Wildlife education programs in Laurel, Maryland

Laurel Community Farm is a charming park located at 7719 Haines Court in Laurel, Maryland, United States. This institution serves as a gathering place for the local community, offering a peaceful and scenic environment for visitors to enjoy. With lush greenery, walking paths, and picnic areas, Laurel Community Farm provides a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're looking to unwind with a leisurely stroll or host a family gathering, this park is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Patuxent Wildlife Area is a sprawling park located at Scarlet Tanager Loop in Laurel, Maryland, United States. This institution is a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, offering a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography. The park boasts diverse habitats including wetlands, forests, and meadows, providing a home to a variety of plant and animal species. Visitors can explore the scenic trails, participate in educational programs, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this beautiful wildlife area. Whether you're looking to relax in nature or learn more about the local ecosystem, Patuxent Wildlife Area is the perfect destination for outdoor adventure.

Patuxent Research Refuge, located at 12311 Beech Forest Road in Laurel, Maryland, is a unique institution that serves as both a national wildlife refuge and a research center. Spanning over 12,800 acres, the refuge is dedicated to conserving and protecting wildlife and their habitats through research, education, and outreach programs. Visitors can explore the diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and grasslands, while learning about the important research being conducted to ensure the long-term health of the environment. With hiking trails, wildlife viewing areas, and educational programs for all ages, Patuxent Research Refuge offers a one-of-a-kind experience for nature lovers and conservation enthusiasts.

High Ridge Park, located at 10100 Superior Avenue in Laurel, Maryland, is a historic park and tourist attraction with a rich history dating back to the colonial era. This park is part of the larger Blandair Regional Park, which includes the North, West, and East sections in Columbia, Maryland. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities and amenities, including multi-purpose fields, basketball courts, skate park, pickleball courts, pathways, and shade structures. The land on which High Ridge Park is situated has been inhabited by various Native American tribes, European settlers, and African Americans over the centuries. The park's history includes ownership by prominent families such as the Talbots, Dorseys, Howards, and Weems, who were involved in farming and slave ownership. The property was eventually purchased by Theodorick Bland, who named it "Blandair" in the mid-19th century.

Maryland City Park is a beautiful and scenic park located at 565 Brock Bridge Road in Laurel, Maryland. This park is a popular tourist attraction for visitors looking to enjoy nature and the outdoors. With its lush greenery, walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, Maryland City Park offers something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're looking to relax in the sun, take a leisurely stroll, or have a fun day out with family and friends, Maryland City Park is the perfect destination. Come and explore this peaceful oasis in the heart of Maryland!

The M-NCPPC Dinosaur Park, located in Laurel, Maryland, is a unique paleontological park owned by the Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. Visitors can participate in educational experiences and assist park staff in uncovering fossils that are 115 million years old from the Early Cretaceous period. The park is home to Astrodon Johnstoni, the Maryland State dinosaur, and offers public days from October to May, as well as private educational programs for schools, homeschool groups, and special events. Visitors can explore the park and collect fossils with the help of paleontologists, or join in on a multi-year dig project to extract buried fossils. The park also offers off-site presentations about the Early Cretaceous period for those unable to visit in person. Dinosaur Park's history dates back to the discovery of dinosaur fossils in Prince George’s County by African American miners in the 1800s, and continues to be a site of ongoing fossil discoveries today.