One of the neat things about offering the Columbia Families in Nature program is that it has motivated us to figure out all the great natural areas available for exploration in our community. Here are some of the great places we have led events!
Columbia Open Space and Parks - Columbia Association (CA) maintains more than 3,600 acres of open space, including more than 114 miles of pathways; 165 tot lots; 41 ponds; 34 miles of stream valleys; and three lakes. CFIN frequently visits and collaborates with CA to enhance Wilde Lake Park; Lake Elkhorn Park, and Lake Kittamaqundi. We have also planted a Monarch Waystation at the Faulkner Ridge tot lot!
Howard County Parks
Howard County is home to more than 40 lovely parks and nature centers! CFIN has had awesome outings to: Font Hill Wetlands; the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area; Rockburn Branch Park; Wincopin Trail; Centennial Park; Savage Park, and the Robinson Nature Center.
Maryland State Parks
There are 52 state parks in Maryland that span the entire state from mountains to ocean and so much in between. The park CFIN frequents most often is Patapsco Valley State Park, which has more than six distinct areas spanning Howard and Baltimore counties. Learn more about how to enjoy Patapsco through the seasons here! We have also enjoyed visits to Sandy Point and Calvert Cliffs.
Other Favorite Places - There are so many wonderful natural area to visit in the Columbia area. Additional CFIN favorites are:
Columbia Open Space and Parks - Columbia Association (CA) maintains more than 3,600 acres of open space, including more than 114 miles of pathways; 165 tot lots; 41 ponds; 34 miles of stream valleys; and three lakes. CFIN frequently visits and collaborates with CA to enhance Wilde Lake Park; Lake Elkhorn Park, and Lake Kittamaqundi. We have also planted a Monarch Waystation at the Faulkner Ridge tot lot!
Howard County Parks
Howard County is home to more than 40 lovely parks and nature centers! CFIN has had awesome outings to: Font Hill Wetlands; the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area; Rockburn Branch Park; Wincopin Trail; Centennial Park; Savage Park, and the Robinson Nature Center.
Maryland State Parks
There are 52 state parks in Maryland that span the entire state from mountains to ocean and so much in between. The park CFIN frequents most often is Patapsco Valley State Park, which has more than six distinct areas spanning Howard and Baltimore counties. Learn more about how to enjoy Patapsco through the seasons here! We have also enjoyed visits to Sandy Point and Calvert Cliffs.
Other Favorite Places - There are so many wonderful natural area to visit in the Columbia area. Additional CFIN favorites are:
- Benjamin Banneker Historical Park
- The Howard County Conservancy
- Soldiers Delight Natural Environmental Area
- Gorman Farm
- Miller Branch Library
- The Irvine Nature Center
- The Patuxent Research Refuge
- The Audrey Carroll Audubon Sanctuary
- Larriland Farm
- The Living Farm Heritage Museum
- Rachel Carson Conservation Park
- Brookside Gardens