Art In The Park Series Features Works Of DNR’s Richard H. Wiegand
Botanist’s Exhibit, “Reflections and other Inspirations” Shown at Soldiers Delight

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Owings Mills, MD — Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area’s latest “Art in the Park” series kicks off with a reception featuring photographs of Richard H. Wiegand, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources western state botanist on Sunday, Aug. 17 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

“Having appeared in countless publications and websites, Richard’s work uniquely captures nature’s candid beauty and presents it in a way that is both inspired and unexpected,” said Laura Van Scoyoc, President of Soldiers Delight Conservation, Inc. “We are excited to make his work so accessible to the community.”

Wiegand’s interest in photography dates back to the late 1950’s when he would spend his summers in Frederick County, Md. armed with a camera and a cotton bag to capture photos of snakes. After studying photography at Miami Photography College and traveling the world in a quest for natural beauty, he has returned to familiar territory in Frederick County where he continues to create photographic art.

The free event at Soldiers Delight Natural Environmental Area’s Visitor Center (5100 Deer Park Road in Owings Mills) includes complimentary drinks and refreshments. For more information, contact Soldiers Delight Conservation, Inc. at 410-922-9690 or soldiersdelight@gmail.com.

Soldiers Delight Natural Environmental Area’s 1900 acres of serpentine barren are home to at least 39 rare, threatened, and endangered species. Visitors may enjoy seven miles of marked trails for hiking, photography, and bird watching. For more information visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/central/soldiers.html.

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August 15, 2008

Contact: Olivia Campbell 410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell ocampbell@dnr.state.md.us

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov