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☀️🌼 April Spotlight: Spring Wildlife Awakens 🦋🐝
As the days grow longer and the weather warms, nature comes to life in a dazzling display of colors and sounds. Spring is a time of rejuvenation, and wildlife is awakening from its winter slumber. Birds, many of them returning from their long migrations, fill the skies with songs of celebration, signaling the start of a new season. Bees are buzzing from flower to flower, busily gathering nectar and helping pollinate plants. But one of the most magical sights of spring is the flutter of butterflies as they dance through the air, their wings painted with vibrant hues.
Butterflies, in particular, are one of the season's most enchanting creatures. These delicate insects emerge from their winter cocoons or chrysalis stages in search of food and mates. During spring, you'll find them sipping nectar from blooming flowers, basking in the warmth of the sun, or resting on leaves. The transformation they undergo—from caterpillar to chrysalis, and finally to butterfly—represents a stunning example of nature’s ability to renew and evolve.
Whether you're spotting a butterfly in your garden or listening to the return of songbirds, spring invites us to witness nature’s incredible cycle of rebirth and movement. It’s a perfect time to step outside, slow down, and appreciate the richness of life that surrounds us.
See the end of this newsletter for a fun activity to help welcome butterflies and springtime to your own backyard!
📸 Photo: Variegated Fritillary Butterfly by Michael Dwyer, submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest.
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🌿🌸 April Programs 🌳🌷
April 3: Quail Ridge Wildflower Hike
6 p.m. at Quail Ridge Picnic Area 🌄
Spring wildflowers are beginning to bloom! Join a volunteer naturalist for a scenic 2.5 to 3-mile easy hike to discover the season’s floral beauty. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring water, and enjoy nature’s colorful display. 🌻
📸 Photo: Round-lobed hepatica wildflower by Volunteer Ranger Bonnie Bell, via the Friends of Seneca Creek and Patuxent River State Parks.
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April 5: Ranger-Led Hike 🌲🥾
1 p.m. at the Park Office
Join an experienced Seneca ranger for a relaxing and informative hike along the scenic Old Pond Trail (1.5 miles). During this leisurely walk, we’ll cover essential hiking tips, identify local flora and fauna, and explore the principles of Leave No Trace to help preserve our beautiful environment. Please bring sturdy shoes and drinking water.
Whether you're new to hiking or just want to learn more, this guided hike is a perfect opportunity to connect with nature!
April 5: Lake Frank Eagle Nest Watch Hike
10:30 a.m. at Meadowside Nature Center 🦅
5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD
🧭Find the hike location on Google Maps.
Join us for a scenic 2.5-mile round-trip hike through this Montgomery County park, home to a bald eagle nest. Along the way, we may spot eagles, as well as an active beaver lodge.
This hike follows a natural surface trail with some hills, so please dress appropriately for the weather and trail conditions. Bring binoculars for a closer look and water to stay hydrated. Please note that there are no restrooms at this location.
📸 Photo: Bald eagle in a nest from a previous Eagle Watch Hike by Volunteer Ranger Bonnie Bell, via the Friends of Seneca Creek and Patuxent River State Parks.
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April 10: Old Pond Wildflower Hike 🌼🌷
6 p.m. at the Park Office
Spring wildflowers are beginning to bloom! Join a volunteer naturalist for a scenic 2.5 to 3-mile easy hike to discover the season’s floral beauty. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring water, and enjoy nature’s colorful display.
April 13: Clopper Mill Trash Bash 🌍♻️
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Izaak Walton League Lake, 12057 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg
🧭Find the meeting location on Google Maps.
Join us for a special opportunity to visit the Clopper Mill ruins and help clear accumulated trash, thanks to our partnership with the Izaak Walton League. We’ll meet at the IWLA Rockville Chapter’s hidden lake for a safe walk under Clopper Road to the site. Look for the large yellow-painted rock on Clopper Road, just east of the bridge. Some light bushwhacking is required, as there are no trails.
Trash bags will be provided—please wear sturdy shoes and gardening gloves. We’ll return to the IWLA lake around 11:30 a.m. for a cookout*.
*RSVP required for lunch—email scspnaturalist@gmail.com by Monday, April 7.
📸 Photo: Volunteers with their bounty of trash bags from a previous Trash Bash by Volunteer Ranger Bonnie Bell, via the Friends of Seneca Creek and Patuxent River State Parks.
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April 13 and 27: Come Paddle With Us! 🚣♂️🌅
1-2:30 p.m. at the Boat Center
Join us for a guided paddle on the serene waters of Clopper Lake, where you’ll take in stunning shoreline views, observe local wildlife, and enjoy the vibrant colors of spring. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or a beginner looking for a new way to explore nature, this excursion offers a perfect opportunity to connect with the outdoors.
No prior paddling experience is necessary—just bring your sense of adventure! Our experienced guides will provide basic paddling instruction, and all equipment, including kayaks or canoes and life jackets, will be provided.
Registration opens the Monday prior to the event by using the links below:
🛶 Register for April 13
🛶 Register for April 27
This program is open to ages 12 and older. Weather permitting— shine only, with temperatures above 50 degrees.
April 17: Lakeshore Wildflower Hike
6 p.m. at the Boat Center 🌸
Spring wildflowers are beginning to bloom! Join a volunteer naturalist for a scenic 2.5 to 3-mile easy hike to discover the season’s floral beauty. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring water, and enjoy nature’s colorful display.
📸 Photo: 'Spring Beauties in Bloom' by Tanya Bucci, submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest.
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April 20: Spring Bird Egg Hunt 🐦🐣🔍
1-4 p.m. at the Nature Shack by the Tire Playground
Hop on over to the Nature Shack for a fun egg hunt with a twist! Search the park for colorful eggs hidden all around, each one representing a different bird from Maryland. It’s the perfect way for kids and families to explore nature, learn about local birds, and enjoy the springtime outdoors!
April 21 - 25: State Parks Week - Seneca BINGO 🎯🦋🍁🌞
Self-Guided Activity
State Parks Week is April 21-25! Celebrate with a fun-filled adventure for the entire family! Visit the park website or stop by the Park Office to pick up your BINGO card.
Explore the park together and check off different activities as you go—whether it’s spotting wildlife, hiking a trail, or enjoying a picnic. Complete a row and shout “B-I-N-G-O!” It’s a perfect way to make lasting memories with your loved ones while discovering all that Seneca State Park has to offer!
April 21: School’s Out Hike 🏫🎉🥾
4 p.m. at the Park Office
No school? Let’s hit the trail! Join a Volunteer Ranger for a scenic 1.3-mile loop through woods and clearcuts with beautiful river views. Listen for frogs near the Old Pond—they might make an appearance!
Open to all ages, so bring the whole family! Dress for the weather, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and bring water.
📸 Photo: 'Hiking with my Brother' by Anthony Burrows, via Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
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Tie-Dye Tuesday Hike 🎨👕🌈🥾
5 – 7 p.m. at Quail Ridge Picnic Area
Join us for a colorful and fun-filled adventure on the last Tuesday of every month from April through September!
We’ll kick off the evening at 5 p.m. with a creative tie-dye session, where you can personalize your favorite items. Then, at 6 p.m., we’ll stretch our legs with a peaceful hike, soaking in the beauty of nature. Wear your favorite tie-dye to brighten the trail!
Bring a t-shirt, pillowcase, or any fabric item you'd like to dye, and don’t forget to pack water and wear comfortable hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
A suggested $5 donation to the Friends of Seneca Creek and Patuxent River State Parks will help cover supplies.
Weather permitting— clear weather with temperatures above 50 degrees.
🌞 Please click here to RSVP.
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Upcoming Park Events
🌲👟Senior Rangers 🌞🦅
The Senior Rangers program is designed for our vibrant retired community to get active, reconnect with nature, explore the wonders of our local state parks, meet new friends, and simply have a great time! Our sessions are held weekly for two hours at various locations around the park and the local community. It’s a wonderful way to experience all that Seneca Creek State Park has to offer!
Session Details:
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Dates: Every Wednesday, from April 16 to May 21, 2025
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Time: 10 a.m. – noon
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Registration Fee: $20 for all six sessions
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Capacity: Limited to 15 participants
Registration opens April 1. Visit the Seneca Creek State Park website and click on the Senior Rangers flyer to register!
Please email dylan.wagner@maryland.gov with any questions.
🗺️ Self-Guided Junior Rangers Adventure 🏕️
 This summer, while our traditional Junior Rangers Day Camp isn't available, we're excited to offer a Self-Guided Junior Rangers Adventure! Kids can explore the park, participate in activities, and work toward their next Junior Rangers level at their own pace.
To celebrate their achievements, we’re hosting a fun-filled family picnic at the end of the summer, featuring ranger-led activities, games, and quality time in nature.
Help Us Pick a Date! Click here to take a quick survey and let us know which picnic dates work best for your family!
Please email dylan.wagner@maryland.gov with any questions.
🌸🖌️🌈 Activity: Build a Butterfly Puddle 🦋💧🎨
Butterflies need more than just nectar—they also require minerals, which they get from damp soil. Creating a butterfly puddle is a simple, fun way to support these delicate pollinators as they emerge in spring!
Here’s how you can create one:
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Gather Supplies: Find a shallow dish, such as a small birdbath or a shallow plastic lid.
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Add Sand and Rocks: Fill the dish with sand and a few small flat rocks. The rocks provide a place for butterflies to land.
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Add Water: Pour just enough water over the sand to moisten it. The butterflies will drink the mineral-rich water from the sand.
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Place in a Sunny Spot: Set the dish in a sunny spot in your garden or on a balcony where butterflies are likely to pass by. Be patient and watch as butterflies come to drink, bathe, and rest!
This simple activity not only helps butterflies but also offers a beautiful way to observe these winged wonders up close. Don’t forget to keep the water level consistent as the season progresses to maintain your butterfly oasis!
📸 Photo: Red-spotted Admiral Butterfly collecting nectar by Corina Voicu-Hampstead, submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest.
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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 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!
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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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