May 13: 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 items 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. This FREE event is co-sponsored by New Germany State Park, the Friends of New Germany State Park, and the Maryland Native Plant Society. For more information, please visit mdflora.org, download the event flyer or call 301-895-5453.
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May 13: Eating Invasives!
10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Tamarack Pavilion (weather permitting)
Join Ranger Noah on this easy walk and learn why it's important to remove exotic invasive plants from the landscape, and which species can also be eaten.
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May 13: Eat Your Backyard!
Noon - 1 p.m. at the Tall Oaks Pavilion
Join our special guest, Dr. Candy DeBerry of Washington & Jefferson College, to learn about some of Maryland's tasty and nutritious native plants, such as blueberries, ramps, and pawpaws.
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May 13: Tree ID Hike
1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Tamarack Pavilion (weather permitting)
Join Ranger Noah on this easy walk and learn some tips and tricks for how to identify trees without their leaves.
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May 14: Make and Take Mother's Day Craft
9-11 a.m. at the Lake House
Drop by the Lake House and learn how to make your own suet cakes and other bird feeders. Afterwards, make some crafty art out of wood slices to celebrate Mother’s Day!
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May 19: 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 20: World Bee Day!
2 p.m.at the Lake House
Celebrate World Bee Day by learning different hands-on techniques to grow pollinator plants with recyclable and biodegradable materials that the bees will love! Photo by Theressia Shoup.
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May 20: Movie Night - Bee Movie
7:30 p.m.at the Lake House
Enjoy this free showing of "Bee Movie" (rated PG). Popcorn and drinks will be available for purchase at the Snack Bar, along with complimentary s’mores.
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May 25: 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 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 26: Twilight Nature Hike
8:30-9:30 p.m. at the Lake House (weather permitting)
Join Ranger Noah on this easy 1-mile hike on the Gazebo Trail, and see what native nocturnal animals are getting ready to come out in the dark. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp. Photo by Sarah Milbourne.
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May 27: Bomber Down!
7 p.m. at the Lake House
Retired Park Ranger Rick Lewis will be presenting this true story of a B-52 bomber that crashed in a snowstorm on Big Savage Mountain in 1964. Many local people played a role in the massive search for the plane and its crew, four of whom had ejected prior to the crash. Artifacts will be available to view, including one of the actual ejection seats from the aircraft.
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May 28: Intro to Fur Tanning
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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