MARYLAND — It's almost Independence Day! That means Marylanders are looking forward to fireworks. Residents can watch one of these fireworks displays. This summer, Marylanders can also learn how to paddleboard.

Patch recently partnered with several local organizations to bring you their latest news. This guest contribution comes from National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy. Here's what Jody Hedeman Couser submitted to help you explore the Chesapeake Bay:

It's the biggest holiday in the Nation's Capital! The National Mall provides prime viewing for the annual fireworks display, which promises to be one of the most spectacular in recent memory. First comes the National Independence Day Parade: ... marching bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military units, giant balloons, equestrians, drill teams and more [from] 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. along Constitution Avenue NW from 7th Street NW to 17th Street NW. The fireworks display will be held on July 4, starting at 9:09 p.m., and will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Everything you need to know."

Celebrate Independence Day at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum campus, with a Big Band concert at 7 p.m. followed by fireworks after dusk. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets for an evening of music, dancing, and fireworks along the Miles River. Food, ice cream and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase during the event. The 18-piece Big Band consists of a well-balanced complement of brass, woodwind, and rhythm instruments, as well as two of the finest Big Band vocalists anywhere. July 2 (rain date July 3), 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels, MD. Tickets and more information."

If you have ever looked at people having fun on a stand up paddle board and thought about giving it a try, this course is for you. The course is a joint partnership of the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum (where the instruction takes place) and Harford Community College. The course will cover the basics; how to get on your board, fall off and get back on again, as well as simple SUP strokes and other tips for your first outing. All gear and basic paddle and safety [instructions] will be provided before launch. $35. July 9, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Aug. 10, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, Havre de Grace, MD. More information and registration."

The 3.6 mile Anita C. Leight Estuary Center Paddle Trail, located in Abingdon, Maryland, is a great beginner's paddle, with sights and sounds to delight the pros as well. On this summer SUP trip through Otter Point Creek Natural Area, one of the largest freshwater tidal marshes in the upper Chesapeake Bay, Saki observed tiger and black swallowtail butterflies sipping nectar from the pickerelweed flowers, a muskrat swimming, several bald eagles, egrets, and great blue herons. If time permits, hiking the Estuary Center's trails and stopping by the Visitor Center is highly recommended. Read more about where to launch, what to see, and get some tips on paddling through submerged aquatic vegetation (SUV): Paddling in Otter Point Creek Natural Area."

Enjoy an evening paddle on the serene waters of the Elk River. Experience the magic of sunset on the water. $20 per canoe; $15 per single kayak, or bring your own canoe or kayak for just $5 per person. July 30, Elk Neck State Park, North East, MD. More info and registration."

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