Feeling Chatty about Nature?
Maybe it's time you met Sarah Witcher, who compiles the Maryland Department of Natural Resources HabiChat newsletter. Sarah serves in the Wildlife and Heritage Service, and this quarterly newsletter contains information on Maryland's native plants and animals, enjoying the outdoors in new ways, and how you can help to conserve our natural resources.
Subscribe to HabiChat
Photo Credit: Anne Frederick
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For more information about Fair Hill NRMA, visit the park's website!
 Photos by Lesley Leader
Fair Hill's Gardens: The Monarch Waystation Garden
People garden in different ways, and for different reasons. If you're a gardener, you know the feeling of being inspired and energized by the work of others. That's one of the great pleasures of gardening.
At Fair Hill NRMA, our staff is tasked with management of Maryland's various resources. One of the fun ways we manage resources is by placing gardens within the park. The gardens have various purposes, but one thing they have in common is that, by planting them, we hope to educate and excite our visitors while participating in acts of conservation.
The Monarch Waystation Garden is an example of what we seek to do. Monarch butterfly numbers are in rapid decline, as are many pollinator species. Gardeners can offer much-needed food for the butterflies. Many flowers that benefit monarchs are colorful and visually appealing to humans, too.
Ranger Lesley Leader, who created this Monarch Waystation Garden at the entrance of Fair Hill's park office, used a variety of flowering plants chosen for their ability to provide blooms throughout the season, and for their food value to monarchs or other wildlife. Included are plants such as wild columbine, multiple types of milkweed (the monarch host plant), black-eyed Susan, goldenrod, zinnias, and coreopsis.
As you choose plants for your outdoor spaces this year, perhaps you'll consider the monarch and other pollinators. Many of the native plants listed above are not difficult to find, and are very hardy in the garden. Be sure to take into account bloom time as you plan, coordinating plants that will bloom at various points during the season in order to provide a steady source of nectar for butterflies.
For more information about planting your own Monarch Waystation Garden, Monarch Watch is a wonderful resource.
Introducing the Sprouts Youth Program!
Join us at Fair Hill NRMA for this exciting program!
Upper Covered Bridge Lot, Tuesdays in May at 11 a.m.
Registration required.
What is Sprouts? Sprouts is a nature-centric program designed especially for children aged 1-3 years.
What do we do at Sprouts? We walk, hear a story, do a craft or art project, and eat lunch together. As we move, socialize, and create, we learn about plants, birds, frogs, bugs, and more!
What do we bring from home? Yourselves, dressed to get dirty and be on the move! Don't forget your lunch, water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and bug spray, if you use it.
When is it happening? Tuesdays at 11 a.m. through June 6. Each session is two hours. You can pick and choose which sessions interest you, or attend all.
Sign us up! Yes! Simply call the office at Fair Hill NRMA at 410-398-1246 to register, or email shinae.gonzalez@maryland.gov. Sessions cost $5 each and will be held at Fair Hill NRMA. Park entrance fees are included in the cost. We'll meet at the upper covered bridge parking lot. You can't miss us!
Themes for upcoming sessions:
Tuesday, May 9 Birds, Nests, and Eggs
Tuesday, May 16 Sensory Walk: Explore the Woods
Tuesday, May 23 Stream Safari: Bugs and Fishes
Tuesday, May 30 Pollinators!
Tuesday, June 6 Tracks, Scat, and Signs
We hope to see you here!
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Heads up! Here are some upcoming public events using park areas:
May 11: Cecil County 4H Livestock Tagging and Weigh-In; Fairgrounds, 4H Barn E
May 13: Penn Marydel Foxhound Show; 4H Barn Pavilion, Lower Field
May 14: Second Saturday Trail Party; Maintenance Yard
May 18: FHI Recognized Horse Trial; Fairgrounds, Gallaher, South Appleton, Ecamp
May 18- 21: Scottish Games; Walls Hall, Foxcatcher, Concession
May 20: Rising Sun Beagle Club UKC Field Trails; Beagle Club Grounds
May 21: Furvivors Paper Chase Fundraiser; North Appleton
May 23: FHI XC Schooling; Gallaher Arena
May 31: FHI Show Jump Schooling; Gallaher Arena
May 31: Cecil County Breeder's Fair; Fairgrounds, Foxcatcher, Stalls
Hikes are free, but regular park service charges apply ($3 per vehicle for Maryland residents; $5 for out-of-state visitors). Please dress for the weather/activity, wear sunscreen and insect repellent, bring plenty of water and snacks, and check for ticks.
In case of inclement weather, please contact the Fair Hill NRMA Duty Ranger regarding status of park programs: 410-218-1698.
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 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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