March 3: World Wildlife Day Hike
3:30 p.m. at Kingfisher Overlook
The United Nations declared March 3 as World Wildlife Day to celebrate the plants and animals that contribute to the health of the planet. On this hike we will see the works of a keystone species right in our park: beavers! A new dam has been built on Long Draught Branch and trees are coming down as the water rises. Join a 2.5-mile hike to see what the beavers are up to and why they are gaining a reputation as warriors in the battle against climate change.
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March 5: Making Maple Syrup
2:30 p.m. at the Park Office
We tapped a sugar maple in February. Come see how the sap is boiled down for sweet maple syrup. There will be a sugar maple treat for all in attendance. The Grusendorf family’s log farmhouse will also be open for tours.
March 7: Signs of Spring Scavenger Hunt
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Park Office
No Nature Crafts this week. Instead, park staff will leave a scavenger hunt that you can pick up in the park office and use while you enjoy the park.
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March 7: Early Signs of Spring Hike
4 p.m. at the Park Office
The earliest flowers like bloodroot, ground ivy, and hepatica will bloom this month. Join a volunteer naturalist for an easy hike to see what signs of spring we can find. Heavy rain cancels program. Please dress for the weather and possibly muddy trails.
March 12: Get Your Feet Wet at Monocacy Hike
1:30 p.m. at Monocacy Natural Resource Management Area
6501 Dickerson Road, Dickerson
Did you know that our park staff also manages Monocacy Natural Resource Management Area? Put on your waterproof boots for a 2-mile round-trip hike that has five stream crossings, but only one bridge. On the Furnace Branch Trail we will discover slag from an 18th century iron furnace, lime kiln ruins, a quarry, and a hemlock grove. These are rustic trails for a more challenging hiking experience. Hiking poles are advised. Find the parking lot just off Route 28 in Dickerson, on the east side of Dickerson Road. just before the bridge over the Monocacy River. There are no restrooms available at this site.
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March 14: Nature Crafts - Paper Chain Snakes
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Park Office
With the weather warming up, reptiles will soon be waking up from their long winter naps. The park corn snake, Maize, should be getting more active so you may be able to see him. We will be doing a simple paper craft to make our own snakes.
March 14 and 28: Find Signs of Spring Hike
5 p.m. at the Park Office
Join us for a hike at a later time in keeping with Daylight Savings Time! The earliest flowers like bloodroot, ground ivy, and hepatica will bloom this month. Join a volunteer naturalist for an easy hike to see what signs of spring we can find. Heavy rain cancels program. Please dress for the weather and possibly muddy trails.
March 18: Lake Frank Eagle Nest Watch Hike
10:30 a.m. at Meadowside Nature Center
5100 Meadowside Ln Rockville, MD 20853
This Montgomery County park is the home of a bald eagle nest. Join us for an approximately 2.5-mile round-trip hike to see the nest, maybe eagles, and an active beaver lodge. Bring binoculars and water. This is a natural surface trail with some hills. Please dress for the weather and trail conditions. Please note that there are no restrooms available at this location.
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March 21: Nature Crafts - Animal Masks
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Park Office
Let’s get together and make paper masks of different animals. Then, we'll pretend to be the animal or tell stories about them.
March 21: International Forest Day Hike
5 p.m. at the Park Office
The United Nations proclaimed March 21 the International Day of Forests in 2012 to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. What better way to celebrate than to take a walk in our own deciduous forest? Forests clean our air and purify our water while providing a quiet retreat from our daily grind. This year’s theme is Forests and Health. Do something for your health – take a hike! Heavy rain cancels hike. Please dress for the weather and possibly muddy trails.
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March 25: Slow Hike to the Stonecutter Cemetery
1:30 p.m. at 16500 River Rd Poolesville, MD 20837
Come for a bushwhacking, history-seeking hike to the final resting place of 100 or more quarry workers who mined the sandstone that was used to build the Smithsonian Castle. There is no trail to the cemetery; we will be crossing farm fields and woods. Dress for bushwhacking with sturdy footwear that can get muddy, and bring water to drink. Round trip hike will be approximately 2.5-miles. This hike will be at a slower place to allow more people to join. There are no restrooms at this location.
March 28: Nature Crafts - Bird Nest Art
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Park Office
Birds need safe places to lay eggs and hatch their babies. Come learn about how and where birds do this, then try making a bird nest yourself.
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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 remember to check for ticks.
Please email us or call 301-924-2127 for additional information or to register (recommended).
Save Our Pollinators!
Donate today to 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 Park and Trail 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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