Guided Hike

Guided Hike

Herrington Manor State Park 222 Herrington Ln, Oakland, MD, United States

Nature is full of diversity and unpredictable elements—and so are these guided hikes. The hike can have a specific informative subject if desired, but participants never know what might be encountered. Meet at the Herrington Manor Ranger Station/Boat Launch (see meeting location in schedule) on July 19 and 26 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Nature Trivia Night

New Germany State Park 349 Headquarters Ln, Grantsville, MD, United States

Put your wildlife knowledge to the test by joining Ranger Noah for an evening of wildlife trivia on July 19 at 7:00 PM. Prizes will be awarded to the top three individuals or teams, and complimentary s'mores will be provided. In case of rain, the program will be held in the Lake House.

Campfire Program

Campfire Program

Herrington Manor State Park 222 Herrington Ln, Oakland, MD, United States

Participants can gather 'round the campfire with a naturalist for s’mores, stories, and games. Meet at the Herrington Manor community fire ring on July 19 and 26 from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

Weed Warriors

Weed Warriors

Herrington Manor State Park 222 Herrington Ln, Oakland, MD, United States

Participants can get their hands dirty for this volunteer program. They’ll be identifying and removing invasive weeds to support biodiversity and the native environment. Gloves are recommended if available. Weather dependent. Meet at the Herrington Manor Ranger Station on July 20 and 27 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Skulls, Skins, Shells

Skulls, Skins, Shells

Herrington Manor State Park 222 Herrington Ln, Oakland, MD, United States

Visitors can see and feel some familiar animal faces up close and personal in the form of preserved native animals of Maryland. Meet at the Herrington Manor Lake House on July 20 and 27 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Skulls, Skins, Shells

Skulls, Skins, Shells

Herrington Manor State Park 222 Herrington Ln, Oakland, MD, United States

Visitors can see and feel some familiar animal faces up close and personal in the form of preserved native animals of Maryland. Meet at the Herrington Manor Lake House on July 20, 24, 27 and 31 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Aviary Tour

Aviary Tour

Discovery Center l Deep Creek Lake State Park 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD, United States

Meet our birds of prey for lunch at the Aviary on July 6 and 20 at 1:00 PM. Our naturalists will discuss the enthralling natural history of these powerful animals as well as share some peeks at how they are trained.

Animal Embroidery: Birds

Sang Run State Park 3735 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD, United States

Participants will learn a few basic embroidery stitches and make a mini bird work of art on July 20 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

Decomposers

Decomposers

Herrington Manor State Park 222 Herrington Ln, Oakland, MD, United States

They are slimy, crawly, and musty, but also your friend! Participants can uncover the valuable place in nature occupied by these sometimes not-so-flattering organisms. The event will consist of an informative demonstration, viewing small animals, and an activity. Meet at the Herrington Manor Ranger Station on July 20 and 27 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Guided Hike

Guided Hike

Herrington Manor State Park 222 Herrington Ln, Oakland, MD, United States

Nature is full of diversity and unpredictable elements, and so are the guided hikes. The hike can have a specific informative subject if desired, but you never know what might be encountered! Participants will meet at the Herrington Manor Ranger Station/Boat Launch on July 14, 21 and 28 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Nature Storytime & Walk

Nature Storytime & Walk

Sang Run State Park 3735 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD, United States

Come learn about nature through stories on July 7 and 21 at 10:00 AM at Sang Run State Park. Afterwards, enjoy a short guided walk on one of the trails.

Under a Rock

Under a Rock

Herrington Manor State Park 222 Herrington Ln, Oakland, MD, United States

Participants can discover the tiny friends living right under their feet on this informative guided hike, taking place July 17, 21, 24, 28, and 31 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. They’ll find and learn about creatures like millipedes, spiders, and salamanders. Fun for all ages. Meet at the Swallow Falls Canyon Trailhead.

Botanical Gel Printing

Sang Run State Park 3735 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD, United States

Participants can try their hand at this fun printing process and see what they can create on July 22 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

Butterfly Hike and Craft

Butterfly Hike and Craft

Sang Run State Park 3735 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD, United States

Tag along with a ranger to identify butterflies in the area and make a fun butterfly craft in the Friends Store on July 6 and 23 at 10:00 AM!

Learn to Fish!

Learn to Fish!

Discovery Center l Deep Creek Lake State Park 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD, United States

Join the naturalists at the Discovery Center at 10:00 AM to learn how to partake in one of the best pastimes Deep Creek has to offer: fishing! Kids between the ages of 7–15 will learn skills to help them on their own fishing adventures. Registration is required. Registration can be completed at the Discovery Center desk with a $5 payment. Guardians must remain present during fishing.

$5.00
Macroinvertebrates

Macroinvertebrates

Herrington Manor State Park 222 Herrington Ln, Oakland, MD, United States

Herrington Lake is home to many small species that play a role in the freshwater ecosystem. Participants can help find some of the aquatic macroinvertebrates within the lake and learn how to identify them. Meet at the Herrington Manor Lake House on July 23 and 30 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling

Herrington Manor State Park 222 Herrington Ln, Oakland, MD, United States

Participants can gaze deep into the abyss of a couple of feet of water and learn the basics of how to snorkel. Equipment is provided. Located at the Lake House on July 23 and 30 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

Hungry Critters

Hungry Critters

Discovery Center l Deep Creek Lake State Park 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD, United States

The animals are hungry! Join the Discovery Center for a lunch date with some of the critters as they’re fed delicious meals of mice, worms, and fish flakes on July 9 and 23 at 1:00 PM!

Wellness Wed. Yoga

Wellness Wed. Yoga

Herrington Manor State Park 222 Herrington Ln, Oakland, MD, United States

Certified yoga teacher Tina Cimino Dick will lead an hour of wellness yoga at Herrington Lake Beach. Participants will also learn reflexology techniques on the feet as a bonus. Beginner-friendly. Please bring a yoga mat or towel; limited mats will be available for use. Text 301-616-8795 to register. Meet at the Herrington Lake Boat Launch on July 23 and 30 from 5:15 PM to 6:15 PM.

Bird Walk

Bird Walk

Herrington Manor State Park 222 Herrington Ln, Oakland, MD, United States

The woods are alive with the sound of birds! Participants can take part in a guided hike to hear and see the birds of the park. Binoculars are encouraged. Birds scare easily, so excessive noise is not favorable. This event may not be recommended for young children. Meet at the Herrington Manor Ranger Station on July 24 and 31 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

History Scavenger Hunt

Sang Run State Park 3735 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD, United States

Sang Run is known for being a historical spot, and this scavenger hunt will send participants all around the property to find those historical landmarks and treasures on July 24 at 10:00 AM

Nature Appreciation Hike

Nature Appreciation Hike

Discovery Center l Deep Creek Lake State Park 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD, United States

Join a Master Naturalist at Park Headquarters to hike Snakeroot Trail on July 10 and 24 at 11:00 AM. Learn about various native and non-native plants that live in and around Deep Creek Lake. Come prepared for the weather and ready to hike! (3 miles)

Skulls, Skins, Shells

Skulls, Skins, Shells

Herrington Manor State Park 222 Herrington Ln, Oakland, MD, United States

Visitors can see and feel some familiar animal faces up close and personal in the form of preserved native animals of Maryland. Meet at the Herrington Manor Lake House on July 20, 24, 27 and 31 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

New Germany State Park’s Junior Ranger Park Pals – Week 2

New Germany State Park 349 Headquarters Ln, Grantsville, MD, United States

New Germany State Park will host Junior Ranger Park Pals, a free program for children ages 5-7, every Thursday from July 17 through August 14. Each week will feature a nature-themed program, such as identifying mammals, searching for amphibians and reptiles, fishing, mushroom gardening, and arts and crafts. All children must be supervised by a parent or guardian. The programs are free (supported by the Friends of New Germany State Park), but donations are welcome. Registration is required and space is limited. To register, please email noah.manges@maryland.gov.

Deep Creek Lake’s Junior Rangers

Deep Creek Lake’s Junior Rangers

Discovery Center l Deep Creek Lake State Park 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD, United States

Summer will be here before we know it! Join the Discovery Center and Deep Creek Lake State Park Volunteers for Junior Rangers. Tag along with the naturalists to learn all about the wild world right outside your door. Thursdays, June 26 – August 7, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM$25 per child (ages 7–12) For more information, email Naturalist Chance at chance.friend@maryland.gov.

Under a Rock

Under a Rock

Herrington Manor State Park 222 Herrington Ln, Oakland, MD, United States

Participants can discover the tiny friends living right under their feet on this informative guided hike, taking place July 17, 21, 24, 28, and 31 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. They’ll find and learn about creatures like millipedes, spiders, and salamanders. Fun for all ages. Meet at the Swallow Falls Canyon Trailhead.

Creek Craft

Creek Craft

Discovery Center l Deep Creek Lake State Park 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD, United States

Tag along with the naturalists in the Discovery Room for various crafts, ranging from owl origami to nature-themed coloring sheets on July 25 at 11:00 AM.

Candle Making

Sang Run State Park 3735 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD, United States

Come by the art room in the Friends Store to make a homemade candle for yourself or as a gift on July 25 at 1:00 PM.

Pollinator Walk

Pollinator Walk

Herrington Manor State Park 222 Herrington Ln, Oakland, MD, United States

Participants can frolic in the flowers while spotting butterflies, bees, and more, all while learning about the important role pollinators play in our world. Butterfly nets are welcome and will also be available to borrow. The program takes place at the Herrington Manor Ranger Station on July 18 and 25 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.