Montgomery Parks

Is it a shark? Is it a worm? No, it’s a Hammerhead worm! This #FloraandFaunaFriday we're meeting the Hammerhead worm (Bipalium spp.) which are a type of flatworm distinguished by their wide, crescent moon-shaped heads that resemble hammerhead sharks. Ones encountered locally are typically yellow to orange with dark-colored stripes and can grow up to 18 inches long. What’s more eerie than a worm longer than a ruler? One that can break apart and regenerate body parts, with the ability to morph into two separate worms! Originating in Southeast Asia, these alien invaders have been introduced to the United States through the exotic plant trade and have now made their way into Maryland. Hammerhead worms prefer to live in moist, terrestrial environments but this one was found under a rock in the Sligo Creek tributary! As an invasive species, this creepy creature also has spooky impacts on the environments they inhabit, decimating earthworm and terrestrial mollusk populations. Not only is this carnivorous species a predator, but it is also a cannibal! Hammerhead worms detect prey using chemoreceptors that are located under their head. To immobilize their prey, they release a neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin through their mucus – a substance also used by pufferfish. This toxin has the potential to be harmful to humans and pets as well, so if you encounter a hammerhead worm you can look, but don’t touch!

Fly high at Birdability Week! Join us from October 21 through 27 for a week of events to foster an inclusive and accommodating environment within the birding community. Check out events like: 🐦Socials for 55+: Gourd Homes for Bird-Friendly Crafting: Monday, October 21 | 11 am to 12:30 pm | Ages 55+ | $8 | Agricultural History Farm Park 🐦Birdability Week: Bird Walk Screening: Tuesday, October 22 | 11 am to 1 pm | All ages | FREE | Brookside Garden  🐦E-bird Tutorial: Wednesday, October 23 | 4 to 5:30 pm | Ages 18+ | FREE | Locust Grove Nature Center 🐦Socials for 55+: The Art of Bird Carving: Thursday, October 24 | 10 to 11:30 am | Ages 55+ | FREE | Veirs Mill Local Park 🐦The Art of Birds: Friday, October 25 | 4 to 6 pm | Ages 18+ | FREE | Locust Grove Nature Center 🐦Beginning Birding for Every Body: Saturday, October 26 | 9 to 10 am | Ages 18+ | $7 | Brookside Nature Center 🐦Birdability Week Celebration: Sunday, October 27 | 10 am to 12 pm | All Ages | FREE | Rays Meadow Local Park Learn more about Birdability Week here: https://lnkd.in/eU34wExM

Get ready to See The Future at the last Foodie Fridays of the season! Join us on October 25 at 6:30 pm at Josiah Henson Museum and Park to envision the future of agriculture in Montgomery County! Don't miss this opportunity to connect with young farmers who are reimagining the food system! RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/ekzHQjS3

The grand prize winning photo of the 2024 Maryland Natural Resources Photo Contest sponsored by the Maryland Department of Natural Resourceswas taken at Brookside Gardens. Congratulations to Debby Berlyne on this great capture of a green heron! Learn more about the prize winning photo at the MD DNR website: https://lnkd.in/eTe_BcUA

Learn about the people behind Woodlawn Manor at History Hour on Thursday, October 17 at Josiah Henson Museum and Park. Christian Murgia, the Education Program Manager at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park will give a presentation on “The Voices of Woodlawn Manor: A 200-Year-Old Cultural Site." Thursday, October 17 6 - 7 pm, doors open at 5 pm $5, includes museum admission Tickets: https://lnkd.in/ewTtMxWw

Are you ready for a dose of music, history, and fun? Check out some of our upcoming Special Events & Festival here: ✨Under the Lights: Drop-In Play: Tuesday, October 8 | 5 to 8:30 pm | Ages 12-18 | FREE | Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park ✨Sunday Serenade: Sunday, October 13 | 10 to 11:30 am | All Ages | FREE | Cabin John Regional Park ✨History Hour- The Voices of Woodlawn Manor: Thursday, October 17 |  6 to 7 pm | Ages 13 | $5 | Josiah Henson Museum and Park And so much more! Check out our weekly e-newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/eBaQYyys

Indulge in the glory of fall at our nature centers. There are offerings for everyone, from toddlers to adults, and those in-between. Go kayaking, night fishing, or have a scary-fun time at one of our Halloween-themed events. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ev_tTh9t Photo from 2023 Witchy Paddle at Black Hill Regional Park

Crisp air, colorful leaves, and hot volunteer opportunities! Join us in making a difference this fall at opportunities like these: 🍂 Weed Warrior Workday Events: Friday, October 4 | 9 to 11 am | Ages 16+ | Long Branch SVU2 🍂Trail Workdays- Natural Surface Trails: Saturday, October 5 | 10 am to 2 pm | Ages 15+ | South Germantown Bike Park 🍂 Weed Warrior Workday Events: Friday, October 11 | 9 to 11 am | Ages 16+ | Long Branch SVU2 🍂 Weed Warrior Workday Events: Saturday, October 12 | Various times | Ages 16+ | Various Locations Want to find these opportunities and more? Look here: https://lnkd.in/eHxVbGtb

¡Muchas gracias a todos los que participaron en la Semana Latina de la Conservación Montgomery Parks! Con una variedad de actividades incluyendo: Día Comunitario, escalada de árboles para niños, celebración del Día del Niño, charlas sobre tortugas, hasta siembra de plantas nativas, Es nuestro orgullo crear oportunidades para que la comunidad latina disfrute de nuestros parques. Cada evento destacó la importancia de cuidar nuestros espacios naturales y celebrar herencia hispana. Un agradecimiento especial a nuestros increíbles colaboradores: Autism Society of Maryland Latino Health Initiative John Hussman Foundation Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection Montgomery County Conservation Corps and Latin American Youth Center Weed Warriors En Ingles: A big thank you to everyone who participated in Latino Conservation Week at Montgomery Parks! From Kids Tree Climbing to meadow planting, Turtle Talks, Children’s Day, and a Community Day Event, we are proud to provide opportunities for the Latino community to enjoy our parks. Each event highlighted the importance of caring for our natural spaces and celebrating our cultural diversity. Special thanks to our amazing partners! #LatinoConservationWeek2024

Fall into the Season with our Special Events and Nature Programs like: ✨30th Annual Harvest Festival: Saturday, October 5 | 11 am to 4 pm | All Ages | $20 per car | Agricultural History Farm Park ✨Teen High Adventure Excursions- BIKING: Thursday, October 3 | 9 to 4 pm | Ages 12-15 | $50 | Maydale Nature Classroom ✨Inspired by Nature- Art Journaling: Saturday, October 19 | 10 am to 12:30 pm | Ages 18+ | $35 | Brookside Nature Center And so much more! Check out our Monthly Nature e-newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e9ZmpAd3