Paint Branch Stream Valley Park

Paint Branch Stream Valley Park is a stunning natural area located in College Park, Maryland, United States. This 1,200-acre park is known for its high-quality natural resources, including seeps, wetlands, and coldwater tributaries that support a diverse aquatic ecosystem. The park is home to a self-sustaining brown trout population, making it a nationally renowned coldwater fishery within an urban setting.

Visitors to Upper Paint Branch Stream Valley Park can explore rich wetlands filled with native plants like mayapple, skunk cabbage, and spring beauty. These wetlands play a crucial role in supporting plant and wildlife diversity, filtering pollutants, and maintaining high water quality for sensitive organisms like spawning trout. The park also features various tributaries, each with unique aquatic and terrestrial communities, such as the Good Hope Tributary with its diverse forest and wildflower species.

Designated as a "Special Trout Management Area" by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Paint Branch watershed upstream of Fairland Road receives maximum protection to ensure water quality and habitat preservation. In addition to brown trout, the park is home to 28 species of fish, including pollution-intolerant species like rosyside dace and Blue Ridge sculpin.

For those interested in conservation efforts, the park offers opportunities to participate in events like the Weed Warrior Workday to help maintain the park's natural beauty. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or a casual visitor, Upper Paint Branch Stream Valley Park offers a peaceful retreat and a chance to appreciate the beauty of Maryland's natural landscapes.