The Deep Creek Blog

Ramp Cook Off Set at Deep Creek Lake State Park

The Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake will be hosting a Ramp Cook off in celebration of Garrett County's 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 event will be held at The Discovery Center on Saturday April 25th 2015 from 11-1pm.  Bring your Grandmothers favorite family recipe or 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, Ramp-tato Chips and more. Judging will take place at 11 am and tasting of dishes by the public will begin by 11:45 pm. A panel of two judges will determine the winner based on creativity, ramp flavor and presentation. While judging is taking place enjoy, Double Ramp Un-rings, Grilled Ramps and Ramped- Up Corn Bread!  There will be interpretive events on site, live animals, ramp tasting and fun for the whole family.

Pre registration for the event is recommended but not necessary if you would like to enter the cook off. Electricity will be available if needed. Call the Discovery Center at 301-387-7067 for more information.

What's Happening Deep Creek? Frozen Edition!

Here's what's happening in and around Deep Creek Lake this weekend...

The main event this weekend is the Deep Creek Dunk! A big shout out to all the "dunkers" who are braving the cold weather to support Special Olympics Maryland.  

If you want to enjoy the outdoors, Headlamp (Full Moon) Snowshoeing tours are on again this weekend. 

The MoonShadow Cafe has entertainment all weekend...

For the art collector...if you haven't seen it yet, stop by and check out "Synergy" at Eye for Art Gallery in Oakland.  

At the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center...

Saturday, February 21

All Day Nature Crafts Create a beautiful and unique craft from natural materials. Work on your own, but guidance from a naturalist is available.  

2:00 p.m. Trackin’ through the Discovery Center Join the naturalist to learn about the animals in the area and the tracks they make. Then make some tracks of your own! (Part of this program will be outside if the weather permits.)

Sunday, February 22

All Day “Life in a Cave,” Self-guided It’s time to explore! Put on your head lamp and take a self-guided trip to the Discovery Center’s cave to search for cave-dwelling creatures.

1:00 p.m. Aviary Feeding Come to the aviary to get up close and personal with the birds of prey. Learn some interesting facts and watch them eat! Bring a camera because they will be perched for a great photo opportunity.

 "What's Happening Deep Creek" is a regular post on The Deep Creek Blog.  Please note that some events may have admission fees and/or require a reservation.  Please contact the sponsoring business or organization for more information.  If you'd like to submit an event send it to deepcreekblog@gmail.com.

Maryland's DNR Trail Atlas

Maryland's Environmental Resource and Land Information Network, also known as MERLIN, is now hosting the official DNR Trail Atlas information, which includes both official DNR and Non-DNR public land trails, DNR water trails, and public water access sites, The Trail Atlas layers hosted within MERLIN reflect the most up-to-date and comprehensive trails data available for the state of Maryland and will continue to receive real-time updates to provide users with the most accurate and complete trails information.

This on line resource can be used by both planners and non-planners alike to make customized maps for recreational or planning purposes.  

What's Happening Deep Creek? It's Presidents' Day Weekend!

Headed to the lake for the weekend.  Here's what's happening.  

Besides skiing, of course, you can...

Bundle up and get outdoors with All Earth Eco Tours Full Moon Snow shoeing Tours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday Night.  

And it's Valentine's Day on Saturday to boot!!!  Opportunities to celebrate include...

The Town of Friendsville's 250 Anniversary Celebration - Valentine's Day Dance 

heART and Music at Moonshadow Cafe 

Get lucky at Casino Night with the Deep Creek Lake Lions Club at Dutch's.  

The Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center has activities planned for Friday through Sunday.  

Friday, February 13

All Day Scavenger Hunts Choices available are Trackin’ Through the Discovery Center (all about animal tracks), Life in a Cave (critters you might see in a cave appear when using a black light), Fall Scavenger Hunt, Beginner Scavenger Hunt and Challenging Scavenger Hunt.

Saturday, February 14

11:00 a.m. Pine Cone Bird Feeder Join the naturalist as you watch the bird feeder to spot the flying friends eating a snack! Make your own bird feeder so you can watch the birds at your home!

2:00 p.m. Hungry Critters! Meet inside the Discovery Center as they feed the critters! You will be given a chance to touch a live reptile or amphibian! Free

Sunday, February 15

All Day “Life in a Cave,” Self-guided It’s time to explore! Put on your head lamp and take a self-guided trip to the Discovery Center’s cave to search for cave-dwelling creatures.

1:00 p.m. Aviary Feeding Come to the aviary to get up close and personal with the birds of prey. Learn some interesting facts and watch them eat! Bring a camera because they will be perched for a great photo opportunity!

 "What's Happening Deep Creek" is a regular post on The Deep Creek Blog.  Please note that some events may have admission fees and/or require a reservation.  Please contact the sponsoring business or organization for more information.  If you'd like to submit an event send it to deepcreekblog@gmail.com.

New Germany State Park Hiring Seasonal Positions

New Germany State Park is now hiring for the following seasonal positions:

Park Ranger
Park Maintenance Worker
Park Naturalist
Contact Station Attendant (formerly called Gate Attendant)
Visitor Services Attendant (formerly called Office Clerk)
Lifeguard – Lake
Concession Attendant
Housekeeping/ Cabin Cleaners

If you would like to apply for any of these seasonal positions, please visit http://www.jobaps.com/MD/ and search for jobs at “New Germany”. The application can be completed and submitted online. Detailed position descriptions and qualifications are also available online. Please be sure to complete all sections of the online application before clicking the “submit” button. Each recruitment announcement will include a requirement to complete a Supplemental Questionnaire, which each applicant must complete in order to be considered. The Supplemental Questionnaire will ask each candidate to select the specific job(s) for which they are applying.

Please be advised that the recruitment period for all 2015 seasonal positions will end on Friday, February 20th.  All applications will remain on file for 12 months. If you have questions or need assistance with the application process, please feel free to call or stop by the Ranger Station.

Hike at New Germany State Park

If your New Year's resolution involves living a healthier lifestyle, New Germany State Park rangers will be leading a guided hike this weekend at 1:00 pm.  You'll follow the Hemlock Trail and Gazebo Loop, which is an easy to moderate hike, 1.5 miles.

Meet at the New Germany Lake House. Dogs on a leash are welcome. Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking. Weather depending, snowshoes may be recommended and will be available to rent at the Lake House.

For more information, or to RSVP, call the Ranger Station at 301-895-.5453

What's Happening Deep Creek?: September 26-28

Here's what's happening around Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County this weekend.

Shop!

At the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market on Saturday morning in Oakland.  

Arts and Entertainment

The Terah Crawford Band plays at Moonshadow Cafe  tonight.  

GLAF presents War Bonds: The Songs and Letters of World War II  on Saturday night.  

Greater Good...

The Deep Creek Lake Lion's Club hosts Bark in the Park 5K on Saturday.  

Learn...

at the Oakland B&O Station Lecture Series with Dr. David Turner on Saturday.  

At the State Parks

Lend a Hand for Public Hands at New Germany State Park on Saturday 

Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center 

 

Saturday, September 27

2:00 p.m. Critter Encounter
Meet inside the Discovery Center as they feed the critters! You will be given a chance to touch a live reptile or amphibian!

Sunday, September 28

11:00 a.m. Fall Leaf Creations
Make your very own fall leaf while learning about what makes each leaf unique.

2:00 Aviary Encounter
Come to the aviary to get up close and personal with the birds of prey. Learn some interesting facts and watch them eat! Bring a camera because they will be perched for a great photo opportunity! Free.

 "What's Happening Deep Creek" is a weekly post on The Deep Creek Blog.  Please note that some events may have admission fees and/or require a reservation.  Please contact the sponsoring business or organization for more information.  If you'd like to submit an event send it to deepcreekblog@gmail.com.

2014 Autumn Glory Fall Foliage Tours

The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area, a program of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce the 2014 Autumn Glory Fall Foliage Tours.

Travel along some of Garrett County’s most scenic routes. Enjoy spectacular fall foliage, panoramic vistas, historical landmarks, museums and stunning natural features. This year, the Chamber is offering two Fall Foliage tours. The Fall Foliage Heritage Tour Highlights include: Friendsville, Friend Family Museum, Youghiogheny Lake, the Cove, Schoolhouse Earth, and Meshack Browning’s grave. The Extended Tour Fall Foliage Highlights include: Bloomington Viaduct, Savage River, Monroe Run Scenic Overlook, Barn Quilts and Historical Markers and Mountain Maryland Scenic Byway.

“This year’s colors are absolutely spectacular and the driving tours are the perfect way to take in the colors of the fall season and experience Garrett County in all its splendor,” said Nicole Christian, President & CEO of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “Be sure to bring your camera – you’ll have plenty of scenic photo opportunities during the tour.”

Stop into the Garrett County Visitors Center from 9 am – 5 pm daily at 15 Visitors Center Drive in McHenry to pick up a copy of the Fall Foliage Driving tour(s) and you’ll receive a complimentary pair of Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area binoculars, while supplies last.

For more information on the detailed tour routes, accommodations, the Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce’s 47th Annual Autumn Glory Festival, please log onto visitdeepcreek.com, stop in or call the Garrett County Visitors Center at 888.387.5237.

Fall Fest at Friends Delight Store

The sixth annual Fall-fest celebration is set for Friends Store on Saturday October 4, 2014 from 10am-3pm. This year’s event includes pumpkin carving and decorating, hayrides around the farm, Dutch oven cooking demonstration, candle dipping, sack races and scarecrow making. Artisans and demonstrations will be on going with Bee Keeper Hop Cassidy and Basket Weaver Georgia Johnson. Local author Deborah Wagner-Brenneman and illustrator Elizabeth Friend we be signing and selling their new children’s book called “Snakes Give Me a Freak Out”.

The Historic Friends Store will also be open and decorated for the holiday. This is a great family event and a perfect time of the year to experience Deep Creek Lake State Parks newest park.

For more information about our aviary other programs offered at the Discovery Center, please call 301.387.7067 or visit www.discoverycenterdcl.com

National Public Lands Day at New Germany State Park

New Germany State Park will be celebrating America’s 21st-annual National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 27th, 2014. National Public Lands Day is a celebration of the work, play, and learning that takes place on public lands every day throughout the nation. National Public Lands Day brings together thousands of volunteers from coast to coast to improve and restore the lands and facilities that Americans use for recreation, education, exercise, and enjoyment. Last year, more than 175,000 Americans participated at more than 2,200 sites in all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C.

In honor of this year’s National Public Lands Day, New Germany State Park will be hosting a volunteer activity for those who want to “lend a hand for public lands,” and also a guided hike for those who want to celebrate the recreational and educational benefits of public lands. The volunteer activity will begin at 9 am at the New Germany Lake House. From there, volunteers will team up with park staff to remove bush honeysuckle – an invasive plant that out-competes native plants in the park. Participants will learn the benefits of replacing non-native species with native plants to promote conservation and healthy ecological processes. This activity is best suited for participates ages 7 and up, and will require closed-toed shoes. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own work gloves and drinking water. The project will conclude at 12 noon.

The guided hike will consist of a 4.3-mile hike on the Monroe Run Trail, which travels from New Germany Road to Big Run State Park. The hike will begin at 1 pm at the Monroe Run Trailhead on New Germany Road. This mostly down-hill hike is considered moderately difficult and will take about 3 to 3-1/2 hours complete. Participants must bring their own drinking water and wear hiking boots or shoes suitable for multiple ankle-deep stream crossings. At the conclusion of the hike, a shuttle service will be provided from Big Run State Park back to the trailhead on New Germany Road. The hike is limited to 10 participants, ages 7 and up. Participants are encouraged to pre-register by calling the Ranger Station at 301-895-5453.

The Casselman River Bridge Celebrates 201 Years

The Casselman River Bridge turns 201 years old this September, making it one of the oldest surviving bridges in the nation.  In recognition of this milestone, a series of programs and activities will be held at the historic bridge on Saturday, September 20th, 2014.   Programs will include guided walking tours with a park ranger at 2 pm and 4 pm, followed by a special fireside program at 7 pm.  The walking tours will begin and end on the bridge, and each will consist of a 30 minute stroll on easy terrain.  The fireside program will take place at the stone fireplace in the picnic area at Casselman River Bridge State Park.  During this special program, retired Forest Manager, Champ Zumbrun, will present “The Lore of the Casselman” with campfire songs and stories.  At the conclusion of the fireside program, the Casselman River Bridge will be adorned with 201 candle luminaries.  All programs at the State Park will be offered free of charge.  Gift items commemorating the Casselman River Bridge Bicentennial will be available for purchase at the bridge from 2 pm to 7 pm. Parking will be available at Casselman River Bridge State Park or at Penn Alps and Spruce Forest Artisan Village.  

Spruce Forest Artisan Village will also be celebrating the 201st anniversary of the bridge by hosting its second annual Plein Air painting event on September 20, from 9 am to 4 pm.  Artwork completed en plein air will be on display from 4:00 -4:30 pm, during which time the audience will be asked to choose their favorite submissions to be honored with one of two people’s choice awards.  All artwork entered for Plein Air awards must be created entirely on site during the event.  For more information or to pre-register for the Plein Air painting event, please e-mail Kathy at delaney49@gmail.com or call Kathy at 814-634-0200 or 814-233-3262.

At the time of its construction in 1813, the Casselman River Bridge was the longest single-span, stone-arch bridge in the nation.  The bridge served as an important transportation link until 1933, when a new steel bridge was built nearby.  The bridge was closed to vehicles in 1953 and the area became established as a State Park in 1957. Today, the Casselman River Bridge is listed as a National Historic Landmark, and serves as a picturesque relic of the nation's early transportation history.

What's Happening Deep Creek? September 19-21

Here's what's happening around Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County this weekend.

All eyes are focused on the 2014 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships happening now through September 21st.  Visit Deep Creek 2014 for a full list of events.  

Don't forget the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market on Saturday morning in Oakland.  

The Casselman River Bridge celebrates another birthday with events an a plein air painting festival.  

At the State Parks

Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center

 

Saturday, September 20

11:00 a.m. Indoor Hawk Watching - Meet in the Discovery Room to learn basic identification of hawks in flight. Migration season is the perfect time to begin or hone your skills in this area. Learn characteristics of flight, wing beat and shape for identification from a distance.

2:00 p.m. Naturalist in the Discovery Room

Sunday, September 21

10:00 a.m. Fall Brant Mine Hike. Take a guided hike with the naturalist to the historic Brant Mine. The hike begins in the center of the newly designed mine room. Once at the mine site you will see the remnants of a coal mine that was operated in the 1920’s. Plus, you never know what wildlife we will see on the way. Approx. 1 ½ hour. Moderate walking.

Science Room open all day

 

What's Happening Deep Creek? August 29 - September 1st

Here's what's happening around Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County this weekend. 

Shop! 

At the Wisp Outdoor Labor Day Sale all weekend. 

Don't forget the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market on Saturday morning. 

Arts and Entertainment

Take a drop-in watercolor class with local artist Robert Yonke on Friday morning. 

The Terah Crawford Band is on for the Little Yough Music Festival on Friday evening in Oakland. 

The Honeycutters will be at Moonshadow Cafe on Saturday night. 

Enjoy the Hillbilly Gypsies at the Hillbilly Bash.

The "President's Own" Marine Band presented by GLAF at Garrett College on Monday. 

At the State Parks

Enjoy Campfire Songs and Stories at Swallow Falls State Park on Sunday.

Deep Creek Lake State Park and Sang Run 

 Friday, August 29
Service Reduction Day.  Center closed.
 
Saturday, August 30
11:00 a.m. What’s that Reptile? Come to theDiscoveryCenter to learn about the reptiles and amphibians in the center and even have a chance to touch these amazing cold-blooded creatures! Approx. 45 minutes. Free

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.  Hayrides at Sang Run roughly every half hour. $2 per person.
 
11:00 a.m. Little Guard For kids age 5-7. Meet at the beach and learn the skills of a lifeguard.  Kids will run a relay, practice throwing a lifesaving device, learn how to recognize a troubled swimmer and more.  NO swimming required. Free.
 
Sunday, August 31
11:00 a.m. Aquatic Adventures Join the Naturalist on the docks of theDiscoveryCenter for this exciting adventure! Check out our fish traps, aqua scopes and learn about the critters that call Deep Creek home.  Approx. ½ hour, Free.

2:00 p.m. Aviary Encounter.   Come to the aviary to get up close and personal with the birds of prey. Learn some interesting facts and watch them eat! Bring a camera because they will be perched for a great photo opportunity!  Free.

Monday, September 1

2:00 p.m “Fire”  Oyster Wars   1:00 p.m.  Fire!  Oyster Wars  Meet a Ranger/Historian at the old cannon in the Discovery Center.  How was the cannon loaded, fired and used in the Chesapeake Bay wars mid 1800s.

 

New Germany State Park

Friday, August 29th:
Growing Up at New Germany, 6:30 PM

During this program, special guest speaker, Bill Martin, will provide a first-hand account of what it was like to grow up at New Germany in the 1930's and 40's.  Bill Martin's father, Matthew E. Martin, Sr., was the area's first appointed Forest Warden in 1930, and later became the first Superintendent of Savage River State Forest in 1938.  The Martin Family lived in the residence now known as the "Martin House", located across from Cabin #11.  As a child, Bill Martin witnessed the arrival of the Civilian Conservation Corps at New Germany in 1933, and watched as the 120 enrollees of Camp S-52 transformed the area into a popular recreation destination over the next several years.  Mr. Martin will also provide a first-hand account of what it was like to attend school in New Germany's one-room schoolhouse in the 1930s.  Originally built in the late 1800's, the New Germany School served an average of 25-40 students each year, with grades 1-7 all taught in the same room.  Although the original schoolhouse building burned down in 1902, the school reopened in the early 1910’s, and continued to serve the local community until the 1940’s.  Today, efforts are underway to restore the schoolhouse as an interpretive center.  The program will take place inside the Lake House at 6:30 pm.  For more information, please call the Ranger Station at 301-895-5453.

 
Saturday, August 30th:
Woodsy Walk, 10:00 AM
Participants are invited to join the park naturalist on this guided one-mile hike and learn how to identify some common plants found in the park. Participants are encouraged to bring drinking water and wear appropriate footwear.  Meet at the Nature Center.

Weekly Craft Hour, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Participants are invited to join the park naturalist anytime between 11 AM and 3 PM to create a nature-inspired craft to take home with them. Cost is $3 per craft.

Nature Scavenger Hunt, 3:30 PM
During this kid-friendly program, participants are invited to explore the park in search of random things found in nature.  Meet at the Nature Center, next to the Lake House.

Old Time Jam, 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Musicians and listeners of all ages are invited to share and enjoy traditional folk, bluegrass, and other “old-time” Appalachian music.  The “Jam” will take place at the Lake House from 6:30 – 9:30 PM.  Admission is free, and food and gift items will be available for purchase.

Sunday, August 31st:
Toad Time, 11:00 AM
The park naturalist has been caring for some tadpoles that are now beginning to morph into toads!  Participants will learn about the life stages of the American toad. Meet at the nature center Next to the lake house.

Wildflower Walk, 1:00 PM
Join the park naturalist for a relaxing walk around the park and discover some of the beautiful wildflowers now in bloom.  Meet at the Nature Center, next to the lake house.

Monday, September 1st:
Survival Bracelets, 11:00 AM- 2:00 PM
Come to the Nature Center any time between 11 AM and 2 PM and learn how to make your own survival bracelets out of paracord.  Cost is $5 per bracelet and includes a clasp and all the cord needed.

"What's Happening Deep Creek" is a weekly post on The Deep Creek Blog.  Please note that some events may have admission fees and/or require a reservation.  Please contact the sponsoring business or organization for more information.  If you'd like to submit an event send it to deepcreekblog@gmail.com.

What's Happening Deep Creek? August 15-17

Here's what's happening around Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County this weekend. 

In town...

This weekend is the Western Maryland Amateur Golf Tournament at the Oakland Golf Club. 

 

Arts and Entertainment

Join local artist Robert Yonke for an open studio class on Friday morning. 

The Little Yough Music Festival presents Wild Ponies at 6pm on Friday. 

Music at Penn Alps presents Emma Resmini -- Flute with Piano Accompaniment on Saturday at 7:30 pm.

Food and Drink...

Enjoy Serve it Up Local's 50 Mile Meal at the Moonshadow Cafe on Friday evening. 

Stop by the Mountain Fresh Farmer's Market on Saturday morning for some more local flavor. 

History

Learn about the Potomac Coal River town Shallmar at the Garrett County Historical Museum on Sunday evening. 

At The State Parks

Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center

Friday, August 15

11:00 a.m. Creating an Owl - Join the Naturalist for a talk about the adaptations and secrets of owls. Meet one of the owls up close and then create your own.  Develop nature journaling skills through observation and drawing or just come for fun.
 
1:30 p.m. Tie Dye on the Beach! Meet us at the beach to make your own tie dye shirt and create your own conservation message for your shirt!  “Give a Hoot Don’t Pollute” - wait that one is taken. You get the idea! $12.00 per shirt. Approx. 1 hour.
 
Saturday, August 16
 
11:00 a.m. What’s that Reptile? Come to theDiscovery Center to learn about the reptiles and amphibians in the center and even have a chance to touch these amazing cold-blooded creatures! Approx. 45 minutes. Free

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.  Hayrides at Sang Run roughly every half hour. $2 per person.
 
11:00 a.m. Little Guard For kids age 5-7. Meet at the beach and learn the skills of a lifeguard.  Kids will run a relay, practice throwing a lifesaving device, learn how to recognize a troubled swimmer and more.  NO swimming required. Free.
 
8:00 p.m.  Campfire Program “Black Bears with biologist Kerry Wixted”
 
Sunday, August 17

11:00 a.m. Aquatic Adventures Join the Naturalist on the docks of the DiscoveryCenter for this exciting adventure! Check out fish traps, aqua scopes and learn about the critters that call Deep Creek home.  Approx. ½ hour, Free.
 
2:00 p.m. Aviary Encounter.   Come to the aviary to get up close and personal with the birds of prey. Learn some interesting facts and watch them eat! Bring a camera because they will be perched for a great photo opportunity!  Free.
 

New Germany State Park 

Friday, August 15th:
Paddle Like a Pro, 4:00 PM
This weekly activity includes hands-on instruction on basic paddling techniques, followed by free time to explore New Germany Lake by kayak or row boat. Paddle Like a Pro is offered every Friday, weather permitting. Cost is $5.00 per boat. Boats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Meet at the Nature center next to the Lake House.

Saturday, August 16th:
Chromatography for Kids, 1:00 PM
During this hands-on program, kids will learn how to separate combinations of colors or pigments through a process called chromatography. Meet at the Nature Center next to the Lake House.

Old Time Jam, 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Musicians and listeners of all ages are invited to share and enjoy traditional folk, bluegrass, and other “old-time” Appalachian music. The “Jam” will take place inside the Lake House from 6:30 – 9:30 PM. Admission is free, and food and gift items will be available for purchase.

Blacksmithing 101, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
This fireside program will feature award-winning metal sculptor and blacksmith, Kenny Braitman. This will be the last of three workshops, in which Braitman will provide hands-on demonstrations and instruction on the unique art of sculpting metal. Meet at the Nature Center

Sunday, August 17th:
Nature Scavenger Hunt, 11:00 AM
During this kid-friendly program, participants are invited to explore the park in search of random things found in nature. Meet at the Nature Center, next to the Lake House.

Squirrel Hike, 1:00 PM
During this kid-friendly hike, participants will learn about the different kinds of squirrels that live in the park and in different parts of Maryland. The hike will conclude with a craft at the Nature Center.

"What's Happening Deep Creek" is a weekly post on The Deep Creek Blog.  Please note that some events may have admission fees and/or require a reservation.  Please contact the sponsoring business or organization for more information.  If you'd like to submit an event send it to deepcreekblog@gmail.com.

Father/Daughter Duo to Offer Photography Workshop

Garrett County Arts Council will offer a creative photography workshop August 23-24. Zoom from Creative to Manual Photography is the title of the class that will take place during two sessions the in August. The instructors for the class are Neal and Caroline Blizzard.

Students will learn how to move from fully automatic through creative to full control manual mode with a digital camera. This class will review the basics and focus on getting the camera user to full manual mode. Students should have basic knowledge of their camera. F-stop and aperture, digital SLR camera, memory cards and charged batteries are required.

This class will emphasize nature and landscape photography. The morning of Saturday, August 23 will be a classroom setting held at The Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park. The afternoon session will move outdoors at the park. Class on Sunday, August 24 will be held at a different outdoor Garrett County location, to be determined.

The Blizzards are both accomplished photographers and exhibit regionally including work at The Gallery Shop in Oakland. They are two of the founders of Four Storm Artists Gallery located on Swallow Falls Road, Oakland.

Neal Blizzard got his start as a back yard photographer. His interests are anything in the outdoors. He spends times in the woods, swamps, and streams around the area watching and waiting to capture the perfect image. He has participated in numerous workshops and spent many hours reading and practicing to improve his skills and techniques.

Daughter Caroline Blizzard follows her father’s lead by having a life-long interest in studying nature. She has been a naturalist for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for twenty years. Her love and knowledge of the outdoors enables her to capture nature in a unique way.

The cost per person is $60. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, call Garrett County Arts Council at 301-334-6580.