maryland; fall 2011 - winter 2012 gunpowder falls state park newsletter

FALL 2011/WINTER 2012

Gunpowder Currents THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF GUNPOWDER FALLS AND NORTH POINT STATE PARKS

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

INSIDE

Family Programs/Special Events ............................................... 3

Youth Programs ................................................................................ 5

Volunteer Opportunities ............................................................... 6

Park Hours .......................................................................................... 7

Park Maps............................................................................................ 8

Park Information ............................................................................ 12

News From Around the Park compiled by Robert Bailey

CJC Completes 4th Summer at Gunpowder

On August 5th, 2011, the Maryland Conservation Jobs Corps (formerly the Civic Justice Corps) completed a fourth season. Operated out of five state parks, including Gunpowder, CJC is a five-week summer job program that targets at-risk youth. Corps members learn green jobs and team building skills, and develop stewardship ethics and appreciation for Maryland’s natural resources. This year the program graduated 280 participants. A graduation ceremony was held at North Point State Park, which featured Governor Martin O’Malley as the keynote speaker.

“I want to congratulate the graduates on all of their hard work,” said Governor O’Malley. “The CJC helps cultivate a deeper appreciation of nature. Only through connecting children with the natural world are we creating the next generation of stewards and leading the effort to protect the future of Maryland’s natural

by Sarah Witcher and Robert Bailey

Ever hear someone say that when a cat sleeps with its head upside down that it’s going to rain? While this superstition is in same vein as breaking mirrors and spilling table salt, it isn’t entirely on the wrong track. Some studies in recent years suggest that wildlife, both animals and plants, may have sensory perceptions that allow them to anticipate everything from sudden changes in weather to earthquakes. Given the tumultuous past few months in Maryland, with tornados, earthquakes and tropical storms, this is a good moment to reflect on how nature can perhaps anticipate disasters.

Here at the park, we’ve had our own struggles with buildings flooded, trees down, trails washed out or blocked, and other major damages as a result of this chaotic weather. The news channels and papers are rife with tales of human resilience and recovery in the face of adversity brought on by nature—but what about the wildlife? How does nature deal with natural disasters? One of the major advantages we as humans have in the face of a natural disaster is our ability to predict and prepare for what’s coming. Amazingly, some forms of wildlife may have their own way of guessing the future.

One of the most notable examples of wildlife anticipating weather changes was the “Tempest Prognosticator.” Developed by Dr. George Merryweather in England in the 1840s, the Tempest Prognosticator used leeches in bottles attached to bells. As a storm approached, the leeches became agitated and rang the bells more frequently. The more frequent the ringing, the closer the storm. The common ladybug is

Continued on page 2

by Robert Bailey

With the advent of cool weather, it’s time to get out and enjoy park trails. From brilliant fall colors to the first signs of spring, trails give you a chance to see nature’s ever-changing seasons up close. Often located on secluded tracts, a park trail can create the sensation that you’re in a remote wilderness when in fact you’re only a few miles from cul-de-sacs and shopping malls. Trails are an invaluable resource for both visitors and wildlife, but maintaining them is a challenge. The park needs your help to keep the trails useable and safe today and in the future.

Getting Out onto Gunpowder and North Point’s Trails

Continued on page 2

Photo by Rick Decker JCJ Crew G6 poses in front of Jerusalem Mill in July 2011.

How Nature Handles

Natural Disasters

Much of Gunpowder Falls State Park was acquired by the State of Maryland in the 1960s and 70s. Many of the park’s earliest trails were located on old logging roads or primitive farm roads. Others were pathways used by local residents to reach the river. Others still were former access roads to long-abandoned factories and houses. These early trails were on pathways not originally intended to be park trails. Many went straight up hills, forded streams at haphazard locations, and some were wide enough for cars. Some trails were cleared at a time when the science of trail design was still in its infancy, and thus were poorly planned and implemented.

As more and more park patrons took to the trails in the 1970s, the shortcomings of the original trail system became apparent. Beginning in the 1980s, a concerted effort by both park staff and volunteers began making a concerted effort to upgrade and better maintain the parks trails. A trail-blazing system modeled on the Appalachian Trail was adopted. Poorly aligned trails were rerouted or bypassed, and structural improvements such as water bars were added. The park developed more accurate maps, and it began offering more guided hikes.

Continued on page 7

2 Gunpowder CurrentsGunpowder CurrentsGunpowder CurrentsGunpowder Currents

resources.”

At Gunpowder, ten crews completed improvements that would normally cost the park thousands of dollars. The improvements included: rebuilding Snoops Garden at North Point, clearing and improving trails at the Dundee Creek Fishing Area, the Big Gunpowder Central and South Trails; installing a new bulletin board at Jones Road entrance; planting a rain and native gardens at Hammerman; building a new canoe launch on the Muskrat Trail; as well as various improvements at Jerusalem Mill, Torrey C. Brown Trail and Sweet Air.

Tropical Storms Conclude Wet Summer

Word of impending Tropical Storm Irene forced temporary closures at Hammerman and Dundee Creek areas, and North Point during the last weekend in August. While the tidewater did not suffer a repeat of the Isabel storm surge, Irene ravaged the park with torrential rains and high winds that downed trees all over the park. Jerusalem Mill lost power for nearly four days. However, Gunpowder’s staff and volunteers were equal to the task, and much of the park was restored to normal operations by Tuesday, August 30th.

Tropical Storm Lee, which hit the Mid-Atlantic a little over a week later, proved far more destructive. With the ground already saturated from a wet summer and Irene, storm water overwhelmed the Big and Little Gunpowder Falls and their tributaries. The park was forced to close the TCB Trail between Phoenix and Glencoe, and the Sparks Nature Center, White Hall Shop and the former Gunpowder Copper Works were flooded. A short section of the TCB trail (south of Bentley Springs) was washed out. The Edmunds Property near Glencoe (the former Glencoe rail station) sustained significant damage. Water levels neared the bottom of most bridges and the Pulaski Highway crossing at the Big Gunpowder was briefly swamped. In the tidewater, large gouges and ruts were cut into the beaches at Hammerman and North Point, and logs and debris forced the cancellation of the North Point Fishing Derby. More trees fell in significant numbers. Full recovery from Tropical Storm Lee will take months.

Pleasure Island Reopens

A $4.7 million dollar beach restoration effort at Pleasure Island, former site of the second Bayshore Park and now operated as part of North Point State Park, concluded in late June. The island can only be reached by boat, but is an ideal place to observe nature, fish, crab, hike and camp.

The restoration effort was jointly funded by the American Recover and Reinvestment Program, the DNR waterway improvement fund, and the Maryland Port Authority. Baltimore County oversaw the project.

“News” Continued from page 1

another predictor of weather in larger seasonal patterns. Remember the old adage, "when ladybugs swarm, expect a day that's warm?" It's usually true! Somehow, these tiny creatures have been able to accurately predict the changing of seasons and the severity of winters; as humans have observed them either taking shelter or emerging from it, they have been able to guess when the weather may change. Even plants seem to know what's coming, as their rates of transpiration and photosynthesis change depending on timing, severity, and locations of incoming storms.

When it comes to epic weather events, sharks are well known predictors. For example, 14 tagged blacktip sharks swam into deeper waters just prior to Tropical Storm Gabrielle’s landfall in Florida in 2001; also, when Hurricane Charley approached in 2004, six out of eight radio-tagged sharks being tracked by underwater hydrophones moved to open water. Scientists proposed that sharks can respond to environmental cues and know to flee to safer territory. Along the same lines, the most famous example of wildlife predicting disasters in recent history occurred in Thailand in 2004. While thousands of people were killed by the tsunami, observers at the scene were struck by how almost no wildlife perished. Park rangers noticed that wild boars, flamingos, elephants and other animals abandoned their regular habitat moments before the tsunami hit. Only animals in captivity, trapped with no means of escape, were killed.

Some still wonder--what happens to animals left homeless or separated from their kind? Many of us remember the famous story of Owen the baby hippopotamus, who bonded with a giant tortoise after being stranded in a

“Nature” Continued from page 1 tsunami. Still, there is no doubt that many forms of wildlife take an awful hit in natural disasters, particularly those vulnerable to winds (like birds and butterflies) or changes in aquatic environments (like fish or corals). Plants too suffer serious damage from high winds, water, and fire, but many are able to recover and adapt. Some plants have even become so accustomed to disaster that they require it to reproduce--right here in Maryland at Soldier's Delight Natural Environmental Area, more than 30 rare species of plant survive only because of periodic fires that provide the disturbance they need. Humans owe much to these amazing organisms, as in many cases they are the only barriers protecting us from nature's wrathful weather--a lesson we learned all too well when Hurricane Katrina struck the southern United States.

Thanks to both natural and human causes, the world around us is changing faster and more drastically then ever. As these changes bring natural disasters, we will continue to have to prepare, recover, and adapt. In the words of Charles Darwin, “the fittest win out at the expense of their rivals because they succeed in adapting themselves best to their environment.” Wildlife has certainly adapted over eons to survive an array of dramatic environmental changes—and those that don’t adapt don’t survive. We too must learn to listen to the signals our planet is sending us and carry on as wise stewards of the Earth.

Photo by Sarah Witcher A section of the TCB Rail Trail south of Bentley Springs washed out by Tropical Storm Lee.

The “Tempest

Prognosticator.”

Family Programs and Special Events

3 NewsletterNewsletterNewsletterNewsletter

* = denotes pre-registration is required.

Some programs ask that you pre-register. If the program you are interested in requires pre-registration, please take a moment to call the number

listed during regular business hours and let us know you are coming. This helps to ensure that your program will not be canceled. For park programs, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

PROGRAM CALENDAR Date Program Time Meeting Location Cost

October 1 _________ Outdoor Explorers* ________________________ 1-2 p.m. ______________________ Sparks Nature Center __________________________________ Free! October 2 _________ Signs of Fall Nature Hike*__________________ 3:30-5 p.m. ___________________ Sweet Air _______________________________________________ Free! October 8 _________ Outdoor Explorers* ________________________ 1-2 p.m. ______________________ Sparks Nature Center __________________________________ Free! October 8-9 _______ Colonial Crafts Weekend ___________________ 10 a.m.-5 p.m/11 a.m.-4 p.m. __ Jerusalem Mill ____________________________________ See page 4 October 9 _________ Archeology Hike #1* ________________________ 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ________________ Call for more information _____________________________ Free! October 13________ Full Moon Bike Ride* _______________________ 7-8:30 p.m. ___________________ Paper Mill Road, TCB Trail ____________________________ Free! October 14________ Campfire Program* ________________________ 6:30-7:30 p.m. _______________ Sparks Nature Center __________________________________ Free! October 15________ Outdoor Explorers* ________________________ 1-2 p.m. ______________________ Sparks Nature Center __________________________________ Free! October 15________ Signs of Fall Nature Hike*__________________ 3:30-5 p.m. ___________________ North Point _____________________________________________ Free! October 16________ Row Boat Picnic* ___________________________ 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ________________ Dundee Creek Marina ____________________________ $5/person October 21________ Scout Night* ________________________________ 5-7 p.m. ______________________ North Point _________________________________________ $2/Scout October 22________ Outdoor Explorers* ________________________ 1-2 p.m. ______________________ Sparks Nature Center __________________________________ Free! October 22________ Campfire Cooking __________________________ 3-6 p.m. ______________________ Monkton Station _______________________________________ Free! October 23________ Apple Festival _______________________________ 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ________________ Monkton Station _______________________________________ Free! October 28________ Campfire and Hayride* ____________________ 6-7 p.m. ______________________ Hammerman Area _____________________________________ Free! October 29________ Outdoor Explorers* ________________________ 1-2 p.m. ______________________ Sparks Nature Center __________________________________ Free! October 29________ Halloween Bicycle Rodeo* _________________ 3-5 p.m. ______________________ Sparks ___________________________________________________ Free! November 5 ______ Charlie Zahm Concert ______________________ 7 p.m. _________________________ St. Paul’s Lutheran Church _____________________ $10/person November 6 ______ Letterboxing 101 ___________________________ noon-3 p.m. __________________ Big Gunpowder, Belair Road (U.S. 1) ___________________ Free! November 11 _____ Campfire Program* ________________________ 6:30-7:30 p.m. _______________ Sparks Nature Center __________________________________ Free! November 13 ____ Archeology Hike #2* _______________________ 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ________________ Call for more information _____________________________ Free! November 18 _____ Scout Night* ________________________________ 5-7 p.m. ______________________ Monkton Station ___________________________________ $2/Scout November 19 _____ Letterboxing 101 ___________________________ 3-5 p.m. ______________________ Monkton Station _________________________________________ Free! November 20 _____ Harvest Day _________________________________ 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ________________ Monkton Station _______________________________________ Free! November 25 _____ Campfire Program* ________________________ 6:30-7:30 p.m. _______________ Hammerman Area _____________________________________ Free! December 3 ______ Northern Central Railway Van Tour* _____ 9 a.m.-noon __________________ Park N’ Ride, Warren Road _____________________ $10/person December 17 _____ Mills of the Gunpowder* ___________________ 9-11 a.m. _____________________ Jones Road parking lot _________________________________ Free! December 10-11 ___ Santa’s Workshop __________________________ noon-3 p.m. __________________ North Point _____________________________________________ Free! January 7-14 _____ Boaters’ Safety Course* ____________________ 9 a.m.-1 p.m. _________________ North Point _____________________________________________ Free! February 25 ______ Mills of the Gunpowder* ___________________ 9-11 a.m. _____________________ TCB Trail, Paper Mill Road parking lot _______________ Free! March 3 ___________ Northern Central Railway Van Tour* _____ 9 a.m.-noon __________________ Park N’ Ride, Warren Road _____________________ $10/person March 3 ___________ Winter Hike _________________________________ 10 a.m.-noon _________________ Big Gunpowder; Belair Road (U.S. 1) _________________ Free! March 31 _________ Easter Egg Hunt* ___________________________ noon __________________________ North Point _________________________________________ $3/child

See next page for program descriptions.

Tired of high gas prices, traffic jams and airport delays? Simplify!

Choose the Mill Pond Cottage for your next getaway, and leave your

troubles behind. Located in the scenic Hereford Area of Gunpowder

Falls State Park, the Cottage offers true peace and quiet in a private,

streamside retreat.

The Mill Pond Cottage sleeps eight people, has a full kitchen,

central air-conditioning and heat, wood-burning fireplace, screened-in

porch and much more! Anglers will love the two-minute walk to one of

the best trout fishing areas in the country. A mere thirty-minute drive

from Baltimore can make you feel like you’re a thousand miles away—

without the travel hassles.

We’d love to help you plan your visit. Call 410-592-2897 for

information, or request a full-color brochure.

Check us out on the web at: www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/

millpond.html.

Apple Festival Apples are one of Fall’s most prominent fruits. Stop by the Monkton Train Station and experience some fun apple recipes, crafts and activities. We will also go on a short hike up the NCR trail to finish out the day. No registration is required. Call 410-592-2897. FREE!

Archeology Hikes Do you enjoy digging through dirt and finding a little history? Join a park naturalist and hike out to a historic site where we will set up and explore an archeological dig site. Remember to wear sturdy shoes and bring a lunch. Pre-registration is required. Call: 410-592-2897. FREE!

Boaters’ Safety Course Come learn all the ins and outs of boating safety as taught by Ranger Nancy Gardner. This eight hour course, which is NASBLA approved, is required for all boat operators in the state of Maryland born on or after July 1, 1972. Pre-registration is required. Call: 410-592-2897. Free!

Campfire and Hayride Celebrate fall with the family and enjoy an old fashioned hayride and storytelling around a campfire. Roast a snack to enjoy as you listen and relax by the fire. For kids of all ages-all children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required. Call: 410-592-2897 for registration and to check for cancellations due to inclement weather —shine only. FREE!

Campfire Cooking Looking for some new and easy ways to cook on your next family or scout campout or maybe just some new ways to cook dinner? Join a park naturalist at the Monkton Train Station to learn how to cook on a campfire and in a Dutch Oven. No registration is required. Call: 410-592-2897. FREE!

Campfire Program Bring your chairs or a picnic blanket and enjoy s’mores and other fire-roasted snacks on a cool fall evening. The whole family can unwind after a busy work week and hear our naturalists share their knowledge of the natural and cultural resources in our park. Pre-registration is required. Call: 410-592-2897. FREE!

Charlie Zahm Concert Hear traditional American and Scottish music played by well-known musician Charlie Zahm. Sponsored by the Friends of Jerusalem Mill, this concert will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 12022 Jerusalem Road, Kingsville, MD 21087. No registration required. Call: 410-877-3560, or visit FOJM at www.jerusalemmill.org. Costs: $8/FOJM members, $10/non-members.

Colonial Craftsmen Weekend During this unique event , Jerusalem Mill village hums with activity reminiscent of pre-Revolutionary War times at a market fair and encampment where goods can be bought, sold or bartered, and where artisans and re-enactors demonstrate age-old crafts and trades. Visitors can wander through the camps, talk with crafters and living history interpreters, and shop at the sutler tents. Along with a hands-on history play camp for kids, Colonial Craftsmen Weekend features demonstrations and performances that devolve a little deeper into the trades, crafts, clothes and customs of the time. Purchase a special teacup at the gift shop in the McCourtney building and be invited to partake of tea and polite conversation, 18th century style. See website: www.jerusalemmill.org. Cost: $7 for adults ages 13-59, $5 for kids ages 6-12, seniors age 60+, and active duty military with ID. Special family rate for


PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

2 adults with 3 children $25 and children 5 and under are free.

Easter Egg Hunt Children ages 3-12 can participate in an Easter Egg hunt and play games. Prizes are awarded and refreshments are sold. Children can also have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny. Pre-registration is required. Call: 410-592-2897 or 410-477-0757. Cost: $3/person.

Full–Moon Bike Ride Everything looks different in the dark. Take advantage of the full moonlight to check out the TCB (NCR) Trail as all the creatures that go bump in the night come out to play. We will bike about 6 miles from Paper Mill to Sparks and back. Pre-registration is required. Call: 410-592-2897. FREE!

Halloween Bicycle Rodeo Looking for a fun way to celebrate Halloween? Come to the Sparks Nature Center dressed in your Halloween costume with your decorated bike. We will have a bike safety rodeo and then take a 3 mile bike ride, trick-or-treating along the way. Prizes will be awarded to winners. Pre-registration is required. Call: 410-592-2897. FREE!

Harvest Day Stop by the Monkton Train Station and join park naturalists for fall fun. Events include storytelling, children’s games, hands-on activities and crafts. Pre-registration is required. Call: 410-592-2897. FREE!

Letterboxing 101 Come learn about this fun and inexpensive family activity. All you need is sturdy walking shoes, a small notepad and your favorite stamp! Meet a park naturalist in the trail parking lot anytime throughout the day for an introduction to letterboxing. Then head off on your own adventure to see where the clues lead. No registration is required. Call: 410-592-2897. FREE!

Mills of the Gunpowder Interested in finding historic ruins? Winter is the best time of year to see them. Mills and factories dotted the Gunpowder landscape. With historic images in hand, Ranger Robert Bailey will lead you on a tour of the many former mill sites throughout the Gunpowder. Call in advance or more information. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Hiking distances will range between 1 and 4 miles on varied terrain. Pre-registration is required. Call: 410-592-2897 to register. FREE!

Northern Central Railway Van Tour:

Route of the Ruxton Rocket The Northern Central Railway once connected southern Baltimore County with Pennsylvania, New York and beyond. Join park ranger Robert Bailey on a van tour of the communities along the former Northern Central from Baltimore to Cockeysville. Explore the Greenspring Valley Branch, and the original Northern Central mainline (now occupied by the Baltimore light rail). Visit former station stops at Brooklynville, Mount Washington, Ruxton, Hollins, and more. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. Call: 410-592-2897. Cost: $10/person.

Outdoor Explorers Fun filled exploration for the entire family! Come out to the Sparks Nature Center for an afternoon of adventure. Activities will vary fron week to week but will have a focus on exploring the surrounding area. We will be outside every week so if it rains be prepared to get wet. Pre-registration is required. Cancellations will only occur if it storms. Call 410-472-0196 the morning of to check for cancellations. FREE!

= Appropriate for Junior Rangers


Row Boat Picnic Pack up the family and brown bag lunch and come spend the afternoon on the water. We will explore the area by row boat and enjoy a picnic lunch in the boats. Pre-registration is required. Call: 410-592-2897. Cost: $5 per person.

Santa’s Workshop Have your picture taken with Santa Claus. There will be crafts to make and take home as gifts along with an opportunity to do a little Christmas shopping. Train gardens and Christmas decorations will be on display along with holiday music and fun for all. Call: 410-477-0757. Donations welcome.

Scout Night Join a Park Naturalist as you work toward earning a Girl Scout badge or Cub Scout belt loop/pin. Each month will feature a different outdoor themed badge/pin for both the girls and boys. Sign up as either an individual scout or as a den/troop. Pre-registration is required. Call: 410-592-2897. Cost: $2/scout.

Signs of Fall Nature Hike Come explore the signs of fall with one of the parks enthusiastic naturalists. Take an exciting walk through the beautifully colored foliage. Participants of all ages are welcome to attend. Please wear sturdy shoes and don’t forget your water and snacks. Pre-registration is required. Call: 410-592-2897. FREE!

Winter Hike Share in the beauty of a winter landscape and discover how fun hiking can be, even when it’s cold out! Bring the family and join Park Ranger Lindley Austin for a cup of hot cocoa and trail hiking. Learn about how changes in the seasons affect the plants and animals of Gunpowder Falls State Park. This is a moderate 2.5-mile hike, so plan accordingly when considering participation of young children. Wear proper footwear for hiking and dress warmly! No registration is required. Call: 410-592-2897. FREE!

Visit Jerusalem Mill Historic Village

Once the centerpiece of the thriving Quaker settlement in the 18th and 19th centuries, Jerusalem Mill operated continuously for nearly two centuries. Located on the banks of the Little Gunpowder Falls in Harford County, both the mill and village are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visitor Center & Museum: View artifacts and exhibits pertinent to the history of this early industrial village. Follow the efforts of the Friends of Jerusalem Mill in restoring the significant architecture of this colonial era settlement. Weekends: 1-4pm

Village General Store: The general store operated from the 1830s until 1940. Try a game of checkers by the potbellied stove in our 1930s room. See former store operator Samuel O. McCourtney’s original furniture and other belongings. Learn about Confederate General Harry Gilmor’s Raid of July 1864, and be sure to visit the Gift Shop. 1st weekend & every 3rd Sunday:

1-4pm.

Blacksmithing Demonstration: Visit us to observe a blacksmith demonstrating both traditional and contemporary techniques in historic Jerusalem Village. Sundays: 1-4pm.

Gunshop: Visit us to observe the daily activities of 18th century village life: gardening, gunsmithing, hearth cooking, woodworking, etc. Sundays: 1-4pm. For more information, call: 410-877-3560. Donations welcome.

Winter Youth Programs! Days Cove, Fridays, February 10 - March 16, 10 a.m. - noon

JUNIOR RANGERS

The Junior Rangers program returns for the spring of 2012! Kids from 9-12 years old are invited to get outside, explore the park, discover nature, and learn about the environment through hands-on activities. Sign up soon because space is limited and you don’t want to miss out on all the fun!

PARK PALS

Children ages 5-8 can join in the fun too! Park Pals are introduced to the outdoors through games, crafts and activities with a nature theme. This program gets our youngest visitors involved in the same topics as Junior Rangers, but with a more hands-on approach that’s tailored to early childhood. It’s perfect for the younger brothers and sisters of Junior Rangers!

SPROUTS

Children ages 2-4 and their parents can join in the fun also! Sprouts will be introduced to the outdoors through crafts, stories and activities with a nature theme. This program gets our youngest visitors involved in hands-on activities that enhance early childhood development. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Sprouts are welcome to stay and play (supervised by parents!) while their older siblings complete their Junior Ranger or Park Pal sessions.

YOUTH PROGRAM DETAILS

Service Charges: $25 per child for Junior Rangers or Park Pals; $15 per Sprout. $10 for each additional child from the same family!

Requirements: Children must attend four out of six sessions and complete required activities to earn their patch. Please plan family vacations and other activities accordingly.

Registration: To register, call 410-592-2897. Space is limited! Early registration is recommended.

All Maryland State Parks All Maryland State Parks All Maryland State Parks All Maryland State Parks

are are are are TrashTrashTrashTrash----FreeFreeFreeFree

In order to promote and encourage recycling,

reduction of waste and reuse of our

resources, there are no trash barrels in our

picnic and beach areas. This also helps protect

wildlife from the hazards of getting into our

trash. Park visitors are asked to take home

what they bring in. Please pack your picnic in

reusable containers and help us keep our parks

clean.

Remember to reduce, reuse

and recycle! Thank you!


Be the first to hear about park events! For a donation of $10, you will receive the Gunpowder Currents for one year. This

offer includes two issues of the Currents, and notices on other events too. Subscribers receive a $1 discount on programs

requiring pre-registration. To order, fill out this form and mail it with your payment (checks only please) to Gunpowder Falls

State Park, P. O. Box 480, Kingsville, MD 21087.

CHECKS MUST BE MADE PAYABLE TO GUNPOWDER FALLS STATE PARK

Name: ______________________________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Park Friends Groups Friends groups are an indispensable part of Gunpowder Falls

State Park. Our friends groups are always looking for new

membership. Please visit their websites or contact park

headquarters for more information.

Friends of Jerusalem Mill

The Friends of Jerusalem Mill is a group which took the lead in the restoration of the 18th-century mill which now serves as park headquarters, and houses a Visitor Center and Museum. The Friends are currently working closely with DNR and Gunpowder Falls State Park to restore additional, recently acquired, properties which were also part of the historic Jerusalem Village. Visit their website: www.jerusalemmill.org

NCR/Hereford Volunteer Association

The Northern Central Railroad Hereford Volunteers Association, Inc. concentrates its stewardship efforts along the old Northern Central Railway line now known as the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail. NCR volunteers enhance the trail’s historic aspects through renovating and restoring rail markers and signs, and by hosting throughout the summer guided “Bike Through History” rides. Thanks to a partnership with the Gunpowder Garden Club, the NCR volunteers maintain four Baywise Gardens at the Monkton Train Station. For more information, call 410-592-2897.

North Point State Park Volunteers

A dynamic force at North Point State Park, the North Point Volunteers sponsor numerous activities throughout the year, including an Easter Egg Hunt, Earth Day clean-up, and the Youth Fishing Derby. Their volunteers have restored and continue to maintain the fountain that was a centerpiece of the old Bayshore Park. For more information, contact park headquarters or stop by the North Point Visitor Center during open hours, or visit their website at: www.northpointstatepark.net

Gunpowder Currents: Gunpowder Currents: Gunpowder Currents: Gunpowder Currents: Subscribe Today!

Volunteer Opportunities With over 18,000 acres and 100 miles of trails, Gunpowder can use

your help. Call the contact number listed or park headquarters at 410-592-2897, or email our Volunteer Coordinator Ranger Gardner at [email protected]. Individuals and groups are encouraged to participate.

All Volunteers Must:

• Have interest and enthusiasm for the outdoors and for maintaining

the park.

• Display a pleasant attitude and interact well with others.

• Be able to follow instruction and use safety precautions.

Cleanups

Gunpowder always has cleanup opportunities. We provide gloves and bags. Individuals and organized groups are welcome. Contact Ranger Gardner.

Gardening

Gunpowder has several volunteer groups whose primary interest is maintaining the park’s many gardens. Contact Ranger Cashell at 410-329-6809.

Graham Equestrian Center

Interested in horses and volunteering? The Graham Equestrian Center is a non-profit group who promotes equine educational opportunities. Email [email protected] or call, 410-663-4445 for details, or visit www.grahameq.org.

Living History

If you are interested in living history programs or renovating historic structures, contact the Friends of Jerusalem Mill at 410-877-3560 or at www.jerusalemmill.org.

Maintenance

Do you like to work outside and get your hands dirty? If you are a handyman or woman, volunteer maintenance may be the right fit for you. Contact Ranger Gardner.

Volunteer Ranger

This program is for people ages 18 and older who want to assist the regular work force in state parks with operations, programs, and public service. Volunteers are trained and provided with uniforms once they complete 40 hours of volunteer service at a state park. A one-day orientation training helps rangers become acclimated to the state park service. Additional training opportunities may include CPR, first aid, search and rescue, and trail stewardship. As ambassadors of the state parks, Volunteer Rangers serve a vital role. Contact Ranger Gardner.


PARK HOURS Park Headquarters ......................................... Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closed state holidays

Dundee Creek Marina, Launching Ramp ...... March 1 – Memorial Day: 6 a.m. - Sunset Memorial Day – October: 5 a.m. - one hour after sunset. November 1 – November 30: 6 a.m. - Sunset

Dundee Creek Marina, Store ......................... April: hours vary. Call (410) 335-3461 for hours. May: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Weekends, 6 a.m. - 7 p.m. Memorial Day weekend - Labor Day: Monday - Tuesday, and Thursday: 5 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Friday, Weekends: 5 a.m. – 7 p.m. After Labor Day: hours vary. Call (410) 335-3461 for hours.

Hammerman Area ......................................... April - October: 8 a.m. - Sunset; November - March: 10 a.m. - Sunset

Hammerman, Beach ...................................... Guarded: Memorial Day weekend - Labor Day, Thursday - Sunday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Unguarded at all other times—swim at your own risk. Lifeguard hours subject to change. Call (410) 335-3461 to confirm.

Jerusalem Mill, Museum ............................... Weekends, 1 - 4 p.m. (or by appointment).

Jerusalem Mill, Blacksmith & Gun Shops ..... Sundays, 1 - 4 p.m.

Monkton Station............................................ Memorial Day weekend - Labor Day: Wednesday - Sunday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. May and September: Weekends, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

North Point State Park .................................. 8 a.m. - Sunset

North Point, Visitor Center ........................... Memorial Day weekend - Labor Day: Wednesday - Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sparks Bank Nature Center ........................... Open summer weekends and by appointment. Call 410-592-2897 for hours.

Torrey C. Brown Trail ................................... Sunrise - Sunset

Now one of Maryland’s largest state parks, Gunpowder/North Point hosts a trail network over 120-miles in length. Many of Gunpowder and North Point’s trails are appropriate for a variety of users, including equestrians, hikers, bicyclists, joggers, anglers, bird-watchers, hunters, and history and nature enthusiasts. However, not all trails are appropriate to all users. Be sure to check with the park (either through our website or by calling 410-592-2897) to know ahead time which park trails are right for you.

While the trail system has come a long way, it is still needs constant attention and maintenance. Once a trail is created, it’s very hard to remove. Water may be critical to the park’s ecosystem, but it also creates a constant challenge in trail maintenance. A wet spring provides many good examples of the damage that can be done when trails are used after heavy rains. Simply walking on hills when the soil is wet creates ruts and troughs, resulting in more opportunity for erosion in future storms. In flat areas, hikers and bikers often leave sunken footprints and/or tire tracks. Water then “ponds” in these areas, causing other users to go-around, widening the trail well beyond its original size and destroying bordering vegetation in the process.

Therefore, when visiting the park’s trails, You can help the park staff and volunteers out by practicing Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics. These ethics, which are based on seven principles, are as follows:

1 ) P L A N A H E A D A N D P R E P A R E

• Remember food and water, and clothes to protect you from cold, heat and rain.

• Use maps. Check them along the way so you’ll stay on course and won’t get lost.

• Remember to bring a leash for your pet and plastic bags to pick up your pet’s waste.

• Learn about the areas you plan to visit. To learn more about Gunpowder’s trails, visit the park’s website, or call park headquarters at 410-592-2897.

2 ) T R A V E L O N D U R A B L E S U R F A C E S

• Durable surfaces include established trails. Short-cutting switchbacks and blazing new trails can wreak havoc on the environment, and take years to correct.

• Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.

3 ) D I S P O S E O F W A S T E P R O P E R L Y

• Pack it in, Pack it out. Put litter–even crumbs, peels and cores–in garbage bags and carry it home.

• Use park restrooms and port-a-pots when available. If not available, bury human waste in a small hole 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet or 70 big steps from water.

• Use a plastic bag to pack out your pet’s poop to a garbage can.

• Keep water clean. Do not put soap, food, or human or pet waste in lakes or streams.

4 ) L E A V E W H A T Y O U F I N D

• Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.

• Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.

• Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.

• Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.

5 ) M I N I M I Z E C A M P F I R E I M P A C T S

• Campfires can cause lasting impacts. Campfires are ONLY permitted at youth group and Hart-Miller Island campsites.

• Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.

• Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.

• Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.

• Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

6 ) R E S P E C T W I L D L I F E

• Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.

• Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.

• Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.

• Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.

• Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

7 ) BE CONSID ER ATE OF OT H ER VISITOR S

• Be considerate when passing others on the trail.

• Keep your pet under control to protect it,

Continued on page 8

“Trails” Continued from page 1

DIRECTIONS… HAMMERMAN BEACH - From I-95 take exit 67A for Route 43 east (White Marsh Boulevard). Follow 43 to Route 40 east. Turn right onto Ebenezer Road and follow it for 4.5 miles. The park entrance will be on your left. (7200 Graces Quarters Road, Chase, MD 212027)

JERUSALEM MILL (Park Headquarters) - From I-95 take exit 74 for Route 152 west (Mountain Road). Follow Mountain Road toward Fallston and turn left onto Jerusalem Road. Jerusalem Mill will be on your left after 1.1 miles. Parking is in the lot on the right, just before the mill. ( 2813 Jerusalem Road, Kingsville, MD 21087)

MONKTON STATION - From I-83, take exit 27 and turn right on Mt. Carmel Road. Turn right on York Road and make a quick left onto Monkton Road. Follow until it crosses the TCB (formerly NCR) Trail. Monkton Station will be on your left. Limited parking. (1820 Monkton Road, Monkton, MD 21111)

NORTH POINT STATE PARK - From I-695 take exit 42 (Edgemere - Fort Howard). Follow North Point Road through the town of Edgemere. The entrance to the park will be on your left after 2 miles. From I-695N take exit 43. Follow signs to Route 20 south. (8400 North Point Road, Edgemere, MD 21219)

SPARKS BANK NATURE CENTER - From I-83 take exit 24 (Belfast Road). Turn right onto Belfast Road. Turn right onto York Road (Route 45). Take your second left onto Sparks Road. Follow it until it crosses the Torrey C. Brown (formerly NCR) Rail Trail. Sparks Bank Nature Center will be on your right. Limited parking. (1207 Sparks Road, Sparks MD 21152)

DAYS COVE (by appointment only for educational programming purposes) - From I-95 take exit 67A for Route 43 east (White Marsh Boulevard). Follow 43 to Route 40 east. Follow Route 40 for two miles, then turn right onto Days Cove Road. Follow Days Cove Road to the end. Look for the driveway to the far left (look for the sign) and follow the access road 1-mile until you reach the education center.

other visitors and wildlife.

• Listen to nature. Avoid making loud noises or yelling. You will see more wildlife if you are quiet.

• Be sure the fun you have outdoors does not bother anyone else. Remember, other visitors are there to enjoy the outdoors too!

So, the next time you visit any park’s trail system, keep these ethics in mind and you’ll go a long way toward preserving these invaluable resources for

future generations.

Trail Maps

Over the past few years, the park has upgraded its trail maps. Thus far, high quality maps are available for the Hereford and Sweet Air Areas, and of the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail. These maps can be purchased by visiting park headquarters, or by visiting the DNR Online Store (www.shopdnr.com).

Other maps are currently in production. However, in the meantime, please make use of the maps of the Gunpowder Central Area, which are printed on the following pages.

“Trails” Continued from page 7


ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in Gunpowder Falls State Park. The only exception is a reserved shelter when a $35 alcohol permit is purchased. Call 888-432-CAMP or visit our website for more information.

PETS

Pets on leashes are welcome in all areas of Gunpowder Falls State Park, except: Pets are prohibited in the Hammerman Area Beach Complex, in youth group camping areas, and where otherwise marked.

Pets are prohibited in designated areas of North Point from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

PAVILIONS

Gunpowder has four picnic pavilions in the Hammerman area. These pavilions are available April 1 - October 30. For reservations, call 1-888-432-CAMP. The service charge is $200 for pavilion use, in addition to the park entry fee.

The North Point Trolley Station, which resembles a huge pavilion, is available for rental between April 1 - September 30. It seats up to 300 people. The service charge varies depending upon the number of people using the facility. For reservations, call 1-888-432-CAMP.

BOATING

Dundee Creek Marina provides access to the northern Chesapeake Bay. Rental boats, gas, and a full line of boating accessories are available at the marina. The service charge for launching is $10 per launch.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

Call Park Headquarters at 410-592-2897. Additional park regulations are posted on bulletin boards.

You can also visit the park website at: www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/

gunpowder.html

MAPS AND DIRECTIONS

See Page 7 for a general park map and directions. Detailed maps of the Torrey C. Brown Trail, and Sweet Air and Hereford Areas of Gunpowder Falls State Park can be purchased at Park Headquarters, or by visiting the DNR website at www.shopdnr.com.

SERVICE CHARGES

Hammerman Area: a $3 per-person service charge ($4 for non-Maryland residents) is in effect from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. Children in car seats, and patrons over age 62, are free. A $3 per vehicle service charge ($4 per out-of-state vehicles) is in effect the rest of the year.

North Point State Park: a $3 per vehicle service charge ($4 per out-of-state vehicles) is in effect year-round. Patrons over age 62, are free.

Access to most other areas of Gunpowder are free.

TRASH-FREE PARKS

All Maryland State Parks are Trash-Free. Please take your trash home with you and remember to reduce, reuse & recycle.

GUNPOWDER FALLS STATE PARK 2813 Jerusalem Road P.O. Box 480 Kingsville, Maryland 21087 410-592-2897 FAX: 410-592-8760 Email: [email protected]

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Our mission...

For today and tomorrow the Department of Natural Resources inspires people to enjoy and live in harmony with their environment, and to protect what makes Maryland unique - our treasured Chesapeake Bay, our diverse landscapes and our living and natural resources.

www.dnr.state.md.us

The facilities and services of the Department

of Natural Resources are available to all

without regard to race, color, religion, sex,

sexual orientation, age, national origin, or

physical, mental or sensory impairment.

DNR# 04-9152011-524

Martin O’Malley, Governor John R. Griffin, Secretary

Gunpowder Currents NewsletterGunpowder Currents NewsletterGunpowder Currents NewsletterGunpowder Currents Newsletter

OVERNIGHT CAMPING

Overnight camping is available at Camp Wood and Camp Cone for organized youth groups. Reservations required. Call 410-592-2897 for youth group camping.

Primitive campsites at Hart-Miller Island, accessible by private boat only, May 1 - Sept. 30. First come, first served. Service charge: $6/site/night. Limit of 6 people per site.

maryland; fall 2011 - winter 2012 gunpowder falls state park newsletter

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