The Frederick County Nature Council is a member of the Association of Recreation Councils in Frederick County. As a non-profit organization, the Nature Council is comprised of dedicated volunteers who work together to support the Catoctin Creek Park and Nature Center and Fountain Rock Park and Nature Center. The group sponsors and helps to coordinate events such as the Annual Butterfly Count at Catoctin Creek Park in July and Dear Santa at Fountain Rock Park in December in addition to participating in county-sponsored events such as the Nature Fest at Catoctin Creek Nature Center in May. Each year the Frederick County Nature Council greets the many visitors to the Great Frederick County Fair by providing an engaging and interactive nature exhibit for adults and children to enjoy.
A significant portion of the Frederick County Nature Council membership is comprised of Maryland Master Naturalists. Working in conjunction with the Frederick County Nature Council, the Maryland Master Naturalists of Frederick County is a group of passionate volunteers who have completed the 52 hours of classroom instruction and at least 8 hours of fieldwork to fulfil the initial requirements toward certification as a Maryland Master Naturalist. They continue to provide support to Catoctin Creek and Fountain Rock Parks and Nature Centers on an annual basis in the form of volunteer work including the removal of invasive species, planting native plants, maintenance of the pollinator gardens, providing animal habitat, coordinating the Native Plant Sale and facilitating bi-annual Maryland Master Naturalist classes to expand the group.
In both of these organizations one will find individuals with a variety of interests ranging from birding and butterflies to climate change to outdoor adventure. Their common thread is their commitment to open natural spaces, particularly those found at Catoctin Creek Park and Nature Center and Fountain Rock Park and Nature Center within the Frederick County Parks and Recreation organization.
The Frederick County Nature Council meets the third Monday of each month from January to October at 7pm. Currently meetings are being held via Zoom. We always welcome new members! If you are interested in joining the group, or for more information, email the Frederick County Nature Council at fountainrocknaturecouncil@gmail.com.
We hope to see you in the park.....