Despite urbanization, Montgomery County has a wealth of Green Getaways and Best Natural Areas that provide refuge for wild species and respite for residents and visitors. There are hundreds of miles of natural trails that wind through forests and fields, peaceful stream valleys, protected conservation parks, award-winning public gardens, and nature centers that offer people of all ages hands-on experiences.
Your parks offer a wide variety of outdoor and nature programs for all ages throughout the year. From hikes, rockclimbing and kayaking to stream exploration, star gazing, and maple-sugaring, you can always find a fun, educational activity that celebrates our natural environment. You can find out about upcoming events, programs and volunteer opportunities on the main Parks Calendar, at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org and on our Facebook page.
Did you know?
In Montgomery County…
- you are never more than two miles from a park
- 19% of the land is parkland, with 61,250 acres of federal, state, municipal and county parks
- the M-NCPPC Department of Parks manages more than 34,600 acres of parkland
- more than 127 miles of natural surface trails are maintained by M-NCPPC Department of Parks
- there are 89,500 acres of forested land, of which 31,300 acres are currently protected in parks
- 93,000 acres have been set aside for an Agricultural Reserve, 17% of which is public parkland
Wild areas…
- reduce air and water pollutants
- reduce greenhouse gases
- reduce stormwater runoff
- alleviate flooding
- lower stream temperatures
- control erosion
- replenish groundwater
- provide habitat for wildlife
- are beautiful places for hiking, biking, fishing, boating, birdwatching, and more!
Rachel Carson …
… lived right here in Montgomery County in the Northwest Branch Stream Valley. Rachel Carson was an environmental scientist and visionary who knew our natural surroundings are vital to our existence and important for our happiness.
It was her belief that if people appreciated these natural spaces, they would be more likely to protect and care for them; therefore, the Wild Montgomery campaign seeks to connect – or reconnect – citizens with the County’s public green spaces.
Montgomery Parks has dedicated a greenway in her honor. When completed, the Rachel Carson Greenway trail corridor will span 25-miles stretching from the historic Adelphi Mill in Prince George’s County north to Patuxent River State Park. Highlighted along the trail will be educational interpretive elements relating to our county’s environmental, historical and cultural heritage