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| DISCOVERY CENTERlocated at Deep Creek Lake State Park
Photos by Caroline Blizzard.
The Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center, the Department of Natural Resources' interpretive environmental center along the shores of Deep Creek Lake at Deep Creek Lake State Park. The Discovery Center is a one-of-a-kind educational venue for people of all ages. Through hands-on exhibits that showcase the natural resources of Western Maryland, families can learn about the flora and fauna, wildlife, cultural and historical heritage that have turned this former logging and coal mining region into a popular modern day vacation destination.
Through colorful artwork, photographs and artifacts, the facility's numerous natural resources exhibits provide a behind the scenes look into Deep Creek Lake and its watershed, industrial development in the area, and conservation issues facing the region today. History buffs will enjoy learning about the cultural and historical heritage of the region, including coal extraction from the former Old Brant Mine, and the role the mighty Youghiogheny River played in timber logging at the turn of the century. The Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center also features an aquarium with native fish and other aquatic species from the lake and river, and a raised relief map that gives visitors a unique perspective of the mountainous terrain.
On-site naturalists, rangers and volunteers lead daily educational programs, from leisurely hikes that focus on birdwatching, tree identification and wildflowers, to more extensive educational programming that touches on such subjects as black bear management, endangered species of the Youghiogheny area, submerged aquatic vegetation, boating safety, and trail stewardship.
The Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center's 6,000 square foot facility also includes a classroom and conference areas complete with audio visual technology that is available for rent for use for educational purposes. Don't forget to stop by the Nature Shop, where you'll find a variety of environmental and educational gifts including toys, souvenirs from the region, field guides, and books with natural resource themes.
Don't forget to check out the LIVE Fish Cam that was donated by the Western Garrett County State Park Volunteers, Inc. The camera is located underwater near the Discovery Center. A TV in the Discovery Center shows the LIVE feed and what fish are moving around underwater that day. Anglers stop at the Discovery Center to check on the fish because christmas trees line the shores of the park creating excellent habitat and try to name the fishes spotted on the screen. Watch a video of our LIVE Fish Cam.
Deep Creek Lake State Park is located at 898 State Park Road in Swanton, Maryland. For more information about the Deep Creek Discovery Center call (301) 387-7067. Hours of operation subject to change depending on the season.
WITH IR
Hours of operation: Open Daily 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m
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| May 21,
2010
For
Immediate Release
Friends
Store at Sang Run to Open Memorial Day Weekend.
The
Historic Friends Store will reopen for the summer season beginning
Saturday May 29th.
The
Maryland Park Service acquired the 81 acre property in 2008. “We have
been working hard to reopen the store as an Appalachian heritage
showcase for the area” according to Ranger Caroline Blizzard. The store will be replicated as closely as possible to keep its
historic nature and place in the community. We hope to bring to life
through interpretive programming the traditions of Garrett County.
Programming of this nature will help insure that our heritage
is preserved and passed on to the next generation. Topics of interest
will include gardening, native plant uses, and musical and craft
traditions. Nature study such as bird walks, reptile programs, Jr.
Rangers and hikes are also slated.
The
store will also serve as a point of contact for river activity by
rafters and tubers.
The
Friends Delight shelter, now open to public use through reservations,
and the Friend’s Store are great additions to our park. Our staff has
worked hard to find ways to showcase this wonderful
new addition to the Maryland Park Service. So stop by and see us or
become a volunteer. The store will be open Saturday, Sunday and
Monday’s through the summer.
For more information
call 301-387-7067
Caroline
Blizzard
Director,
The Discovery Center
Deep
Creek Lake State Park
301-387-7067
Special Events
GARRETT COLLEGE and
THE DISCOVERY CENTER AT
DEEP CREEK LAKE STATE PARK
TO OFFER TWO-PART WILDFLOWER COURSE
McHenry,
Md. – The Continuing Education and Workforce
Development division of Garrett College, in partnership with The Discovery Center at Deep Creek
Lake State
Park, will be holding a course entitled Where in the World Am I? Introduction to GPS
at the Discovery Center.
The class will be offered on Saturday, August 28th from 9:00
a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The cost of the course
is $25.00 per student ($15.00 for senior citizens).
Designed
for those who enjoy the outdoors, this course will teach the enthusiast the
basics of GPS (Global Positioning System) technology using a combination
of classroom discussion, hands-on activities, and field exercises.
Topics to be covered include: an overview of how GPS works using the Garmin
E-Trex (if using a Discovery
Center model), how
to determine your position using GPS, how to mark waypoints, and how
to navigate in unfamiliar territory. This hands-on course will begin at
the Discovery Center
with a one-hour lecture and then continue outdoors in Deep Creek
Lake State
Park for the second part of the session. Students
will use GPS receivers to mark waypoints and navigate to various locations
around the park. The course will be held rain or shine. If you are
intrigued by this technology but need some help or would like to get acquainted
with your hand held GPS unit, this hands-on class will teach you the basics of
how GPS works and how you can use handheld GPS units as part of your outdoor
activities. Bring your own unit or borrow one of ours. Five GPS units are available to those without
their own, so sign up early!
For
additional information, persons may contact Maney Gale at 301-387-3086 or at maney.gale@garrettcollege.edu. To
register for the course, persons may call 301-387-3069.
Art in the Park
July 9 & 10, 2011
Time TBA
Over 40 artists exhibit and sell their original artwork at this annual event sponsored by the Western Garrett County State Park Volunteers, Inc. to help local businesses and non-profits, provide environmental education, and fundraise for the Forest Canopy Walkway Project at the Discovery Center. Vendors at Art in the Park typically donate something to be auctioned off on behalf of the WGCSPV, Inc. to raise funds towards the forest canopy project and community members provide a ton of volunteer hours to make this event successful every year.
The WGCSPV, Inc. also hosts a Tye Dying Station where you can make your one of a kind Art in the Park T-shirt for $10.Proceeds benefit the Forest Canopy Walkway Project. The Discovery Center also hosts a booth with volunteers, where community members can observe the birds from the aviary up close and can even get a chance touch a range of different animals like snakes and frogs. The animals change every few hours, so visitors check in to see what is new.
Vendors/businesses include dixieland music, food, pottery, jewelry, photography, woodworking, watercolor and oil paintings and much more. If you are a vendor/business and would like to have a booth at this years Art in the Park, please call the Discovery Center ASAP. First come first serve. Spaces are limited!
Come by boat or car to the event. Call 301-387-7067 or 301-387-7314 for more info.
Sponsored by the Western Garrett County State Park Volunteers Inc. and Garrett County Arts Council.
Dare to Cook
August 14th
9 - 12:30
Call to book your group today!
Join us as we unlock the secrets of the Dutch Oven.
Park staff will lead this tasty program on getting the most from your dutch oven while camping or enjoying it at home in your backyard.
- Learn how to properly season, store and care for your dutch oven.
- Cook a desert, lunch and dinner from start to finish.
- Each family or group receives a lodge dutch oven, tongs, and booklet
- Spend time cooking your friends, family or organization
Cost is $70.00 per group. Includes 6 qt. 12" Lodge Dutch Oven ($65.00 value), instruction and meals
* You may bring your own dutch oven - $25.00 per group
* Space is limited to 5 groups. Sign up early. Register by calling 301-387-7067.
Watch Dutch Oven Video
Call 301-387-7067 or
301-387-7314 for more info.
Monarch Butterfly Trip to MEXICO
February 15 - 19, 2011
We are currently taking names of people interested in more information.
Call the 301-387-7067 or email Caroline at cblizzard@dnr.state.md.usMagic Towns & Monarch Butterfly Tour
Join us as we visit two the wintering grounds of the monarch butterfly. This tour will highlight some of Mexico’s quaint towns along the way. We also hope to visit a school in the over wintering area and deliver much needed clothing and materials that were lost by last years devastating floods. The Discovery Center has led a tagging effort for several years now and this will be our second trip to the wintering grounds. Be a part of this magical phenomenon. Day 1 - Arrive at Mexico City airport (MEX) Transfer to Tlalpujahua, our first Magic Town. Spend the late afternoon exploring this peaceful town or shop for distinctive, locally blown glass. Tlalpujahua exports hand-blown glass Christmas balls all over the world. Later in the evening try one of the local restaurants for delicious local dishes. Overnight in Tlalpujahua Day 2 - Today we will have our first butterfly experience! This is perhaps the most scenic sanctuary that we visit with some exceptional views of the entire monarch over-wintering area. Local fare will be enjoyed before setting out for Zitacuaro. Restaurant La Antugua, off the lobby of our hotel, offers a very complete menu including traditional and local dishes.Overnight in Zitacuaro.
Day 3 - Following a relaxing buffet breakfast, our destination today is Cerro Pelon. This is a relatively new sanctuary where we have experienced the most phenomenal butterfly showings. When we come down off the mountain lunch will be awaiting which can include fresh trout raised in local springs. Transfer to Valle de Bravo (Magic Town) for overnight. Day 4 – Breakfast will be served overlooking the docks at Valle de Bravo’s famous lake. You have two options today, either enjoy the unique shops and scenery of Valle de Bravo or to visit a third butterfly sanctuary. Our tour will end with a farewell dinner, giving opportunity to share our adventures and exchange addresses. Day 5 – Return to Mexico City for flights home.
INCLUSIONS:Pick up and Drop off a the airport in Mexico City (MEX Juarez International) 4 nights hotel accommodation 4 full breakfasts 2 lunches 2 dinners, including farewell dinner Full time services of Rocamar Tour Guides All entrance fees, guiding fees, tolls and Mexican taxes NOT INCLUDED: Meals, other than those mentioned above - Horse rental in the sanctuary - Personal snacks ~$1332.51 for Adults ~$1137.51 for Children (5 or older ) with Adult Adults $795.00 double occupancy. Single supplement - $175.00 Children in a room with an adult $600.00 Make Mexico Reservations by contacting www.rocamar.com.mx or by calling toll free in the US and Canada 1 (866) ROCAMAR (762-2627) reference tour with the Discovery Center and Caroline Blizzard $537.51 with a deposit of a non-refundable $100 in cash or check due July 8th, and the final being due on January 5, 2011. The ticket will be non-refundable but a name change can be done as late as 4 January, 2011. ASAP to reserve you space by calling Barbara Chesley at Wayland Travel 301-334-4519. | |
| Water is LifeThe Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park is starting a new theme this year called Water is Life. This theme will highlight the importance of Deep Creek Lake, its health, conservation and preservation efforts, community issues, and how people impact the lake. The idea was grafted off of the North American Lake Management Society's lake appreciation month which the lake area celebrates every June. The Discovery Center will be adding programming and the Natural Resource Management Area will be developing new resource guides and outreach materials that will be available to the public by the following year reflecting the 'Water is Life' message. Knowing Deep Creek Lake has to come from a multitude of different knowledge base levels. The health of the lake is determined by the actions the lake community takes and being watch dogs against those who may be degrading the health of the lake will also play a vital role. The responsibility of the lake is everyone's job upstream or down stream, and maintaining a growing economy for Garrett County needs to be sustainable in its on-going growth and development. The year long plan currently includes the development of a GPS boat tour; new displays showcasing sub-aquatic vegetation; continuing stream wader and monitoring programs; expansion of the Nature Shop library with lake, water quality, and wetland books; updating park materials; and holding workshop classes at the Discovery Center. We hope that the Discovery Center will start opening lines of communication to fix misconceptions and develop communication with community members who are searching for answers. For more information, please call the Discovery Center at 301-387-7067. For Lake Management Information, please call 301-387-4111.
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