Maryland is not a very large state, but we do have a lot of variation in our natural diversity, from the beaches of the Eastern Shore to the urban parks of Baltimore to the mountains of Allegany and Garrett counties. I've really enjoyed hiking, camping and canoeing in parks and forests across the state over the past nine years. During this time, I've gained a real appreciation for not only the more remote places in the state, including the places with special Wildlands protection, but also the more urban and suburban parks in and around Baltimore and in Montgomery and Prince George's counties - what the Sierra Club is now referring to as "Nearby Nature". Every month, some great Sierra Club volunteers lead trips in various places around the state, ranging from short nature hikes and invasive plant removal projects to weekend long backpacking trips. I encourage you to check your calendar and join in one of these trips, where you can meet some new people, have fun, and perhaps learn something, too! However, you don't need to wait for a Sierra Club trip to get outside. Check out the Maryland State Parks web site or this list of trails in Maryland for some good ideas. There is almost definitely a state park or trail near you, and if not, then look for information on your county's web site. A couple of my favorite Nearby Nature trails are in Rock Creek Park which extends north out of DC into Montgomery County, and the Anacostia Tributary Trail System. It is great to get outside and enjoy a trail or forest within walking or biking distance or a short drive of home - earlier this summer I took a quick break after a business meeting on a local trail near Bethesda, and enjoyed a little field of buttercups with some big oak and tulip trees just a few feet away from a paved road.
If you are feeling more adventurous, you can visit a Maryland Designated Wildland. Depending on where you live you might be able to take a Nearby Nature trip in a place which is *also* a Maryland designated Wildland. One example is part of the Soldier's Delight Natural Area in Baltimore County, on the edge of Owings Mills and only about 15 miles from downtown Baltimore. If you want another reason to get outside in addition to the fun, physical activity, and natural beauty, visit a Wilderness area to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Federal Wildernes Act, on September 3rd! If you want to visit a federally designated Wilderness area, you'll need to leave Maryland, however... but there is Wildnerness in Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.... not too far away!
Whether you join a Sierra Club led trip, or venture out on your own, or with family or friends, I hope that you take some time to enjoy Maryland's forests, trails, parks, and waterways soon!