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
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
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
Saturday, August 8; 1:00pm-2:30pm Mean Green Meat-Eating Machine – Ages 10+. Meat eating plants?! Learn about these other worldly native plants that trap and kill prey in order to survive. Bring one home to raise as your own! $6/person REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Sunday, August 9; 12:00pm-1:00pm Cyanotype Prints – Ages 10+. Join a naturalist on a guided hike to collect leaves, flowers, and sticks. With a little sun and some special paper, you can leave your mark with your own cyan print! $3.00/person REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Tuesday, August 11th at 5:45 pm Join us for an advanced-level 5 mile hike on the upper trails of Cromwell Valley Park. Enjoy an evening hike at a moderate pace from the Sherwood House up to highests elevation in the park and then back to the Sherwood House. Please only register if physically able
Saturday, August 15; 1:00 pm-2:00pm Lunch For Our Feathered Bunch – All Ages. Join a naturalist to help us feed our feathered friends and to discover that they are not picky eaters! $3.00/person REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Sunday, August 16; 10:00am-11:30am Insect Sing-a-Long – All Ages. Many insects are just now getting their voices, even though they were there all along. Why sing now? Join a naturalist to find these insects and learn why they are beginning to make themselves heard. We have the nets! FREE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Saturday, August 22; 1:00pm-3:00pm Adults 18+. The sling has been used for thousands of years. It can make a rock go from zero to 90 miles an hour. That is what made it a formidable weapon. Join us to make one to take home! $12.00/person REGISTRATION REQUIRED
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 challenge! This hike is a dedicated, welcoming space for
Friday, August 28; 7:30pm-9:00pm Campfire Cooking Under the Full Moon – Ages 8+. Enjoy a night hike under the full Sturgeon Moon and learn how to cook delicious, simple meals over an open flame! Participants prepare classic campfire dishes while practicing safe fire-building and cleanup techniques. $6/person REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Join us for some guided hiking in Cromwell Valley Park. Meeting place: We’ll begin from the Sherwood side. Cromwell Valley Park has two entrances. Please use the first entrance off Cromwell Bridge Road (if coming from the Beltway) - 2002 Cromwell Bridge Road, Parkville, MD 21234. Meeting at the picnic tables in front of the
August 15 10 am-noon August 29 10 am-noon September 12 10am-noon September 26 10am-noon We will remove invasive plants from the park and in warmer weather, also plant natives and maintain restored habitat – great opportunities for high school students for community service and volunteers who like to work outdoors. We usually meet at the
Saturday, August 29; 1:00pm-3:00pm Migrating Monarchs – Ages 5+. An animal that migrates thousands of miles with no map?! How do they do it? Where do they go? Join us as we observe, capture, tag, and release these delicate insects to help track them for science. $3.00/person REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Join other 30-year olds for a casual hike (2 miles) scouting for migratory birds of Cromwell Valley Park along the Minebank Run and in some of our old-growth fields. Anything goes during Fall Migration! Cost is $5 per person with all funds supporting Cromwell Valley Park Council, Inc., the 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
Sunday, August 23; 9:00am-11:00am Forest Bathing – Ages 16+. A technique by which one becomes attuned to the environment through mindful concentration. Based on the Japanese practice known as shinrin-yoku. $12.00/person REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Sunday, August 30; 1:00pm-2:30pm Terrarium Building Workshop – Ages 8+. Build your own miniature world! Participants design glass terrariums using soil, moss, rocks, and plants while learning how these small ecosystems work. A relaxing, hands-on activity that combines creativity, ecology, and a beautiful take-home creation. $12.00/person 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.