 Click the calendar or scroll down for details!
❄️February Spotlight: Winter's Hidden Wonders 🌲
As February rolls in, nature at Seneca Creek State Park brims with subtle beauty and signs of life preparing for spring. One of winter's fascinating phenomena is the behavior of pinecones in different weather. Pinecones are nature's tiny weather forecasters: on dry days, they open to release seeds, while in damp or cold conditions, they close up to protect their precious cargo. This adaptation ensures the seeds are released when the environment is most favorable for growth.
As you walk the trails, take a moment to notice the pinecones scattered beneath the trees – they tell a quiet story of the season's rhythm.
🔍 Be sure to try the fun experiment at the end of this newsletter to see this natural wonder in action! 🧪✨
🌅 Photo: Winter sunset over Clopper Lake by Volunteer Ranger Bonnie Bell via the Friends of Seneca Creek and Patuxent River State Parks.
🌲🌱🌤️
🌈❤️February Programs ❤️🐾
Wednesdays: Back of The Park Hike
2:30 p.m. at Quail Ridge Picnic Area 🗺️👣
Explore the trails with a Volunteer Ranger every Wednesday this month at the far end of the Day Use Area. Together, we’ll decide on the best route, with several scenic options to choose from. If the trails are slippery, we’ll take a loop along the unplowed Deer Ridge road, which is closed to vehicles. As spring approaches, keep an eye out for the season’s first wildflowers, like Hepatica, possibly blooming by the end of the month. 🌷
Please bring water, dress appropriately for the weather, and be ready to enjoy nature’s beauty.
🌳 Photo: Partially frozen Clopper Lake through the trees, by Volunteer Ranger Bonnie Bell via the Friends of Seneca Creek and Patuxent River State Parks.
|
February 8: Birds of Gunner’s Lake 🐦🦆🦢
10:30 a.m. at the Southeast Corner of Gunner’s Lake
Parking along the roadway near the trailhead at 12150 Wisteria Drive
🧭 Find the hike location on Google Maps
Discover the incredible birdlife at Gunner’s Lake, a hidden gem in a residential community. This small lake is home to an extraordinary variety of birds—72 species have been reported this winter on eBird, including gadwall, wigeon, canvasbacks, redheads, and various woodpeckers. Enjoy an easy walk along the paved 1.3-mile sidewalk that circles the lake, perfect for birdwatchers of all levels.
Bring your binoculars to get the best views of these feathered visitors! Also be sure to pack water and dress appropriately for the weather.
Please note that there are no restroom facilities at this location.
🦆 Photo: Male and female Gadwall in Gunner's Lake by by Volunteer Ranger Bonnie Bell via the Friends of Seneca Creek and Patuxent River State Parks.
|
February 15: Great Backyard Bird Count 2025
2-3 p.m. at the Park Office Front Lawn 🦅 🦉
Spend some time in the park watching birds for the Great Backyard Bird Count. In as little as 15 minutes, observe the birds around you, identify them, count them, and submit your counts to help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world. Rain cancels the program.
🐦 Photo: Female Northern Cardinal, 'Lookout' by James Phelps, submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest.
|
February 17: School’s Out Hike 🗺️ 🥾
11 a.m. at the Park Office
No school? Let’s hike! Join a Volunteer Ranger for a 1.3-mile loop hike through woods and clearcuts, featuring beautiful river views. Keep an eye (and ear!) out for early wood frogs near the Old Pond—they might just make an appearance! This hike is open to all ages, so bring the whole family. 😊
Don’t forget to pack water and dress for the weather. We're excited to see you on the trails!
February 23: Signs of Spring Hike 🌷 🌼
2:30 p.m. at the Park Office
What might be blooming this early? Join a Volunteer Naturalist for a gentle 1.3-mile loop hike as we search for the first signs of spring. Keep an eye out for early bloomers like spring beauty, deadnettle, speedwell, and skunk cabbage along the trail.
Please bring water and dress for the weather. Let’s celebrate the season’s first hints of color together!
🌸 Photo: Round-lobed Hepatica bloom, by Volunteer Ranger Bonnie Bell via the Friends of Seneca Creek and Patuxent River State Parks.
|
🧪 Pinecone Weather Experiment 🌧️🌤️
Did you know that pinecones can "predict" the weather? It’s all thanks to their ingenious design that helps protect their seeds. Follow these steps to explore this natural wonder for yourself!
What You'll Need:
🌲 A few dry, open pinecones
💧 A clear glass or bowl of water
☀️ A sunny or dry outdoor space
📓 A notebook or journal to record your observations
Steps to Follow:
-
Observe the Pinecones
- Start by looking at your pinecones when they’re dry. Notice how the scales are open wide, creating space for the seeds to disperse. ✨
- Record what the pinecone looks like in your journal.
-
Test the Pinecone's Reaction to Water
- Place one pinecone in a glass or bowl of water and wait a few minutes.
- Watch closely as the scales begin to close up tightly. This happens because the pinecone absorbs moisture, mimicking damp or rainy conditions when it’s not ideal for seed dispersal. 🌧️
- Record your observations of how the pinecone changes.
-
Take It Outside
- Place another pinecone outdoors in a dry, sunny area. Let it sit for a few hours, then check back. The scales will gradually open again, showing how the pinecone reacts to dry weather. 🌤️
-
Compare and Reflect
- Compare the pinecone in water with the one left outside. Discuss or write down how these changes help the pinecone protect its seeds in wet weather while releasing them when conditions are favorable for growth. 🌱
Make It Fun!
-
Add a prediction game: Try to guess how quickly the pinecones will react to the changes in their environment.
-
Draw what you see: Create before-and-after sketches of your pinecones for a fun artistic touch! 🎨
This activity is not only educational but also a great way to connect with the wonders of nature from your own backyard. Enjoy your exploration! 🌿✨
Photo: Brown-headed nuthatch on pinecones by Darren Hutchinson submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest.
✨🎨❄️
ADVISORY: Avian Influenza in Maryland
Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza (HPAI), often called “bird flu,” has been detected in wild birds and poultry farms on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The presence of HPAI should be considered endemic throughout Maryland’s wild bird populations, especially waterfowl and raptors. Risk to human health is low and outdoor activities are safe, but some precautions are advised. Anyone who sees sick or dead birds in the wild should not handle or move the birds, but should report them by calling 1-877-463-6497 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or leave a voicemail) or if in a Maryland State Park, they can also be reported to a park ranger. Read the latest updates on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.
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!
|
 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.
|
