Catoctin Mountain Park Schedules Late Spring Activities

Date: April 21, 2015
Contact: Debra Mills, 301-663-9399

All park roads that were closed for the winter have reopened. Visitors and volunteers are encouraged to participate in the following late Spring activities and programs scheduled at Catoctin Mountain Park

Spring Wildflower walks –Saturday, April 25 at 11:00 a.m., and, Sunday, May 10 at 1:00 p.m. at the Owens Creek Picnic Area

Join a ranger at the Brown's Farm Trail in Owens Creek Picnic Area at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday,

April 25, or Sunday, May 10 at 1:00 p.m. for an interpretive wildflower walk. Together, you will explore an easy ½ mile trail that meanders through several types of habitat. The ranger will acquaint you with the flowers that are blooming, and will tell you why they are so particular about where they grow and when they flower.

Artist-in-Residence Program –Saturdays May 16 and 23

Artists-in-Residence at Catoctin Mountain Parkwill be painting in the park on Saturday, May 16, and Saturday, May 23 (rain date May 25).Visitors are invited to talk with the artists and learn more about their work.The Artist- in- Residence Program is sponsored by the Catoctin Forest Alliance.Its purpose is to draw the public closer to the park's resources so they can be enjoyed on a deeper level.Call 301-663-9388 or stop by the Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center for more details.

Day of Service –May 9 from 9 am until 3 pm

The Catoctin Forest Alliance, a volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation of the Catoctin Mountain forest and a primary partner to Catoctin Mountain Park, has announced a "Day of Service" at Catoctin Mountain Park at Camp Greentop on Saturday, May 9. The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The Catoctin Forest Alliance will provide lunch for participating volunteers.

Individuals and groups are invited to join the ranks of Catoctin Mountain Park Volunteers who will stain rustic cabins, rake leaves and attack the alien invasive plant, Japanese Barberry, that is altering forest habitat surrounding the camp. Supervision, supplies and materials will be provided by the Catoctin Forest Alliance and the National Park Service.

Most tasks require more directed enthusiasm than skills or experience. However, volunteers will be screened and will be directed to teams where they feel most comfortable and productive. Advance registration is encouraged and can be accomplished by contacting CFA Chairman Jim Sundergill at [e-mail].

Evening Campground Program –5:00 p.m., Saturday, May 30 at the Owens Creek Campground

Join a ranger at the Owens Creek Campground Amphitheater at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, May 30 for a family friendly program or activity. Program specifics will be announced mid-week and may be obtained by contacting the park Visitor Center at 301-663-9388.

Evening Programs will be held weather permitting each Saturday at 5:00 p.m. through the end of August.

Catoctin Mountain Park is one of over 400 units administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.Correspondence should be addressed to: Superintendent, Catoctin Mountain Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788. The park Visitor Center is open from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily. Our website address is www.nps.gov/cato.General information can be obtained by calling the Visitor Center at [phone].

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