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Black Bear Q&A
June 28
Noon - 1:30 p.m. at the Nature Center, next to the Lake House
Stop by the black bear display at the Nature Center with all your bear country questions. Ranger Noah and Ranger Hannah will provide you with some helpful tips to avoid bear encounters while visiting the park, as well as provide you with an opportunity to see and feel a real bear fur and skull. Photo credit: Ryan Van Nosdeln
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Weed or Wildflower?
June 30
9-10:30 a.m. at the Native Plant Garden (weather dependent)
Want to help preserve our regional biodiversity? Bring your work gloves, kneeling pads, favorite weeding tools, and some elbow grease to remove unwanted plants from the garden.
As you work, you’ll learn how to identify common weeds and understand why protecting native plants is so critical for wildlife. Meet at the native plant garden near the Lake House. Please bring your own water bottle, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
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Free Fishing Day
July 4
All Day
July 4 is a license-free fishing day all across Maryland! On this day, licenses are not required to catch and possess fin fish in tidal and non-tidal waters for recreational purposes. All other fishing laws and regulations still apply.
Need gear? New Germany State Park is now a Tackle Loaner Program location! To borrow a rod and reel, stop by the Lake House between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. or call the Ranger Station at 301-895-5453 to make an appointment. Please bring your own bait!
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Make and Take Walking Sticks
July 5
Noon at the Nature Center (while supplies last)
Join Ranger Hannah at the Nature Center to make your own walking stick.
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Full Moon Kayaking
July 9
9-10 p.m. at the Lake House (weather dependent)
Experience the beauty of New Germany Lake under a full moon on this one-hour kayak adventure.
Registration is required. Space is limited. For more information or to register, please email hannah.muir@maryland.gov.
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Full Moon Hike
July 10
9:30 p.m. at the Lake House (weather dependent)
Embrace the beauty of the forest under a full moon on this 1-mile hike with Ranger Hannah. This "Buck Moon" will be the first full moon of summer. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp. Photo credit: Rob Bogart.
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Salamander Sleuthing
July 12
Do some sleuthing on this easy 1.5-mile walk in search of salamanders. Ranger Noah will show how to find them, while also explaining their importance in the ecosystem and why it's best to leave them in their natural habitat. Photo credit: Sarah Milbourne
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New Germany Book Club Meeting
July 13
Join Ranger Noah for this month's Book Club meeting and share your thoughts on "Down From the Mountain" by Bryce Andrews. The club meets once a month for coffee and snacks, while sharing insights and thoughts about a nature-themed book. Participants who attend six club meetings will receive a free night of camping. Please email noah.manges@maryland.gov to register.
Can't make it this month? Get a head start on next month's book - "Never Cry Wolf" by Farley Mowat.
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Take a Hike Tuesday
July 15
10 a.m. at the Lake House (weather dependent)
Join Ranger Noah on this challenging 4-mile hike and experience the revitalizing effects of outdoor exercise.
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Junior Ranger Park Pals - Week 1
July 17
Noon - 1:30 p.m. at the Lake House
New Germany State Park will host Junior Ranger Park Pals, a free program for children ages 5-7, every Thursday from July 17 through August 14.
Each week will feature a nature-themed program, such as identifying mammals, searching for amphibians and reptiles, fishing, mushroom gardening, and arts and crafts. All children must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
The programs are free (supported by the Friends of New Germany State Park), but donations are welcome. Registration is required and space is limited. To register, please email noah.manges@maryland.gov.
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The How-Tos of Pruning Woody Plants
July 17
Join guest speakers, Ashley Bachtel-Bodkins from the University of Maryland Extension and Liz McDowell from the Maryland Native Plant Society, for an introduction to the basic skills needed for pruning in your home landscape. Learn why, when, and how to complete simple pruning to encourage plant health and prevent disease. Then take a closer look at a few native woodies and discover why they are so important for regional biodiversity. These digital presentations will be followed by a live-demonstration of how to make clean cuts using sharp pruning equipment. Please bring your own pruners if you’d like to practice on some shrub and tree samples. Registration is not required.
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Old Time Jam
July 18
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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NEW for 2025!
The Maryland State Parks “25 in 2025” Adventure Challenge is here! This program encourages you to get out to visit Maryland State Parks and complete at least 25 themed challenges before November 15, 2025. Grab some friends, bring your whole family, or complete it solo—everyone is welcome (and encouraged) to participate! And don’t forget to bring your camera—that’s how you’ll “prove” that you completed each of these challenges. Once you’ve successfully completed all 25 challenges, you can be entered into the prize drawing!
Click here for more information.
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Unless otherwise noted, events are held rain or shine, free and fun for all ages; donations are always welcome. Children 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.
New Germany staff also manages Big Run, Casselman River Bridge, and Dans Mountain state parks.
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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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