Celebrate Earth Month in Montgomery Parks!
Montgomery Parks, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is celebrating Earth Month with eco-friendly activities and special events throughout the month of April. From nature hikes to special programs, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Select from the family-friendly activities below.
Visit our calendar of events to find out more information for all the upcoming events celebrating Earth Month in Montgomery Parks!
Happy Earth Month!
Upcoming Events:
Online Native Plant Sales
Three different locations in Montgomery Parks will host online native plant sales throughout the month of April, beginning on April 1.
Growing native plants encourages beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife in your community. Support your backyard ecosystem with this fundraising event benefiting our nature centers.
Locust Grove Nature Center Online Native Plant Sale begins April 1
Maydale Nature Classroom Online Native Plant Sale begins April 12
Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs Online Native Plant Sale begins April 29
Arbor Day Celebrations
Montgomery Parks’ Arboriculture division is hosting two free tree seedling giveaways. Attendees will receive a minimum of 2 tree seedlings, one flowering tree and one shade tree. More available upon request while supplies last.
COVID Precaution notes: Giveaway attendees should remain in their vehicles and follow directions given by staff on-site. Face masks must be worn by the individual receiving the seedling while in proximity to event staff.
Seedling Giveaway at Black Hill Regional Park
Date: April 10, 2021
Location: Black Hill Regional Park, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, Maryland 20841. This event will be setup in the Shelter J parking area. Follow the posted signs to the event.
Time: 8 am-12 pm, rain or shine, in 15-minute time slots. You must register for a drive-through pick-up time slot by reserving a timed ticket.
Register for a pick-up time: http://mocoparks.org/SeedlingsBlackHill
Cost: Free
Seedling Giveaway at Olney Manor Recreational Park
Date: April 17, 2021
Location: Olney Manor Recreational Park, 16601 Georgia Avenue, Olney, MD 20832. This event will be setup in the Field #1 parking lot area. Follow the posted signs to the event.
Time: 8 am-12 pm, rain or shine, in 15-minute time slots*
* You must register for a drive-through pick-up time slot by reserving a timed ticket.
Register for a pick-up time: http://mocoparks.org/SeedlingsOlney
Cost: Free
Two “Ask an Arborist” Facebook Live Events
Visit Montgomery Parks’ Facebook Page
April 7 and April 30, 2021
More details coming soon.
GreenFest
GreenFest is a county-wide celebration on April 24, with a combination of virtual and in-person events throughout the month beginning April 1.
Visit the Montgomery County GreenFest website for more information!
Wild-scaping Your Back Yard
Free, online presentation
Thursday, April 15, 6:00 to 8:00 pm
You must pre-register at least 24 hours in advance to receive the TEAMS link for this presentation
Did you know over 40 million acres of land are locked up in yards? Learn the basics of how to make your yard more wildlife-friendly by planting native plants and creating a habitat for wildlife. This talk will cover how to select native plants for your yard, their benefits, and other habitat practices that can be used to support wildlife no matter the size of your property.
Part of our Earth Month programming, just in time for Gardening for Wildlife month and pre-ordering through the Spring Native Plant Sale.
Join our special guest, Kerry Wixted, Education and Outreach Specialist with the Wildlife and Heritage Service, MD Department of Natural Resources
Nature Virtual Lectures: Climate Change & Montgomery County
What does climate change have to do with me?
In this talk, local climate change expert, Karen Metchis, will discuss the ways that climate change is affecting our lives and how we can protect our families, homes, and businesses. She will provide a general overview of the recommendations developed for Montgomery County on priorities for improving the resilience of our communities, and will suggest ways for county residents to get involved in this issue.
Date: April 20, 2021
Location: Online virtual program
Time: 6:30-7:30 pm
Age: Adults 18+
Fee: $5 per person
Register to attend: mocoparks.org/NVLclimate
Restore Our Earth Fun Run
Date: Saturday, April 24
Time: 9:000 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Wheaton Regional Park
Registration is required.
Celebrate nature and our beautiful earth in a safe and fun way at Montgomery Parks’ Restore Our Earth Fun Run and Walk at Wheaton Regional Park on Saturday, April 24 at 9am! This fun, free event takes guests on a run or walk through the park and past forests and Pine lake. The three-mile race starts behind Wheaton Carousel.
Restore Our Earth is the Worldwide Earth Day Network theme to alert citizens worldwide to the damaging effects of climate change and inspire people to do what they can to help stop these effects. It’s essential to help restore our ecosystems to reduce climate change and help stave off its effects. Actions to help the planet reduce the effects of climate change include: restoring wildlife populations, getting rid of plastics in the ocean, conserve and rebuild soil, and use green technology to help restore ecosystems and forests.
City Nature Challenge
Participate in community science, by photographing and sharing on the inaturalist app, April 30 to May 3. Help identify nature species May 4 to May 9. Montgomery Parks is participating in the City Nature Challenge and we want you to participate with us! Cities around the world will be competing to see who can make the most observations of nature, find the most species, and engage the most people. Join us to find out just how easy it is to participate, including how to use the iNaturalist app to submit your observations.
More information: citynaturechallengedc.org
Look for upcoming programs in Montgomery Parks to engage in the City Nature Challenge
Looking for an opportunity to clean-up your community this Earth Month? Check with Montgomery Parks’ Volunteer Services Office.