It is that time again for Baltimore families, especially children with spring fever, to become more active. Nature loving families enjoy taking hikes through natural areas. Unbeknownst to most families, hiking trails require routine maintenance during spring and summer.
Trail Day
On Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Cromwell Valley Park is hosting Trail Day. This program is suitable for families and individual ages 13 and over, and will be held at Sherwood Farm.
This program is free, and reservations are not required to attend the program.
The CVP Trail Club is recruiting volunteers to help maintain the trails around the park. Help keep the trails clear and prevent erosion. This is great opportunity for Baltimore families who enjoy the outdoors and improving local habitats.
Remember to bring work gloves and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Hiking Safety Tips
When you finally get to take your first hike, there are some safety precautions you should take, especially in “wilder” locations. A good tip is to hike in pairs to help each other out, especially in emergencies.
Another important tip is to know where you are heading. Useful tools include maps, a compass, or a GPS device (or all three).
Keep your equipment and provisions list simple. Some basic equipment might include a lighter or matches, a knife (preferably with gadgets), a flashlight, and toilet paper.
It is very important to bring enough fluid for entire hike. Depending on the length of the hike, bring enough food. Also don’t drink from streams.
Remember to bring a first aid kit with items such as gauze and bandages, anti-bacterial cream, and anti-itch cream. It is important to understand how to administer first aid as well.
Finally, use common sense and don’t “tempt fate”. Mother Nature doesn’t suffer fools and stupidity lightly.
For more beginner hiking information, check out the Hiking Beginner website.
What You Need to Know
Cromwell Valley Park is located on 2175 Cromwell Bridge Road. The Main Visitor Entrance is at Willow Grove Farm (second gate). Click here for directions to the park.
There are many educational activities for children and families offered by Cromwell Valley Park, many of them are interactive or hands-on. Some activities include hiking, camping, gardening, and crafts. Adults and seniors can join the fun through seminars, classes, sales, and other events.
The park is open from sunrise to sunset 7 days per week, 365 days of the year. Admission to Cromwell Valley Park is free to the public, although some programs require a registration fee.
Willow Grove Nature Education Center
The Willow Grove Nature Education Center is open most weekdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. It is closed Sundays. Hours are dependent on outdoor programs and available staff, so call ahead to see if they are open.
According to the Cromwell Valley Park, the Willow Grove Nature Education Center “offers plenty of opportunities for visitors to learn about nature, farming, local history, and conservation awareness.”
Also, check out the reptiles and amphibians native to Maryland.
So check out Sherwood Farm at Cromwell Valley Park on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for Trail Day.
Further information about the Cromwell Valley Park can be found at the link below. Have a great day!
Hiking safety tips from HikingBeginner.com ©2013.
Cromwell Valley Park
2175 Cromwell Bridge Road
Baltimore, MD 21234
410-887-2503/2504
http://www.cromwellvalleypark.org
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