Outdoor Fun at Piney Run, Bear Branch Nature Centers

If winter is starting to make you a little stir crazy, check out some of these local activities.

Bear Branch Nature Center, 300 John Owings Rd, is open year round. Hours of operation are Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. The Nature Center staff can be contacted by phone at 410-386-3580, or email bbnc@carr.org. All Nature Center programs require pre-registration, unless otherwise noted.

Activites and events at Bear Branch Nature Center in Westminster.

Planetarium Show
Join the Westminster Astronomical Society for an evening under the dome. Learn about the stars and constellations of the night sky. Following the planetarium show, we invite you outside for a “star party” to observe the nighttime sights. Bring your own telescope or look through one of ours.

Saturday, Feb. 16
Time: 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Age: 8-adult
Fee: $5

How Sweet It Is!
Maple syrup can be made right in your own backyard. Learn more about the process, from tapping to cooking off.

Saturday, Feb. 16
Time: 1-3:30 p.m.
Age: 6 and up
Cost: $5

Sugarbush Campfire
Take a hike to the maple trees and warm up by a roaring campfire. Listen to stories about maple sugar as we make syrup over an open fire. Dress for the weather!

Saturday, Feb. 23
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.
Age: 6 and up
Cost: $7

Through March 31, Piney Run Park and Nature Center gates are open weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed weekends and holidays. No entrance fees will be collected during the “off-season” and the lake is closed for boating. Visitors are still welcome to walk the trails, fish from the shores, and visit the Nature Center. To register or request additional information, please contact Piney Run Nature Center at 410-795-6043 or pineyrunpark@ccg.carr.org

Activities and programs at Piney Run Park and Nature Center in Eldersburg.

Valentine's Day is for the Birds
Food is scarce during the long cold winter. Why not show some love for the birds by decorating your trees with home made goodies. Using cookie-cutters and ingredients found in our panty, we will create adorable decorations for the birds. It is a great opportunity for bird watching and having your feathered
friends come back for more!

Thursday, Feb. 14
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Ages: 3-6
Fee: $7

Trackers Tracking Tracks
Some animals have gone into hibernation for the winter, but there are still plenty of creatures out and about. Let’s explore the park finding, identifying,
and following animal tracks! We will also make our very own “track identification guides” so you can search for tracks anytime you want! Be ready to get dirty!

Monday, Feb. 25
Time: 4 - 5 p.m.
Ages: 6-12
Fee: $7

Where's the Green?
Suffering from cabin fever? Longing to see some green? With spring just around the corner, let’s make a terrarium together and get a sneak peek of the greens of spring! Using recycled containers, soil and pebbles we'll create a beautiful terrarium together.

Tuesday, Feb. 26
Age: 3-7
Time: 2 to 3 p.m.
Fee: $10

For more information and to see other upcoming events, visit the Carroll County Department of Parks and Recreation website.