Drop in between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM on July 12 to learn how to paint some of the local birds. You’ll be using watercolor pencils for this simple, family-friendly craft.
Join Ranger Noah for this month's Book Club meeting on July 13 at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM at Tall Oaks Pavilion and share your thoughts on Down From the Mountain by Bryce Andrews. The club meets once a month for coffee and snacks, while sharing insights and thoughts about a nature-themed book. Participants who attend six club meetings will receive a free night of camping. Please email noah.manges@maryland.gov to register. Can't make it this month? Get a head start on next month's book — Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat.
Celebrate the 25th Art in the Park on July 12–13 with local art vendors, beautiful lake views, and delicious food throughout the weekend.
Join Ranger Noah for this month's Book Club meeting on July 13 at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM at Tall Oaks Pavilion and share your thoughts on Down From the Mountain by Bryce Andrews. The club meets once a month for coffee and snacks, while sharing insights and thoughts about a nature-themed book. Participants who attend six club meetings will receive a free night of camping. Please email noah.manges@maryland.gov to register. Can't make it this month? Get a head start on next month's book — Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat.
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.
Stop in between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to paint a flower pot at Sang Run State Park. A variety of flower and herb seeds will be available to plant in the new pot. A $5 suggested donation is requested for this activity, taking place on July 14.
Participants are invited to discover the tiny friends living right under their feet on this informative guided hike on July 14 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.
Join Ranger Noah on this challenging 4-mile hike for Take a Hike Tuesday on July 15 at 10:00 AM at the New Germany Lake House and experience the revitalizing effects of outdoor exercise.
Join Sang Run State Park at the store on July 15 at 1:00 PM for some fresh Dutch oven food and a lesson on the history of Dutch oven cooking!
Check out our tea garden box, learn how you can grow your tea garden, and try some of our garden-to-table tea samples on July 15 and 26 at 1:00 PM!
A short course on how to ID native sparrows by sound and sight will be held on July 16 at 8:30 AM.
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.
BINGO! Take a short walk on July 16 at 1:00 PM with a naturalist and try to fill out your bingo board while learning about the things you find along the way. (0.5 miles)
Join guest speakers Ashley Bachtel-Bodkins from the University of Maryland Extension and Liz McDowell from the Maryland Native Plant Society for an introduction to the basic skills needed for pruning in your home landscape on July 17, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM at Tall Oaks Pavilion. Learn why, when, and how to complete simple pruning to encourage plant health and prevent disease. Then take a closer look at a few native woodies and discover why they are so important for regional biodiversity. These digital presentations will be followed by a live demonstration of how to make clean cuts using sharp pruning equipment. Please bring your own pruners if you'd like to practice on some shrub and tree samples. Registration is not required.
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.
Have you ever wondered what all the different "weeds" in your yard really are? Join Sang Run State Park on July 17 at 1:00 PM to learn about the unique and useful plants growing right outside your front door!
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.
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.
Explore the intriguing history of ginseng on the property on July 18, as a ranger highlights spots that would be ideal for cultivating this unique plant. The program begins at 1:00 PM at Sang Run State Park.
Join a naturalist for a stroll through the park and discover the hidden treasures that the native reptiles and amphibians have in the region. Meet on the Discovery Center deck. (0.5 miles) on July 6 and 18.
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.
Visitors can learn from this informative talk and demonstration about steps they can take to help wildlife neighbors feel more comfortable and thrive at Herrington Manor State Park on July 18 and 25 from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. From creating nest boxes to starting a pollinator garden, there are countless ways to be a better neighbor. Activities are included as part of the program. Located at the community campfire ring.
Visit the Naturalists outside the Ranger Station/Camper Check-in. They will inform you about the critters you may spot during your stay and how best to avoid late-night visits, on July 3, 11, and 18 at 6:00 PM.
Participants can come create happy little trees and even happier accidents during this nature-themed arts and crafts program. The event includes painting lessons, building wildlife-beneficial structures, and much more. All ages are welcome—there's something for everyone. The program takes place at the Herrington Manor Lake House on July 18 and 25 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Musicians and listeners of all ages are invited to share and enjoy traditional "old-timey" music on July 18, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the New Germany Lake House. Snacks and gifts will be available for purchase.
Dans Mountain State Park will be partnering with Westmar Middle and George's Creek Elementary Community Schools to offer monthly hikes on the Lonacona Loop Trail. Ranger Mac will be leading these challenging 4.5-mile hikes on the following dates: July 19, August 16, September 20, and October 18. Lunch will be provided after each hike, sponsored by Community Schools. Participants are asked to click here to register by Monday before each hike to ensure there is enough food for everyone.
Visitors can stop by the nature center to watch the weekly feeding of the resident black rat snake, eastern painted turtle, and common snapping turtle. The program takes place at the Herrington Manor Ranger Station on July 19 and 26 from 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM.
A fun way for kids and families to learn about the unique critters living in creek and riparian ecosystems! Be prepared to get wet on July 1 and 19 at 1:00 PM.
All are invited to the Discovery Center for Reptile Encounter to learn about some of the fascinating and gentle reptile ambassadors on July 19 at 1:00 PM. Great for all ages.
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.
