Upcoming Public Meetings __________



Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Monthly Meeting

Wednesday April 7 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Department of Housing and Community Development, Crownsville (Anne Arundel County)



Middle Potomac Tributary Meeting

Wednesday April 7 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), Richard G. Hocevar Bldg., 14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel (Prince George’s County)



Patapsco/Back Tributary Team Meeting

Thursday April 8 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore City



Ocean Planning And Offshore Renewable Energy Open House

Monday April 12 from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Coastal Ecology Teaching and Research Center (CETRC), Berlin (Worcester County)



Maryland Boat Act Advisory Committee Public Meeting

Thursday April 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

National Harbor Marina Conference Room, Oxon Hill (Prince George’s County)















Upcoming Public Events __________

For information about upcoming DNR Events, click here.



National Wild Turkey Federation J.A.K.E.S.

April 10 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 pm.; free

Fort Frederick State Park, Woodmont Rod & Gun Club, 11761 Woodmont Rd, Hancock (Washington County)

The Monocacy Chapter of the Wild Turkey Federation sponsors this event to introduce youths, ages 6 to 16, to outdoor skills and development including turkey hunting, sportsmanship, and conservation. The event takes place at the Woodmont Lodge. For information and a registration form, call 301-845-1366 and ask for Bobby Detrow.



Park Day

April 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; free but registration required

Point Lookout State Park, 11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland (St. Mary’s County)

This event is sponsored by the Civil War Preservation Trust and is an opportunity for Civil War enthusiasts to volunteer together and participate in preservation projects at Historic Fort Lincoln. Fort Lincoln is the park’s last remaining fort. Volunteers must pre-register with the park before April 2 and should bring gloves and have appropriate clothing and footwear for getting dirty and possibly wet. Lunch and a Living History Fort and Prison Pen tour will also be provided for volunteers.



Natural Spruce-Ups

April 10 from 1 to 2 p.m.; Honor box fees apply

Fair Hill NRMA, 300 Tawes Drive, Elkton (Cecil County)

Green up your spring cleaning! Toss the chemicals (not down the drain please) and learn about natural alternatives that are safer for us and our planet. Please call 410-398-1246 to register.



Bike 101

April 10 from 1 to 2 p.m.; Honor box fees apply

Fair Hill NRMA, Gallaher Road parking lot, Elkton (Cecil County)

Meet at the Gallaher Road parking lot and get expert instruction from the Delaware Trail Spinners on mountain biking. Open to all levels of expertise. Please call 410-398-1246 to register.



Intro to Camping

April 10 from 1 to 3 p.m.; free

Patapsco Valley State Park, 1101 Hilton Avenue, Catonsville (Baltimore County)

Have you ever camped before? Learn the basics of camping from a real camp host. Find out how to stay dry, eat well, and enjoy the great outdoors. Get tips and tricks to make camping even more fun. Bring your own tent for a trial set up. This program is suitable for families interested in camping. All age groups are welcome. Meet at shelter 245. Please call 410-461-5005 in advance to sign up.



Nature Journaling for Kids

April 10 from 2 to 3 p.m.; $3 per person or $10 for a family of four

Pocomoke River State Park, 3461 Worcester Highway, Snow Hill (Worcester County)

Join a naturalist as we learn how to sketch, record, and explore what is outside our backdoor. Nature is always changing and a nature journal is an excellent way of keeping track of what is happening in the natural world. Call 410-632-2566 today to make your reservations.



Star-Gazing

April 10 from 8 to 10 p.m.; free

Soldier's Delight N.E.A., 5100 Deer Park Road, Owings Mills (Baltimore County)

Come join volunteers from the Westminster Astronomy Club for an evening of star-gazing. Tonight’s headline: “Saturn and Mars are at it Again, Moon tries to break up Fight.” All programs are rain or shine. April highlight: journey of exploration from close to far; the Moon, Mars and Saturn. Please call 410-549-3026 in advance to sign-up or for more information. Donations are welcome.



Garrison Weekend

April 10 and 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m; $3 per adult, $2 per child (ages 6-12)

Fort Frederick State Park, 11100 Fort Frederick Road, Big Pool (Washington County)

Members of the 4th Continental Light Dragoons will garrison the fort and reenact the lives of Continental soldiers during the Revolutionary War. For information call 301-842-2155.





Bell & History Days

April 10 and 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; free

Cunningham Falls State Park, 14039 Catoctin Hollow Road, Thurmont (Frederick County)

Bell & History Days are held at the Manor area, near the Lake and Catoctin Furnace site. Learn how the over 200 year-old Catoctin Iron Furnace helped shape the land and people of Frederick County. Come to the Visitors Center in the Manor area to see historical artifacts and learn from park naturalists about the area’s rich natural and historical attributes. Call 301-271-7574 for further information.



Trail Work Day

April 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; free

Gunpowder Falls State Park, Location TBA (Baltimore County)

Come ready to work and assist park staff as we clean and repair sections of our trails. Please dress appropriately wearing long pants, comfortable boots and work gloves. This is a shine only event. Pre-registration is required. Call 410-329-6809 to register and to check for cancellations due to inclement weather.



Story Time

April 11 from 10 to 10:30 a.m.; free

Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, 11704 Fenno Road, Upper Marlboro (Prince George’s County)

Join a naturalist every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for a nature-related story time. Stories include Dr. Seuss's The Lorax, Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree, and Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar, among others. This story time is designed to help kids relate to nature. Games are sometimes included after the story. Please follow detour directions as Fenno Bridge is closed for repairs.



Story-Telling Hour

April 11 from 1 to 2 p.m.; free

Soldier's Delight N.E.A., 5100 Deer Park Road, Owings Mills (Baltimore County)

A Volunteer Ranger will read short stories with nature or animal themes in the Soldiers Delight Visitor Center. Suitable for children accompanied by an adult. Please call 410-461-5005 in advance to sign up.



Poetry Corner Kick Off

April 11 from 2 to 3 p.m.; free

Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, 11704 Fenno Road, Upper Marlboro (Prince George’s County)

Join us on a poetry-inspired hike, where you will have the opportunity to create poetry, or a picture if you prefer, reflecting your hike here at Merkle Wildilfe Sanctuary. We will then post your poem or picture in our poetry corner. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Please dress to be outdoors. To register e-mail kjarboe@dnr.state.md.us or call 301-888-1377. Please follow detour directions as Fenno Bridge is closed for repairs.





March for Babies

April 17 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; registration fee

Rocky Gap State Park, 12500 Pleasant Valley Road, Flintstone (Alleghany County)

March for Babies, formerly WalkAmerica, is the walk that benefits all babies—those born healthy and those who need help to survive and thrive. March for Babies is a scenic walk at Rocky Gap State Park and will include food, fun, and entertainment. Join March for Babies and be a champion for ALL babies. For information, please contact the March of Dimes at 301-722-3867 or visit: www.marchforbabies.org.



Annual Park Cleanup

April 17 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; free

New Germany State Park, 349 Headquarter's Lane, Grantsville (Garrett County)

Join Annual Park Cleanup Join community volunteers and scout groups from the local area to help spruce up the park for the summer season. The Friends of New Germany will provide lunch. Meet at the Lakehouse. Please call to register, 301-895-5453. There will be no service charge for park admission.



Story Time

April 18 from 10 to 10:30 a.m.; free

Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, 11704 Fenno Road, Upper Marlboro (Prince George’s County)



Join a naturalist every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for a nature-related story time. Stories include Dr. Seuss's The Lorax, Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree, and Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar, among others. This story time is designed to help kids relate to nature. Games are sometimes included after the story. Please follow detour directions as Fenno Bridge is closed for repairs.



Creek Stomp

April 18 from 2 to 3 p.m.; free

Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, 11704 Fenno Road, Upper Marlboro (Prince George’s County)

Come play in the creek and learn how to analyze the health of our fresh water streams. Please be sure to wear clothes that can get dirty and shoes that will get wet. To register, e-mail kjarboe@dnr.state.md.us or call 301-888-1377. Please follow detour directions as Fenno Bridge is closed for repairs.



Horses-Emergency First Aid on the Trail

April 21 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; $5 per participant

Fair Hill NRMA, 300 Tawes Drive, Elkton (Cecil County)

Be prepared to handle emergencies when you are out on the trail. Learn what to pack in your first aid kit for your horse and how to use it. Meet at Stafford Pavilion on the fairgrounds. Call 410-398-1246 to register.



Earth Day Celebration

April 22 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; free

Rocky Gap State Park, 12500 Pleasant Valley Road, Flintstone (Allegany County)

In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Rocky Gap State Park will be making some plant renovations! Join us to weed out the non-native plants and to add new native plants to the gardens. Then, head with us to the day use area to plant a native tree to celebrate this special day. For more information or to sign your group up, please contact Sarah Milbourne at (301) 722-1487 or smilbourne@dnr.state.md.us.



18th Century Market Fair

April 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Adults $4.00, Children ages 6-12, $2.00, Children, ages 5 and under free; 4-day pass for $12.00 per person

Fort Frederick State Park, 11100 Fort Frederick Road, Big Pool (Washington County)

Now in its 16th year, the Market Fair features the best artisans, craftspeople, and sutlers together with an 18th Century encampment. For information call 301-842-2155.



18th Century Market Fair

April 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Adults $4.00, Children ages 6-12, $2.00, Children, ages 5 and under free; 4-day pass for $12.00 per person

Fort Frederick State Park, 11100 Fort Frederick Road, Big Pool (Washington County)

Now in its 16th year, the Market Fair features the best artisans, craftspeople, and sutlers together with an 18th Century encampment. For information call 301-842-2155.



Earth Day

April 24 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.; free

Gunpowder Falls State Park, North Point State Park Visitor's Center (Baltimore County)

Calling all volunteers! This is your opportunity to contribute to the beautification of the park by sprucing it up and assisting with beach clean-up. North Point Volunteers will be on hand to discuss other volunteer opportunities and provide you with a cool drink. Bring your garden tools, gloves, sturdy footwear and your energy to join in the fun! Call 410-477-0757 for more information.



18th Century Market Fair

April 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Adults $4.00, Children ages 6-12, $2.00, Children, ages 5 and under free; 4-day pass for $12.00 per person

Fort Frederick State Park, 11100 Fort Frederick Road, Big Pool (Washington County)

Now in its 16th year, the Market Fair features the best artisans, craftspeople, and sutlers together with an 18th Century encampment. For information call 301-842-2155.



Fishing Rodeo

April 24 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; free

Dans Mountain State Park, 12500 Pleasant Valley Rd., Lonaconing (Allegany County)

Bring the kids, win a prize! Stocked just prior to the day, this fishing excursion is bound to get results. Benefits the park Volunteer Team. Call (301) 463-5487 for more information.



Earth Day Clean Up

April 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; free

Gunpowder Falls State Park, TCB Gardens, meet at Papermill (Baltimore County)

Attention volunteers! Come on down, help the park put its best foot forward and join in our spring cleaning effort to revamp the gardens of Papermill, White Hall & Freeland. Bring your work gloves, boots, and energy to help get the park ready for summer. Call 410-329-6809 for more information.



Native Plant Demonstration Sale

April 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; cost per vehicle

New Germany State Park, 349 Headquarter's Lane, Grantsville (Garrett County)

This fundraising event will benefit the Savage River Watershed Association and will feature information on landscaping with native plants. Plants will also be available for sale. Contact the Savage River Watershed Association at 301-689-7156 for more details.



Ramp Cook-Off and Festival

April 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; free

Deep Creek Lake State Park and NRMA, 898 State Park Road, Oakland (Garrett County)

Join us in celebrating Garrett County’s Appalachian roots by participating in our 9th Annual Ramp Cook Off. Ramps, a long awaited sign of Garrett County spring, are very much a part of local folklore. The late wild foods promoter, Euell Gibbons considered ramps “the sweetest and the best of the wild onions.” The event will be held at The Discovery Center. Judging will take place at 11 a.m. and tasting by the public will begin by 11:30p.m. A panel of judges will determine the winner based on creativity, ramp flavor and presentation. For more details or to enter a dish, call the park at 301-387-7067 or visit www.discoverycenterdcl.com.



Owl Prowl

April 24 from 7 to 9 p.m.; $3 per person or $10 for a family of four

Pocomoke River State Park, 3461 Worcester Highway, Snow Hill (Worcester County)

Join a naturalist as we explore the nighttime world of the owl. Take a hike and look, listen, and call for our creatures of the night. Call 410-632-2566 today and make your reservation.



18th Century Market Fair

April 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Adults $4.00, Children ages 6-12 $2.00, Children ages 5 and under free, 4-day pass for $12.00 per person

Fort Frederick State Park, 11100 Fort Frederick Road, Big Pool (Washington County)

Now in its 16th year, the Market Fair features the best artisans, craftspeople, and sutlers together with an 18th Century encampment. For information call 301-842-2155.



Trail Work Day

April 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; free

Gunpowder Falls State Park, Location TBA (Baltimore County)

Come ready to work and assist park staff as we clean and repair sections of our trails. Please dress appropriately wearing long pants, comfortable boots and work gloves. This is a shine only event. Pre-registration is required. Call 410-329-6809 to register and to check for cancellations due to inclement weather.



Story Time

April 25 from 10 to 10:30 a.m.; free

11704 Fenno Rd., Upper Marlboro (Prince George’s County)

Join a naturalist every Sunday at 10:00 a.m for a nature related story time. Stories include Dr. Seuss's The Lorax, Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree, and Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar, among others. This story time is designed to help kids relate to nature. Games are sometimes included after the story. Please follow detour directions as Fenno Bridge is closed for repairs.



Story-Telling Hour

April 25 from 1 to 2 p.m.; free

Soldier's Delight N.E.A., 5100 Deer Park Road, Owings Mills (Baltimore County)

A Volunteer Ranger will read short stories with nature or animal themes in the Soldiers Delight Visitor Center. Suitable for children accompanied by an adult. Please call 410-461-5005 in advance to sign up.



It's a Rocky World!

April 25 from 2 to 3 p.m.; $1 per person

11704 Fenno Rd., Upper Marlboro (Prince George’s County)

Come learn about the 6.6 sextillion tons of rock known as the Earth, and why it's always changing. Make sure to bring a dollar for some delicious rocky road ice cream at the end of the program. To register e-mail kjarboe@dnr.state.md.us or call 301-888-1377. Please follow the detour directions as Fennor road is closed for repairs.