Don't step on me!

We have been creating woodland trails around the park and have made some interesting discoveries.  We were creating the northwestern spring trail and when we moved a downed tree limb coiled under it was an eastern garter snake, very sluggish, but moving.  Elsewhere in the park, we were taking pictures of the spring fed cistern and found an eastern milk snake lying in the bottom.  We are unsure how it got in there but we were able to successfully get it out.  This is just a sample of what you may find hiking on our trails around the park. 

Volunteers needed for Project Stream

On April 2, 2011 from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm Catoctin Creek Park and Nature Center will be a host site for Project Clean Stream. Project Clean Stream is an annual stream and shoreline cleanup coordinated by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and partnering watershed organizations which engages volunteers throughout the Chesapeake Bay area. By cleaning local area waterways it will help lower the pollution that reaches the bay. Volunteers are needed at Catoctin Creek Park and Nature Center and for those interested Call Park Naturalist Brian Campbell at 301-600-2050. Please dress as you would for a hike with a chance to become wet or muddy.  Please bring gloves and drinking water. Trash bags will be provided.

For more information or to find other host sites go to chesapeakenetwork.org or allianceforthebay.org.

Old news, but really good news...

Here's another link to a great article about the opening of the nature center:

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/art_life/display.htm?StoryID=116609