News Release
NPS
News Release Date: November 9, 2026
Contact:
NCR Communications
THURMONT, Md. — About 2,000 Maryland students will study how plants and animals survive in the wild at Catoctin Mountain Park this school year, supported by an $18,500 National Park Foundation Open OutDoors for Kids grant. For many, the trip may be their first visit to the national park near their homes.
Fourth graders from Frederick County Public Schools and the Maryland School for the Deaf will visit the park during the 2026-27 school year. Because transportation costs can prevent schools from making these trips, the grant will pay for buses. It will also fund nature journals, American Sign Language interpreters for students from the Maryland School for the Deaf, an intern stipend and part of the cost of seasonal staff. The program begins in the classroom, where park rangers lead interactive lessons on plant and animal adaptations. Students then visit the park to look for wildlife signs, examine how plants survive and record their observations in nature journals.
Fourth graders also receive a free national park pass so they can return with their families. The pass is for the 2026-27 school year. It expires August 31, 2027.
“A child’s first visit to Catoctin can be the beginning of a lifelong connection with the outdoors,” said Rick Slade, superintendent of Catoctin Mountain Park. “When we remove barriers and give students the chance to explore, ask questions and discover this park for themselves, we open the door to experiences that can stay with them for years.”
nps.gov
About the National Park Service. Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of America's national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with millions of people every year. Learn more at nps.gov.
Last updated: November 12, 2026