Nature Conservancy

THERE is a new grass-roots movement building in the United States. The property rights of thousands of citizens are under attack by federal agencies and radical environmentalists. These citizens have begun to organize and are fighting back. What follows is my own horror story of why I became involved in the property-rights movement.All my life I have wanted to be a farmer. I studied at Rutgers Agricultural College and Yale Forestry School, and went to work first for the Nature Conservancy, an environmental group, and then as a lobbyist for the National Audubon Society.

As part of Baltimore Green Week, the Nature Conservancy and the Oyster Recover Partnership are hosting an Earth Day "mix and mingle" event tonight at McCormick & Schmick's Staff from both organizations will introduce the new One for the Bay campaign, a new awareness and fundraising campaign that will support the organizations' ongoing efforts to help restore the Chesapeake Bay's oyster population. The One for the Bay reception is 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. tonight at McCormick & Schmick's , 711 Eastern Ave. For information about the reception go to the Nature Conservancy website . And find more Baltimore Green Week events here . And B&O Brasserie is hosting an Earth Day oyster happy hour tonight from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oysters will be available for $1 for guests, and all collected oyster shells will be donated to the Oyster Recovery Program.

Keith Huot first sighted the neat little house in the forest while cycling along Providence Road in Baltimore County. He learned from others that the house was for sale and that potential buyers were talking about knocking it down. "I felt like I could save something unique," says Huot. So he and his wife, Amy, decided to buy the circa-1950 house, which had about 1,000 square feet with just one bedroom -- in a loft -- and one bath. A nice, cozy dwelling for a couple. But when daughter Maddie came along, the Huots needed to expand the space.

A federal judge cleared the way yesterday for Maryland wildlife officials to start killing mute swans, ending a two-year challenge from animal-rights groups to save the beautiful but destructive birds. U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan denied a petition from the Humane Society of the United States and the Fund for Animals to extend federal protections to the birds, which now number more than 3,600 in Maryland and are multiplying quickly. The non-native swans consume large amounts of Chesapeake Bay grasses, which provide food for migratory birds and crucial habitat for crabs and other bay life.

Seeking to bridge a recent history of suspicion, environmentalists and smart-growth activists are reaching out to hunters and anglers in Western Maryland, trying to enlist them in public debates about the development of the mountainous, mostly rural region. It's an unusual overture. Hunters, in particular, fear that "tree huggers," as they sometimes call environmental activists, want to ban firearms or hunting for sport. But with a 4,300-home development proposed near a state forest in Allegany County and a new highway project skirting another state-owned hunting area, activists see the region's many anglers and hunters as potential allies if alerted to how development could hamper their favorite outdoor activities.

1. Spend time in Historic Manteo . Lots of dining, shopping and lodging available in Festival Park, a historically restored downtown area. (manteo.govoffice.com) 2. Go for a bike ride. Try the Roanoke Island Bike Path, an 8.8-mile walking, jogging and rollerblading path that runs the entire length of U.S. 64/264. 3. Picnic at the m arina. The public docks at the Manteo waterfront have benches and gazebos. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the boaters as they launch.

An article in yesterday's Maryland section misspelled the name of Nature Conservancy President John Sawhill. The Sun regrets the error. Pub Date: 9/10/98

On November 4, 2004, MURIEL CHASE BERRY; devoted wife of the late Lloyd A. Berry, Sr.; loving mother of Jhane Barnes and the late Chase Barnes; grandmother of Laura and Ashley Barnes. A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2004, 11 A.M. at the Springfield Cemetery, Sykesville. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to The Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203-1606. Arrangements are by the Haight Funeral Home & Chapel, Sykesville, MD.

On Friday, July 24, 2009, F. LESTER SIMON, JR., age 91 of Towson and Longboat Key, FL.; beloved husband of Mary Elizabeth "Libby" (nee Eatmon) Simon; devoted father of the late Randolph Simon. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at the family owned Peaceful Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Center, P.A., 2325 York Road, Timonium, MD, 21093 on Thursday, July 30 from 11 A.M until 12 P.M. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Lester's name may be made to The Nature Conservancy, 4245 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 100,