Celebrate Earth and Arbor Days with DNR!

Get outside with activities, tree plantings

Looking to give back to our planet in celebration of Earth and Arbor days? The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is hosting a variety of activities to help you get outside, spend time with friends, family and neighbors, and beautify your natural world.

North Point State Park is holding an Earth Day Cleanup, April 18 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Activities include tidying up the beach, fountain and trolley station. Location: 8400 North Point Rd, Edgemere, Baltimore County. More information, call 410-477-0757.

Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary will host a Volunteer Work Day, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteers and park staff will revitalize the park’s flower beds. To register, call 301-888-1377. Location: 11704 Fenno Rd., Upper Marlboro, Prince George’s County.

Elk Neck State Park’s Earth Day Celebration is April 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. Help with various park enhancements, and afterwards, enjoy live animal program featuring some of Maryland’s most common reptiles. Meet in the North East Beach Area. Location: 4395 Turkey Point Road, North East, Cecil County More information, call 410-287-5333.

Rocky Gap State Park is having its Earth Day Tree Planting April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet in the campground to help rangers and local community groups plant native trees at the Family Group Site. Volunteers also invited to help with trash pickup along the trails. Location: 12900 Lakeshore Drive, Flintstone, Allegany County. More information, call 301-722-8966.

Pocomoke River State Park is hosting an Earth Day Celebration April 25 from 12 to 4 p.m. Join a naturalist and a ranger in planting a native garden. Volunteers are also welcome to donate a native plant to the garden (call 410-632-2566 for details). As part of the festivities, participants can create seed bombs to take home, and enjoy and afternoon of Earth Day crafts and activities. Cost is $4. Location: 3461 Worcester Highway, Snow Hill, Worcester County. More information, call 410-632-2566.

Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area will hold an Arbor Day Hike April 25 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. This 1.6-mile, roundtrip walk will climb a moderate slope and offer spectacular views of Big Elk Creek. Participants will learn to use a dichotomous key to identify 10 different tree species. Meet at the Covered Bridge Lot #2. Location: 300 Tawes Drive, Elkton, Cecil County. More information, call 410-398-1246.

Patapsco Valley State Park is hosting an Earth Day Papermaking activity April 25 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Celebrate Earth Day by learning how to make paper, or flowered paper, using recycled materials. Participants are encouraged to bring cardboard egg cartons, cardboard drink holders, newspapers, cards, tissue paper, magazines and any other kind of paper. For ages 6 and up. $3 per person. Meet at the Hilton Nature Center. Location: 1100 Hilton Ave., Catonsville, Baltimore County. Call 410-461-5005 to sign up or for more info.

For more on these and other family-friendly activities, check out DNR’s Event Calendar. (Note: Park entrance fees may apply).

Can’t make a scheduled event?  Another easy way to make a difference is to plant a tree, which helps protect air and water quality, provide wildlife habitat, reduce energy costs and more! DNR is offering $25 off tree coupons toward the purchase of native trees. Learn more at trees.maryland.gov.

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