Patapsco Valley State Park: March Events and Updates

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March Updates

The Hollofield Area Campground Closed for Renovations

Please be advised that the Hollofield Area Campground is not accepting reservations for the 2025 season due to a long-anticipated renovation. While the Hilton Area will remain open for the season, campers should be aware the campground has a limited total capacity and only offers camper cabins and non-electric, tent-only sites.

Soldiers Delight Visitor Center Hours of Operation

• Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Stop in to learn about the unique Serpentine Barren ecosystem or visit your favorite animal ambassadors! Please note that decreased staffing may lead to short-notice Visitor Center closures. Thank you for your understanding.

March Programs and Events

Click the calendar to register for a program.

March 16: Serpentine Ecosystem Restoration Project Volunteer Event
9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area

The Maryland Natural Heritage Program is holding several Serpentine Ecosystem Restoration Project (SERP) work days this winter at Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area. Volunteers will assist by removing non-native Virginia pine and other invasive plants, allowing native grasses to recolonize the area. A variety of methods will be used, including hand-pulling, chipping, and use of hand tools. Bring a lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Pack light and wear layered clothing, a hat, sturdy shoes, and work gloves. Call 410-260-8568 after 7 p.m. the night before the event to check for inclement weather schedule changes. Space is limited, so registration is required! Email paula.becker@maryland.gov to register.

March 15: Astronomical Phenomena: Eclipses, Meteor Showers, and Other Spectacular Events in the Night Sky 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Soldiers Delight Visitor Center Join Westminster Astronomical Society Inc. in learning about astronomical phenomena that is sure to offer a glimpse into the vastness of the universe. Understand how events such as eclipses, meteor showers, auroras, and more provide stunning visuals but also deepen our understanding of celestial mechanics and the dynamic natured of our cosmos. Rain or shine. Signup encouraged.

March 22: STEM Like a Girl 1-3 p.m. at Soldiers Delight Visitor Center Join us to celebrate women in science, technology, engineering, and math. Enjoy hands-on activities, demonstrations, and interactive table displays led by specialists in their fields in an informal, walk-by setting. Let's show everyone why having diverse voices in the workplace is important! Rain or shine. Signup encouraged.

March 23: Invasives on the Trails 1-3 p.m. at McKeldin Area, Basketball Courts Invasive species are all around us, but can you identify them? Join us to learn how with a Naturalist on a guided hike that will take you through the woods and down to the riverbank where we will identify and discuss remediation efforts! This hike will have elevation changes and will be about 1.4 miles in length. Signup encouraged, limited to 20 participants. Shine only.

Senior Rangers - Spring 2025

Fill your social calendar this spring with fun and fellowship in the outdoors! For an hour and a half, once per week, enjoy art in nature, canoe down the river, and hike with new friends at Patapsco Valley State Park. This program is designed for adults aged 55 and up. Registration opens April 1, so be prepared to reserve your spot in this signature Patapsco Valley program!

May 7 - June 18: Wednesdays, 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m.
$20 per participant

Save the dates for these upcoming programs!

April 5: Scat and Tracks 11 a.m. - noon at Hilton Area, Nature Center Is it a deer? Is it a fox? Find out in our Scat and Tracks program! Learn how to identify animals in the area based on their tracks and scat, then practice your skills on a short kid-friendly guided hike on the Sensory Trail! Signup required, limited to 15 participants. Shine only.

April 13: Mining History Hike 2-4:30 p.m. at Soldiers Delight Visitor Center Join Volunteer Ranger and mining historian Johnny Johnsson on a two mile Mining History Hike to the historic Choate chromium mine. The history of mining in Soldiers Delight will be supplemented by demonstration of mining artifacts. Participants will have the opportunity to pan and buddle chrome sands. This program is a great family program for the ages of 10 and up, parents are welcome. Signup required. Rain or shine. Limited to 25 participants.

April 16: Reptile Wrap Up 11 a.m. - noon at Soldiers Delight Visitor Center Join us at the Soldiers Delight Visitor Center for an educational evening on several of our reptile ambassadors. You will meet our reptiles while also learning about their habitats in the wild. Signup is encouraged. Limited to 15 participants. Rain or shine.

April 19: Crisis in Cosmology - a.k.a. The Hubble Tension 8:30-10:30 p.m. at Soldiers Delight NEA Visitor Center Join Westminster Astronomical Society Inc., to learn about one of the most intriguing puzzles in modern cosmology: The Hubble Tension. This phenomenon refers to the discrepancy between the rate of expansion of the universe as measured by different methods. We will delve into the methods used to measure the Hubble constant, explore the possible reasons for this discrepancy, and discuss the implications for our understanding of the universe. Rain or shine. Signup encouraged.

Camp Hosts Wanted for 2025 season!

Who? Anyone with a love of nature, people and parks! Applicants must provide their own camper/RV/trailer and be willing to commit at least 30 hours per week to hosting.

What? Camp hosts are often one of the first points of contacts for visitors. They are the welcoming face, helpful hands and diligent monitors of the campground. Duties include cleaning fire rings and campsites between campers, welcoming visitors, selling firewood and ice, etc.

Where? We are currently recruiting for the Hilton Area Campground! Hilton is located in Catonsville, which is known as "Music City, Maryland," for it's rich cultural heritage. It's proximity to the Baltimore metropolitan area makes it a wonderful introductory camping experience, and its quaint charm encourages families to return year after year!

When? We require at least a one month commitment. There are currently openings for April, May, and June.

Questions? Contact us at volunteerpatapsco.dnr@maryland.gov or call our office at 410-461-5005.

A Message from Our Friends...

March is shaping up to be a busy month at PVSP! The Friends are kicking off the season with some incredible events: March 15: A hike with our partners at Black Girls Hike March 15-16: Two days of Adaptive Cycling on the new McKeldin trail system March 29: The Patapsco Fun Series, now incorporating invasive species removal at each trail workday Our community is more engaged than ever—get involved! Your membership directly supports resources for Patapsco Valley State Park.

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 call 410-461-5005 for additional information or to register.

Patapsco Valley staff also manages Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area and Morgan Run Natural Environment Area.

Join Patapsco Heritage Greenway for 2025 events. Learn more on their website. 

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 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.

First Responders & Law Enforcement Discount: $40 off the Annual Park Pass, which provides unlimited day-use entry to all Maryland State Parks, plus free boat launching and discounts on concessions and boat rentals. Offer good for Maryland residents only.

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