The discovery table is as diverse as nature itself. The lessons and subjects change week by week, so be sure to come back for something new! Come to this event anytime during the time frame. Meet at the Swallow Falls Canyon Trailhead.
Visit Herrington Manor's nature center to watch the weekly feeding of our resident rat snake, eastern painted turtle, and juvenile common snapping turtle. Meet at the Herrington Manor Ranger Station.
Join Rangers Noah and Hannah for an afternoon of pumpkin carving, just in time for Halloween! All supplies and pumpkins will be provided, as well as complimentary s'mores for afterwards, courtesy of the Friends of New Germany. To ensure we have enough supplies, registration is required. You can register by emailing hannah.muir@maryland.gov by October 24. All participants 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Goat yoga is so last year. Enjoy a relaxing visit and get to know the resident turtles of the Herington Manor Nature Center. Story time, animal calls, fun facts, and more, but with the company of TURTLES!
Embrace the beauty of the forest under a full moon on this 1-mile hike with Ranger Hannah. This "Hunter's Moon" will be the second full moon of autumn. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp. Photo credit: Luke Mongrain.
Join Ranger Noah on this challenging 4-mile hike and experience the revitalizing effects of outdoor exercise. This is a great way to rack up miles for the Miles for Maryland Trail Challenge!
Join a ranger on a short walk where we will investigate logs and flip stations to see what slimy friends are hanging out. Learn to identify the diverse and unique animals that call this area home, and practice proper handling techniques. Meet at the Herrington Manor Ranger Station. Afterwards, be sure to join us for a salamander craft program!
Design your own salamander based on the many unique kinds found in the region or what you discovered during the previous Salamander 101 walk. This program has a $5 fee to participate (for supplies), payable at the front desk of the Herrington Manor Ranger Station.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering a Trapper Education Course on Saturday, November 1, from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM at New Germany State Park Lake House. Anyone who wishes to trap furbearers under the authority of a Furbearer Permit must first obtain a certificate of trapper education. In order to pass this course and obtain a Maryland trapper certification card, participants must: 1. Participate in trap handling/field exercises; and 2. Pass a written test (50 questions) with a score of at least 70%. Participants under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The course is free, but registration is required. For more information, please call the DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service at 301-777-2136.
On Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, the Discovery Center will host its annual open house. Attendees can enjoy cookies, crafts, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
