Snakes and Salamanders Sunday Funday guided hikes near Deep Creek Lake

Snakes and Salamanders Sunday Funday guided hikes near Deep Creek Lake with The Feral Nut,

are just plain, FUN!

Bring your family, friends or group down to Friendsville for an afternoon of FUN LEARNING and real life encounters with snakes and salamanders.

Pack a picnic and enjoy it before or after programs at the beautiful Friendsville, Community Park

if you prefer that someone else does the cooking, then check out The Water Street Cafe or the Friendsville Public House.

You may even want to explore the town’s interactive history tour while you’re here.

https://friendsville.org/historytour/

And our kayak tours Kayaking Tours near Deep Creek Lake. are always a big hit. A wonderful, peaceful experience on a beautiful, undeveloped mountain lake.

Families are stocked that our Birds of Prey program will be back this summer, starting June 6th, every Tuesday through August. Birds of Prey Program near Deep Creek Lake

You can also find Mark doing what he loves at our very popular and super fun Farm Camp with our friends out at Backbone Food Farm. Kids Summer Farm Day Camp 2023

The Feral Nut

Enjoy a walk with The Feral Nut. A fantastic Maryland snake and amphibian seeker, AKA Mark Pankowski.  Spend 2 1/2 hours exploring and discovering what reptilian and amphibian wonders can be found near rivers, creeks and in the woods.  If creepy crawlies can be found, the Feral Nut can find them. Mark’s knowledge of Maryland reptiles and amphibians is extensive, as can be seen by his 14K plus Instagram followers who can attest to his reptilian expertise and mad skills.

Reptiles &; Amphibians Adventure w/ The Feral Nut


An Adventure with the Feral Nut

“You will certainly learn how to find reptiles and amphibians in your own time- from simple methods to conditions and weather to look for, to ideal habitats and beyond. I’m happy to answer any and all questions; you will be inspired!” Mark Pankowski- AKA The Feral Nut

  • Family Wildlife Hike Autumn Glory Weekend, October 11th


Feral Nut Adventure Program Details
  • Program runs from 1-3:30pm 
  • Folks should wear suitable hiking footwear and dress for the weather. (Program runs rain or shine).
  • A fun learning adventure for all ages.
  • You will learn about likely places and habitats to find reptiles and amphibians. And find some too!
  • Program Fee: $20 per person.
  • Advance Reservations Required – Phone 301-746-4083 for info and reservations. LIMITED SPACE
  • Friendsville Town Park 
  • When: Sundays starting in June.  1-3pm
  • RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED– Please do not make reservations unless you are serious about coming. We usually end up turning away folks that really want to come. Please cancel at least 24 hours in advance if you can’t make it.
  • Phone 301-746-4083 for information and reservations. 
  • Program attendance is limited to assure a fun and informative time for all.
  • Feel free to bring a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful riverside town park, before or after the program. Several picnic shelters available, please leave no trace. https://www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm

  • If small children get antsy there is lots of room at the park to let them run around. Park features include:  a big playground, picnic areas, sand volleyball court, 2 tennis courts, horseshoe pits, basketball court, fitness trail, 3/4-mile, paved walking and biking trail, and ramp for river access.

Additionally, you could add our Birds of Prey Program to your calendar. It is, without a doubt, a wonderful way to spend a morning. Tuesdays at 10am staring June 6th. Birds of Prey Program near Deep Creek Lake