Kids & Family

Explore Patapsco Valley State Park + Visit Cherry Blossoms As Spring Begins

Patapsco Valley State Park is gearing up with spring events. Marylanders can also visit the cherry blossoms in DC as the weather warms up.

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The National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy suggested visiting Patapsco Valley State Park, pictured above, for springtime events.
The National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy suggested visiting Patapsco Valley State Park, pictured above, for springtime events. (Google Maps)

MARYLAND — Spring has sprung, and Marylanders are itching to get outside. From park visits and cherry blossoms to plant sales and train rides, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the weather in the Old Line State.

Patch recently partnered with several local organizations to bring you their latest news. This guest contribution comes from National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy. Here's what Jody Hedeman Couser submitted to help you explore the Chesapeake Bay:

"Patapsco VSP Open House Fun

There's lots of fun and info to be had at all three Patapsco Valley State Park locations this upcoming weekend. At all three locations, April 25 is [the] Opening Day of Fishing, starting at 5 a.m. The McKeldin location is offering [an] Introduction to Fishing at 9 a.m. followed by Firewise! with Smokey Swag and Smokey Story Time and Tails on Trails free hiking. At the Hilton location[,] Maryland Conservation [Corps] staff will be recruiting for the Maryland Conservation Corps. Latino Outdoors will be at the Avalon location for three bilingual guided hikes and Defensores De La Cuenca will be on hand to talk about the different ways you can get involved in your community. You can also join the Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park for an adaptive hike on the River Road Trail. Opening day events are March 25, Patapsco Valley State Park, Marriottsville, Halethorpe and Catonsville, MD. The Patapsco Swinging Bridge ... is located in the Avalon/Orange Grove area of Patapsco Valley State Park. More information and complete schedule"

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"Spring Peeper Paddle

Despite recent setbacks[,] we are confident spring is on its way, and that means it’s time to start planning for a spring paddle. One of Saki’s favorite spring forays is the Daniels area of Patapsco Valley State Park after the vernal equinox when “Trees bud, flowers bloom, birds build their nests, reptiles bask in the sun and amphibians focus on reproduction.” Just follow the American toad’s mate-attracting “trilling” calls and if you’re lucky[,] you’ll find ... several on the shore puffing their throats ... A veteran paddler with safety always in mind, Saki wears a wetsuit while paddling through early May. Read Spring Peeper Paddle on the Patapsco."

"Cherry Blossom Festival! Trails, Map, Events

The latest National Park Service peak bloom prediction is for March 22-25 and has a lot of information and events to augment your visit to the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. The National Park Service’s Tidal Basin Welcome Area, open now to April 2, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.[,] is a great place to begin, offering information tents, [a] performance stage, food and souvenir sales areas and [a] first aid station. Park rangers are giving talks about the history and lore of the cherry blossoms at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial now to April 2 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Other activities include ranger-led Lantern Walks, Pup’s and Petals Dog Walk (March 25 only) and tidal basin paddle boats (online reservations available). The NPS official festival partner, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, is also hosting a wide variety of exciting events and activities to celebrate the gift of the cherry blossom trees, including the Blossom Kite Festival, Petalpalooza, official Japanese Stone Lantern Lighting Ceremony and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. Important links: Bloom Watch, National Park Service Cherry Blossom Events and Activities, trail guides, map, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival."

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"Chesapeake Natives Plant Sale

Come out to Chesapeake Natives Nursery in Rosaryville State Park for an Open House sale of native plants grown on site from locally gathered native [seeds]. The nursery grows over 100 types of local ecotype native plants at its nursery located in the park. Chesapeake Natives volunteers will be available at the sale to help you find the right native plants for your space. March 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Rosaryville State Park, Upper Marlboro, MD. More information"

"Free Trees to Protect Maryland's Waterways

The Maryland DNR’s Backyard Buffers program provides a free “buffer in a bag” to help get qualified homeowners started in buffering the drainage ditch, stream, creek or river flowing through their property. The bag includes 20-30 native tree and shrub bare-root seedlings of various species, approximately one to two feet in height. Backyard Buffer reservations are typically taken during the month of March, with bags available for pickup at a designated local site in time for the spring planting season. Qualified homeowners will also receive fact sheets on the tree species, planting techniques and proper maintenance. Backyard Buffer coordinator contact information by county (not all counties are participating) and more information about the program."

"Spring Fling Express Train Ride

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad has the cure for cabin fever. Bring the family out for Spring Fling Family Trips on the Scenic Line. Enjoy a 75-minute train ride [through] the Cumberland Narrows Canyon, farms and country side. With every child ticket, kids will be able to take part and celebrate spring by decorating and planting flower pots to take home! The Spring Fling departs on Saturdays and Sundays, April 15th, 16th, 22nd, and 23rd; departs Cumberland, MD. More details, tickets"

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