Junior Ranger Programs Teach Youth Environmental Stewardship

The Maryland Park Service Junior Ranger Program is built around the people and places that make Maryland so special. During this six session program, Junior Rangers will explore the parks natural and historical areas, learn stewardship, and explore recreational opportunities. The best part of becoming a Junior Rangers though is receiving patches of completion and having the opportunity to continue on to bigger and better programs with the Maryland Park Service. Check out Junior Ranger programs for 2012.

Throughout the year, Rangers and naturalists lead children and teens, ages 7- 14 years, through the fundamentals of environmental education and stewardship. Junior Rangers can earn three achievement awards: Basic, Advanced and Expert. Once they complete their Expert Achievement award, they begin to earn patches in our more self guided levels, such as Naturalist, Explorer, Conservationist and Guide.

Programs vary year to year but each session will cover the following: Parks and Park Rangers, Plants, Animals, Planet Earth, Conservation, and People. Junior Rangers is a multi-disciplined outdoor education program with four main outcomes:

1. To provide a meaningful and enjoyable environmental education experience for youth who visit Maryland State Forests and Parks.
2. To foster in youth a sense of stewardship towards Maryland's natural resources.
3. To assist youth in developing an environmental and outdoor ethic that will influence their decisions in life.
4. To create an awareness and interest in careers in the Department of Natural Resources.

"Click here" to learn more about outdoor education opportunities in Maryland State Parks.

Cunningham Falls State Park to Close During G-8 Summit at Camp David

Annapolis, Md. (April 2, 2012) - Cunningham Falls State Park, located near Thurmont, will be closed to all public access from Thursday, May 17 through Saturday, May 19. The State Park is being closed at the request of the United States Secret Service in order to provide security for the G-8 Summit, a meeting of leaders from nations representing eight of the world’s largest economies. The park will re-open at 8:00 am on Sunday, May 20.

The closure affects all of Cunningham Falls State Park, including both the Houck and Manor day-use areas and all trails. All other Maryland State Parks will be open during that time, including nearby Greenbrier and Gambrill State Parks. The Maryland Park Service has notified Campers with reservations for the Houck Area campground of the closure and offered a discount for a future camping vacation at any Maryland State Park.

Cunningham Falls State Park adjoins Catoctin Mountain Park, which will also be closed to all public access. Visitors with questions regarding closures to the Catoctin Mountain Park may call the Visitor Center at 301-663-9388. Media is asked to call the Department of Natural Resources Office of Communications at 410-260-8002.

Maryland Partners with The North Face for 2012 Explore Your Parks Program

For the third year in a row, the Maryland Park Service (MPS) is partnering with The North Face company for its annual Explore Your Parks program that encourages families to get outdoors and enjoy State Parks across the country.

"We're proud to have The North Face as a partner as we encourage everyone to have a more active, healthy lifestyle, all the while creating stronger connections between people and the outdoors," said MPS Superintendent Nita Settina. "Maryland's State Parks provide endless opportunities for kids and their families to be active and connect with nature – hiking, climbing, running, biking, volunteering, camping, playing sports, paddling and everything else their imagination allows."

As part of the program, Marylanders can receive a free day-pass to one of nine participating Maryland State Parks with the purchase of The North Face products at local retailers. The stores will also carry free activity guides that provide information on things to do at the parks. Participating in Maryland are Calvert Cliffs, Gambrill, Greenbrier, Gunpowder Falls, Patapsco Valley, Seneca Creek and Smallwood State Parks in addition to the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary and Cedarville State Forest.

New for 2012 is the addition of the Explore Your Park Camping 101 program. Thanks to The North Face: Explore Your Parks grant, if you want to try camping, we can help you begin! With the new CAMPING 101 Program, you can simply borrow gear (including a tent, chairs, stove and lantern and more), get a brief lesson in Camping 101 and two nights’ accommodations in the great outdoors. Choose from seven Maryland State Parks including Patapsco Valley State Park, Cedarville State Forest, Smallwood State Park, Pocomoke River State Park, Tuckahoe State Park, Martinak State Park or New Germany State Park. Campsites have picnic tables, grills and campfire rings. Bathrooms and hot showers are within walking distance. It’s never too late to discover the joys of sitting around a roaring campfire, roasting marshmallows or sleeping under the stars!

For more info, contact Christina Holden at (410) 260-8155 or by email at cholden@dnr.state.md.us and be sure to identify yourself if you’re a First-Time camper! We are reaching out to wounded warriors stationed at nearby bases and hospitals and veterans with this program. We are committed to provide a means of reconnecting with family, friends and the outdoors. First come, first served.