The Deep Creek Blog

New Germany State Park - August Events

Saturdays, July 31-August 14

Saturday Appalachian Artist Series

1:00 – 4:00 P.M.

Each week will feature a different exhibition/demonstration by a local artist.  The artist will have a work space set up in the New Germany Lake House, and demonstrate his/her work from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.  The schedule is as follows: July 31- Nancy Biggs (watercolor and photography), August 7 - Judith Zeker (flower pressing/watercolor), August 14 - Sue Arnson (watercolor).  Art will also be available for sale.  We welcome any additional artists who would like to extend the series through Labor Day!  Please contact our office if you would like to participate. 

Mondays and fridays

Nature Center Open

1:00 – 4:00 P.M.

Come see what the Schoolhouse Nature Center has to offer. The naturalist will have the building open at this time, and will be available to answer questions.  Kids can complete a craft during their visit. 

Thursday mornings

Bird Walk

Lake House, 8:00 a.m.

This may be early, but it’s the best time to hear and spot songbirds.  Join our Park Naturalist on a walk around the park and check some birds off your life list!  Experienced and beginner birders are welcome.  Please bring your own binoculars, although we will have a few loaners. 

Sunday August 1

Would you Survive?

Lake House, 1:00 P.M.

If you were lost in the woods, could you survive several days without rescue? Our Park Naturalist will lead you out into the woods and show some simple techniques to increase your chance of survival. You will also learn what to include in a hiking survival kit!  

Friday August 6

Old Time Jam

Lake House, 6:30-9:30 P.M.

Enjoy bluegrass, folk and gospel music in a relaxed atmosphere!  New Germany welcomes musicians of all ages and talents to participate.  Spectators are also welcome to join in the fun. 

Saturday August 7

Aquatic Adventure

Meet @ Lake House, 10:00 A.M. 

Come to New Germany State Park and take a paddle around the Lake. Discover the history of how the lake came to be. Also learn about the Lake’s aquatic plant life. Bring rubber boots and remember to wear sunscreen!

Pre-registration is required due to limited supplies.

  (Please contact Ranger Station for registration and information)  

  (must register before 8:00p.m. on Friday, August 6)  

A Hummingbird’s Life

Lake House, 3:00 p.m.  

Have you ever wanted to know the life story of a Hummingbird? Our Park Naturalist will uncover the veiled world of Hummingbirds from birth to death. Also learn ways to attract Hummingbirds to your own backyard. Appropriate for all ages.  

Appalachian Folk Music with Greg Latta

Lake House @ 7:00 P.M.

Dr. Latta is a self-taught master of a great variety of folk instruments. 

This award-winning musician puts on an entertaining and professional show of several different types of traditional music. 

Sunday August 8

The Plants Around Us

Lake House, 1:00 p.m

Grab your field guide and test your I.D. skills with the different plants found here at New Germany State Park! Help the Naturalist put together a leaf collection and flower press. Bring a camera and your own supplies if you want to make one as well.  

Thursday August 12

Star Party

Nature Center, 9:00 P.M.

Join local amateur astronomers to learn about the night sky.  If the weather cooperates, the evening will end with a rendezvous at Parking Lot 5, where you can see some unique features in the sky using a high-power telescope.  This is a peak night for the Perseid meteor shower! 

Friday August 13

Owl Prowl

Parking Lot # 5, 8:30 p.m.

Have you ever wanted to see an owl in the wild? Come out to New Germany State Park for the opportunity to do just that! Join the Park Naturalist and see how owls survive in darkness. Appropriate for all ages.  

Saturday August 14

Smooth n’ Scales

Lake House, 2:00 p.m.

Kids of all ages! Slither your way over to New Germany State Park for an afternoon of reptiles and amphibians! Get close and personal with native species found in Western Maryland. Also learn about similarities and differences between the two. There will be a kids craft available after the program.  

Eco-Escort

Lake House, 5:00 p.m.

The Park Naturalist wants to show you different ways to live

Eco- Friendly. Learn money-saving tips along with creative ideas and alternatives to living “GREEN”.  Instead of throwing away that old pair of shoes, bring them to New Germany State Park for a fun activity. All ages. 

Mysterious Moths, Beautiful Butterflies

Schoolhouse Nature Center, 8:30 p.m.

Can you tell the difference between moths and butterflies? Join the Park Naturalist on the search for the truth. Hunt and catch moths to learn about the different species. A campfire with S’mores will end the program.  

Sunday, August 15

Novelty Nose

Lake House, 1:00 p.m.

Have you ever wondered how a bear finds his food? Come out to New Germany State Park and explore the life of a Black Bear. Activities and interesting facts will be presented by our Park Naturalist. Get the chance to touch real bear fur and see an actual skull! Kids of all ages are welcomed!   

Friday, August 20

Old Time Jam

Lake House, 6:30-9:30 P.M.

Enjoy bluegrass, folk and gospel music in a relaxed atmosphere!  New Germany welcomes musicians of all ages and talents to participate.  Spectators are also welcome to join in the fun. 

Saturday, August 21

Sandy Adaptations

Lake House, 2:00 p.m.

Grab your buckets and shovels and head out to New Germany State Park! Create a make-believe creature out of sand. Come up with a name and a habitat that matches your creature’s adaptations. The winner of the most creative and believable creature will win a prize!  

Recipes with Nature

Lake House, 5:00 p.m.

This program will open your eyes to something pretty tasty! The Park Naturalist will point out certain edible plants and how to properly prepare them- Bring your own wild recipes or come to taste something new! Appropriate for all ages.  

Tunes and Tales from the Coal Mines

Schoolhouse Nature Center, 7:00 P.M.

If you live in Maryland, chances are your electricity comes from coal.  Learn more about the history of coal mining in the Appalachian Region.  Park Ranger Melissa McCormick will present an evening or stories and songs about coal mining – history of mining in the area, life in the mining towns, and struggles of the miners. 

Sunday, August 22

Wild Dye

Recreation Hall, 2:00 p.m.

The Park Naturalist will show you 100% Natural Dyes found in the Wild. Participants will be able to purchase and dye a T-shirt for $2.00-

Be creative with the world around you!

Pre-registration required due to limited supplies.

(Please contact Ranger Station for registration and information)  

(must register before 4:00p.m. on Saturday, August 21) Ages +3 

Friday, August 27

Owl Prowl

Parking Lot # 5, 8:30 p.m.

Have you ever wanted to see an owl in the wild? Come out to New Germany State Park for the opportunity to do just that! Join the Park Naturalist and see how owls survive in darkness. Appropriate for all ages.  

Saturday, August 28

Hide and Track

Lake House @ 2:00 p.m.

Join the Park Naturalist on the quest to discover what track belongs to what animal! See if you can tell the subtle differences. Also, make a plaster cast of your favorite wild animal. Ages +3  

Intro to Fly-Fishing

Lake House, 4:30 p.m.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to Fly-Fish? Ranger Luke Mongrain will show you how! Bring your own fishing pole and learn certain techniques. Also find out where to go fly-fishing in Garret County.

Ages +5    

Scales ‘N Tales

Lake House, 7:00 P.M.

This popular program features live birds of prey and reptiles.  Hear their stories and learn how you can help protect wildlife. 

Sunday, August 29

Honey Do List

Lake House, 1:00 p.m.

Come to new Germany State Park and Learn about the life of a Honey Bee. See what is on their daily to do list in order to survive. Plus get the chance to taste organic honey straight from the hive. Appropriate for all ages.

Junior Ranger Program Offered Statewide

This summer, the Maryland Park Service will host over 30 sessions of their iconic Junior Ranger Program in Parks throughout the state. The Junior Ranger program is a six-session program during which young people will explore the parks’ natural and historical areas, learn stewardship, and explore recreational opportunities. Junior Rangers can receive patches upon completion of the program and have the opportunity to continue on to other programs with the Maryland Park Service.

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 self-guided levels, such as Naturalist, Explorer, Conservationist and Guide.

Additional programs offered by the Maryland Park Service in conjunction with Junior Rangers are the Sprouts program for children ages 2-4 and the Park Pal program for children ages 3-7. Check online for additional information and Junior Ranger schedules at www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/jrranger.asp.

Art in the Park at Deep Creek Lake State Park This Weekend

From Patty Mash at the State Park:

A reminder for people heading to Art in the Park at Deep Creek Lake State Park – Saturday from 10 – 5 and Sunday from 10 – 4,  everyone will be entering through the main gate of Deep Creek Lake State Park.  Bring your friends and family to enjoy the day.  Keep in mind that Ronald McDonald will be here Saturday from 1:00 – 3:00 pm, sharing fun and smiles for all ages.  There are over 50 vendors this year and food vendors throughout the Park.

Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center - July Schedule Updates

Here is an updated schedule for July at the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center. 

July Events at New Germany State Park

Plan to take in some of the events at New Germany State Park in July. 

Swallow Falls and Herrington Manor State Park

Catch some of the June happenings at Swallow Falls and Herrington Manor. 

Swallow Falls June Events 

Herrington Manor June Events

Summer Activities Kicking In with All Earth Eco Tours

All Earth Eco Tours announces their first week of The Bonfire Extravaganza and Toddler Tuesday starting the week of June 21st and continuing through Labor Day. Both programs now in their 10th year. All Earth Tours would also like to let everyone know that the nesting pair of American Bald Eagles on the Savage Reservoir have successfully hatched a pair of eaglets and that they are expecting good eagle action on their kayak tour as the young eaglets learn how to fish and be eagles.

Bonfire Extravaganza- Deep Creek Lake's longest running family entertainment event. A journey back in time that's fun for the whole family! An evening of storytelling, costumes, dancing, drumming, song, and of course... marshmallow roasting. A Deep Creek Lake family entertainment activity that's affordable and fun. Wednesdays at Deep Creek Lake State Park Amphitheater. Call for full info 8:00PM until 10:00PM. $5 per person.

Toddler Tuesdays- Let little ones have some time for unstructured interactive play at several different 'play' stations. Then take a 'wee' hike to explore the nearby playgrounds, make a trip to the aviary to see the hawk and the owl, come back for juice and a snack, create a simple arts project and sing some fun songs. Tuesdays 10:00AM until 12:00 Noon. Discovery Center. $15 per child. Call for info and reservations.

Reptiles and Amphibians at the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center

Today is First Free Fishing Day in 2010

Additional Free Fishing Days Scheduled for June 12 and July 4

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service announces June 5, June 12 and July 4 as days during which anglers may fish without fishing licenses. DNR sets aside three days each year when a license is not required to encourage families and visitors to fish in Maryland waters.

“This is a great chance for new and experienced anglers to sample the excellent fishing opportunities that Maryland offers,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Families are encouraged to enjoy fishing at no cost while spending time together on Maryland’s beautiful, abundant waterways.”

Free-fishing anglers still must adhere to minimum size and creel limits for the 60 species that are managed by DNR. These limits are printed online and in the Maryland Fishing Guide available from hundreds of license agents and tackle shops as well as at the seven DNR Service Centers in the State.

Maryland's free fishing days are traditionally held the first two Saturdays in June and July 4. Anglers under 16 years old do not need a Maryland license throughout the season.

To find free fishing areas, go to www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/recreational/freefi.html.

 

 

Events at New Germany State Park

Enjoy the following events at New Germany State Park over the next week.  
 
All programs are free of charge unless otherwise indicated.  This schedule is subject to change without notice.  Please contact the park office to confirm program information.
 
 
Friday, June 4    Old Time Jam, 6:00 – 9:00 P.M. at the Lake House 
 
Musicians and spectators of all ages are invited to gather at the Lake House to share and enjoy traditional folk, bluegrass, and other “old-time” Appalachian music.  The jam session will be an informal gathering, where both new and experienced musicians are welcome to “chime in,” or just sit back and enjoy the music.
 
Saturday, June 5   Rockin’ Adventure!  2:00 – 4:00 P.M. at the New Germany State Park Beach 
 
Join the Naturalist at New Germany State Park Lake for an Adventure! Kids of all ages can explore the plants and animals found near the lake. The program will end with an opportunity to paint and decorate a rock to represent something they saw!
Grab a net and come along!   All ages.
 
Nocturnal Novelty, 4:30-5:30 P.M. at the Schoolhouse Nature Center

Well adapted, owls are designed perfectly for the night! But what makes them so unique? Our Park Naturalist will show you how owls survive in darkness. Come out and see a live owl.
All ages.
 
All About Bats, 8:30 - 9:30 P.M at the Schoolhouse Nature Center

Have you seen bats flying around the lake at night?  Would you like to know more about them?  Angela Sjollema of the Appalachian Lab will tell you all you need to know about the bats of New Germany and the surrounding area.
 
Sunday, June 6   Wild Dye, 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. at the Schoolhouse Nature Center 
 
The Park Naturalist will show you 100% Natural Dyes found in the Wild. Participants will be able to purchase and a T-shirt for $2.00- Be creative with the world around you!  Preregistration required due to limited supplies. Ages 3+.
 
Monday, June 7   Nature Center Open House, 1:00 – 4:00 P.M.
Come see what the Schoolhouse Nature Center has to offer.  The naturalist will have the building open at this time, and will be available to answer questions.  Kids can complete a craft during their visit.
 
Junior Rangers Program registration opens.
New Germany is proud to offer Junior Rangers this year.  The program will consist of six one-hour sessions, on Thursdays beginning June 24, from 1:00 – 2:00 P.M.   The program cost $25 for the first child and $10 for each additional child.  At the completion of the program, each child will receive a patch.
 
Wednesday, June 9  Beach Safety Squad, 1:00 - 2:15 P.M. at the Beach Area 
 
Children ages 3-12 will enjoy this glimpse into the work of a lifeguard and will learn valuable skills for helping someone in need.  The program concludes with an award ceremony, where participants receive a certificate.  Preregistration preferred.
 
Thursday, June 10   Bird Walk, 8:00 -9:00 A.M.
  
Friday, June 11   Nature Center Open House, 1:00 – 4:00 P.M.
(See previous)
 
Game Time at the Lake House, 5:30 – 7:30 P.M.
  Bring your family to the Lake House for a low-key evening of
fun.  Nature-themed board games will be available to use.  The ping-pong table will also be available.  All ages.

Friends Store at Sang Run to Open Memorial Day Weekend

The Historic Friends Store will reopen for the summer season beginning Saturday May 29th.
 
The Maryland Park Service acquired the 81 acre property in 2008.  “We have been working hard to reopen the store as an Appalachian heritage showcase for the area” according to Ranger Caroline Blizzard.  The store will be replicated as closely as possible to keep its historic nature and place in the community.  We hope to bring to life through interpretive programming the traditions of Garrett County.  Programming of this nature will help insure that our heritage is preserved and passed on to the next generation.  Topics of interest will include gardening, native plant uses, and musical and craft traditions. Nature study such as bird walks, reptile programs, Jr. Rangers and hikes are also slated.
 
The store will also serve as a point of contact for river activity by rafters and tubers.
 
The Friends Delight shelter, now open to public use through reservations, and the Friend’s Store are great additions to our park. Our staff has worked hard to find ways to showcase this wonderful new addition to the Maryland Park Service. So stop by and see us or become a volunteer.  The store will be open Saturday, Sunday and Monday’s through the summer.
 
For more information call 301-387-7067
 

Over 1,000 Trees Planted and Truckloads of Trash Removed By SRWA Volunteers

Savage River Watershed Association (SRWA) volunteers really made a difference this spring by planting over 1,000 red spruce trees and removing trash from the Savage River State Forest.  Thanks to a Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Committee Grant awarded through the Garrett County Forestry Board, SRWA was able to purchase over 1,000 red spruce plugs which were planted on public land along Big Run, Elk Lick, Monroe Run and Poplar Lick. Volunteers donated a total of 302 hours to plant the red spruce and remove any trash from planting sites in the State Forest.
 
Red spruce was selected in the hopes of maintaining conifer cover along these high quality streams.  By shading streams evergreen trees such as hemlock, pine and spruce help keep water temperatures low, a critical factor for native brook trout survival.  Unfortunately native hemlocks, Tsuga canadensis, are being killed by an exotic invasive insect called the Hemlock woolly adelgid.  It is hoped that these native red spruce seedlings will ultimately fill in gaps where hemlock trees are lost.
 
 
SRWA is a group of local landowners and other citizens dedicated to preserving and enhancing the rural nature and natural resources of the Savage River watershed.  Members assist interested landowners and public land managers with environmental stewardship efforts and educational outreach.  Anyone who is concerned about the Savage River watershed is invited to join.  SRWA meetings are held at Route 40 Elementary School on the third Thursday of odd numbered months, beginning at 7:00 pm.  For more information, persons may contact SRWA by phone at 301-689-7156 or visit www.SavageRiverWatershed.org  The SRWA is a 501c3 non-profit charitable organization.  Donations may be sent to: Savage River Watershed Association, PO Box 355, Frostburg, MD 21532.

Maryland Park Service Launches Park Quest 2010

The Maryland Park Service, in association with its partner, the Friends of Jerusalem Mill, recently launched Park Quest 2010, and within hours, almost 150 teams registered for the program. Park Quest is an outdoor adventure program designed to engage families with children of all ages through interactive activities at Maryland State Parks.

Up to 750 teams can register online to participate in the third season of Park Quest. Registered teams will be issued a Passport that provides free access to 24 Park Quest sites, which are located within State Parks. Teams will have the opportunity to engage in activities ranging from a GPS-guided hike to paddling in a cypress swamp to grinding corn at a water powered mill.

The theme for Park Quest 2010 is “Where a Family Becomes a Team.” Teams must include at least one adult and one child 16 years of age or younger, but can be as large as 10 people, so families may invite grandparents, neighbors and friends to join. The goal is for teams to complete at least 10 Quests this summer between May 29 and September 6, 2010.

Teams that successfully finish 10 Quests will be eligible to participate in the Park Quest Finale on September 11, 2010 at the Hammerman Area of Gunpowder Falls State Park, where they could win outdoor-themed prizes such as camping gear, kayaks and vacation packages.

New for 2010, the Maryland Park Service is developing a Facebook page where teams will be able to share pictures and information related to their Park Quest adventures. Teams are encouraged to develop a team profile and show their team pride on Facebook.

Park Quest has introduced hundreds of families to the treasures hidden in many of Maryland’s most precious public lands and has instilled a lasting bond with nature in many children and families. To register or learn more, visit the Park Quest web site at www.dnr.maryland.gov/parkquest.  

New Germany State Park Enhancements

Discover one of the other state parks in Garrett County.  Patty Manown Mash sent this to me.   

Rediscover New Germany
 
If it has been a while since you’ve ventured into eastern Garrett County, changes at New Germany State Park might give you some new reasons to visit.  The staff and volunteers at New Germany would like to invite the community to rediscover this hidden gem and check out some of the new features we will offer this summer.
 
Reinventing the Lake House

For several years, the main room of the Lake House has remained vacant and locked, used mainly for training and in-house special events.  Recently, the room was given a name - “The Black Forest Room” - and is now more available for public rental.  It is a beautiful setting for weddings, reunions, art workshops, seminars and other events.   This summer, the Black Forest Room will be transformed into a cozy café.  Ice cream, beverages, self-serve sandwiches, and other snacks will be served from a snack bar area at the back of the room.  Hungry visitors can take their food outside to a picnic table to enjoy the beautiful scenery and cool breezes, or rest comfortably indoors, looking out the majestic windows onto the lake.  The Black Forest Room will also be a popular place for internet users.  While we appreciate the fact that many visitors choose New Germany to get away from modern distractions, we also respect our business travelers and those who feel a need to be connected with friends and coworkers back home.  To assist these visitors, a Wi-Fi network will be available in the Black Forest Room.
 
New Programs Celebrate Local Culture

Each summer, New Germany State Park offers programs on various natural, historical, and cultural topics.  This summer we will continue to offer hikes, guest speakers, crafts and other interpretive activities.  To add a little more zest to our schedule of events, we are pleased to introduce two new programs, the Saturday Appalachian Artist Series (SAAS) and Friday Night Old Time Jams.
The SAAS gives local artists the opportunity to demonstrate their craft in an idyllic setting, and gain exposure to new audiences.  The program will run throughout the summer, with a different artist each week.  Artists will create or perform their works in the Black Forest Room for three hours each Saturday, and may sell their work or collect tips.  As this program is still in its infancy, many dates are still available - please contact Ranger Melissa McCormick, 301-895-5453, for more information on this program.  The Old Time Jams will take place on Friday nights from 6:00 – 9:00 P.M.  The first three sessions are scheduled for May 7, June 4 and June 18.  We will have a core group to get things rolling, but new musicians are always welcome.  If it proves to be a popular event, we will add more dates to the calendar!  When there is no Jam scheduled for a Friday night, park staff will offer games or a movie in the Black Forest Room.
 
Expanding Opportunities for Visitors

No longer will pets be turned away at the front gate or fishermen asked to pack up their gear with the setting sun.  The Maryland Park Service has spent the last year crafting a new pet policy that will expand the pet-friendly areas in the parks.  At New Germany, this means that pets will be allowed in all day use areas (minus sandy beaches and snowy trails) from the day after Labor Day to the Friday before Memorial Day.  During the summer season, pets on a leash can take a stroll on the trails, but will need to stay away from the lake area.  When the campground is open (April – October), pet-loving families can camp in the Pines Loop.  Pets must be leashed and supervised at all times.  Fans of night fishing are now welcome to enjoy the serenity of New Germany in the evening.  Rather than closing the lake area at sunset, we will permit fishing until 10:00 P.M.  The restroom facilities at the Lake House will still close at sunset.
 
Creating a Cozy Retreat

Many of our guests enjoy the rustic simplicity at our cabins; however, there is certainly room for enhancing the ambiance of these historic lodges.  Next year, Cabin 1 will be transformed from a simple one-room lodge to a romantic lovers’ retreat.  A new interior, decorations, furniture, and lighting will set the mood for our guests and help them truly enjoy their experience both indoors and out.
 
Whether you are a year-round Deep Creek resident or just a summer visitor, we encourage you to take a day away from the big lake and discover what our little park has to offer.  You won’t be disappointed!

Ramp Cook Off Set at State Park

The Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake will be hosting a Ramp Cook off in celebration of Garrett Counties’ rich folk life.  Ramp gathering, preserving and eating has long been an eagerly awaited sign of spring in Appalachia.  Join in on this rich tradition and experience ramps first hand at the annual Ramp Cook Off and Tasting.

The late wild foods promoter, Euell Gibbons considered ramps “the sweetest and the best of the wild onions.”  They are high in Vitamins C and A, and are full of healthy minerals.  They have the cholesterol-reducing capacity of garlic.  Folk medicine claims that ramps keep away colds and flu.  Many love the flavorful wild food, but it is distinguished by its strong garlic and onion odor – which is quite persistent.
 
The event will be held at The Discovery Center on Saturday April 24th 2010 from 11-1pm.   Bring your Grandmothers favorite family recipe,  your favorite secret dish and see if it stands up to other dishes!  Past dishes include Beef and Cheesy Ramp Wraps, Ramp Frittata, Caramelized Ramp Pesto Pasta, Ramptato Chips and more. Judging will take place at 11am and tasting of dishes by the public will begin by 11:45pm.  A panel of two judges will determine the winner based on creativity, ramp flavor and presentation.  While judging is taking place enjoy, Double Ramp Unrings, Grilled Ramps and Ramped Up Corn Bread!

There will be interpretive events on site, tasting and fun for the whole family.
 
Pre registration for the event is required if you would like to enter the cook off.  Electricity will be available if needed. Registration must be received no later than April 23rd.   Space is limited so call the Discovery Center at 301-387-7067 for more information and your registration packet.