Maryland's State Forest and Parks offer a wealth of opportunities for life-long learning. Interpretative programs and experiences are offered to better connect visitors, both emotionally and intellectually, with the natural and cultural resources they come to experience and enjoy. Through these programs and initiatives, we hope to inspire our visitors toward a greater understanding and appreciation for these important resources.
The long term protection and management of our state forests and parks depends largely on the generations to come. For that reason, our agency seeks to better prepare young visitors through environmental education programs such as Maryland Junior Rangers, Outdoor Discovery Camp, and Scales and Tales.
Whether you are a veteran outdoor enthusiast who is hoping to learn a fascinating new lesson from our natural and cultural heritage, or a young visitor first exploring our outdoor world, Maryland State Forests and Parks can offer something to inform and inspire you:
- Maryland's Junior Ranger Program is a multi-disciplined outdoor education program for children and teens, ages 8 - 14 years.
- Our Outdoor Discovery Program acquaints youth with Maryland’s state forests and parks while fostering a feeling of responsibility and respect for our natural environment.
- The Scales and Tales Program affords people the opportunity to see live wildlife, mostly native to Maryland, up close and personal. This informative and entertaining program uses live unreleasable birds of prey and reptiles to promote stewardship of our wildlife and other natural resources.
- Learn about Leave No Trace ethics and the importance of protecting our environment.
- The State Forest and Park Service offers unique programs with portrayals of historic characters, and sponsors a variety of living history events featuring the color and pageantry of three centuries of Maryland history.
Throughout the year, especially in the summer season, our Maryland State Forest and Park naturalists, historians, rangers, and volunteers offer a wide variety of interpretive programs to help visitors better understand and appreciate the significance of our natural and cultural heritage.
The wonderfully diverse and rich natural areas we manage are brimming with fascinating animals, plants, and other natural features, as well as areas rich in history - each with their own stories to tell. Our interpretive staff can help unravel those mysteries in an engaging and entertaining fashion that will surely enrich and enhance any visit to a state forest or park. Campfire programs, nature walks, canoe trips, interpretive talks, historical demonstrations and activities, are just a few of the opportunities that await visitors. There is a nominal service charge for some activities.
When visiting your favorite Maryland State Forest or Park, be sure to inquire about the interpretive programs they may offer.
- For more information e-mail Steve McCoy, State Forest and Park Service, at smccoy@dnr.state.md.us, or via phone at 410-260-8150.
Back to the Public Lands section
Back to the DNR home page
|