Park Rangers
Services
- Agricultural property management
- Community outreach programs include educational activities, youth clubs, presentations at schools, and outdoor events
- County-wide special event support
- Facility and park operations
- Natural resources conservation and education
- Park management
- Park permit enforcement
- Wildlife response
Public Programs
Signature Programs
Suitland Bog Tour: Home to many rare and beautiful species of plants, including carnivorous pitcher plants and sundews, the Suitland Bog, located off Suitland Road, is one of the few remaining bogs in the Washington, D.C. area. Guided hikes for all ages are available by reservation. Email PGParkRangers@pgparks.com for more information.
Bike Rodeo: Participants aged 6 to 12 learn tips on how to ride a bike safely by doing a skills course, bike safety discussion, bike and helmet check, and a basic bike course. Rangers will provide working bikes and properly fitting helmets. Available to Commission community centers for their camps.
Jug Bay “Run for Wildlife:” Since 1996, the Park Rangers have hosted a 5K/10K race and 3K fun walk that takes participants along the banks of the Patuxent River and across a 1,000-foot bridge through a wetland area. All proceeds go toward wildlife conservation projects. Held the first Saturday in November.
Trot for a Turkey (Festival of Lights): For more than 30 years, visitors to the annual Winter Festival of Lights have been dazzled by twinkling light displays as they drove through the meandering roads of Watkins Regional Park. Now, visitors can walk or run along the Festival of Lights route and see the light show up close. Registration fees will provide a family in need with a holiday turkey.
Ranger Red’s Fishing Rodeo: Join Ranger Red as you embark on this fishing experience to get the biggest or most fish! Participants are provided loaner fishing rods/reels and bait, or you can bring your own.
- Ages 6 through 15. Participants 16 years or older must have a valid Maryland fishing license to participate in the fishing rodeo. Register through Parks Direct for available date and location.
Outdoor Rec With A Park Ranger
Discover the joy of the outdoors with our “With a Park Ranger” series! Whether you’re a beginner or just curious, our friendly and knowledgeable park rangers will guide you through various activities in an intimate setting. Join us and explore new skills in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Explore the program descriptions below and head to ParksDirect to register!
Archery with a Ranger: Step into the ancient sport of archery and master the basics of using a bow and arrow. Develop concentration, patience, coordination, and safety awareness while enjoying this timeless activity.
- For ages 8 and up. An adult must accompany any participant below 18 years of age.
- This program is held at the archery ranges at Adelphi Manor Community Park in Adelphi, MD or at the Bock Road Maintenance Yard in Fort Washington, MD.
Astronomy with a Ranger: Join a Park Ranger and a local astronomy club for a night of stargazing, Learn about the planets, constellations and their notable stars, as well as distant galaxies.
- For all ages. Adult supervision is required for participants under 16 years of age.
Fishing with a Ranger: Join a park ranger and dive into the world of fishing! Learn to cast, bait hooks, and handle fish with expert guidance. Equipment and bait are provided, or feel free to bring your own.
- For ages 6-15. Adult supervision is required.
Kayak with a Ranger: Join a Park Ranger and discover the lake from a whole new perspective! Paddle through tranquil waters and get up close with waterfowl, turtles, fish, and other local wildlife.
- For ages 12 and up. An adult must accompany any participant below 18 years of age.
- Tandem kayaks available by request by emailing PGParkRangers@pgparks.com after registering for available dates/locations through Parks Direct.
Parkour with a Ranger: Let a park ranger show you how to move from point A to point B using spins, tumbling, and tricks! If you are interested in learning the basics of parkour, this is the class for you! This class will focus on movement through and around obstacles, as well as learning the foundational parkour skills including vaulting, swinging, jumping, rolling, and climbing. Develop coordination, confidence, athleticism, strength, and creativity while learning parkour.
- For ages 10 and up. An adult must accompany any participant below 18 years of age.
Ranger Hiking Spree: Love exploring parks and trails? Join our self-paced program to hike, bike, or enjoy family outings on various trails and scenic sites. Park Rangers will lead nature hikes, sharing insights about local animals and plants along the way.
- For all ages. Adult supervision is required for participants under 16 years of age.
Self-Defense with a Ranger: Take control of your personal space! Learn basic self-defense methods to stay safe and in control of your responses to danger. Our park rangers will teach important skills which can improve your overall fitness and self-confidence. Sign up and gain peace of mind. You can be aware and not despair when you know how to use self-defense.
Wilderness Survival with a Ranger: Outdo! Outsmart! Outside! Are you a survivor? Start your adventure with a park ranger who will teach you basic to intermediate survival skills! Learn survival techniques applicable to various recreational activities such as camping and fishing. Uncover how to use resources to thrive in nature! We provide survival tools but we suggest you bring your own and be comfortable with their usage.
- Waiver: usage of knife and sharp tools will take place.
- For ages 10 and up. Adult supervision is required for participants under 16 years of age.
Geocaching (Self-Guided)
Geocaching, a high-tech treasure-hunting game, is played worldwide by adventure seekers equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.
Players locate hidden containers called geocaches and share their experiences online. Popular with people of all ages, geocaching strengthens communities and fosters an interest in the environment.
Geocache Guidelines
- Patrons must receive approval from the M-NCPPC Park Ranger Office prior to placing a cache. In most cases, patrons will be advised of a decision within five (5) business days.
- A transparent container is required.
- DO NOT use PVC pipe, ammo cans or any other Military looking container that may cause alarm if a non-participant happens upon the cache. Micro containers are allowed at the discretion of the M-NCPPC Park Rangers.
- DO NOT dig any holes or disturb the surrounding environment. DO NOT attach caches to live trees.
- DO NOT place the cache in plain view. Attempt to conceal the cache to minimize the chance that a non-participant will spot it, which could cause worry, theft or vandalism.
- Caches should be at least 100 yards from playgrounds and schools.
- Clearly mark the container with the appropriate identification, such as “Geocaching.com” and the name of the cache. Place a stash-note inside explaining the sport to any nonparticipant who may discover the cache.
- As a cache seeker or a cache owner, you must abide by the dawn to dusk parks hours of operation, as well as all other parks rules, regulations, and guidelines.
- Any cache that is not maintained or becomes in disrepair, will be removed and archived through Geocaching.com.
Register
Many Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) parks are used by geocaching enthusiasts; Park Rangers oversee the registration process for geocachers in all of these parks. If any guidelines are disregarded your cache will be immediately removed and you will not be permitted to place additional caches in the future.
Approval is at the discretion of the M-NCPPC Park Rangers.
Please complete this registration form (PDF) and return it via email to PGParkRangers@pgparks.com
or mail to:
Park Ranger Geocache Program
14955 Pennsylvania Ave.
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Upcoming Programs:
Natural Resource Management
Deer Management
Overview
Discover the reasons for deer management, learn about the components of the deer management program, and find resources to help alleviate deer conflicts on your property.
Background
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are a beautiful and valuable wildlife species in Prince George’s County. Though once rare in Maryland, the current deer population has become over-abundant. Too many deer will result in ecological problems and increase deer-human conflicts.
Population Growth
The factors that have contributed to the population growth of deer in our region include:
- Abundant food sources found in agriculture and residential landscaping
- Ideal deer habitat found in suburban areas
- Removal of large predators
- Reduced hunting opportunities
The Need for Deer Management
A reduction in population using deer management is needed to address the issues caused by too many deer. Over-abundant deer populations can result in:
- Forest degradation due to heavy browsing of tree seedlings
- Reduced biodiversity
- Increase in invasive plant species
- Increased risk of deer-vehicle collisions
- Potential increased risk of Lyme Disease and other communicable diseases
- Property damage to landscaping, crops, and vehicles
- Poor herd health
Deer Management Programs
The Department is managing select parks to lower the deer population at those sites through public hunting and sharpshooting. Though many parks are experiencing the negative effects of an over-abundant deer population, the Department’s management program is not always a feasible option. Safety is the program’s top priority.
Deer Management Factors
When determining if deer management is feasible at a park, the Department considers the following:
- Access throughout the park
- Deer population size
- Deer-vehicle collision data
- Ecological damage
- Number of surrounding homes and businesses
- Public comments
- Size of the park
Deer Population Surveys
The deer management program conducts population surveys to estimate the deer population size at select park sites. The recommended deer density is 20 deer per square mile. Park properties that are estimated to have significantly higher deer densities than what is recommended are considered for deer management.
Deer-Vehicle Collisions
In partnership with Prince George’s County Animal Control, deer-vehicle collision data has been gathered to show where roadkill deer carcasses are removed from county roads. This deer vehicle collision map (PDF) shows those locations. Please note this data does not include unreported carcasses or deer that survive a vehicle collision. The true number of deer-vehicle collisions is believed to be much higher.
Driving Tips
Here are some driving tips to help prevent striking a deer with your vehicle:
- Drive the speed limit. Slower driving speeds give you and the deer more time to react.
- Deer are more active from dusk to dawn. Be cautious when driving during these times.
- The fall breeding season (October – December) has the highest occurrence of deer-vehicle collisions because of increased deer activity.
- Look for the eye shine of deer when driving at night.
- Pay attention to stretches of roads with deer crossing signs.
- Deer tend to travel in groups. If one deer is observed crossing the road, drive slowly and look for more deer.
Resources
Property owners are able to use various tools to address deer-related conflicts. The following tools can be used to help alleviate issues:
- Deer-resistant Landscaping
- Deterrents
- Fencing
- Hunting (check county and state regulations)
- Repellents
Department of Natural Resources
Contact Us
For questions, please email Deer Management or call (301) 627-7755.
Hunting
Recreational hunting for white-tailed deer is permitted at select parks in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Deer hunting is allowed during the regulated state deer hunting seasons only. M-NCPPC hunting areas are designated as Cooperative Wildlife Management Areas. On top of state regulations, specific rules and regulations are in effect.
- A valid Maryland hunting license and public land hunting permit are required.
- Call DNR Myrtle Grove Office (301) 743-5161 to make daily reservations.
- Parking permit included with the “free public land hunting permit” must be displayed on the hunter vehicle dash at all times while hunting at M-NCPPC parks.
- Some sites are gated. Code to access gates will be given when you make your reservation.
- M-NCPPC allows hunter access at Aquasco/Gardner/Queen Anne/Marlboro from 1.5 hours before sunrise and 1.5 hours after sunset, Monday through Saturday. Billingsley CWMA is open Monday through Friday, 9 am until 1.5 hours after sunset.
Public Hunting Parks
The following parks are open to the public hunting for deer
Visit the Maryland DNR Southern Region Public Hunting Lands web page for information on public hunting opportunities in southern Maryland, requirements to obtain the “free public land hunting permit,” and information on how to get a reservation to hunt at M-NCPPC parks.
Contact Us
For more information, please email Deermanagement@pgparks.com or call the Park Ranger Office at 301-627-7755.
View more information about Deer Management. Discover the reasons for deer management, learn about the components of the deer management program, and find resources to help alleviate deer conflicts on your property.
Sharpshooting
Specially trained Park Police officers conduct sharpshooting activities at select parks to reduce deer populations and alleviate issues caused by high deer densities. Parks selected for deer sharpshooting operations are not feasible for regulated public hunting. Sharpshooting activities take place from February 1 – March 31. The sharpshooting program is designed with public safety as the top priority. Operations will take place from sunset to sunrise when parks are generally closed to the public.
Program Rules
The sharpshooting program is directed and supervised by the Department’s Park Ranger Unit and Park Police Division. Officers participating in this program have received extensive specialized weapons training.
- Weapons are discharged only when a safe foreground and background to the target exists.
- Deer are removed safely, discreetly, and humanely.
- All deer harvested through this program are donated to local food banks to feed families in need.
Sharpshooting Locations
Sharpshooting activities will take place at:
- Compton-Bassett Farm, Upper Marlboro
- Dyson Farm Complex, Brandywine
- Enterprise Golf Course, Mitchellville
- Governor’s Bridge Natural Area/Greenbranch Property, Bowie
- Henson Creek Stream Valley Park, Fort Washington
- Oxon Hill Manor, Oxon Hill
- Patuxent River Park, Upper Marlboro
- Randall Farm Maintenance Facility, Upper Marlboro
- Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro
Parks, where sharpshooting operations are implemented, are closed to the public between sunset and sunrise. Some parks will have facilities that are still open to the public after sunset. Park Police will be on-site at these locations.
Additional Information
For questions or more information, please contact the Park Ranger Office at (301) 627-7755 or email us at DeerManagement@pgparks.com. Public comments about the program, and existing and new sites can be sent via email.
Conservation & Stewardship
The Department of Parks and Recreation is on a mission to protect and enhance the natural beauty of Prince George’s County parks. We’re committed to inventorying, managing, and enriching our natural resources to create a vibrant, diverse habitat for plants, wildlife, and park visitors. Your involvement is key—learn more about our exciting stewardship efforts and help ensure our parks remain a treasure for future generations!
Volunteer Opportunities
The Park Rangers are looking for volunteers to provide much-needed assistance to make our parks beautiful. Volunteer opportunities are open to individuals or groups. Volunteer work includes trash clean-up at parks, Senior Green Team activities, and non-native and invasive plant removal.
For more information, contact pgparkrangers@pgparks.com
Honeybee Education
Youth Garden Program: Park Rangers conduct gardening activities with select community centers with their “after-school program. The kids learn about simple gardening practices, the importance of growing vegetables and fruit in their backyard, and healthy eating.
The Youth Garden Program is located at the following Community Centers: Langley Park, Vansville, South Bowie, William Beanes, Huntington, Suitland, Lake Arbor.
Senior Garden Program: With the help of park rangers, seniors can have the opportunity to learn or enhance gardening skills. This program is limited to JE Howard Senior Activity Center.
Beekeeper Collective
Honeybees play an important role in supporting agriculture and maintaining the health of ecosystems. As essential pollinators, they contribute to the growth of fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers. Educational programs about honeybees offer a chance for everyone to understand the importance of pollinators and how to support them. Park Rangers play a supporting role in these efforts by maintaining observation hives in nature centers, hosting programs, and encouraging conservation actions like planting pollinator-friendly gardens.
Garden Programs
Located in Watkins Regional Park, the Beekeeper Collective provides a space for local beekeepers to maintain colonies and experience the benefits of raising bees. The space offers a variety of agricultural crops and native plants as well as a large natural water source to support all the needs of the bees.
Stewardship
The Department of Parks and Recreation’s mission includes protecting the natural environment within the park system. It is our goal to inventory, protect, manage and enhance natural resources on Prince George’s County parkland to provide a healthy and diverse environment for the enjoyment of park patrons and future generations, in addition to a viable habitat for plant life and wildlife. Our mission is greatly supported by public involvement in stewardship efforts. Individuals and groups can enhance stewardship efforts by participating in volunteer opportunities.
Adopt-a-Park
Groups or individuals can adopt a number of natural area parks throughout Prince George’s County. Responsibilities may include:
- Monitoring of nest boxes for birds
- Maintaining detailed records
- Conducting wildlife and plant surveys
- Constructing and installing wildlife nesting boxes, clean-ups, reporting park needs, and various other environmental projects
This opportunity requires a two-year commitment. Training and materials are provided. Volunteer assignment schedules vary. This opportunity is ideal for individuals, Scouts group, families, businesses, community groups, and church groups. Groups are recognized with signage at the adopted park.
Adopt-a-Pond
Groups or individuals can adopt a pond throughout Prince George’s County. Responsibilities include:
- Monitoring the ponds periodically
- Removing trash and debris
- Reporting park needs and various other environmental projects
This opportunity requires a two-year commitment. Training and materials are provided the Park Rangers. Volunteer assignment schedules vary. This opportunity is ideal for individuals, Scouts groups, families, businesses, community groups, and church groups. Groups are recognized with signage at the adopted pond.
Adopt-a-Trail
Groups or individuals can adopt a section of trail systems throughout Prince George’s County such as:
- Anacostia Stream Valley Trail
- Henson Creek Trail
- Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis Trail
- Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail
Responsibilities
- Monitoring trails periodically
- Removing of trash and debris
- Reporting trail needs and various other environmental projects
This opportunity requires a two-year commitment. Training and materials are provided by the Park Rangers. Volunteer assignment schedules vary. This opportunity is ideal for individuals, Scouts groups, families, businesses, community groups, and church groups. Groups are recognized with signage at the adopted trail section. View the Adopt a Trail Brochure (PDF).
Eastern Bluebird Monitoring
Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) staff and volunteers monitor the Eastern Bluebird during the breeding season. Bluebird trails are monitored throughout Prince George’s County on a weekly basis to observe nest attempts, eggs, hatchlings, nestlings, and fledglings in each box. Although the nesting boxes are constructed for bluebirds, other species utilize the boxes as well.
The Eastern Bluebird program has been an important and successful endeavor for the birds in Prince George’s County. The amount of cumulative fledglings has increased each year since 2005 and will continue to grow thanks to the efforts of our dedicated volunteers and staff.
Eagle Scouts/Gold Award
Opportunities are provided for the completion of Eagle Scout projects and Gold Awards. Please contact the Park Ranger Office for inquiries regarding doing scout-related projects on parkland.
Monarch Waystation
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Park Rangers have select meadow sites throughout the county that are managed as Monarch Waystations. Monarch Waystations are areas that are dedicated to creating and/or preserving habitats for migrating monarch butterflies and their larva (caterpillars). In order to be successful, waystations must include both nectar plants and milkweed plants. The nectar plants are important for the butterflies to feed on as adults. The milkweed plants are critical because they are the only plant on which the monarch butterflies lay their eggs and the only plant that their caterpillars eat.
Population
The iconic orange, black, and white monarch butterflies are notable for their yearly migration through the United States and Canada to Mexico and southern California. In recent years, the population of these butterflies has dramatically declined. Over the past two decades, the population is thought to have decreased by 90%. Habitat loss and herbicide usage in agricultural fields have greatly affected the population of milkweed plants, which are critical for monarch egg laying and caterpillars survival.
Habitats
Through the creation of Monarch Waystations, the M-NCPPC Park Rangers are creating habitats to encourage monarch butterflies to thrive. We hope these habitats will help bring the monarch population back to where it once was. Contact the Park Ranger Office at (301) 627-7755 for information regarding the programs/activities.
Weed Warriors
These “Weed Warriors” assist with the identification, removal, and management of non-native plant species. They help allow native plants to flourish in our forest. Remember to dress appropriately and bring plenty of water. Gloves and other supplies/equipment will be provided.
Wetland Stewardship
Groups or individuals can adopt a pond throughout Prince George’s County. Responsibilities include:
- Monitoring wetlands periodically
- Removing trash and debris
- Reporting park needs and various other environmental projects
This opportunity requires a two-year commitment. Training and materials are provided the Park Rangers. Volunteer assignment schedules vary. This opportunity is ideal for individuals, Scouts group, families, businesses, community groups, and church groups. Groups are recognized with signage at the adopted pond.
Wildlife Response
The Park Rangers conduct on-site evaluation of wildlife issues in parks and park facilities. The rangers also respond to injured wildlife on parkland.
Wood Duck Monitoring Program
The Park Rangers maintain the wood duck boxes located in M-NCPPC parks located throughout the county. This includes:
- Monitoring the boxes once a year to collect data on fledglings
- Preparing the wood duck boxes for the following season
Each year we increase the number of boxes to new and existing parks in an attempt to raise the current population. Wood ducks typically nest from late February throughout July. Nesting mostly occurs in March and April. The average nest size is twelve eggs with one being laid per day.
