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:
Cherry Blossom Fun Run/Walk
April 2 | 9-11 am | South Germantown Recreational Park
Walk the petal-covered trail and see Cherry Blossom Trees in Full Bloom.
Walk the 1.0-mile trail and learn the history of how the trees came to call this area home.
At the end of the trail, create your own full bloom at our crafting station, and pick up a FREE tree seedling. Food will be available for purchase. This is a FREE family-friendly event from 9 to 11 am, and dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times. The trail begins at the King Barn Dairy Mooseum. Free parking and restrooms will be available. More information: mocoparks.org/CherryBlossomFunRun
Online and In-Person Native Plant Sales
Three different locations in Montgomery Parks will host native plant sales throughout the month of April.
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.
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| Our online Native Plant Sale is SOLD OUT, and pre-orders are now closed. | Our online Native Plant Sale is SOLD OUT, and pre-orders are now closed. | Online sales April 15-16 |
| In-Person sales on May 7 and 8
10 am-2 pm 7777 Democracy Boulevard |
Pick-up date April 30
1638 Maydale Drive |
Pick-up dates
Apr 22–24 and Apr 29–May 1 20926 Lake Ridge Drive |
| View Inventory: |
View Inventory: | View inventory: |
GreenFest
April 23 | 11 am – 5 pm | Brookside Gardens
GreenFest is the premier environmental festival in Montgomery County, MD. A free event, GreenFest is a chance for residents, businesses, nonprofits, and neighbors, to come together, share ideas and learn. Plus GreenFest has tons of fun activities for the whole family.
Visit the Montgomery County GreenFest website for more information!
City Nature Challenge
Photograph Nature: April 29-May 2 | Identify Nature: May 3 -May 9
Participate in community science, by photographing and sharing on the iNaturalist app, April 29 to May 2. Help identify nature species May 3 to May 8. 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. Sign up for Montgomery Parks sessions of the City Nature Challenge on ActiveMONTGOMERY.org.
More information: citynaturechallengedc.org
Register: mcp-locustgrove@montgomeryparks.org
iNaturalist Hike
April 10 | 2-5 pm | $3 | Locust Grove Nature Center
Become a community scientist via this virtual scavenger hunt through the park! Practice finding creatures of all shapes and sizes, then take their photo using your cell phone. Requires an adult to download the free iNaturalist app. All ages.
Click to Register for a time:
2-2:30 pm PLGNC0010-100001 | 2:15 – 2:45 pm PLGNC0010-100002 | 2:30 – 3 pm PLGNC0010-100003 | 2:45 – 3:15 pm PLGNC0010-100004
3 – 3:30 pm PLGNC0010-100005 | 3:15 – 3:45 pm PLGNC0010-100006 | 3:30 – 4 pm PLGNC0010-100007 | 3:45 – 4:15 pm PLGNC0010-100008
4 – 4:30 pm PLGNC0010-100009 | 4:15 – 4:45 pm PLGNC0010-100010 | 4:30 – 5 pm PLGNC0010-100011
Join the City Nature Challenge
April 29, 30, May 1 | 1-6 pm | Locust Grove Nature Center
Have you heard of the City Nature Challenge? Cities around the world are 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. Then go for a hike to snap some photos. Anyone can participate and YOU can become a citizen scientist! Families welcome (please register anyone over the age of 13). Have a group you’d like to bring? Please contact the Nature Center to register: MCP-LocustGrove@montgomeryparks.org
Register:
Apr 29 | 1 – 6 pm | Free | Ages 13 & up | Register: PLGNC0003-100001
Apr 30 | 1 – 6 pm | Free | Ages 13 & up | Register: PLGNC0003-100002
May 1 | 1 – 6 pm | Free | Ages 13 & up | Register: PLGNC0003-100003
Volunteer
Looking for an opportunity to clean up your community this Earth Month? Check with Montgomery Parks’ Volunteer Services Office.