Nature lovers both young and old are invited to embrace nature and take a walk on the wild side. We offer a multitude of comprehensive programs that are held at a variety of sites throughout Prince George's County. These programs are designed to instill an appreciation for wildlife and the environment, promote leadership, and increase knowledge of the county's magnificent natural resources.

Hands-on exhibits, live animals, theme gardens, and interesting interpretive programs are offered at the nature centers. Exciting interpretive, educational programs are also conducted at Old Maryland Farm, which serves as an agricultural exhibit and livestock display area. Natural area parks are found throughout the county. Emphasis is placed on preserving natural resources at these unique sites.

For general information about natural areas, contact the Natural & Historical Resources Division at 301-627-2270; TTY 301-699-2544. For information about a specific site, contact the facility directly.

Join us on the Trail and Take a Hike!
National Trails Day - Saturday, June 7, 2008

On Saturday, June 7, M-NCPPC in cooperation with other local partners is hosting a series of trail events around the county celebrating National Trails Day. Take this opportunity to get outdoors and experience beautiful natural areas of Prince George's County. Go birding, take a nature hike, go on a bicycle tour, go kayaking, take a fitness walk, enjoy a boat ride, saddle up for horseback riding events, or sign up for the Prince George's County champion tree van tour.

National Trails Day is sponsored by the American Hiking Society, a national organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America's hiking trails, the natural areas that surround them, and the hiking experience itself. This year's theme "Join us on the Trail." So we invite you to join us at any of the activities around the county. Most activities are free, but some charge a fee. Remember on hot summer days to lather on sunscreen; dress appropriately for a hot summer day; wear a hat; and drink plenty of fluids!

For those who purchased a hiking staff during the Fall '07 Hiking Spree, there will be a commemorative shield available for those who participate in a National Trails Day event. Hiking staffs are available for purchase at any M-NCPPC nature center in the county and at Patuxent River Park.

If you can't join us on for National Trails Day, M-NCPPC maintains approximately 40 miles of paved and natural surface trails for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians throughout Prince George's County. Some trails are located within the boundaries of individual parks, and other trail systems connect a series of parks along natural greenway corridors. Fitness trails are also located throughout the park system.

See a list of National Trails Day Events

Directions to National Trails Day Events

Hiking Spree
Discover wonderful hiking opportunities and beautiful vistas along a variety of trails throughout Prince George’s County! You may hike on your own, or take a guided hike with one of our park naturalists or park rangers. Hike 6 of 12 designated trails and you will be eligible to buy a hiking staff and the commemorative 2007 hiking shield.

Hikes are FREE for all participants. Residents pay $10 and Non-Residents pay $12 to receive their hiking rewards once they qualify. Hiking Staffs without a shield are available year-round and may be purchased without prior completion of the Hiking Spree requirements.

Download the Directions for Hiking Spree


Finding Nature Activities
Explore related activities available for registration in SMARTlink, or click on a facility below for non-registration programs and activities.

• Bladensburg Waterfront Park
  
• Clearwater Nature Center at Cosca Regional Park
  
• Mount Rainier Nature Recreation Center
  
• Patuxent River Park
• Watkins Nature Center
  

Park Rangers provide public safety, education and conservation services to county residents. They offer outreach and safety programs for all age groups, and provide department support for park operations, special events and countywide patrols of parks, facilities, and hiker/biker/equestrian trails. Find out more about Park Rangers and the services and activities they provide.