For those who love creepy crawlies and campfires, the Deep Creek Lake State Park Discovery Center has the perfect evening planned. Gather at the amphitheater this Saturday, July 4th, at 7:30 PM for the Scales & Tales Campfire, where you will meet reptile ambassadors and enjoy free s'mores.
For those interested in what is on the menu for birds of prey, the Deep Creek Lake State Park Discovery Center is hosting an Aviary Tour this Sunday, July 5th, at 11:00 AM. Meet at the aviary to get a behind-the-scenes peek at how the staff trains and feeds these avian ambassadors.
Join Ranger Hanna on July 7 at 10:00 AM at the New Germany Lake House for a challenging 4-mile hike to experience the revitalizing effects of outdoor exercise. This is a great way to rack up miles for the Miles for Maryland Trail Challenge!
Get your young explorers ready for the Junior Rangers program at Deep Creek Lake State Park! This six-session program for children ages 7–12 runs on Thursdays from June 25th to July 30th, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM, and features hands-on learning and new nature topics each week. Registration is $25 per child, with a discounted rate of $15 for each additional child per family. Scan the QR code to register or email chance.friend@maryland.gov with any questions.
Do some sleuthing on this easy 1.5-mile walk in search of salamanders! Join Ranger Noah on July 11 at 10:00 AM at the New Germany Lake House, where he'll show you how to find them, explain their importance to the ecosystem, and share why it's best to leave them in their natural habitat.
Deep Creek Lake State Park is hosting its 26th Annual Art in the Park event in the Day Use Area by the beaches on Saturday, July 11th, from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, and Sunday, July 12th, from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM! Visitors can browse beautiful, nature-inspired works from 30 local artists, enjoy delicious food vendors, and stop by the mobile Discovery Center during this must-attend weekend. NOTE to artists and vendors: This event is juried by the Garrett County Arts Council, and no applications are sent or available until the artist has been juried into the event. To be considered, please email wgcspvinc@gmail.com for more information.
Stop by the black bear display at the Nature Center on July 11 from 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM with all your bear country questions! Ranger Noah and Ranger Hannah will share helpful tips on avoiding bear encounters while visiting the park and give you a hands-on opportunity to see and feel a real bear hide and skull. (Photo credit: Mitch Adolph, submitted to the Maryland DNR 2023 photo contest)
Deep Creek Lake State Park is hosting its 26th Annual Art in the Park event in the Day Use Area by the beaches on Saturday, July 11th, from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, and Sunday, July 12th, from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM! Visitors can browse beautiful, nature-inspired works from 30 local artists, enjoy delicious food vendors, and stop by the mobile Discovery Center during this must-attend weekend. NOTE to artists and vendors: This event is juried by the Garrett County Arts Council, and no applications are sent or available until the artist has been juried into the event. To be considered, please email wgcspvinc@gmail.com for more information.
Get to know the trees of New Germany on July 12 at 3:00 PM at the Nature Center! You'll learn to identify them by observing the unique shapes and characteristics of their leaves, buds, bark, fruits, and flowers. This all-ages program includes light walking, tactile interaction with trees, and a 6-page guide to take home.
Meet Ranger Katie on July 15, 5:00 PM, at the Overflow Parking Lot, in the day-use area, to join her on a one-mile wellness walk. This hike will teach techniques to help practice mindfulness in nature. Admission is free for those attending.
Get your young explorers ready for the Junior Rangers program at Deep Creek Lake State Park! This six-session program for children ages 7–12 runs on Thursdays from June 25th to July 30th, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM, and features hands-on learning and new nature topics each week. Registration is $25 per child, with a discounted rate of $15 for each additional child per family. Scan the QR code to register or email chance.friend@maryland.gov with any questions.
New Germany State Park will host Junior Ranger Park Pals, a free program for children ages 5-7, every Thursday from July 23 through August 20. Each week will feature a nature-themed program, such as identifying mammals, searching for salamanders, visiting our historic one-room schoolhouse, making old-time fishing poles, nature crafts, and other activities. 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.
Get your young explorers ready for the Junior Rangers program at Deep Creek Lake State Park! This six-session program for children ages 7–12 runs on Thursdays from June 25th to July 30th, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM, and features hands-on learning and new nature topics each week. Registration is $25 per child, with a discounted rate of $15 for each additional child per family. Scan the QR code to register or email chance.friend@maryland.gov with any questions.
New Germany State Park will host Junior Ranger Park Pals, a free program for children ages 5-7, every Thursday from July 23 through August 20. Each week will feature a nature-themed program, such as identifying mammals, searching for salamanders, visiting our historic one-room schoolhouse, making old-time fishing poles, nature crafts, and other activities. 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.
Get your young explorers ready for the Junior Rangers program at Deep Creek Lake State Park! This six-session program for children ages 7–12 runs on Thursdays from June 25th to July 30th, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM, and features hands-on learning and new nature topics each week. Registration is $25 per child, with a discounted rate of $15 for each additional child per family. Scan the QR code to register or email chance.friend@maryland.gov with any questions.
Want to help preserve our regional biodiversity? Bring your work gloves, kneeling pads, favorite weeding tools, and some elbow grease to remove unwanted plants from the garden. As you work, you'll learn how to identify common weeds and understand why protecting native plants is so critical for wildlife. Meet at the native plant garden near the Lake House. Please bring your own water bottle, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
Anyone interested in volunteering or becoming a member of the Friends of New Germany State Park is encouraged to attend this quarterly meeting. For more information, please email or visit the Friends on Facebook.
Join Ranger Hannah for this kid-friendly expedition and learn about the different types of crayfish, amphibians, reptiles, and insects that live in Poplar Lick. Please wear shoes that can get wet. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Stop by to learn all about where and how bats live on August 1, from 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM.
Explore the natural wonders of New Germany State Park on this easy-to-moderate 2.5-mile hike with Ranger Noah.
Join Ranger Hanna 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!
New Germany State Park will host Junior Ranger Park Pals, a free program for children ages 5-7, every Thursday from July 23 through August 20. Each week will feature a nature-themed program, such as identifying mammals, searching for salamanders, visiting our historic one-room schoolhouse, making old-time fishing poles, nature crafts, and other activities. 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.
Head out for a ranger-led foraging hike at Deep Creek Lake State Park on August 7th! Learn the basics of foraging and how to identify local plants and mushrooms. Meet at the Cherry Creek Parking Lot for a 1:00 PM start.
Get to know the trees of New Germany by observing the shapes and characteristics of their leaves, buds, bark, fruits, and flowers. This program will include light walking, tactile interaction with trees, and a 6-page guide to take home. All ages are welcome.
Want to help preserve our regional biodiversity? Bring your work gloves, kneeling pads, favorite weeding tools, and some elbow grease to remove unwanted plants from the garden. As you work, you'll learn how to identify common weeds and understand why protecting native plants is so critical for wildlife. Meet at the native plant garden near the Lake House. Please bring your own water bottle, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
Join Ranger Hanna 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 Ranger intern and mountain bike enthusiast Tomas on a beginner mountain bike ride through the scenic trails at New Germany State Park. Basic instruction will be provided. Participants must bring their own bikes and helmets. Email julia.musselwhite@maryland.gov to register.
New Germany State Park will host Junior Ranger Park Pals, a free program for children ages 5-7, every Thursday from July 23 through August 20. Each week will feature a nature-themed program, such as identifying mammals, searching for salamanders, visiting our historic one-room schoolhouse, making old-time fishing poles, nature crafts, and other activities. 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.
Come experience what it was like to be a student in the 1930s in this newly restored one-room schoolhouse. Teacher docents will share interesting stories and demonstrate instructional methods and period games. The history of the Civilian Conservation Corps and New Germany State Park will be explored with hands-on activities in the school yard. The program is free. Handicap-only parking at the Schoolhouse. Regular parking at Lot No. 5 by the Lake.
Put your wildlife knowledge to the test by joining Rangers Noah and Hannah for an evening of wildlife trivia. Prizes will be awarded to the top three individuals or teams. Free s'mores will be provided, courtesy of the Friends of New Germany. This program will be held in the Lake House if it rains.
