ARBUTUS TIMES - July 23, 1980

Patapsco Valley State Park Ranger Rick Holt will lead a five-mile hike through parts of Baltimore and Howard counties starting at 10am on July 26 from the Avalon area parking lot.

Ranger Holt is a native of Baltimore County and now lives on First Avenue in Arbutus. He grew up in Dundalk and attended Our Lady of Hope Elementary School and graduated from Archbishop Curley High School. He has always had an interest in nature and likes the adventure that is found in the out-of-doors. In 1974 he hiked 500 miles of the Appalachian Trail in 45 days by himself. Ranger Holt says he has hiked most of the wilderness areas in the eastern United States. On his jaunts he usually carries a camera, as photography is one of his hobbies.

To help him to identify and to gain a better understanding of the birds he saw on his hikes, a few years ago he joined the Maryland Ornithological Society.

Frequent trips to teh Arbutus library are made by the Ranger to combine book knowledge with outdoor experience.

Before coming to the local park Ranger Holt served two years as a Maryland Forest Ranger at the Elk Neck State Forest in Cecil County.

"Put on your most comfortable hiking shoes, be prepared to maybe get your feet wet and expect to climb a few hills. Be sure to put some sandwiches in a knapsack or bring a bagged lunch," he urged.

There is a $3 per car facility use fee to enter the park on weekends and holidays.

For more information call park headquarters, 747-6602, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.


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