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.
Participants are invited to join Sang Run as they bask in nature with a notebook and pencil in hand! They can write about or draw what they see, vent their thoughts, or express whatever feels right in the moment, then return to the store to decorate their journal however they see it on July 26 at 10:00 AM.
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.
Stop by the black bear display at the Nature Center with all your bear country questions on July 26 from noon to 1:30 PM at the Nature Center, next to the Lake House. Ranger Noah and Ranger Hannah will provide helpful tips to avoid bear encounters while visiting the park, as well as give you a chance to see and feel real bear fur and a skull. Photo credit: Ryan Van Nosdeln
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Visitors are invited to see what's growing in this year's gardens on July 27 at 1:00 PM.
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.
Gather some of your favorite flowers and return to the store to string them into a lovely nature adornment on July 28 at 9:00 AM.
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.
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.
Thanks to the Western Garrett County State Park Volunteers, you can enjoy one of the lake’s crown jewels—on the house!
Join Ranger Noah on this challenging 4-mile hike on July 29 at 10:00 AM at the New Germany Lake House (weather dependent) and experience the revitalizing effects of outdoor exercise.
Come by the store to make some awesome pieces of art with only a board, some nails, and string on July 10 and 29.
You’ll learn how to bird by sight and sound as we listen for distinctive songs on a stroll through the park. Binoculars will be provided. Meet at the Friends Store on July 30 at 10:00 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 on July 31 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at the Native Plant Garden (weather dependent). 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.
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 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.
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.
Anyone interested in volunteering or becoming a member of the Friends of New Germany State Park is encouraged to attend this quarterly meeting on August 2 at 9:00 AM at the New Germany Lake House. For more information, please email or visit the Friends on Facebook.
