Patapsco Valley State Park’s Celebrates 100^th Birthday

---

HALETHORPE, MD  – The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park, a non-profit organization, will host a birthday party this Saturday, October 6 from 1 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. in celebration of Patapsco Valley State Park’s 100-year existence.

“This is a great opportunity for families to learn about the history of Patapsco Valley State Park, as well as the history, tradition, environmental and economic benefits of Maryland’s 49 state parks,” said park manager, Captain Robin Melton.

A guided woodland hike is planned on the Soapstone Trail where visitors can meet a historical character and experience the park as it was a century ago. After the hike, enjoy birthday treats and old-fashioned party games, or enjoy sitting around the warmth of a crackling campfire if weather permits.

Admission to the event is $3 per person, with a maximum charge of $10 per family. Children under 5 are admitted for free. Please RSVP to 410-465-3287 (before Oct. 4) or to 410-750-7780 (after Oct. 3). The event is open to the public and has a limited number of seats available.

Patapsco Valley State Park extends along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, encompassing 14,000 acres and five developed recreational areas. Recreational opportunities include hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, horseback and mountain bike trails, as well as picnicking for individuals or large groups in the park's many popular pavilions.

---

October 1, 2007

Contact: Olivia Campbell 410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell ocampbell@dnr.state.md.us

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov