July 18: World Snake Day
Cedarville State Forest
2 p.m. at Park Headquarters
This World Snake Day, join our park staff as they share all about Maryland's native snake species and the important roles they play in our ecosystems. Stick around for a special live feeding of our snake and turtles!
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July 26: Chesapeake Natives Open House Sale
Rosaryville State Park
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Chesapeake Natives
Join Chesapeake Natives, a nonprofit native plant nursery located at Rosaryville State Park, for an Open House Sale. Their native plants are grown onsite from locally-gathered native seed. Chesapeake Natives volunteers will be available at the sale to help you find the right native plants for your space. Please note, the entrance to the nursery is at 9640 Rosaryville Road and is not accessible through the main state park entrance on Route 301. More information, including a plant list, will be shared closer to the sale date. Please reach out to info@chesapeakenatives.org if you have any questions.
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July 29: Hug a Tree Program
Cedarville State Forest
10 a.m. at Pavilion Two
Join Natural Resources Police Reserve Officer Wallace for the fun and interactive Hug-A-Tree program! Participants will learn simple, life-saving skills for what to do if they ever become lost in the woods. Through engaging activities, families will discover how to stay calm, stay safe, and help rescuers find them. After the program, we’ll put these new skills into practice with a guided hike along the Orange Trail, where participants can reinforce what they’ve learned while enjoying the beauty of the park. This program is great for families and young adventurers who love exploring the outdoors. Email malayasia.wallace@maryland.gov with any questions.
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 Park staff have planned an exciting lineup of activities for the 2026 Southern Maryland Senior Rangers! Registration opens August 1 at noon.
Senior Rangers is a program designed for our retired population (55+) to get active, get back into their local state parks, sharpen their sense of wonder, meet new friends, and have a ton of fun! The program meets weekly for six, two-hour sessions. Participants can look forward to a variety of hands-on activities, outdoor adventures, and opportunities to learn more about Southern Maryland’s natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources.
Please email cierra.maszkiewicz@maryland.gov with any questions.
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Trail Courtesy Reminder
Please be mindful of your fellow trail users. Visitors enjoy our trails in many different ways. Some users run for exercise, some use binoculars as they stroll, many are on bikes, while others ride a horse. Yet all users are part of the trail community! Please follow proper trail etiquette to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
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Tree down? Trail needs attention?
We want to hear from you!
If you come across a downed tree or a section of trail that could use some TLC at Cedarville State Forest or Rosaryville State Park, please text the Duty Ranger (443-975-4358) with a picture of the area and the GPS coordinates. Our park staff manages more than 30 miles of trails and relies on your help to keep the trails in great shape for YOU! Thank you for helping us maintain the park trails.
***Thank you Sue E. for providing the GPS coordinates and photos of each tree downed following the most recent storm at Cedarville State Forest! Because of your quick response and accurate documentation, our staff were able to clear all of the downed trees within a week.***
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 The staff at Cedarville State Forest would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Thomas G. for his generous donations of food for our eastern box turtle, a floating feeder for our red-eared slider, forest moss bedding, watercolor paint, and a new book! Your contributions help us provide the best possible care for our animal ambassadors and supports our mission to educate and inspire visitors about Maryland’s incredible wildlife. Thank you!
If you would like to support Cedarville State Forests Scales & Tales animal ambassadors and environmental education programs, check out our wishlist.
 Salary for seasonal contractual positions starts at $17.15/hour. Work is performed indoors and outdoors, under various weather conditions. Applicants must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, as scheduled.
The three areas of the Southern Maryland Recreational Complex are the East Area, which is based out of Merkle Natural Resources Management Area in Upper Marlboro; the North Area, which is based out of Cedarville State Forest in Brandywine; and the South Area, which is based out of Smallwood State Park in Marbury.
To view a full job announcement and submit an application, please visit the
Maryland State Jobs website and click "Apply." Call 301-888-1410 with questions. Applications will be accepted until July 10, 2026.
Unless otherwise noted, events are held rain or shine, free and fun for all ages; donations are always welcome. Children under 16 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 301-888-1410 for additional information or to register.
Cedarville staff also manages Rosaryville State Park.
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.
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 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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