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Directory of Community Services
A service of Carroll County Public Library

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Bear Branch Nature Center Email
Carroll County Department of Recreation and Parks

300 John Owings Road
Westminster, MD 21158

410-386-3580 - voice
410-848-2567 - fax

Office HoursWed-Sat 11-5, Sun noon-5
Contact 1Jenna Mele
Park Naturalist
410-386-3580 - voice
bearbranch@carrollcountymd.gov
PurposeTo connect people, parks, and programs in support of a strong, healthy community and natural environment.
ServiceBear Branch Nature Center is open Wednesday - Saturday from 11am - 5pm, and on Sundays from 12-5pm. The center features interpretive exhibits about local plants and animals, an outdoor water feature and play area, a Discovery Room for children, an observation beehive, live animals including an eagle, hawks, owls, snakes, salamanders, turtles, frogs, and toads, a planetarium and observatory. The nature center hosts field trips for K-12 students, public programs and festivals for all ages, birthday parties and private programs. The nature center is adjacent to Hashawha Environmental Center, a residential facility that is also operated by Carroll County Recreation & Parks. Hashawha Environmental Center is home to Carroll County Public Schools' Outdoor School, a residential environmental education program open to every sixth grade student in the county. The two facilities are located on 320 acres, with more than five miles of multi-use trails, a restored 19th century cabin, a lake, a pond, and access to both Bear Branch and Big Pipe Creek.
FeesFree Admission
SubjectsAstronomy, Children - Activities/Entertainment, Meeting Rooms/Receptions, Nature Study, Volunteers - Needed, Wildlife
Last Updated28 December 2023