Governor O’Malley Encourages Citizens to Enjoy Maryland’s Fall Colors
Fall Foliage Hotline Now Available

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Annapolis, Md. - Governor Martin O’Malley today encouraged Maryland residents and visitors alike to utilize Maryland’s toll-free fall foliage and festival hotline to get updates on the most colorful sites for viewing autumn leaves, and highlights on community festivals and activities across the state. The hotline, 1-800-LEAVES1, is updated by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Office of Tourism.

“Maryland offers a tremendous array of activities and scenic views that are both inviting and assessable to working families,” said Governor O’Malley. “From Western Maryland’s scenic mountains to the communities of the Eastern Shore, families can discover limitless ways to experience the outdoors and take in the beauty of our state’s fall colors.”

This weekend, visitors to the Maryland’s Eastern Shore are encouraged to attend Martinak State Park’s Annual Fall Fest on Saturday, October 18 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Caroline County. Demonstrations include a traditional apple butter boil and corn shelling along with a live raptor exhibit courtesy of the park’s Scale and Tales program. Pumpkin decorating, a Pumkin’ Chunkin’, a bicycle rodeo and scarecrow making will also occur.

In central Maryland, Gunpowder Falls State Park will host the Full Moon Campfire and Hayride on Saturday, October 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Families will take part in an old-fashioned hayride, campfire storytelling and marshmallow roasting.

Western Maryland travelers may enjoy a leisurely tour of Green Ridge State Forest. On Saturday, October 25, a Maryland forest ranger will welcome visitors at the forest headquarters at 1 p.m. to guide vehicles through a 30 mile foliage showcase featuring golden and scarlet hues of maples, hickories and dogwoods currently in peak throughout the 46,000-acre forest. The tour lasts approximately three hours. If unable to attend, a self-guided itinerary is also available online at www.dnr.maryland.gov/outdooradventures/drivetourgreenridge.html.

For more information about these and other exciting autumn events occurring throughout the state, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov or www.mdisfun.org

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October 16, 200888

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