially useful in identifying plants, insects and more!
Bug Spray
Apply bug spray to protect yourself from ticks and mosquito bites!
Snack
Bring along a snack or better yet pack a picnic lunch to keep your energy up!
Bag
Consider bringing along a bag to carry out your trash and to pick up litter while you are out! It makes a difference.
Mask
Refer to your local health authority for current best practices. Hand washing after hiking is always recommended - it can remove the rash causing oils of poison ivy
Binoculars
Not necessary but fun to check out birds and other critters from a distance.
Magnifying Glass
Also not necessary but fun to have to examine things close up, flowers, bugs, slugs and more - oh my!
Avoid
Prevent poison ivy, oak and sumac reactions by dressing in comfortable, light long sleeves and/or pants to protect skin from exposure. Learn to identify these plants to avoid and wash skin thoroughly
What critters should you be wary of in the outdoors?
Maryland's wildlife is fairly safe compared to other states. If you see these, do not handle. Step away and let them travel on. They are important in nature! Be sure to remove ticks as soon as possible.
Ticks
It is very important to protect yourself from ticks. Wear bug spray and long sleeves/pants if you will be walking in tall grasses, brush or leaves. Ticks can carry Lyme disease and are very small. Check for ticks when you return from your outing. For more information on Lyme Disease - visit here.
Spiders
The only spider you need to look out for is the Black Widow Spider. It is very shiny black with a red hourglass on its abdomen.
Snakes
The only venomous snake in Anne Arundel County is the Eastern Copperhead Snake. It has hourglass shapes along its back and a triangle head.
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