DNR Encourages Children To Explore The Outdoors During Their Spring Vacation

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ANNAPOLIS, MD –  The Maryland State Park Service offers countless opportunities for children of all ages to explore the outdoors during the springtime. Events across the state enable children to enjoy festivities of the season and investigate their natural world.

“Maryland’s state parks are natural, positive environments which encourage discovery and foster an appreciation of the outdoors in youth,” said Nita Settina, Maryland Parks Service Superintendent. “With nearly 50 parks in Maryland, there is sure to be one near your home.”

A variety of nature and holiday-themed activities are taking place throughout the state, including:

Central Maryland:

Star-Gazing Party
Saturday, March 22 at 8 p.m.
Soldier’s Delight N.E.A., 5100 Deer Park Road in Owings Mills (Baltimore County)

Eastern Shore:

Tuckahoe Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 22 at 1 p.m.
Tuckahoe State Park, 13070 Crouse Mill Road in Queen Anne (Caroline County)

Southern Maryland:

Smallwood Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 22 at 10 a.m.
Smallwood State Park, 2750 Sweden Point Road in Marbury (Charles County)

Nondenominational Easter Sunrise Service
Sunday, March 23 at 6:30 a.m.
Point Lookout State Park, 11175 Point Lookout Road, in Scotland (St. Mary’s County)

Western Maryland:

Natural Egg Dying on Dan's Mountain
Saturday, March 22 at 11 a.m.
Deep Creek Lake State Park, 898 State Park Road, in Swanton (Garrett County)

In order to encourage recycling, reduction of waste and reuse of our resources, all parks are trash-free. Daily service use charges are $3 for Maryland registered vehicles and $4 for out-of-state vehicles.
For unlimited park usage though the end of year, DNR offers the 2008 Maryland State Park Passport, which entitles the holder to free day-use entry for up to 9 people in a vehicle, to Maryland’s 49 State Parks, free boat launching at all facilities and a 10 percent discount on state-operated concessions and boat rentals. As an added bonus, a complementary copy of The Maryland Natural Resource magazine will be included with all new Passport purchases.

To find a Maryland State Park near you, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/.

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March 17, 2008

Contact: Kara Turner 410-260-8018 office katurner@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.