***Unless otherwise noted, events are held rain or shine, free and fun for all ages; donations are always welcome. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for the weather/activity, wear sunscreen and insect materials, bring water and snacks, and remember to check for ticks***

_____________________________________________June____________________________________________________________

June 3: Tails on Trails
11 - 1 p.m. at McKeldin Area. Meet at Parking Lot B
Get your best friend outside and enjoy what Patapsco has to offer your furry friend. The hike is free and welcomed to all fitness levels (pets and humans), leashes required. Kids under 6 years of age are not advised for the safety of all. Sign up required. Rain or shine.

June 7, 14, 21, 28: Litter Clean Up
10 - 11 a.m. at Soldiers Delight NEA, Meet at Visitor Center
Join us for this volunteer event to clean up roadside litter from our beautiful and rare serpentine ecosystem. Sign up encouraged. Groups larger than 5 must sign up in advance. Rain or Shine

June 9: Bird Walk
9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at Soldiers Delight Visitor Center
Birdwatching doesn’t need to be intimidating! Regardless of your experience level, join us to see what we can see on a beautiful summer morning. Bring your own equipment if you have some, or borrow a pair of binoculars from us! All ages welcome! Sign up encouraged. Groups larger than 5 must sign up in advance. Spots for 20 participants. Shine only.

June 17 - LGBTQ+ Hike
11 - 1 p.m. at Shelter 245 in the Hilton Area
Join us in an activity and hike to discover the recreational resources in Maryland. This event is specifically designed to create a safe zone for members of the LGBTQ+ community. We will start with an icebreaker activity of decorating tree cookies with our names and pronouns, followed by a hike on the Forest Glen Trail.

June 17: Recruiting Event!
Noon - 2 p.m. at Hilton Shelter 245
Staff from Maryland Conservation Corps will be on-hand to talk about the MCC program and to assist with the application process. The mission of the program is to provide young adults with opportunities for service in the community and the environment by preserving, protecting, enhancing, and restoring Maryland’s natural resources. The program is for ages 17-25 and runs Sept 27 through August 14. Members receive a bi-weekly stipend and upon successful graduation they will receive an education award. Members receive specialized training and work on a wide variety of tasks including - trail maintenance and construction, park and facilities improvement projects, environmental education programs, tree planting, and invasive species removal. Applications can be found here- https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/mcc.aspx. Paper applications will also be available for statewide seasonal positions. Talk to current and past staff about what it’s like to work for MPS! Learn more at this link

June 17 - Scale Model Walk- Solar Viewing
2 p.m. - 5 p.m. at Soldiers Delight NEA Visitor Center
Join us for a walk around the solar system as we visit several planets. Start and end in the fiery furnace of the sun with solar viewing.

June 17 - Star Light, Star Bright
8 p.m. - 10 p.m. at Soldiers Delight NEA Visitor Center
Journey to the stars and learn why they are different colors. Visit other galaxies (staying away from the Delta quadrant, the Bord are there), and maybe getting a look at our Sun 5 billion years in the future. Time machines (telescopes) will be provided by the Westminster Astronomy Club. All programs are rain or shine. June Highlights: Hercules’ mighty armpit returns.

June 21: Healthy Parks, Healthy People: Yoga
4 - 5 p.m. at Hollofield Area. Meet at Shelter 367.
Join an instructor from Free Baltimore Yoga for a gentle and relaxing outdoor yoga class. Breathe in the fresh air, enjoy the soothing sounds, and ground yourself in nature! All levels welcome; please bring mats and any additional props you would like. Sign up encouraged. Groups larger than 5 must sign up in advance.

June 23: Eagle Watch
9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at William Offutt Johnson History Center in the Avalon Area
In honor of American Eagle day on June 20th, we’re looking for eagles by the water! Regardless of your experience level, join us to see what we can see on a beautiful summer morning. Bring your own equipment if you have some, or borrow a pair of binoculars from us! All ages welcome! Sign up encouraged. Groups larger than 5 must sign up in advance. Spots for 20 participants. Shine only.

June 24: Hollofield Playspace
10 - 2 p.m. at Hollofield ADA Playground
Did you know that the first ADA compliant playground to be installed in a Maryland State Park was right here at Patapsco Valley State Park? Join us in the Hollofield Area to do what kids do best…play! The MVC will be available on site with activities for kids of all ages.

June 24: Recruiting for MCC and Seasonal Positions
Noon - 2 p.m. at Hollofield Shelter 305
Staff from Maryland Conservation Corps will be on-hand to talk about the MCC program and to assist with the application process. The mission of the program is to provide young adults with opportunities for service in the community and the environment by preserving, protecting, enhancing, and restoring Maryland’s natural resources. The program is for ages 17-25 and runs Sept 27 through August 14. Members receive a bi-weekly stipend and upon successful graduation they will receive an education award. Members receive specialized training and work on a wide variety of tasks including - trail maintenance and construction, park and facilities improvement projects, environmental education programs, tree planting, and invasive species removal. Applications can be found here- https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/mcc.aspx. Paper applications will also be available for statewide seasonal positions. Talk to current and past staff about what it’s like to work for MPS! Learn more at this link

June 24: Great American Campout
Sat., 4 p.m. to Sun., noon at McKeldin Area Youth Group Sites
New to camping? Seasoned pro? Either way, this program is for you! Intro to Camping is a two day program, with the option to camp overnight in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. Please bring your own food and gear though limited equipment available. Cost $10 per person. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Registration required by June 14, final details to be emailed by June 19. Maximum participation is 8 families. Sign up required.

June 25 - Family Fun: Seed Bubbles for Pollinators
11 - noon at McKeldin Shelter 576
Join us to learn the importance of planting native species in your garden, followed by a seed bubble activity. At the end you can take it home with you! Sign up required to ensure we have enough materials. Multi-Generational Fun is formerly known as Grandparents & Me and is a part of Patapsco Valley’s Explorer Series.

June 25: Rapids “Secrets” Hike
1 - 3 p.m. at the Marriottsville Railroad Parking Lot - Closest intersection is Marriottsville Road & Henryton Road
As our late coworker Ranger Dave used to say, “That’s just one of the mysteries of the park!” But what if you knew those mysteries? Join our volunteer ranger historian Max Buffington to discover the secrets and history hiding all around you in the McKeldin area! The Patapsco River is millions of years old yet the beautiful McKeldin Rapids in the McKeldin Area of Patapsco Valley State Park are only 170 years old. When the Rapids were created, Carroll County shrunk in size. How is this possible? Visit two historic artifacts on the Maryland Historic Trust inventory. Sign up encouraged. Shine only.

June 26 - Canoe River Litter Cleanup
9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Daniels Dam
Join us for a litter cleanup at Daniels Dam. We'll paddle the Patapsco River in canoes and pick up litter as we go. Sign up required. Maximum 10 participants.
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Junior Rangers 2023
July 24-July 28, with Campout on World Ranger Day
Theme: Acting Wild! Celebrate some of the most impactful environmental acts of legislation with us!
M-F with invitation to Great American Campout

Senior Rangers 2023
4/27-6/7 Wednesdays at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.
*Both sessions are full & closed!*
Hikes/History/Nature/Conservation/Science/Friends/Fellowship

_____________________________________________July____________________________________________________________

July 10: Digs for Kids: Hands on Archaeology 2 - 2:45 p.m. at Avalon Area’s William Offutt Johnson History Center A hands on experience! Participate in an archaeological excavation and trowel soil, screen dirt and document any discoveries. Recommended for ages 5-12! Groups larger than 5 must sign up in advance. Spots for 20 participants. Shine only.

July 15: Hercules’ WHAT?! 8 - 10 p.m. at Soldiers Delight Visitor Center In case you missed it, join us to see Hercules’ Hairy Armpit, a swan and learn why Queen Cassiopeia was related to the Kardashians. We will use the most powerful word known to mankind, the “I”-Word, to journey to the stars. Don’t know what the “I” Word is, join us and find out. Time machines (telescopes) will be provided by the Westminster Astronomy Club. All astronomy programs are rain or shine. July highlight: Journey to the center of our Galaxy

July 22: Es Mi Parque 9 - 2:30 p.m. at the Avalon Area Environmental education programming and activities for all ages! DNR will have several agencies there showcasing the career and volunteer opportunities in the natural resources fields across the state. Rain or shine.