Patuxent River: March Programs

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Image of state park visitor center
march pic

butterfly

Saturday, March 5: Signs of Spring Hike
Hike at 2 p.m. and Nature Center open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The woods are just beginning to wake up from the long, cold winter. What can we see as the weather warms and the days lengthen? Join a volunteer ranger on a hike to see what is appearing! Meet at the Nature Center at 2 p.m. Hike is approximately one hour. Suitable for older children and adults. Dress for the weather. Heavy rain cancels.


flower

Sunday, March 6: Nature Journaling
Noon-4 p.m. at the Nature Center

Make a nature journal (or bring your own) to keep a record of the things you see in nature. We'll talk about the different ways you can keep a nature journal and then spend some time observing nature in the park.


bluebird

Saturday, March 19 - "Build a Bird Nest" 
Nature Center open 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

It's nesting season for birds! How do birds build nests? What materials do they use? Learn about nest types, from ground nests to elaborate bowerbird homes. Then make your own nest, using natural materials. All ages welcome.


bat

Sunday, March 13: Going Batty
12-4 p.m. at the Nature Center 

Come learn about Maryland’s bats and make a bat-themed craft. Bats eat insect pests, pollinate plants, and disperse seeds, making them essential to the health of global ecosystems. Bats have been on Earth for more than 50 million years. With more than 1,400 species, they are the second largest order of mammals, and live everywhere except Antarctica. 


box turtle image

Sunday, March 20 and 27: Meet the Reptiles
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Nature Center

Reptiles play a vital role in the ecology of our natural world. This presentation will provide an opportunity to learn more about this interesting group of animals and will include the chance to see a live corn snake. This presentation is suitable for all ages.


hiking image

Sunday, March 20: Naturalist Hike
 2 p.m. at the Nature Center

Meet at the Nature Center at 2 p.m. and join a park naturalist for a hike on one of the trails in the park. Distance will be decided based on attendance (up to 3 miles). Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. 


fire

Saturday, March 26: Hand-dipped Candle-Making Craft
2-4 p.m. at the Nature Center

Make your own hand-dipped candle, just like kids would have done before electric lights. Suitable for older children. Young children will require close supervision by parent or guardian.


toad

Sunday, March 27: Fabulous Frogs
Noon-4 p.m. at the Nature Center 

Have you heard any frogs yet this year? Amphibians have been around for 360 million years. Frogs are important parts of the ecosystem of our park. Come and learn about the frogs that live in the park and make your own paper plate frog to take home.


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 email us or call 443-962-0216 for additional information.


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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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