To wilderness guru John Muir, the forest was a temple, and he advised that we "saunter" through it with reverence. No hiking, thank you. Walks Around Anne Arundel is a collection of newspaper columns inspired by sauntering through parks in and around Anne Arundel County with a good dog and a good friend or two. In it, you'll make twofold discoveries. First, you'll visit nearby forests, Bayside beaches and riverside trails-all in a short drive from Annapolis and many nearly forgotten gems. While reading-and sauntering-along with a dog-loving poet and storyteller, author Jefferson Holland, you'll also learn about the natural history and cultural heritage of each site. How to best preserve shoreline for creatures who pass between water and land? What tiny state park was once a very local airport? What were the hottest spots on the Bay for Black Marylanders-so appealing that Whites integrated them? In what parks was Annapolis water once purified? Where can your dog get in the water, and you get on the water? Holland tells you all that-and much more. Letters to the Editor of the Annapolis Capital I always enjoy reading Jeff Holland's columns about where to hike and stroll. His use of words is so visual: "spouts of daffodils pushing up through the crunchy snow" or referring to saplings as "hors d'oeuvres for the deer." This can put you walking beside him. - Barbara Cantor, Annapolis Please thank Jeff Holland for all of his guidance on local and almost local trails. Four of us, two in our 70s and two in our 80s, are having a ball following his lead. - Karla Goodbridge, Annapolis I always look forward to reading Jeff 's hiking tales. They are a Sunday morning treat! I especially enjoy the way Jeff reveals the hidden gems and secret entrances he discovers. It's like Jeff 's right there with me, sharing a coffee, giving me a personal tour through the twists and turns of the forests. Each adventure reveals bits of history, culture, nature, wildlife...and the charming characters he and Millie befriend along the way. - Thomas Guay, author: Chesapeake Bound: An Annapolis Novel What a jewel we have in Anne Arundel County in the person of Jeff Holland. His enlightening walks with Millie, the pooch, delight readers of the Sunday Capital and provide a positive alternative to what makes news today. We hope Mr. Holland will consider putting his stories into a guidebook that will attract hikers to explore new and rewarding trails. - Max and Suzanne Ochs, Severna Park Executive Citation The Citizens of Anne Arundel County, Maryland, salute Jeff Holland in recognition of your dedicated service to the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation & Parks: "Your selfless efforts as an outstanding volunteer are evident in your tireless work during the Covid-19 Pandemic where you have promoted our parks and trails, public health, and encouraged people to participate in outdoor sports. Your contributions to County, State, and Federal Government stand on their own merit and serve as a record of your unwavering commitment to our community. We extend to you our sincere appreciation and best wishes in all your future endeavors. - Steuart L. Pittman, County Executive January 31, 2021 A modern-day Chesapeake troubadour, Jefferson Holland is a singer, songwriter, poet, and story-teller, performing all-original material inspired by decades of life on the Bay. Jeff has served as the director of the Annapolis Maritime Museum and the Riverkeeper for the West and Rhode Rivers. He co-founded the Chesapeake folk group "Crab Alley" in the 1980s and 90s and founded "Them Eastport Oyster Boys" with partner Kevin Brooks in 1992. In 1994, he was appointed the Poet Laureate of Eastport. In 2024, he was appointed Poet Laureate of Annapolis by Mayor Gavin Buckley. Currently, in between performances, Jeff writes an outdoor adventure column in the Annapolis Capital newspaper. He lives in Annapolis with his partner, Louise White.