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The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

Sligo Creek Fest – Montgomery Parks and Community Groups

Montgomery Parks Groups

Stop by and learn more about the work that over fifteen different groups from Montgomery Parks are doing across the county including demonstrations and hands-on activities such as:  

Young girl climbing tree

Tree Crew – Kids’ Tree Climbing

Montgomery Parks Tree Climbers will teach children how to safely scale trees with a rope and harness. 

Resource Analysis – Electrofishing Demos

Montgomery Parks Resource Specialists demonstrate how they collect fish for identification in freshwater streams. 

Staff demonstrates fishing with nets in a large creek with attendees watching from the rocks
Roots to Rocks at Sligo Creek Fest

Roots to Rocks

Montgomery Parks’ Roots to Rocks program will be teaching children 6 and up the basics of biking from certified bike coaches.

Nature on Wheels

Enjoy the mobile natural science field station that brings environmental education (and cute critters) all over Montgomery County.  

Nature on wheels at Sligo Creek Fest
Shoppers at a plant sale

Brookside Gardens

Uncover the relationship between plants and their pollinators with hands-on activities and scientific demonstrations designed to spark curiosity about the natural world.

Community Gardens

Learn about volunteering with the community gardens program, get a veggie or fruit temporary tattoo, pick up materials for a seed bomb, and other fun foodie surprises!

germantown community gardens
A woman showing a demonstration in historic dress

History in the Parks

Discover the rich tapestry of Montgomery County’s history and learn more about our many historic sites!

Cultural Resources Stewardship, Archeology and Untold Stories

Explore the cultural heritage of Montgomery Parks. Try a fun, family-friendly archaeology activity, share your favorite places and stories, and hear from staff about the important sites we preserve, including buildings and cemeteries.

Kids digging in dirt boxes
Logo for Montgomery Parks Foundation

Montgomery Parks Foundation

Find out more about Park Foundation, the official nonprofit partner of Montgomery Parks. Artists of all ages are welcome to drop by The Foundation’s tent for a nature-themed coloring station!

Montgomery Planning

Learn more about the Planning Department which aims to improve quality of life by conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment for current and future generations.

2 Montgomery Planning employees sit at Planning booth at Sligo Creek Fest. They both are smiling at the camera.
Park police horse at Sligo Creek Fest

Park Police

Get up close with the stunning Park Police horses and meet the dedicated officers who help serve and protect our vibrant community.

Park Development Division

Meet our talented engineers and explore what goes into designing a park. Kids will have the opportunity to “design a park” which will include coloring, stickers, and other drawing materials.

elm street parks playhouse jr. june 2024
A group of people practicing yoga poses

Park Academy Series

Learn more about the Park Academy Fitness, Wellness, and Learning Class Series! Offered each season, our series provides a diverse selection of engaging classes tailored for all ages and interests.

Program Access

Our Program Access staff ensures individuals with disabilities are welcomed to participate in enjoyable leisure-time activities in accessible places and programs the Program Access will be on-site providing a Sensory Tent for those who need a break from the festivities.

sensory tent program access
Recruitment table at Sligo Creek fest

Recruitment & Job Opportunities

Representatives from the Montgomery Parks Recruitment team will be onsite to answer your questions and provide information about careers at Montgomery Parks. Discover exciting opportunities and learn how you can contribute to our mission.

Volunteer Services – Watershed Cleanup Program

Learn about the Parks Watershed Cleanup Program and participate in Litter trivia and Creek Critters samples of aquatic insects and how they indicate water quality.

Group of volunteers, smiling after a cleanup
volunteers cut plants

Weed Warriors Volunteer Program

Non-native, invasive plants (NNIs) pose a serious threat to the health of our parks.  You can help! The Weed Warrior Volunteer Program empowers community members to help Montgomery Parks staff manage NNIs on parkland. Stop by their tent to see examples of NNIs you can find in Montgomery County.

Community Groups

Friends of Sligo Creek

Say “hi” to Friends of Sligo Creek and learn more about their year-round events in support and appreciation of Sligo Creek and adjacent parkland.

Sligo Woods Civic Association

Stay connected to your neighborhood through this all-volunteer organization that builds community by offering events and projects to meet neighbors, helps the community stay informed, and provides a forum for discussing issues affecting the neighborhood.

Friends of Brookside Gardens

Learn more about the Friends of Brookside Gardens, an organization dedicated to supporting the mission of Brookside Gardens. Their efforts help sustain programs that showcase the year-round beauty of nature while educating the public on the importance of proper plant care in preserving the environment.