March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 48 F

Riverkeeper to open new interpretive trail at Franklin Point State Park

John_Mount
John Mount, a member of Boy Scout Troop 422 in Annapolis, celebrates the completion of his Eagle Scout project. With the help of volunteers, John built the footbridge he’s standing on and the information kiosk behind him in preparation for the launch of the new interpretive trail at Franklin Point State Park.

The West and Rhode Riverkeeper, working in partnership with the Maryland Park Service, will cut the ribbon on a new interpretive hiking trail at Franklin Point State Park in Shady Side at a special event on Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free, but reservations are requested.  Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome.

“Come and immerse yourself in the natural and cultural history of Southern Anne Arundel County as we unveil an interpretive hiking trail at the newly opened Franklin Point State Park,” says Angela Trenkle, the Riverkeeper’s Chesapeake Conservation Corps volunteer who has researched and designed the interpretive elements of the trail.

“In addition to checking out the new trail,” Trenkle says, “you’ll have the opportunity to engage all five of your senses in the natural and cultural history of the area, including BBQ, fried fish and chicken and all the fixings prepared by volunteers from the Galesville Community Center, seining demonstrations by scientists from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, guided walks with birding experts, and archaeological exhibits from the Lost Towns Project revealing the lives of the people who feasted on oysters here more than 3,000 years ago.”

Franklin Point State Park, a pristine 477-acre tract of salt marsh, fields and forests, was saved from development more than 20 years ago by a group of local citizens, but it was locked behind a gate until the West and Rhode Riverkeeper formed a partnership with the Park Service to provide the volunteers needed to help maintain and monitor the park.

The event is made possible with a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust.

To reserve admission, log on to www.westrhoderiverkeeper.org or call 410-867-7171.

The event will take place at the day use area of Franklin Point State Park. From Annapolis, take Rt. 2 south, turn left on Rt. 214, turn right onto Muddy Creek Road and follow past the intersection of Deale/Churchton Road. Turn left onto Dent Road and follow to the end. Please drive slowly on Dent Road and watch for wildlife, children and dogs. 

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