Sat, March 21 - 11 am - 12 pm All Ages. Greet our resident egg layers and meet our new baby chicks! Learn what it’s like to grow up in an egg and how long it takes to hatch. Then help throw some lunch to our feathered bunch. FREE! REGISTRATION REQUIRED. For questions or assistance
Sun, March 22 - 1 pm - 2:30 pm Ages 16+. Some early blooms have been used for medicines, some for tonics, and even some for brewing ale. Join a Ranger to seek out the microclimates and adaptations which allow these plants to flower so early. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. $6/person.
Sat, March 28 1 pm - 3 pm Ages 6+. Many plants have evolved toxic chemicals or other defenses to protect themselves from predation. Learn the safe way to harvest one of these plants – stinging nettle – and then bring it back to the nature center to try on top of pizza. (Don’t worry
Ages 18+. The Indigenous people of Maryland made fish weirs, spears, fishing line and hooks. Learn how to twist hand line and make gorge hooks from Hawthorne thorns. $6/person. REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Ages 8+. Join a Naturalist for a frog-filled spring night hike. Wear shoes and/or boots that can get wet. $6/person. REGISTRATION REQUIRED
All Ages. Pick up a self-guided activity booklet at the nature center and then hop outside to find your clues which will lead you on a short hike. When you get to the end, come back to retrieve an egg-cellent prize! FREE! REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Sat, April 11 10-11am Ages 2 to 6, with an Adult. Meet one of our critters at the Cromwell Valley Park and make a critter craft to take home with you. $3/child. REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR CHILD ONLY
Sun, April 12 1pm-2:30pm Ages 5+. Grab your work gloves and join us as we pull this invasive weed. Then follow us back to the kitchen to learn how to turn this pest into a delicious garlic mustard pesto! $6/person. REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Sat., April 18 1pm-3pm Ages 18+. Beads made from animal bone have been found in many neolithic graves. We will use stone tools to cut and shape bone for a wrist band or necklace. Instruction in cordage manufacture included. $6/person. REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Sun, April 19 10:30am-12pm Ages 5+. Turn yesterday’s recycling into today’s music! Bring your clean, empty cans and join a Naturalist to design and decorate your own eco-friendly wind chime for Earth Day. $3/person. REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Sat, April 25 9am-3pm All Ages. Clearing out some Black-eyed Susan’s? Want to plant some Butterfly weed? Bring in your potted native plants and take home something new! Please label your plants to include basic information (name of plant, sun, shade, wet, dry…) so they can thrive in the new home. Please drop off plants
Sun, April 26 1pm-3pm Ages 8+. The sunlight is getting longer with each spring day. Take a guided hike with a Naturalist to gather leaves, petals, and other treasures from the landscape. Then use your finds to craft a gorgeous suncatcher that will bring the beauty of the season into your home! $6/person. REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Fri, May 1 8pm-9:30pm Lantern Light Night Hike – Ages 8+. Upcycle pantry cans into glowing lanterns, then join a Naturalist for a magical nighttime adventure. As we explore the trails under the stars, your handmade lantern will light the way! $6/person REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Sat, May 2 1:30pm-3pm Springtime Bug Bonanza – Ages 5 to 12, with an Adult. As the weather warms, the ground comes alive! Meet the fascinating insects emerging in spring, discover their secret roles in the ecosystem, and make a fun insect-inspired craft to take home. $3/child. Meet at the Sherwood House – Sherwood Farm
Sun, May 3 9am-11am Let’s Go O’s! – Ages 12+. These neo-tropical migrants return to Cromwell Valley each spring to build their nests and raise young. Come experience the Baltimore and Orchard Orioles in action as we walk the park’s trails. Bring binoculars if you have them. FREE! REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Ages 13+, with an Adult. Join us for a morning in the garden. We provide direction, gloves, tools, and water. You bring a hat, sunscreen and a little energy. Drop-in program. FREE!
Sat, May 9 9am-11am Drop in Gardening! – Ages 13+, with an Adult. Join us for a morning in the garden. We provide direction, gloves, tools, and water. You bring a hat, sunscreen and a little energy. Drop-in program. FREE!
Sun, May 10 1pm-2:30pm Historic Lime Kiln Bottom – Ages 14+. Cromwell Valley was once known as Lime Kiln Hollow, or Bottom. Hike to the reconstructed kilns on the Blue Trail, learn their history, and then bush whack to see others which have been hidden by nature over time. $3/person REGISTRATION REQUIRED
May 15, 2026 - 6 pm - 8 pm - in the Sherwood House $10 p/person drinks and desserts provided - Ages 18+ Jen will discuss the history of humans and fire in the eastern United States and the importance of fire in maintaining healthy ecosystem function and to complete plant life cycles. She will
Wednesdays, March 18 to May 20 - 9:30 am - 10:30 am Ages 55+. Walking in nature provides benefits to both the mind and body. Enjoy a relaxing stroll with one of our Naturalist along some of Cromwell Valley’s less strenuous trails. FREE! Dates: 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20. REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Wed., April 15 to May 20 10:30am-11:30am Ages 2 to 5, with an Adult. Discovering nature is a lifelong journey. In this class, you and your little one will explore the natural world through hands-on activities, nature play, stories and crafts. Non-mobile siblings only, parent/guardian must be an active participant. This program will be held
Sat., May 23 1pm-3pm Ages 16+. The atlatl is one of mankind’s most ancient hunting tools, used with a long dart, as the projectile of choice. Learn how to craft a simple atlatl and also make a dart to test at the end of the program. $6/person REGISTRATION REQUIRED
April 25 2 pm – 4 pm May 9 2 pm – 4 pm May 23 2 pm – 4 pm We will remove invasive plants from the park and in
Sun, May 24, 11am-12pm Dandelions – Ages 6+. One of our most common weeds is actually edible, has antibiotic properties, and can be made into a non-caffeinated “coffee” from the roots. Learn about the cheerful yellow flower and make a craft to take home. $3/person. REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Sat., May 30 10am-12pm Garden Impressions: Plant Prints on Cloth – Ages 8+. Capture the colors and textures of spring in a work of art you can keep forever. A Naturalist will guide you through pressing and printing fresh botanicals from the garden onto fabric. $6/person. REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Sun., May 31 1pm-2:30pm The Beatles! – Ages 4 to 10, with an Adult. No, not the rock group, but just as cool! Discover the most diverse group of insects on the planet and learn what makes a beetle, a beetle. Go home with your very own baby beetle to raise and watch in amazement
30's and Birdies on Thursday Want a fun night out after work with like-minded folks? Join other 30-year olds for a casual birding hike (2 miles) scouting for Baltimore Orioles and other migratory birds of Cromwell Valley Park. Come alone or with a friend and enjoy! Thursday, June 4th from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday, June 6; 10:00am-3:00pm Park Explorers – All Ages. Visit the Willow Grove Nature Center and pick up your Park Explorer booklet which will lead you on a self-guided hike. Upon your return, get your booklet stamped! FREE! Drop-In
Saturday, June 6; 1:00pm – 3:00pm Aromatherapy 101 – Ages 18+. Are you curious about how to safely use aromatherapy for your personal health and wellness? Join Beverly Hamilton for this experiential class and learn how to safely use 7 essential oils to create a blend for your personal use. Topics include: a brief history
Sunday, June 7; 1:00pm-3:00pm Nature on Film: Make Your Own Camera – Ages 10+. Join a naturalist to create your own camera out of a recycled can and go on a hike to learn photography techniques. Personal cameras and cell phones welcome! $2.00/person REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Saturday, June 13; 9:00am-11:00am Fishing with a Ranger – Ages 6+. Join us to try your hand at catching a panfish out of the Gunpowder River. We supply the worms and the rods! $3.00/person REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Sunday, June 14 at 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Arthropod Adventure – All Ages Two, four, six, eight, ten legs! Join a naturalist as we search under logs and rocks for our local insects, many-legged millipedes and other critters! $2.00/person. REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Tuesday, June 23rd - 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Join other 30-year olds for a casual hike (2 miles) scouting for Baltimore Orioles and other resident birds of Cromwell Valley Park along the Minebank Run and in some of our old-growth fields. We will depart from the LOWER LOT of McFaul's Iron Horse Tavern. Cost is
Monday, June 29th - 5:30 - 7:45 pm Join us for an evening hike for women and non-binary folks. We’ll hike a figure-8 loop of 4 miles at a moderate pace, exploring the park’s beautiful woodland trails and old-growth meadows. We’ll cross a couple of streams and climb a hill or two – a nice
Sunday, July 5; 1:00pm-3:00pm Primitive Technology: Osteotechnology – Ages 18+. Primitive man used and made tools from bone. Join a naturalist to make an awl and then sew a small leather pouch. $5.00/person REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Saturday, July 11; 1:00pm-2:30pm Shell-A-Brate – Ages 2-10 with an adult. How do turtles communicate? By using their shell-phones! Meet our resident turtles and make a "turtly" awesome craft to take home. $2.00/person REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Sunday, July 12 at 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Signs of Nature – Ages 5+. Have you ever wanted to learn some American Sign Language? Well now is your chance. Join a naturalist on a guided hike to learn how to sign names of different flora and fauna. All skill levels are welcome! FREE REGISTRATION
Thursday, July 16th - 5 pm - 7 pm Join us for an evening hike for women and non-binary folks. We’ll hike a loop of 4 miles at a moderate pace, exploring the park’s beautiful woodland trails and old-growth meadows. We’ll cross a couple of streams and climb a hill or two – a nice
Saturday, July 18; 1:00pm – 3:00pm Earth Oven Berry Shortcake Ages 5+. Join a Naturalist to pick berries in the park. Then come back to the Willow Grove Nature Center to create a cool treat with the fruits we collected. $6.00/person REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Sunday, July 19; 10:00am-11:30am World Snake Day – All Ages. Join a naturalist for a fun “snake safari” as we look for native snakes in Cromwell Valley Park. FREE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Saturday, July 25; 1:00pm-3:00pm Frog Roundup – All Ages. Hop along with a naturalist to the bubbling spring to look for our amphibian friends. We'll try to capture some to examine, then release them! $2.00/person REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Sunday, July 26; 1:00pm-2:30pm Amazing Hummingbirds – Ages 8+. Join a naturalist to learn about the tiny and mighty ruby-throated hummingbird. We'll look for them in our Childrens' Garden, then return to the Willow Grove Nature Center to make hummingbird feeders! $6.00/person REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Friday, July 31; 8:00pm-9:30pm Buck Full Moon Hike – Ages 8+. During this time of year, male deer are sporting antlers covered in velvet that help their antlers reach full size. As they mature, the velvet falls away to reveal amazing antlers! Join a naturalist to explore the park in the dark under the summer
Event Registration: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/cvpchikingandbirdingevents/event/hikethroughhistory8-1/ Saturday, August 1st at 9:00 am Join us for narrated Hike through History of Cromwell Valley Park. Enjoy a narrated hike of 3.5 miles at a moderate pace, exploring the park’s beautiful woodland trails and old-growth meadows, while learning about its architectural and farming history. Distance: 3.5 miles Elevation Change: 300 feet
Saturday, August 1; 10:00am-12:00pm Hidden Trails Hike – Ages 8+. Join a naturalist as we discover some of the lesser-known trails in the park. $2.00/person REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Three Summer Events! Register for one or for all! Join other 30-year olds for a casual hike (2 miles) scouting for non-migratory resident birds of Cromwell Valley Park along the Minebank Run and in some of our old-growth fields. Get your appetite whet for fall migration, with more dates coming soon! Cost is
Sunday, August 2; 1:00pm-2:30pm Discovering Dragonflies – All Ages. Did you know that dragonflies are apex predators of the insect world? Learn fun facts about these "hawks of the insect world" as we search for them! FREE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Mondays April 6- Oct. 26 8:30am-10:30am & Thursdays April 9 - Oct. 29 8:30am-10:30am Ages 18+. Do you enjoy gardening, but don’t have the space or a deer-proof fence? Join like-minded green thumbs (and beginner brown thumbs) to grow your own vegetables, herbs and flowers and tend to our shared garden plots. We’ll provide the
Cromwell Valley Park Office
(Sherwood House)
2002 Cromwell Bridge Rd
Parkville, MD 21234
GPS: 39.415, -76.552
Phone: 410-887-2503
TDD: 410-887-5319
Willow Grove Nature Education Center
2175 Cromwell Bridge Rd
Parkville, MD 21234
GPS: 39.417, -76.548
Please remember that the Park itself is open only during daylight hours, sunrise to sunset.
In case of inclement weather, the Nature Center and activities follow Baltimore County Pubic Schools. Check the BCPS Website for the latest information on closing. If closing early, all evening activities at the Park are cancelled.
On Saturdays and Sundays when the office is closed, you may call the Nature Education Center.
Note: The addresses (2002 and 2175) are really for Post Office use. If used on a GPS, they may take you to a strange place in the park, or leave you on the main road. Use the GPS coordinates instead.
The Cromwell Valley Park Council (CVPC) is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to the stewardship of Cromwell Valley Park as a public space for passive recreation and School Programs. The CVPC works in cooperation with the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks and other entities to maintain, preserve and protect the natural environment and historic structures in the Park.
The Cromwell Valley Park Council is not an official site for Baltimore County Government.