Join the Maryland Park Service as we kick off the 15th anniversary of this popular program with a variety of pollinator-themed quests in Maryland State Parks.
Birds, bats, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, wasps, small mammals, and bees are all pollinators. They visit flowers to drink nectar or feed off of pollen and transport pollen grains as they move from spot to spot.
Pollinators need your help. One of the main reasons for pollinator decline is the loss of habitat.
Maryland State Parks are a great place to learn more about pollinators and the important habitats that support them.
Famailies can make a plan to visit and explore Maryland’s state parks and complete as many of the Park Quest activities as they can before October 31.
Many of this year’s activities are self-guided and can be done at participants’ own pace with their family. Those who complete 12 or more quests can be entered into the Park Quest Prize Drawing.
Park Quest 2022 activities will be available from May 1 – October 31. Additional activities may be added throughout the summer.
“Park Quest is a great way to experience and enjoy the outdoors through recreational activities, to better appreciate the natural world through exploration and observation, and to learn about Maryland’ s varied history with your family as your team,” said Maryland park officials.
No preregistration required for Park Quest 2022. Everyone is encouraged to participate in Park Quest activities with their families. Activities are open to all.
Information about each quest can be found online.
There are no additional fees to participate in the 2022 Park Quest Program. All materials will be available online at https://dnr.maryland.gov/parkquest/pages/home.aspx.
Park day-use service charges will apply for anyone participating in the Park Quest Program.
Quests vary by park
Park Quest activities are generally available from May 1-October 31; however some restrictions may apply at certain locations.
For example, some quests are not available on busy summer weekends. Call the park directly to inquire if a quest will be available during the time you plan to visit.
Each month there will be a BONUS EVENT QUEST opportunity. This will allow teams an opportunity to complete extra quests and activities at special events across Maryland in State Parks. Note that some events may have fees.
Those who complete 12 (or more) Park Quest activities before October 31 and complete an activity form will be eligible to win Park Quest prizes (proof of completion via photos will be required). The form must be completed by November 1. Prize drawings will take place on November 2, at 11 a.m. Winners will be notified by email.
Prizes range from Park Quest stickers, magnets, and bandanas to an Annual State Park & Trail Passport (valued at $75). Additional prize drawings will be held monthly, based on trivia questions in the Park Quest newsletter. Participants should sign up to receive the newsletter.
A 2022 Park Quest Passport Booklet can be printed at home, and is for teams to record their adventures and keep track of which quests they have completed.
Tips for Park Quest
Families are strongly encouraged to bring their own notebook, clipboard, and paper or nature journal and pens, pencils, markers, etc. in order to complete Park Quest activities. Making drawings, taking photos, and jotting down notes are all highly recommended.
Print out any Park Quest materials that you would like to use from the website ahead of time. If you prefer to not print, you may take a screenshot of the activity on your phone so you can have it with you at the park. Some parks may also have materials available at the start of their quest.
Park Quest families are encouraged to purchase an Annual State Park & Trail Passport. Each passport entitles unlimited day-use entry for everyone in the vehicle (up to 10 people) to Maryland’s state parks and facilities, unlimited boat launching at all state park facilities and a 10% discount on state-operated concession items and boat rentals.
Use the new Maryland Park Service Map to help plan your visit. You may be able to complete more than one quest in a day. Or spend the weekend doing all of the quests in one region.
Consider camping overnight or staying in a cabin during your quests. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online. Some parks may fill to capacity and those without overnight reservations will be turned away.
Stay Connected!
Share your adventure! We encourage teams to share their experiences on Social Media.
Like us on Facebook @MarylandStateParks and Follow us on Twitter @MDStateParks #ParkQuest2022.
Note that information posted, including photos and posts, become public information and may be used for future promotion and/or to document the activities of the MD Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Park Service.
Questions regarding the Park Quest Program may be directed by email to Ranger Melissa Boyle Acuti. She can be reached at melissa.boyle@ maryland.gov.
