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.
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.
Musicians and listeners of all ages are invited to share and enjoy traditional "old-timey" music. Snacks and gifts will be available for purchase.
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.
Experience the beauty of New Germany Lake under a full moon on this one-hour kayak adventure. Registration is required. Space is limited. For more information or to register, please email noah.manges@maryland.gov. Photo credit: Hannah Muir
Embrace the beauty of the forest under a full moon on this 1-mile hike with Ranger Noah. This "Sturgeon Moon" will be the last full moon of summer. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp. Photo credit: Rob Bogart.
Bring your headlamp and your sense of adventure for this easy 1-mile trek on the Turnpike Trail. Ranger Noah will provide some tips on how to find salamanders at night and why it's best to leave them in their natural habitat.
On Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, enjoy pumpkins to harvest and carve, scarecrow making, apple pressing, hayrides, Dutch oven cooking, and much, much more.
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.
