Articles by Steve Carr

Last Farm on the Magothy

Survival of Spriggs Farm is touch and go

There aren’t many farms left once you head north from Annapolis. The Spriggs Farm on the Magothy River is part of a dying breed. With its sweeping views of Dobbins Island and bird-draped, saltwater tidal pond, it’s a one-of-a-kind place. According to legend, Ulmstead Point, its promontory, was the site of feasts between the Indian tribes of western Maryland and Gibson’s Island. Touring the farm with Jack Neil, trustee of Spriggs Farm Preservation Foundation, a group of...

Article - Where We Live by Steve Carr; by Steve Carr; 11/4/10

How the Wounded Warriors Ride

With pride and on some marvels of compassionate ingenuity

On its fourth and last day, the Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride from the White House to the Lighthouse passes through Annapolis. The goal of the ride is to rehabilitate soldiers severely wounded in mind and body. This is my third year guiding the 35 wounded vets around the narrow streets of Annapolis. Half of our riders have lost at least one limb, and many have lost both legs. For most of the riders, this is a first foray back into normal life. Their first test is a hard...

Article - Where We Live by Steve Carr; by Steve Carr; 5/6/10

Putting Wind In Your Sails, Power In Your Engine

The U.S. Boat Shows are a wondrous spectacle like nothing else in the world

Folks around Annapolis have for years debated the differences between sail boaters and power boaters. Every October, the annual United States Sailboat and Powerboat Shows intensify the debate by bringing thousands of both to town back to back. Sail boaters take over Annapolis October 7 to 11. The sailboat show draws the Topsiders crew with their bright foul weather gear and sporty sunglasses on a string. Sailing is more cerebral and tactical. It’s serious business, and everyone has...

Article - Where We Live by Steve Carr; by Steve Carr; 10/7/10

Big Oil: Big Mess

Who and what will save us from such a calamity?

The oily horror movie playing in the Gulf of Mexico is a wake-up call. No, we’re not looking at a deep-ocean well exploding on our doorstep. Absent a hurricane, we’re going to dodge this deadly bullet. But oil tankers deliver oil up and down the Bay every day — while we are woefully unprepared to handle even the smallest spill. At this stage, it would be crazy to believe anything you read about our ability to protect the environment from an oil spill. President Barack...

Article - Where We Live by Steve Carr; by Steve Carr; 6/3/10

The Alien that Ate America

Kudzu threatens more than biodiversity

I took a nice boat ride up the Severn River last week, exploring the smaller creeks on the north side of the river and swimming in some of the deeper holes. This is the best time to explore the upper Chesapeake, before the dreaded sea nettles take over. Kudzu has already invaded large tracts along the river. In some places, like over by Rugby Hall, the shoreline resembles a giant Chia pet. Native trees and bushes have been smothered by the lush green leaves of doom that grow about a foot...

Article - Where We Live by Steve Carr; by Steve Carr; 7/8/10

Call It What You Will, We’re All Sweating

The big picture is warming up

Where are all the talk show hosts, conservative pundits, and global warming naysayers who were crowing incessantly this past winter when it was snowing like no tomorrow? Back in February, as we shoveled out from underneath one snowstorm after another, we heard all about how climate change was a left-wing lie. Ron Smith, the WBAL talk show host, poked fun at the ongoing weather crisis every day for months — ignoring the fact that when all was said and done, the winter of 2010 was...

Article - Where We Live by Steve Carr; by Steve Carr; 8/5/10

Call It What You Will, We’re All Sweating

The big picture is warming up

Article - Where We Live by Steve Carr; by Steve Carr; 8/5/10