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Full Moon Hike
June 29
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 "Strawberry Moon" will be the first full moon of summer. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp. Photo credit: Rob Bogart.
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Weed or Wildflower?
July 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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Make-and-Take Walking Sticks
July 4
Noon at the Nature Center, next to the Lake House (while supplies last)
Join Ranger Hannah at the Nature Center to make your own walking stick.
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Take-a-Hike Tuesday
July 7
10 a.m. at the Lake House (weather dependent)
Join Ranger Hanna 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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Salamander Sleuthing
July 11
10 a.m. at the Lake House (weather dependent)
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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Black Bear Q&A
July 11
1-2:30 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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Meet the Trees: Dendrology 101
July 12
3 p.m. at the Nature Center, next to the Lake House
Get to know the trees of New Germany by observing the shapes and characteristics of their leaves, buds, bark, fruits, and flowers. This program will include light walking, tactile interaction with trees, and a 6-page guide to take home. All ages are welcome.
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Weed or Wildflower?
July 13
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
July 17
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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Meet the Trees: Dendrology 101
July 18
3 p.m. at the Nature Center, next to the Lake House
Get to know the trees of New Germany by observing the shapes and characteristics of their leaves, buds, bark, fruits, and flowers. This program will include light walking, tactile interaction with trees, and a 6-page guide to take home. All ages are welcome.
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Magical Moth Night
July 18
8-9:30 p.m. at the Lake House (weather dependent)
Celebrate National Moth Week by exploring the magical insect world after the sun goes down! The adventure will begin at the Lake House and will include a short walk to the "mothing station" after dark. Participants are asked to register here for this free event - presented by the University of Maryland Extension.
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Historic Schoolhouse Open House
July 19
1-3 p.m. at the Schoolhouse
Come experience what it was like to be a student in the 1930s in this newly-restored one room schoolhouse. Teacher docents will share interesting stories and demonstrate instructional methods and period games. The history of the Civilian Conservation Corps and New Germany State Park will be explored with hands-on activities in the school yard. The program is free. Handicap-only parking at the Schoolhouse. Regular parking at Lot #5 by the Lake.
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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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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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