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 
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
Outdoor Recreation Input Meeting Rescheduled
Photo by Kent Carlson
Who: Open to the Public
What: Central Region Outdoor Recreation Evaluation
When: June 19 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Howard County Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia
Cost: Free
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking citizens for their thoughts on State parks and lands at a public input meeting, or through a quick and easy online survey. The Department held meetings in other regions earlier this month but the one in central Maryland was cancelled because of inclement weather. Read more
State Outdoor Recreation Survey Now Online
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages Marylanders to share their thoughts on State parks and lands through a quick and easy online survey.
The survey asks a variety of multiple choice and open ended questions that will help DNR determine which outdoor recreation facilities, programs and services do and do not meet the needs of the community. Areas include State parks, forests, wildlife areas and trails. Read more
Maryland Names Wildlands area in Honor of Eugene Piotrowski
Gene Piotrowski (1953-2012)
Piotrowski was dedicated employee of DNR
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Maryland Board of Public Works today officially renamed St. Mary’s River State Park Wildlands in honor of Eugene “Gene” Piotrowski, a dedicated employee of DNR and natural resource advocate. Read more
Area of Ice to be Removed from Deep Creek Lake
Visitors urged to use caution
The Maryland Park Service (MPS) notifies visitors to Deep Creek Lake that staring February 16 ice along the shoreline of the Discovery Center will be removed to open the waters for cold water rescue training. This area will remain unsafe for quite some time and will be marked with reflective buoys. Read more
Maryland Celebrates New Year with First Day Hikes January 1
Hiking at Greenbrier State Park, by Paula Mansfield
Who: Open to the public
When: Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Where: 19 Maryland State Parks
Cost: Free
What better way to kick-off the New Year than by lacing-up the sneakers and spending quality time with loved ones while enjoying nature’s beauty?
Most State Parks Open after Sandy Clean-Up
Cunningham Falls State Park
The Maryland Park Service (MPS) has reopened all but 11 of Maryland’s 66 State Parks after extensive clean-up and repairs in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Seven of the reopened parks are open with limited services, some without electric power, while the remaining parks are open and fully operational. The 11 closed parks will remain closed as crews continue to clean up and repair infrastructure.
Deep Creek Lake State Park to See Heavy Congestion September 15 and 16
Roads to and within Deep Creek Lake State Park will be heavily congested September 15 and 16 due to the TRI-TO-WIN SavageMan Triathlon. Visitors should expect limited access to areas, including the boat ramp, beach and to hunting regions.
Read more
