Outdoors

Rich Bafford writes: I came across your column and thought that you might be able to help. I will be relocating soon to Baltimore from Boston and I am interested in knowing more about the fishing options in Maryland. Do you know where I can get comprehensive information on fishing in Maryland? Outdoors Girl replies: Welcome to the Land of Pleasant Living, hon. You're arriving just in time for some great fishing. The Maryland Fisherman's Annual ($9.95), in its second year of publication, provides a nice overview of what the state has to offer.

Outdoor track Class 2A South Region (May 17-19 at Reservoir) Boys team scores: 1. Frederick Douglass-PG, 151 points; 3. Long Reach, 69; 6. Marriotts Ridge, 47; 7. Glenelg, 38; 8. Oakland Mills, 24. Individual results: 100: 2. Blake Richardson, G, 11:41; 3. Purcell Freeman, LR, 11:46; 6. Ryan Banta, MR, 11.72 200: 2. Tosin Oweyole, LR, 22.66; 4. Blake Richardson, G, 22.87;...

BEST BET Monday Public comment session on Fisheries Service proposal to regulate preseason striped bass catch and release activity, 6 p.m., Fellowship Hall at Calvary United Methodist Church, 301 Rowe Blvd., Annapolis. Details: 410-260-8289 or mlgary@dnr.state.md.us. BIRDING Today and next Sunday Look for migrating birds at Centennial Lake with the Howard County Bird Club, 8 a.m. Meet at west parking lot on Centennial Lane. Easy walking on paved path. Woodlands, fields and water host a wide variety of species.

The Fisher family envisioned a retreat in the backyard of their Baltimore County home — an easy, elegant outdoor living space that would reflect their passion for nature. "I grew up in the country," says Alex Fisher, an investment executive. "There were rock gardens, ponds, streams and a waterfall where we would sometimes camp out. " "We've always enjoyed being outdoors," adds Laurie Fisher, a fashion consultant. "Our son, Davis, will leave for college soon, and we're really embracing this time we have with him. We're happiest relaxing with family and friends.

There's something dreamy and perfect about an outdoor living space, especially in the balmy days of summer. Whether your space is large or small — whether you plan to kick back on a single chaise longue, or have couches, an outdoor bar and a firepit — experts say you can create an oasis that suits your fancy and spirit. "Decide first what the space will be used for," says Carol Grillo, an artist and certified interior designer who heads Carol Grillo Designs in Ruxton. "Will it be an area for eating, lounging poolside or seating for entertaining?"

Catching flounder Monday , 7:30p.m. Local angler and author Lenny Rudow will present a free seminar about light-tackle jigging for flounder. Doors will open at 7p.m. at American Legion Post 175 at 832 Manhattan Beach Road in Severna Park. He'll have his books for sale, including "Voices of the Chesapeake Bay. " Black drum fishing Monday , 7:30 p.m. Freelance writer Tim Campbell will give a PowerPoint presentation about Chesapeake Bay black drum fishing at the monthly meeting of the Perry Hall Chapter of the Maryland Saltwater Sportsfishermen's Association at Surf City Bar and Grill, 9654 Belair Road, Perry Hall.

The Delmarva Peninsula's natural areas are more than just pretty sights to look at - they're a major source of income and employment for Eastern Shore communities, according to a new report. The report, released today by the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership , says that boaters, hunters, anglers, bird-watchers and other outdoor lovers spend up to $3.9 billion annually enjoying the Delmarva's natural areas and support more than 27,900 jobs. Hunting, fishing and wildlife watching draw an estimated 1.6 million participants, according to the report by Southwick Associates of Fernandina Beach, FL.  With 127,000 boats registered in the region, recreational boating accounts for more than $1.3 billion in annual sales and supports 11,000-plus jobs paying wages of more than $400 million.

The Boss is coming back to D.C. Just two weeks after playing Washington's Verizon Center , Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band have announced a second date in the nation's capital. This time, they'll be playing an outdoor concert at Nationals Park on Sept. 14. Tickets for the concert go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, April 27. Prices are $103 for the field, $53-$103 for tickets in other parts of the stadium. Tickets will be available through tickets.com. The Nationals Park show is one of 10 new dates on the "Wrecking Ball" tour announced today.

The day's first light tinted the dark sky and chased away the full moon Sunday as worshipers picked their way across the hillside at Beachmont Christian Camp in Kingsville. Frost-covered grass crunched underfoot as families and couples bundled in ski jackets and blankets arrived, some clutching cups of coffee. Most held a copy of the Easter sunrise service program. "Over the years, it's snowed, it's rained and it's been a little colder than this, but they keep coming," said Paul Twining, the director of Beachmont Christian Ministries.