The Cicadas Are Coming… Get Ready!
If you were in this area in the early 2000s (or mid 80s) you might remember one spring where there were cicadas everywhere. These periodical cicadas, who are part of a group known as Brood X, only come out once every 17 years. You might have guessed it… they’re due for a visit this year.
These particular cicadas have a 17 year life cycle and spend most of it living as nymphs underground. Experts believe that they’ve evolved to emerge all at once because their overwhelming group presence prevents them from being eaten by predators. They would be considered easy targets otherwise due to their loud noises and larger size.
We can expect these cicadas to emerge in mid-May and stick around until the end of June– they tend to come out once the ground warms up to around 65 degrees Fahrenheit and the air is around 80 degrees.
Maryland also has cicadas that come around annually, often called “dog day cicadas.” These annual cicadas look very different from the 17 year cicadas that we’re expecting this year. The 17 year cicadas are orange and black, whereas the annual cicadas are dark green.
Our area isn’t the only one getting a visit– these cicadas are known to live in 15 states in the Eastern US spanning from Georgia to Michigan and out West a little to Ohio, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
Fun fact: cicadas are not poisonous to humans– they are actually edible and are considered a good source of protein by some. Experts say that they are not poisonous to dogs either, although eating too many of them might upset their stomach.
For the most part, cicadas do not cause much damage to plants. They do not eat leaves– instead they drink sap from branches and roots, which does not harm most plants. If you wish to protect your younger trees and plants, it is recommended that you put foil around the trunk of the tree (to keep them from crawling up), using insect barrier tape, or using insect barrier netting over your tree.
Brood X information courtesy of https://www.cicadamania.com/ and University of Maryland’s Home and Garden Information Center.
Featured photo courtesy of Kelly Holland @keeneyedkelly
By: Michelle Katz @pike.and.rozay
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FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
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Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
