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 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
Fort Frederick to Host French and Indian War Reenactments
Who: Open to the Public
When: May 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. & May 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 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
Historic Fort Frederick will take visitors on a journey back in time with Joshua Beall’s Company of the Maryland Forces and the fort’s volunteer cannon crew reenacting what life was like at the fort during the French and Indian War. Read more
Governor O’Malley Signs Landmark Forest Legislation
Maryland establishes first in the nation policy
Photo by Gayle Ryan
Governor Martin O’Malley today signed into law first-of-its-kind legislation that amends Maryland’s forest conservation policy to maintain the State’s current 40 percent tree canopy ─ a no-net-loss. The bill establishes new and expanded reforestation incentives and tools to help landowners and local governments meet and surpass the statewide goal. Read more
Washington Monument State Park to Unveil New Museum
Washington Monument Visitors Center
Who: Open to the public
What: Museum Grand Opening Celebration
Where: Washington Monument State Park, 6620 Zittlestown Rd., Middletown
When: Saturday, May 11 from 12 to 3 p.m.
Cost: $3 per vehicle
Contact: 301-791-4656
Calling all nature lovers and history buffs! Washington Monument State Park is unveiling its newly renovated museum at a grand opener celebration, featuring fun, family-friendly tours, activities and presentations. Read more
Volunteers Needed to Pull Invasive Garlic Mustard in Garrett County
Last year, scouts from Rt. 40, Troop 55020 pulled 100 pounds of garlic mustard at New Germany State Park. Photo by Kista Wilt.
Who: Open to the Public, Ages 8 and up
Events: New Germany State Park on May 4 at 1 p.m.; and Big Run State Park on May 11 at 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Contact: 301-895-5453 or cmccann@dnr.state.md.us
New Germany and Big Run State Parks need volunteers to help pull garlic mustard, an invasive species that spreads aggressively and out-competes native plants. Read more
