Nature Quest Baltimore County, Maryland

EAM No. 177406 6/2013 The Quest begins…

Welcome to Baltimore County’s Nature Quest and the Wegmans Prizes can be picked up at any of the parks in this passport or at Passport to Family Wellness. This booklet provides an opportunity the main office located at 1114 Shawan Road, Cockeysville, MD to experience the outdoors and be active with your friends and 21030. Please call (410) 887-4156 if you have any questions. family while discovering some of the best parks and trails in Baltimore County. This passport gives a description of nine trails We hope the Wegmans Passport to Family Wellness provides and indicates which can be enjoyed by biking, hiking, canoeing or you, your family, and friends an easy way to enjoy nature, fitness, kayaking. and fun!

Just take your Wegmans Passport with you and record your Thank you, progress by using a pencil or crayon to make a rubbing of the trail marker located on each trail. Trail markers are mounted on 4X4 posts and are similar to the one illustrated on the back cover. Barry F. Williams Marcie Bartolotta, M.S. See how many rubbings you can collect and look below for the Director Manager Eat Well, Live Well prizes that await you! Baltimore County Community Initiatives Dept. of Recreation and Parks Wegmans Food Markets • The first 250 questers to complete 5 trails receive a water bottle or Frisbee. • All questers that complete 5 or more trails will receive a Wegmans coupon redeemable for a free Wegmans product and free admission to the Quest Fest at Robert E. Lee Park in early November. • Questers who complete seven to nine trails will be entered in raffles for a $100 Wegmans Gift Card, a free pavilion rental at Robert E. Lee Park, a boat trip to Hart Miller Island for up to eight people, and gift baskets from Oregon Ridge Nature Center and Banneker Historical Park.

1 2 Robert E. Lee Park 1000 Lakeside Drive, Baltimore County, MD 21210 (410) 887-4156 • www.roberteleepark.org Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Tucked into the surrounding communities of Ruxton and Roland Park, Robert E. Lee Park remains a wonderful secret to many. The almost 450 acre park consists of forests, meadows, wetlands, streams, a lake, and globally rare serpentine barrens. In addition, the park is steeped in history. The park sits in two different historic districts and has many historic structures, including a Greek revival pump house, dam, and structures from the Baltimore & Susquehanna Railroad (later, the Northern Central Railroad).

Visitors can enjoy miles of hiking and biking trails, canoeing and kayaking on the lake, participating in one of the many nature programs, Paw Point off-leash dog park (membership required), or watching the numerous species of birds and other wildlife.

Directions: Robert E. Lee Park is located just north of the intersection of Falls Road and Lake Avenue. Brown park signs on Falls Road direct visitors to the park. Parking can be found at the parking lot at the end of Lakeside Drive or at the Falls Road Light Rail lot. Or even better, take the Light Rail to the park.

3 4 Robert E. Lee Park: Railroad Trail Directions: Hike or bike on the paved pathway up the hill. At the split in the path, stay to the left. Located on the left is a brown park rules sign; take the nearby steps down the hill. After crossing the Light Rail tracks, you will be on the Railroad Trail. Follow the red trail blazes. GPS Coordinates: N 39° 23.397, W 76° 39.149 Length: 1.6 miles each way, from parking lot Difficulty: Easy Features: You are hiking or biking on the bed of the Baltimore Susquehanna Railroad which later became the Northern Central Railroad. A train station complete with hotel and post office used to be located just past what is now the Light Rail tracks. During the Civil War southern sympathizers destroyed the bridge (located where the light rail bridge is now) to keep the northern army from moving south. Soldiers from the north camped here throughout the war to protect the bridge. Look for the remains of the railroad as you make your way along the trail.

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5 6 Robert E. Lee Park: Willow Island Canoe Trail Note: Must bring your own canoe or kayak. Life preservers must be worn by all boaters. Trailers and motorized boats are not allowed. Directions: Park in the parking lot on Lakeside Drive. Boats can be launched at the stone fishing pier. Once in your boat, go under the light rail bridge and head towards the right side of the large island. GPS Coordinates: N 39° 23.207, W 76° 38.638 Length: 0.5 miles Difficulty: Easy Features: From 1858 until 1915 Lake Roland was the sole drink- ing water supply for Baltimore City. Today the lake is used for recreation and habitat for wildlife. Look for bald eagles, herons, wood ducks, beavers, turtles, and many species of fish. Towson Run, Roland Run, and the Jones Falls feed the lake as well as many other smaller streams. Anything that runs off lawns and streets in Towson and the surrounding communities flows into the lake and then into the Chesapeake Bay. Help protect the Chesapeake Bay, which is the largest estuary in the United States, by reducing lawn chemicals, properly maintaining vehicles and disposing of trash properly.

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7 8 Oregon Ridge Park & Nature Center Oregon Ridge Trail Markers 13555 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030 (410) 887-1815 • www.oregonridge.org See page 11 for trail map and marker locations. Park open sunrise to sunset Nature Center open Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-5pm MAKE TRAIL MARKER RUBBING HERE Oregon Ridge Nature Center (ORNC) is located in the 1100+ acres of Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, Maryland. As the largest county park, it’s a little bit of wilderness where one can hike over pristine streams, be under tall trees, and see varied wildlife like white-tailed deer, frogs, and many types of birds. Majestic tuliptrees, sassafras, spicebush, and ephemeral wildflowers add to the beauty of the trails.

The Nature Center, with ORNC Council’s support, offers educa- INDICATES TRAIL MARKER tional and outdoor opportunities to the public all year by providing school field trips, seasonal hikes and nature programs, campfires, canoeing trips, and special events. The nature center houses a col- lection of live native animals and exhibits. The park amenities MAKE TRAIL MARKER RUBBING HERE include swimming in the summer, playgrounds, and picnic areas. There are over 6 miles of hiking trails that visitors can use year- round from sunrise to sunset with ample parking at two locations.

Directions: Take 83 North to Exit 20B (Shawan Road West). Follow Shawan Road to the first light, Beaver Dam Road, and turn left. Make an immediate right and follow the driveway to the park- ing lot. The Nature Center is located a short walk up the driveway. INDICATES TRAIL MARKER

9 10 Oregon Ridge Park: Red Logger Trail

Directions: From the Nature Center parking lot, walk up the hill toward the nature center. Cross the bridge next to the nature cen- ter to begin hiking west on the Red Trail. There are 3 possible options on the return from the Red Trail: 1. Continue all the way around the red trail and loop back to the parking lot through the Oregon Ridge Lake area. Go through main gate or a wooden gate on the far side of this area. 2. Take the Blue Trail for a more direct route back to the parking lot/nature center. 3. Take the Green Trail and it will continue onto the Orange Trail, where there is a rustic log bridge and a view of the Oregon Ride Lake, before it connects back to the Red Trail.

Length: 1 mile to trail marker one-way.

GPS Coordinates for red trail marker: N39° 29.291’, W76° 41.535’

Difficulty: Moderate, varying terrains

Features: The park trails are blazed by color for easy identification. Pets are permitted as long as they are on leashes. The trails pass habitats in transition such as the 18 acres of oak forest devastated by gypsy moths in 2006. This parcel of land is now in transition from meadow to oak woodland. The Red Trail will pass the Oregon Branch, where the trail is scattered with pieces of garnets from the rock formation (mica schist) in the area.

11 12 Oregon Ridge Park: Ivy Hill/ Marshy Point Park and Nature Center St. James Campbell Yellow Trail 7130 Marshy Point Road, Middle River, MD 21220 (410) 887-2817 • www.marshypoint.org Directions: From the Nature Center parking lot, walk up the hill toward the nature center. Cross the bridge next to the nature center Marshy Point is Baltimore County’s environmental to begin hiking west on the Red Trail and then connect to the education center on the Upper Chesapeake Bay, Yellow Trail. When returning from the Yellow Trail, take the left and a part of the National Park Service Chesapeake on the fork and head west onto the Red Trail. There are 2 possible Gateways Network. options on the return from the Red Trail: 1. Take the Green Trail and it will continue onto the Orange Trail, where there is a rustic The Nature Center is open from 9am to 5pm every day and park log bridge and a view of the Oregon Ride Lake, before it connects hours are 9am to sunset. The Nature Center provides a variety of back to the Red Trail or 2. Take the Blue Trail for a more direct educational activities and the park has over 3 miles of hiking trails route back to the parking lot/nature center. to provide numerous opportunities for exercise and exploration. GPS Coordinates for yellow trail marker: N39° 28.699’, W76° 41.266’ Directions: Marshy Point Park is located at 7130 Marshy Point Road, Middle Length: 2 miles to trail marker one-way. River MD 21220 off of Eastern Blvd, Difficulty: Moderate-Hard, occasionally rocky, varying terrains, MD 150. From the Baltimore Beltway stream crossings take exit 31C, Route 43 East, White Marsh Boulevard. Follow 43 for 8 mi and Features: The park trails are blazed by color for easy identifica- make a left onto MD 150 East. After 2.5 tion. Pets are permitted as long as they are on leashes. The Yellow mi on MD 150, make a right on Marshy Point Road. Follow Trail will crossover Baisman Run a few times. The Yellow Trail is Marshy Point Road 0.5 mile to the Nature Center parking area. more strenuous than the Red Trail because of the elevation changes and includes the Baisman Run crossings, which are just GPS Coordinates: 39.35054, -76.37878 rocks lined up in the stream. Therefore, rocks may be submerged or washed away depending on storms. Feet may get wet, but it is worth the trip to see the south side of the park, where there is a tranquil spot at the Ivy Hill pond for a respite after finding the second Nature Quest marker. 13 14 Marshy Point: Dundee-Saltpeter Trail Description: Loop, following blue, red, and white blazed trails. Directions: Beginning at Marshy Point Nature Center, hike the Dundee-Saltpeter Trail (blue blaze) for 0.8 miles until you reach an overlook of Saltpeter Creek and the Trail Rubbing Marker. Follow the Dundee-Saltpeter Trail for another 0.2 miles until it intersects the Weiskittel Trail (red blaze) and turn right. Follow the Weiskittel Trail for 0.2 miles until it intersects the Whitetail Trail (white blaze). At the Whitetail Trail turn left and follow for 0.3 miles until you arrive back at the Nature Center. GPS Coordinates: 39.34440, -76.37386 Length: 1.5 miles Hiking Time: 45 minutes Difficulty: Easy and flat. Trail may be muddy after rain events. Features: Note the flat terrain of the coastal plain forest and enjoy views of Dundee and Saltpeter Creeks. Creeks like these serve as nursery and habitat for the birds, fish, mollusks, and crabs that make the Chesapeake Bay an important habitat and a unique ecosystem.

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15 16 Marshy Point: Dundee Creek Canoe and Kayak Trail Description: Canoe exploration. Must bring your own canoe or kayak. Directions: Put in at the Canoe Launch to enjoy exploration of the tidal creeks around Marshy Point. The Canoe Launch faces Dundee Creek looking toward the mouth of the Gunpowder River and the Chesapeake Bay. Enjoy a paddle through estuarine waters full of fish and crabs but be sure to paddle under the pedestrian bridge and into Minnow Branch Creek to find the Trail Rubbing Marker. GPS Coordinates: 39.35084, -76.37062 Length: Variable Time: Variable Difficulty: Moderate, depending on weather conditions, canoeing experience, wind, and tides. Features: Marshy Point offers canoe programs available to the public from April to November. Anyone with their own canoe or kayak is welcome to launch during park hours throughout the year, free of charge. Dundee creek offers a sheltered area for paddling and exploration with abundant wildlife to see at all times of the year.

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17 18 Banneker Historical Park 300 Oella Ave, Catonsville, MD 21228 (410) 887-1081, benjaminbanneker.wordpress.com Museum Hours: 10am to 4pm, Tuesday-Saturday Park Hours: sunrise to sunset.

Encompassing 142 acres, with various facilities and extensive nature trails, the primary focus of this site is cultural and natural history. The historical park and museum is dedicated to the legacy of the colonial farmer, clockmaker, mathematician, astronomer, and federal territory surveyor, Benjamin Banneker. Benjamin Banneker is known as the first African American man of science.

The Banneker Museum features a permanent exhibition on Benjamin Banneker's life and works, community gallery of changing exhibits, gift shop and patio garden. The site also includes a colonial cabin, historic Victorian farmhouse, and pavilion. The park and museum offers diverse programming in history, culture, science, nature, environmental and visual and performing arts.

Directions: Take I-695 to exit 14, Edmondson Avenue. Proceed west on Edmondson Avenue to the traffic circle and exit onto Old Frederick Road (left). Turn right at the stop sign on Oella Avenue. The park entrance is on the left.

19 20 Banneker Historical Park: Yellow Trail Cromwell Valley Park 2002 Cromwell Bridge Road, Baltimore, MD 21234 Directions: The Yellow Trail begins just behind the museum, (410) 887-2503 • www.cromwellvalleypark.org adjacent to the colonial cabin. This half mile path guides visitors Park Hours: sunrise to sunset. passed Banneker’s Ice Pond site and around a stream. After cross- Sherwood Farm Office: 9am – 2pm, Monday to Friday ing over the stream visitors come to an intersection and have the The 426+ acre park was acquired by the Baltimore County option of continuing right along the Yellow Trail or turning left to Department of Recreation and Parks starting in 1993. It is a stream take the more arduous Ridge Trail to the Number Nine Trolley valley park comprised of pasture, cultivated gardens, open fields, Trail. The remainder of the Yellow Trail follows a small, bamboo woods, hedgerows, orchards and wooded piedmont hills. The lined stream to the end of the path. Overall, the trek will be on a diversity of this habitat makes it an excellent area for wildlife. smooth, easy grade, wood chipped path. Take in the natural beauty of some of the Park’s 142 acres of forest. The Park is home to miles of hiking trails that range from stream strolls on the Blue Trail along Minebank Run, to walks through GPS Coordinates: 39.269009, 76.78058 our many meadows on the Yellow Trail, to more challenging hikes through the woods on the Orange, Red, and Green Trails. Before Length: 0.5 miles to the trail marker one way; 1 mile round trip setting off, grab a trail map from the kiosks located at Willow Grove & Sherwood Farm parking lots. Difficulty: Easy Directions: Baltimore Beltway, I-695 to Exit 29, Cromwell Bridge Road. At the traffic light at the end of the exit ramp, turn LEFT (East) onto Cromwell Bridge Rd. Continue on Cromwell Bridge Rd past Loch Raven High School. The first entrance to the Park is Sherwood Farm. MAKE TRAIL MARKER RUBBING HERE Do NOT turn into the Sherwood Farm entrance for Nature Quest!

1 Go /2 mile past the Sherwood Farm entrance to the 2nd entrance, Willow Grove Farm (2175 Cromwell Bridge Road). Turn left into the driveway and continue across the bridge to the gravel parking lot.

21 22 Cromwell Valley Park: Blue Minebank Run Trail Description: Out & back following blue blazed trail. Directions: Beginning at Willow Grove Farm parking lot, back- track toward bridge and turn left onto Blue Trail just before bridge. Follow the Blue Trail along Minebank Run, passing stone limekilns (on left), small “amphibian pond” (on right), until reach- ing small section of wooden split rail fencing. Bear left at fencing and proceed up mowed path to top of hill. Trail Rubbing Marker is located near bluebird box #25, just past top of hill. Backtrack to parking lot on same paths. GPS Coordinates: N39.414287, W76.549609 Length: Just under 1 mile. Hiking Time: 30 minutes. Difficulty: Easy, flat except for short hill past split rail fencing. Features: Cromwell Valley has been settled since the early 1700’s and used primarily for agriculture, pasture, and woodlands. The area was formerly known as “Lime Kiln Bottom,” owing to the numerous limekilns that were located in the valley beginning in the mid 1800’s. You will pass three of these kilns along this hike. The kilns used wood harvested from the nearby hillside to heat marble, creating lime powder. The lime powder was then collected and bagged at the base of the kilns. The lime kilns in the valley operated until the 1920’s.

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23 24 Cromwell Valley Park: Red Willow Grove Trail Description: Out & back following red blazed trail. Directions: Beginning at Willow Grove Farm parking lot, turn left onto paved road (Red Trail) and proceed past Nature Education Center, toward Willow Grove Barn. Follow red blazes up gravel path, past post & cable barrier. Continue on Red Trail, past entrances to Yellow Trail and bear left into woods. Follow red blazes uphill until reaching split in Red Trail at very top of hill. Trail Rubbing Marker is located at split in Red Trail, next to wooden bench. Backtrack to parking lot on same trail. GPS Coordinates: N39.421727, W76.552514

Length: Just under 1.2 miles. Hiking Time: 11/4 hours. Difficulty: Hilly, moderately strenuous. Features: Big trees are the primary feature of this challenging trail through woodland habitat, along an abandoned Farm lane. Oak, tulip tree, and beech are the dominant tree species. Understory vegetation includes spicebush, sassafras, and viburnums.

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25 26 In November at Robert E. Lee Park

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27 28 Tips for Packing Healthy Picnic Baskets Healthy Hiking Tips

• Whole wheat sandwiches are high in fiber and contain Dress In Layers – The weather or your own body temperature can more nutrients than white bread. Also try whole grain fluctuate as you walk or hike. Layering allows you to comfortably tortillas or wraps for variety. add or remove clothing as needed during your activity.

• Bring fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors to get Stay Hydrated – If you plan to be active for an hour or optimal nutrients. Pack a container full of colorful fruit less, plain water is typically the best option to keep you hydrated. salad for a healthy and delicious desert! If your activity will last for more than 1 hour (or the outside • Bring a whole watermelon, cantaloupe, or honeydew temperature is high) a sports drink is suggested as it provides and slice it open on the spot. Nature’s packaging works important nutrients and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. beautifully to keep these fruits cool and fresh. Pack a Snack – Keeping a small source of energy on hand is a • Cut up veggies for dipping. Carrots, broccoli crowns, bell good idea just in case your walk goes a little longer than planned. pepper strips and cucumbers are just a few options to try. Snacks that travel well include an apple, banana, granola bar or a Dip into lowfat dips, hummus or salsa for flavor! small snack bag filled with nuts, trail mix or pretzels.

• Consider alternatives for burgers and hot dogs. Turkey, Wear Sunscreen – Anytime you are out in the sun no matter what poultry sausages, leaner ground beef, veggie burgers and time of year it is, it is important to protect your skin by wearing grilled chicken are available and are lower in fat. sunscreen. • Instead of sweetened sodas or fruit juices, bring seltzer Bring a Buddy – Having someone to walk with makes the mixed with all-natural fruit juice, unsweetened iced tea, or journey safer and more enjoyable. bottles of water. Freeze the bottled water the night before, to use as cold packs to keep food cold. When you’re ready to Good luck on your journey to better health! eat, you will have an icy bottle of water ready to drink. From Wegmans Nutrition Team From Wegmans Nutrition Team

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