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🌼 March Spotlight: Vernal Equinox and Signs of Spring 🌞
March 19 marks the Vernal Equinox, the moment when day and night are nearly equal, signaling the arrival of spring. In Maryland, this shift in seasons brings a wave of new life as the natural world awakens from winter.
One of the first signs of spring is the emergence of early wildflowers like trout lilies, bloodroot, and spring beauties, which push through the thawing soil in search of sunlight. Trees begin to stir as well, with red maples, willows, and cherry trees unfurling their buds, preparing to transform the landscape with fresh greenery. As the ground warms, hidden seeds that have been dormant all winter begin to sprout, marking the start of the growing season.
This time of year is a perfect reminder that even the smallest beginnings can lead to something beautiful, making it a great opportunity to start growing something of your own!
Check out the activity at the end of this newsletter to learn how to welcome spring by planting seeds in eggshell planters—a fun, eco-friendly way to observe new growth up close. Just as plants outside are breaking through the soil, your tiny seedlings will sprout and stretch toward the light, mirroring nature’s renewal.
🐦Photo: "Cedar Waxwing Beauty" perched on a branch with leaf buds and early growth, by Monica Hawse, submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest.
🍀🌈 March Programs 🌿🌼
March 1: Seeds! 🌱
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Nature Center
🌳 Have you ever wondered how a tiny acorn transforms into a towering tree?
Join us at the Nature Center to uncover the secrets of seed germination and plant growth. Create your own mini seed-growing chamber to take home and witness this incredible process firsthand!
March 3: Nature Crafts - Clay Birds
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Nature Center
As the weather warms up, birds will be returning to the area. Join us to create your own bird using clay and feathers!
🦅 Photo: "Carolina Beauty" by James Phelps, submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest.
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March 2: Let’s Talk Poop! 💩😆
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Nature Center
All animals poop! Join a park naturalist to discover the different types of "scat" (the technical name for animal poop) found in the park and why it matters.
🍫🍬Then, get “hands-on” and create your own edible scat!
March 8: Animal Tracks
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Nature Center
Learn how to identify some common animal tracks found in the park. Create your own track using craft materials, then hit the trail to see what you can find and identify in the wild!
🐾 Photo: Deer tracks in soft mud, courtesy of Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Service.
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March 9 and 22: Reptile Encounter 🐢🐸
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Nature Center
Reptiles play a vital role in the ecology of our natural world. Learn more about this interesting group of animals and get the chance to see a live corn snake.
📚 During the March 9 session, you'll also have the chance to create your own snake craft to take home!
March 10: Nature Crafts - Chain Snake Craft 🐍🎨🖌️
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Nature Center
As the weather warms up, reptiles will begin to wake from their long winter naps. Join us for a simple paper craft to create your own snake!
March 15: Black Bears 🐾
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Nature Center
While rarely seen here in the park, black bears thrive in Maryland’s mountains—and have even been spotted in Montgomery County!
Drop by to discover fascinating facts about their habits and adaptations. Get a close-up look at real black bear fur and learn how these remarkable animals stay warm as they emerge from their winter dens.
🐻 Photo: "Resting Baby Bear" by Lisa Broadwater, submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest.
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March 17: Nature Crafts - Animal Masks 🦊🦝
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Nature Center
Join us to create paper masks of different animals! Then, bring them to life by pretending to be the animal or sharing fun stories about them.
March 16: Fern-ominal Hike 👣🌿
1 p.m. at the Nature Center
Join us for a hike into the ancient world of ferns! Dating back more than 358 million years, ferns evolved long before flowering plants and thrive in moist, shaded environments—clinging to trees, nestled between rocks, and carpeting the forest floor.
Our park is home to several fern species—let’s see how many we can find on a 3.5-mile round-trip hike along the Yellow and Red Trails, featuring varied terrain and two "step-across" creek crossings.
🥾 Please wear comfortable walking shoes, dress appropriately for the weather, and bring plenty of drinking water.
March 22: It’s Froggy Out There! 🌞
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Nature Center
Spring is alive with the calls of frogs searching for mates! Stop by the Nature Center to listen to common frog calls in the park.
At 1 p.m., join a volunteer ranger to explore two ponds and look for active frogs.
Please bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and dress for the weather.
🐸 Photo: "American Bullfrog" by Jessica Shipley, submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest
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March 23: Spring Bingo 🌼🌞
Noon – 3 p.m. at the Nature Center
Stop by the Nature Center to grab a Spring Bingo card before exploring the park! Search for the items on your card to score B-I-N-G-O!
March 24: Nature Crafts - Bird Nest Art 🐣
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Nature Center
Birds need safe places to lay their eggs and raise their young. Learn where and how they build their nests—then try making one yourself!
🏡 Photo: "Bird's Nest" by Sharon Bast Pyle, submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest.
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March 29: Patuxent River Geology ⛰️🗺️
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Nature Center
Did you know that the rocks found here in the park are ancient remnants of a long-lost mountain? Over time, these formations were exposed during the creation of the Patuxent River Valley.
Join us to explore these fascinating rocks and learn about the geological processes that shaped the landscape.
March 30: April Fish Day! 🎭🎉
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Nature Center
Did you know the French celebrate April Fools’ Day as "Poisson d’Avril" or "April Fish"? Learn about this fun tradition and Maryland’s freshwater fish.
Decorate your own Maryland “poisson” (fish) to take home and play an April Fools joke on friends or family!
🐠 Photo: Fish Print via Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
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🌱🐦🌞🌸🍃🌍🌈🐾🎨🍀🎒🌿
Activity: Eggshell Planters
🌼 Growing a Symbol of Spring 🌷
To celebrate the season of growth, get your garden started and try planting seeds in eggshells—a natural symbol of renewal and fresh beginnings. The eggshells provide a small but nourishing home for young seedlings, just like the warming soil outside supports new plant life.
What You’ll Need:
🥚 Empty eggshell halves (rinsed and dried)
🌱 Soil or potting mix
🥕 Seeds (wildflowers, herbs, or fast-growing sprouts like basil or alfalfa)
🥄 A spoon for filling the eggshells
💧 A spray bottle or small cup of water
🛍️ An egg carton to hold the planters
Instructions:
- Fill each eggshell half with soil.
- Gently press 2–3 seeds into the soil, following the depth instructions on the seed packet.
- Lightly water the soil, being careful not to overdo it.
- Place the eggshells in an egg carton and set them on a sunny windowsill.
- Keep the soil moist, and in a few days, tiny sprouts will emerge!
- Once the seedlings are strong enough, plant the entire eggshell in a garden or larger pot—the shell will break down and enrich the soil.
This simple activity reflects the magic of spring, allowing you to witness the process of growth just as it happens in nature. By planting seeds indoors, you’ll not only celebrate the season of renewal but also create a small, tangible connection to the natural world. As you watch your seedlings stretch toward the light, take a moment to notice how nature around you is doing the same—trees budding, flowers blooming, and the world turning green once again.
📸 Photo: 'Backyard Bounty' by Chiara D. Amore, submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest.
🍅🌱🌸🥦🌿
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 443-962-0216 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 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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