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Winter Closures: Please be advised that Hilton Nature Center and the Offutt Johnson Visitor Center at Avalon will be closed throughout the winter. Centers may be open on occasion for individual programs.
 Critter Highlight: American Robin
Keep an eye out for our March critter: the American robin! Often considered the first bird of spring, the robin is the most abundant bird in North America. Interestingly, they are not closely related to their European cousins for whom they are named; European robins are members of the flycatcher family while American robins are thrushes. The American robin is known for its song, which you may hear at dawn and dusk, and before storms.
Ranger Felicia Graves-Baker, a Baltimore native, began her Park Service career as a Conservation Jobs Corps naturalist in 2014. Her passion for working outdoors and working with the city's youth was sparked and, the following year, she was promoted to Environmental Enrichment Coordinator. In winter of 2015 Felicia came to Patapsco Valley as the LTC Ranger in charge of the Maryland Conservation Corps, before quickly being promoted again in 2016 to Classified Ranger. Her favorite activities in the park are leading yoga activities, assisting with carpentry projects, mentoring seasonal staff and youth, and working with her coworkers to uphold the mission of the Maryland Park Service. Ranger Graves-Baker hopes to inspire more women and people from diverse backgrounds to consider careers in natural resources, following in the legacies of women rangers that came before her, like Betty Reid Soskin.
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Griffin's Challenge: 100-mile Hike Update
Maryland Conservation Corps Member Griffin Duffy is working on his goal to hike 100 miles of trail at Patapsco Valley State Park in the first three months of the year. Read his update below.
I started the 100-mile challenge to explore a large park like Patapsco quickly and become familiar with the areas in which I work. I set some parameters for the challenge: finish the 100 miles by the end of March and only count new trail miles. For example, when I hike a trail that is out and back, I will count the out miles, but not the miles back on the trail I have already walked.
I have logged about 65 miles of Patapsco Valley State Park and surrounding area trails. This challenge has been arduous. Many of my evenings have been spent hiking after a shift, trying to beat the sunset. I have also been hiking on the weekends after a long work week. This challenge has pushed me to explore so much of Patapsco in such a short amount of time.
To finish off my goal of 100 miles I plan to thru-hike PVSP starting from Sykesville and ending in the Avalon area of Patapsco (an estimated 28 miles). For the remaining couple of miles, I'm going to hit some popular hikes in the southern region of PVSP. I can't wait to share what I have learned from this challenge and present some recommended hikes for all user groups next month!
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As the weather warms up, we're springing into action with new volunteer opportunities!
Volunteer Training
This annual refresher is intended for Volunteer Rangers, Volunteer Mounted Patrol, Volunteer Bike Patrol, and Camp Hosts. The spring session will be held in person at Seneca Creek State Park on Saturday, April 30. Contact Bethany Watts at bethany.watts@maryland.gov with questions.
Spring Slogan Smackdown!
Have you seen the Mobile Visitors Center out and about in Patapsco? We have maps, info, activities, and more!
The Mobile Visitors Center now also has drawstring backpacks! These giveaways allow park patrons to pick trash up as they hike, and we need help naming them! Visit us, starting March 13, to vote between the choices for slogans and names. The winner will be used all summer to help remind folks to keep the park beautiful!
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Little Explorers
March 4 and 18, 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
at Hilton Nature Center
Join your little explorer for an interactive parent/child hands-on program. Activities will include guided storybook presentations, music and movement songs, hikes, games, and crafts. For kids ages 0-4. Weather-dependent. Registration recommended.
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Grandparents & Me Nature Hike
March 13, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at McKeldin Area (meet at the Ranger Station)
With spring in bloom, what better way to enjoy the day than hiking and playing bingo together? Join us on the Spring Glen trail at the McKeldin Area for a nature-themed game. Kids can work off extra energy on the playground afterwards. Space limited; registration recommended.
Interested in scheduling a private program or outing for your group?
Click here to see what we have to offer.
Storytime at the Park
March 11 and 25, 10 a.m. at Hilton Nature Center
As spring begins, we're excited to spend some time outside! In honor of World Storytelling Day on March 20, we'll be holding a series of storytimes throughout the month of March! Storytime will be focused on younger age groups. Admission is one used book, which will be donated to our many Little Lending Libraries throughout Patapsco!
 World Storytelling Day event will feature nature journaling, puppet shows, book mobiles, storytime, and more!
Self-guided Offerings: Avalon History Hike
Avalon has a history as rich as its biodiversity! Take a walk and discover how Avalon has evolved over time!
We Want to Hear YOUR Story!
Do you have a favorite photo, memory, or story of what the park means to you? Share them with us at pvsptoyou@gmail.com and your story may be featured here!
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Favorite Photos from Last Month
 To be featured in next month's favorite photos please send your photos to alyssa.myers@maryland.gov
 Click on the image to see our aviary donation requests list.
Are you part of a community group that wants to get more involved in the park?
We are scheduling our 2022 signature events! Save these on your calendar now. Email alyssa.myers@maryland.gov for more information.
July 23: Es Mi Parque. Patapsco Valley is for everyone! Learn about what activities and opportunities exist for you.
Unless otherwise noted, events are held rain or shine, free and fun for all ages; donations are always welcome. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Dress for the weather/activity, wear sunscreen and insect repellent, bring plenty of water and snacks, and remember to check for ticks.
Please call 410-461-5005 for additional information or to register.
Patapsco Valley staff also manages Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area.
Donate to Maryland's State Parks! Your donations will help support our 75 state parks, which collectively preserve more than 140,000 acres of Maryland’s most cherished landscapes, ecosystems, and historical sites.
Donations in any amount are a helpful way to make a difference. Thank you!
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 Annual Pass Available for Purchase
$75 for Marylanders; $100 for out-of-state visitors
Our annual State Parks and Trails Passport grants unlimited day-use admission and boat launching at state parks, and a 10 percent discount on state-operated concessions and boat rentals.
To enhance convenience and value, this year's pass will arrive in a self-contained packet with a detachable hang-tag, and will be valid for a full year from the month of purchase.
Our network of 75 state parks include more than 900 miles of trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding, as well as unique water access and camping facilities.
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