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Section 2
Salamander Sleuthing
May 16
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.
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Take-a-Hike Tuesday
May 19
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. This is a great way to rack up miles for the Miles for Maryland Trail Challenge!
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Weed or Wildflower?
May 20
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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Old Time Jam
May 22
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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Schoolhouse Open House
May 23
11 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Schoolhouse
Step back in time this Memorial Day weekend for a day of family-friendly fun at the historic schoolhouse in New Germany State Park. Activities will include traditional schoolhouse games, snacks, and crafts. "Old-timey" music will be performed from 1-3 p.m. All activities are free, drop-in, and designed for all ages. Please note: Parking at the schoolhouse is very limited. Visitors are kindly asked to use Parking Lot #5 by the lake if they are able to walk from there.
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Who Lives in the Stream?
May 23
Join Ranger Noah for this kid-friendly expedition and learn about the different types of crayfish, amphibians, reptiles, and insects that live in Poplar Lick. Please wear shoes that can get wet. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
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Bomber Down!
May 23
Retired Park Ranger Rick Lewis will be presenting this true story of a B-52 bomber that crashed in a snowstorm on Big Savage Mountain in 1964. Many local people played a role in the massive search for the plane and its crew, four of whom had ejected prior to the crash. Artifacts will be available to view, including one of the actual ejection seats from the aircraft.
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Black Bear Q&A
May 24
3-4:30 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: Mitch Adolph (submitted to Maryland DNR as part of the 2023 photo contest).
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Make-and-Take Walking Sticks
May 30
3 p.m. at the Lake House (while supplies last)
Join Ranger Hannah at the Nature Center to make your own walking stick.
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Full Moon Kayaking
May 30
9:15-10:15 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 noah.manges@maryland.gov. Photo credit: Hannah Muir
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Full Moon Hike
May 31
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 Noah. This "Blue Moon" will be the last full moon of spring. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp. Photo credit: Rob Bogart.
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Weed or Wildflower?
June 1
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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Section 4
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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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Celebrate America's 250th: Join the Miles for Maryland Challenge Today!
The Maryland Park Service is challenging visitors to walk one mile for each year since the founding of our country – 250 miles for America’s 250th. The “Miles for Maryland” Trail Challenge encourages everyone to get outdoors, enjoy the fresh air, and be active in 2026. Visit your nearest park, or explore the state to discover new-to-you Maryland parks.
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Teams and hikers who register for the Miles for Maryland Trail Challenge and pay a $25 fee will receive a keepsake item. Those who hike 250 miles in Maryland State Parks in 2026 are eligible for a prize drawing. Those who submit photos with their mileage reports will be entered for additional monthly prize drawings. Registration does not cover park entry – fees may apply.
Miles for Maryland continues through Dec. 31, 2026.
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Section 5
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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