Date: February 9, 2017
Contact: Peggie Gaul, 301-663-9388
THURMONT, Md. – Catoctin Mountain Park announces public programs for spring 2017. All programs are free and open to the public. For additional programs and program updates visit the park website: www.nps.gov/cato.
Orienteering - Orienteering Classes will be offered at 1:00 p.m. on March 12, 18, 19, and 25, at the park visitor center, 14707 Park Central Road, Thurmont, MD 21788. Participants will spend approximately one hour in a classroom setting learning to read a map and compass then venture outdoors to find orienteering posts located near the visitor center. The outdoor portion of the class requires hiking over rough terrain. Participants should wear sturdy shoes or boots and dress for the weather. Maps and compasses are provided. Class size is limited, and reservations (limited to10 per request) are required. Please call the Visitor Center at (301) 663-9388 to make a reservation or get more information.
Spring Wildflower Walk - Park Ranger Becky Loncosky will lead a spring wildflower walk along the Brown’s Farm Trail in the Owens Creek Picnic Area of Catoctin Mountain Park. The walk will begin at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, April 22. The group will explore an easy 0.5 mile trail that meanders through several types of habitat. Ranger Loncosky will acquaint participants with the wildflowers that are blooming and explain why they grow in particular places and when they flower.
Wildflowers to Ferns – Park Volunteer Daryl Despres will introduce participants to the blooming flowers, captivating ferns, and other prominent vegetation along the Brown’s Farm Trail in Catoctin Mountain Park at 11:00 a.m., April 23, May 28, and June 25 (every 4th Sunday). Meet at the Owens Creek Picnic Area. This program is free and open to the public.
Mountain Laurel Hikes – Park Ranger Ron Harvey will lead a hike in search of the best patches of Mountain Laurel at Catoctin Mountain Park at 10:00 a.m., May 6 and May 20. Meet at the Thurmont Vista Parking Lot. Discover where Mountain Laurel likes to grow and why it is one of America’s most loved native shrubs. This program is free and open to the public.
-NPS-
Catoctin Mountain Park is one of 413 national parks cared for 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. General information can be obtained through the park website at
www.nps.gov or by calling the Visitor Center at (301) 663-9388.
