Calendar of Guided Hikes: Spring 2026
Offered in Partnership with the Nature Nook at Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center
Spring 2026 Guided Hikes
Eastern Hemlock Restoration Hike and Planting Activity:Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
Hike Leader: Bruce Fall, Director, Cove Point Natural Heritage Trust (CPNHT)
Educational hike through the Hellen Creek Nature and Wildlife Preserve located 4 miles from downtown Lusby, MD. Attendees will learn about the struggle to save the native Eastern Hemlock tree from disappearing from the Calvert County landscape. The Hellen Creek Nature and Wildlife Preserve has the last remaining Eastern Hemlock stand on the east Coast’s southernmost coastal plain. Learn about the ecological benefits that Eastern Hemlocks provide while learning about what CPNHT is doing to preserve, protect and regenerate this rare native tree stand in Calvert County. Participants will also be invited to plant small (8-10in) Eastern Hemlock seedlings.
Date and Time: Wednesday, March 18th, 2026. 10am - 1pm.
Location: Meet at 11785 Clifton Dr.
Route: Intermediate-level 1.5 mile hike through forests and streams, both on clear-cut trails and uneven, primitive trails through trees and brush. Includes uneven surfaces, uphill/downhill climbs.
Nighttime Herpetology Study at Cove Point: FrogWatch Wednesday, April 8th, 2026
Hike Leader: Matt Neff, Calvert Marine Museum
Educational evening woodland hike focused on listening for mating calls and identifying frog species during peak breeding season, highlighting amphibian behavior, habitats and the importance of protecting vernal pools.
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 8th, 2026. 6:30 - 9pm
Location: Begins at the Cove Point Lighthouse parking lot
Route: Approximately 200 yards round trip. Beginner level hike on flat, even surface.
Vernal Pool Nighttime Observation, Source: Vermont Master Naturalist Program
Spring Peeper, Source: Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Water Quality Monitoring in the Hellen Creek Nature & Wildlife Preserve Saturday, April 11th, 2026
Hike Leader: Bruce Fall, Director, CPNHT
A series of four educational hikes between 8am and 2pm to visit four local streams to collect water quality samples, engaging attendees in hands-on monitoring and learning about watershed stewardship while supporting Calvert County’s annual Water Quality Blitz.
Date and Time: Saturday, April 11th, 2026.
Hike #1: 8 - 8:30am
Hike #2: 9 - 10:30am
Hike #3: 11am - 12:30pm
Hike #4: 1 -2pm
Location and Route: Please visit the Sign-Up Link to see maps and additional location/route information
Eastern Hemlock Restoration Hike and Planting Activity:Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
Hike Leader: Bruce Fall, Director, CPNHT
An educational hike through the Hellen Creek Nature and Wildlife Preserve located 4 miles from downtown Lusby, MD. Attendees will learn about the struggle to save the native Eastern Hemlock tree from disappearing from the Calvert County landscape. The Hellen Creek Nature and Wildlife Preserve has the last remaining Eastern Hemlock stand on the east Coast’s southernmost coastal plain. Learn about the ecological benefits that Eastern Hemlocks provide while learning about what CPNHT is doing to preserve, protect and regenerate this rare native tree stand in Calvert County. Participants will also be invited to plant small (8-10in) Eastern Hemlock seedlings.
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 15th, 2026. 10am - 1pm.
Location: Meet at 11785 Clifton Dr.
Route: Intermediate-level 1.5 mile hike through forests and streams, both on clear-cut trails and uneven, primitive trails through trees and brush. Includes uneven surfaces, uphill/downhill climbs.
Daytime Herpetology Study at Cove Point: FrogWatch Hike:Wednesday, May 6th, 2026
Hike Leader: Matt Neff, Calvert Marine Museum
An educational hike through local forests and wetlands to observe amphibians in their natural environment while learning about amphibian ecology. Join our search for rare, threatened and endangered species and learn about conservation challenges to protect them.
Date and Time: Wednesday, May 6th, 2026. 10am - 12pm
Location: TBD
Route: Approximately two miles, following trails & a primitive section through trees and brush. Intermediate level hike.
Green Frog, Source: Maryland Biodiversity Project
Interested in becoming a Volunteer Guided Hike Leader with CPNHT?
We’re seeking volunteers to design and lead educational hikes or hands-on learning programs at the Hellen Creek Nature and Wildlife Preserve and the Cove Point in Lusby, MD. These pristine natural areas feature broad tidal wetlands, sprawling old growth forests, diverse interior habitats teeming with wildlife—ideal settings for meaningful ecological interpretation and learning experiences.
If you are a Master Naturalist, Calvert Steward, Master Gardener, or nature enthusiast with knowledge to share, we invite you to translate your field experience to lead a program with us. This program qualifies for accreditation/volunteer hours!
No formal teaching background required—just ecological curiosity, field experience, and a willingness to engage the public. To get an idea of our current community programs, visit CPNHT's Upcoming Nature Walks page.