May 14: Mountain Maryland Native Plant Festival
10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Lake House
Discover the important connection between native plants, people, and wildlife! This event will feature a large selection of native plants and nature-themed artwork for sale from regional nurseries and local artisans (cash or check only), as well as nature walks, educational programs, and displays provided by a variety of conservation groups. New Germany State Park and the Western Mountains Chapter of the Maryland Native Plant Society are co-sponsoring this free event. For more information, please visit mdflora.org, download the event flyer, or call 301-895-5453.
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May 16: Full Moon Hike
9:30-10:30 p.m. at the Lake House
Join Ranger Noah on this 1-mile night hike and experience the beauty of the forest under the full moon of May, known as the "Flower Moon."
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May 17: Weed or Wildflower?
9-10:30 a.m. at the Native Plant Garden (weather permitting)
Team up with the Friends of New Germany State Park and native plant enthusiasts to help remove unwanted plants from our native plant garden. As you work, you will learn how how to identify common weeds and why protecting native plants is so critical for wildlife.
Please come prepared with your own work gloves, knee pads, tick spray, sunscreen, and water.
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May 21: Youth Fishing Rodeo
8 a.m. at the Lake House
Children ages 3-15 are invited to participate in this free event. All fishing must take place from the shoreline; no boating or wading permitted.
Registration will be available at the Lake House 7:30-9:30 a.m. the day of the event. Fishing will be open to youth participants only, with limited adult assistance. Registered anglers will be eligible for prizes. Must be present to win.
New Germany Lake will be catch-and-release only on May 20.
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May 21: Casselman River Bridge Tour
2 p.m. at the Cassleman River Bridge in Grantsville
Join Ranger Noah on this informal 30-minute walking tour and learn the history of Casselman River Bridge. Meet at the gazebo on the west side of the bridge. Photo by John Moore.
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May 22: There's a Fungus Among Us!
10 a.m. - noon at the Lake House
Join Ranger Noah for this hands-on program and learn all about how to grow your own oyster mushrooms. Photo by Charles Hyland.
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May 24: Take-a-Hike Tuesday
10 a.m.- noon at the Lake House
Spring into shape by joining Ranger Noah on this challenging 4-mile hike on the Dynamite Shack Loop.
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May 27: Old-time Jam
6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Lake House
Musicians and listeners of all ages are invited to share and enjoy traditional “old-timey” music. Snacks and gifts will be available for purchase.
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May 28: Natural Bird Feeder Make and Take
4-5:30 p.m. at the Nature Center (next to the Lake House)
Drop by the Nature Center and learn how to make your own suet cakes and other bird feeders. Everything you make is yours to take home with you. This is a come-and-go style program, so feel free to stop by anytime during the program time period. Photo by Lori R. Bramble.
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May 28: Movie Night - The Lion King
8-10 p.m. at the Lake House
Enjoy this free showing of "The Lion King" (Rated PG). Popcorn and drinks will be available for purchase at the Snack Bar, along with complimentary s’mores.
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May 29: Introduction to Fur Tanning
6-7 p.m. at the Nature Center (next to the Lake House)
Take a step back in time with Ranger Noah and learn the lost art of tanning animal furs. In this unique program, Noah will demonstrate the five-step tanning process using real squirrel furs.
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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 check for ticks.
Please call 301-895-5453 for additional information or to register.
New Germany staff also manages Big Run, Casselman River Bridge, and Dans Mountain state parks.
Donate to Maryland's State Parks! Your donation will support butterfly and bumblebee habitat and education in state parks.
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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