Enter the “What is Water Safety?” Video Contest
Win a stand-up paddleboard, safe boating equipment
This Memorial Day, one lucky movie maker will win hundreds of dollars in prizes for having safe fun in the sun. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Natural Resources Police (NRP), West Marine and BoatUS partnered together for the first annual “What is Water Safety” video contest. Read more
DNR Reminds Citizens to Practice Water Safety
Photo by Carie Sobbott
With Memorial Day weekend and the start of summer right around the corner, many people will be heading outdoors to enjoy the State’s waterways and beaches. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) cautions that these areas will not be staffed with lifeguards until the Memorial Day weekend and urges everyone to be extra vigilant in and around the water. Read more
Fort Frederick to Host Colonial Children’s Day: A Soldier’s Life
Children try their hand at washing clothes the “old-fashioned” way
Who: Children ages 8 to 12
When: June 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Fort Frederick State Park, 11100 Fort Frederick Road, Big Pool
Cost: $20 per child
Contact/Registration: 301-842-2155
Participants will be enlisted into Captain Alexander Beall’s Company of Maryland Troops to experience how soldiers lived at Fort Frederick during the French and Indian War. Activities include musket firing demonstrations, soldiers’ chores, military drills and a mission in search of the enemy. Read more 
Citizens and Organizations Invited to Celebrate Maryland Outdoors Days, June 8-22
Governor O’Malley Proclaims June Great Outdoors Month
Nationally recognized Great Outdoors Month is right around the corner and Governor Martin O’Malley’s Partnership for Children in Nature is helping citizens celebrate! The second annual Celebrate Maryland Outdoors Days encourages families to get outside and invites Maryland organizations to post and promote their nature-inspired events. This two-week statewide collection of activities kicks off in conjunction with National Get Outdoors Day on June 8 and culminates with the Great American Backyard Campout on June 22. Read more
Fort Frederick to Host Families in Nature Program
Children identifying organisms in the water
Who: Open to the Public
When: May 25 to 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Fort Frederick State Park, 11100 Fort Frederick Rd, Big Pool
Cost: Maryland residents: $3 per car; Non-residents: $5 per car
Contact: 301-842-2155
Fort Frederick State Park will be hosting a Memorial Day weekend filled with outdoor fun for the entire family. There will be a variety of nature programs, exhibits, demonstrations and activities throughout the three day event. Read more
Park Quest Registration to Open May 13
Interested families encouraged to register right away
Families across the State are gearing up for a summer of adventure with the Maryland Park Service’s annual park-hopping challenge, Where a Family Becomes a Team. Registration for Park Quest 2013 opens at 6 p.m. on May 13. The event is expected to fill up quickly so interested participants are encouraged to register right away. Read more
Fort Frederick to Host Junior Ranger Program
Who: Children ages 4 to 7
When: June 24-28, Daily from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Fort Frederick State Park, 11100 Fort Frederick Rd, Big Pool
Cost: $20 per child
Registration: 301-842-2155
Fort Frederick invites kids to kick off the start of summer at its Junior Ranger Sprouts program! Packed with fun nature-themed activities, games and discussions, this five-session series is a great way for children to get outdoors and learn about nature in a safe environment. Read more
New Germany State Park to Host Youth Fishing Rodeo
Who: Children 15 and under
When: Saturday, May 18, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: New Germany State Park, 349 Headquarters Lane, Grantsville
Cost: Free
Contact: 301-895-5453 or lmongrain@dnr.state.md.us
Young anglers of all skill levels are invited to enjoy a morning of fun and fishing at New Germany State Park’s annual Youth Fishing Rodeo. Read more
DNR to Host Guided Mother’s Day Hike at Woodmont NRMA
Who: Open to the Public
When: Sunday, May 12 at 1 p.m.
Where: Woodmont NRMA, 11761 Woodmont Rd., Hancock
Cost: Free
Contact: 301-842-2155
Give mom a Mother’s Day she will remember with a scenic, guided hike through the beautiful Woodmont Natural Resources Management Area (NRMA). A park ranger will lead the tour, explaining what has made Woodmont such a wild paradise for the past 150 years, and highlighting the newly-constructed Wildlife History Trail. The hike is taken at leisurely pace and will cover approximately 3.5 miles round-trip. Read more
Friends of South Mountain State Battlefield Seeking New Members
Who: Open to the Public
What: Public Interest Meeting
When: Tuesday, May 7 at 7 p.m.
Where: Greenbrier State Park Visitor’s Center, 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro
Cost: Free
Contact: 301-791-4767
The Friends of South Mountain State Battlefield is seeking new members to support and advance its cause of providing fun, family-friendly, historical events and interpretations associated with the area. Read more
