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Hello, and thank you for reading the Carrie Murray Nature Center's monthly newsletter! Our newsletter has tons of exciting announcements about fun upcoming events, volunteer programs, and important news that involves the
Gwynns Falls Leakin Park community.

Below is one of our favorite Instagram moments from January! Click on the image to check out our blossoming account.

Upcoming Events - February 2019

CMNC Mother Nature Story Time
Friday, February 1, 10 - 10:45am
Age: 0–5 years old, Cost is Free
Drop-in with your little one to hear stories about nature. You can count on singing, interactive stories, and meeting a live animal during your visit! Story hour takes place outside, weather permitting, or inside with a warm fire!

CMNC 1^st Annual Seed Exchange
Sat., February 9 (Snow date: 2/16)
11 - 2pm, All Ages, Cost is Free
Join us for our first Seed Exchange! Gardeners trade their favorite, treasured seeds as spring approaches. If you think you grow the crunchiest radish, the sweetest tomato, or a colorful flower like no other, this event is for you! Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener, all are welcome.

CMNC Rock Fest
Sun., February 10 (Snow date: 2/17) 12:30 - 3pm, All Ages
Cost is $5/person or $10/family
Yep, that kind of rock fest with minerals and fossils! Whether you’re an old rock hound or an amateur, there’s something for everyone. Meet us in the Center’s lodge by the fire! Bring your rocks, meet a geologist, and ask questions while we do rockin’ activities. Also, local geologist, author, and professor, Dr. Martin Schmidt, will lead a presentation at 2pm while children are free to rock on!

CMNC Couples Owl Prowl
Fri., February 15, 6:30 – 8pm
Age: Adult, Cost is $20 per couple
Do something unique to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Meet our resident owls, hang out with some of our naturalists, and learn how to spot owls at night. Enjoy a romantic fire with marshmallow roasting while sipping on hot chocolate and learn about these beautiful birds.

CMNC Maple Sugaring Tour
Sat., February 23, 10:30 - 12pm
Age: All, Cost: $5/child or $10/family
We’ve tapped maple trees, black walnuts, and sycamores to harvest their sap. Join us to learn about the age-old process of tapping trees in late winter to harvest sap to make delicious syrup and candied treats. Psst! A taste-test is included!

CMNC Pop-Up Maple Sugaring
Date and time TBD (Check FB Page)
Ages: All, Cost is Free
Mother Nature is full of surprises, so this pop-up event will be announced when the sap is flowing! Follow our FB page facebook.com/carriemurraynaturecentertto get an instant notice about this pop-up maple sugaring tour!

CMNC What’s on the Trail?
Sat., February 23, 1:30 - 3pm
Age: All, Cost is Free
Grab your boots and join us for a winter hike around the park! We will look for animal clues, tree buds, and signs that spring will soon return. Dress for the weather; warm hats, coats, and waterproof mittens recommended. We’ll top off the afternoon with warm cocoa in the lodge.

February (Recurring)

CMNC Feeding Time w/ Live Animals
Saturdays, Feb 2, 9, 16, 23
12:30 - 1:30pm, All Ages, Cost is Free
Help prepare and feed delicious salads to live turtles and lizards. Watch our animal friends gobble up their tasty meals of blueberries, strawberries, and other nutritious foods! Feel free to drop-in - no registration required.

parkrun: FREE 5k timed run/walk
Saturdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 – 9am
We always run rain or shine. Please register before your first run! www.parkrun.us/leakinpark/
Meet at 5200 N. Franklintown Rd.

Gentle Hikes
Thursday, February 7, 14, 21, 28
9 - 10am, All Ages, Cost is Free
Meet at Winans Meadow - weather permitting. Gentle walks are guided, are about 2 miles, and explore different trails in Gwynns Falls Leakin Park. For information contact Heide at hgrundot@aol.com or (410) 945-0586.

CMNC Invasive Vine Removal
Thursday, February 7, 14, 21, 28
9 - 11am, Age: Adults, Cost is Free
CMNC staff works in the Park every Thursday to take down harmful invasive vines. We always need extra hands to support the health of our local trees!

On the Horizon

On Saturday, March 23rd, the Nature Center is hosting the first of our three part series on urban gardening with fruits and veggies. The event is free and open to the whole Baltimore community. We'll be talking about spring gardening and you'll learn about growing fruit and veggies in small spaces and containers. Keep up to date and RSVP with our Facebook Event page.

Also, Summer Camp registration will be open soon!

Volunteer Programs

Come learn the process of making maple syrup! Once you understand how to tap trees, you can volunteer to help us teach this timeless tradition to others. If this sounds like a SWEET opportunity to you, please email cmnc.volunteers@baltimorecity.gov for more information!

Seasonal Changes

As the weather begins to fluctuate between freezing and warmer temperatures, the Nature Center is setting up Maple Sugaring stations around Gwynns Falls Leakin Park. Our favorite targets are Red Maple Trees which are famous for their delicious, sugary sap. Selected Red Maples are affixed with special faucets and buckets to collect sap. After a bucket fills with clear sap, we boil the sap down to make our own Maple Syrup!

Wrap Up

We'll see you around the Park! Please use the buttons below to check out our website, Facebook page, Instagram pictures, or to send us an email! And, as always, please come say hi in person - the Carrie Murray Nature Center is located at 1901 Ridgetop Rd. Baltimore, MD 21207.

Nature Center Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9am - 4pm
Saturday: 10am - 3pm
Second Sundays: 10am - 3pm

Thank you!