Daniels Dam is the last obstacle blocking the American eel’s migration up the Patapsco River. But the three-inch-long eels don’t stay stuck there for long. They find help with an eel ladder constructed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Made from metal boxes covered in mesh, the ladder runs from the base of the dam to the top. The eels climb to the top of the dam and into a collection tank. We’ll watch how they are collected, and learn about eels as they are measured and then sent on their way up the river. The data collected is used by DNR biologists to determine the health of the river and the eel population.
With the removal of three out of the four dams along the Patapsco, eels have hit a record number with more than 30,000 American eels counted by October 2023. This is a dramatic increase from the 361 eels counted in 2020 and 3,419 counted in 2021. The last dam to be removed, Bloede Dam in 2019, restored 180 miles of habitat, crucial for these eels which migrate after spawning in the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic Ocean.
After our eel count, we’ll take a hike with Ranger Max Buffington to learn the history of the Daniels area which began in the early 1800s with the building of the dam. The dam provided hydropower for textile mills, creating a thriving town well into the late 1960’s. It is the location of the Daniels Mill, a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hike will be about 2 miles in length and will include a small scramble up a bank and possibly a creek crossing with a water height of about two to four inches. The trail pace will be slow with many stops for stories and water.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (low-intensity hiking)
Remember to
- Dress according to the weather. Include a hat for sun protection and whatever else you may need to keep you comfortable in the heat.
- Wear waterproof, closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
- Bring water, snacks, sunblock, bug spray, and your camera with accessories.
- Bring binoculars if you’d like to bird along the way.
- No pets, please.
Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is complete.
NEW – Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will not receive a refund. Cancelations for trips costing $10 or less are not refundable. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.