#family nature programs deep creek lake

Time for You and your Child too!

Time for You and your Child too!

We are launching a new program for busy families and it’s an awesome one!  Time for You and (your Child too!)

Tuesday Mornings at 10am at the beautiful, pastoral Backbone Farm in the stunning Pleasant Valley near Oakland, Maryland. We are super excited about it and think you will be too!

Starting Tuesday June 17th, and running through August, parents are invited to find serenity while their children engage in exciting outdoor activities with experienced care. Every Tuesday morning, parents can drop off their children with our experienced and creative childcare experts, where they will enjoy supervised play in nature. Activities will include exploring the woods, flower picking, and engaging crafts. Our caregivers ensure that children will have a memorable time with opportunities to sing songs, listen to a story, participate in Kids Yoga and create mementos to take home with them.

While children are immersed in these engaging activities, parents will have the opportunity to unwind fully, knowing that there is nothing to worry about. They will partake in yoga, meditation, and nature therapy amidst the farm’s tranquil surroundings. This retreat offers a perfect escape to breathe, relax, and rejuvenate. A light snack will be provided for both the kids and the adults.

After a morning of relaxation, families will reunite for a bring-your-own-basket lunch in the picturesque garden area.

Our new program is designed to meet the needs of busy, stressed individuals seeking a break from everyday life while ensuring their children have a delightful and enriching experience. We provide a safe and fun environment, allowing parents to enjoy their time knowing their children are in good hands and having a blast.

All Earth Eco Tours is committed to fostering connections to nature while providing therapeutic experiences for visitors. We invite families to join this unique program and experience the joy of nature, relaxation, and quality family time. Backbone Farm has been in operation for 26 years, nestled at the base of Backbone Mountain in Pleasant Valley, near Oakland Maryland. They are committed to using only organic and sustainable practices to grow the best fruits, vegetables and meats, and are proud to offer a diverse range of products.

So many great things to experience!

  • Kids Summer Farm Day Camp July 7-10th
  • Adventures with Raptors – Birds of Prey Program
  • Guided Hikes and Walks
  • Yoga to You
  • Savage Rez Kayak Tours
  • Guided Foraging Walk & Talks
  • Grow Your Own Gourmet Mushroom Workshops
  • Crystal Bowl Sound Therapy Experiences

To learn more about Time for Me and my Child Too!  or to register, please call Carol at 301-746-4054.

Fun with Snakes and Salamanders

A group of Happy kids posing with The Feral Nut and a very large black snake,
Fun with Snakes and Salamanders? You bet!

Join us August 25th at 1pm and discover amazing snakes and salamanders on this fun learning adventure with our friend, Mark, aka, The Feral Nut.

Kids love him, adults love him, and snakes seem to love him almost as much as he loves them. If you can be a snake whisperer, then that is what Mark is. A snake whisperer.

With a profound love for the scaled inhabitants of the mountains of western Maryland, Mark promises an exciting afternoon of outdoor entertainment, tons of fun and a sharing of knowledge.

Kids enthralled learning about snakes outside, up close and personal.
It’s just good clean fun for kids and adults!

As you will learn, or maybe already know, reptiles and amphibians have millions of years of evolution on their side when it comes to hiding.

That being said – this hike is sure to be action packed; our Feral Nut does whatever it takes to bring these cryptic wonders to the surface for our education and okay, our amazement too.

As we herp along Maryland’s ONLY designated Wild and Scenic River, the crystalline Youghiogheny, you’ll be mesmerized by Mark’s passionate takes on our area’s exciting species.

Explore microhabitats and fascinating behaviors and learn how to better find these amazing creatures on your own!

Exploring Maryland's Only designated Wild and scenic river, The Youghiogheny. So beautiful, so peaceful.
         A great time for the whole family!

From rare rattlesnakes and smiling treefrogs, to even rarer finds like the crayfish eating Queensnake or the golden-glistening Long tailed Salamander, you truly never know what we’ll see on our afternoon adventure. There are just so many possibilities for fun!

Young children and older hikers alike love this high energy “scratch off” ticket tour of what reptiles and amphibians can be found in the lush, rainforest-like region of Deep Creek Lake, Garrett County, Maryland.

Join us! It’s so much fun! Advanced Registration is required, space is limited, call Carol today. 301-746-4083

You will also love our Kayak Tours!

Don’t miss our incredible Birds of Prey Program!

 

Kids Summer Farm Day Camp 2024

Happy kids take a break from swinging on the hammock to smile for the camera.

Kids Summer Farm Day Camp 2024

A group gathers in sun spackled forest to learn about mushrooms at Farm Camp at Backbone Farm
So much fun learning at Farm Camp! The mushroom foray with Max is always a favorite.

So much fun!

Kids experience the wonders of nature through farming, fun and artistic expression during our Kids Summer Farm Day Camp

near Deep Creek Lake.

Day Campers can expect to get their hands dirty as they learn what it’s like to be an organic farmer in this 4-day kids summer day camp. They will learn how to grow vegetables, prepare simple, fresh food, learn about sustainable farming methods and the benefits of humane livestock management, go on a mushroom hunt, discover snakes and salamanders and have time to make, create and work as a team to design an interactive, 3D Dream Farm.

Backbone FarmFARM-DAY-CAMP-2023-1 happy pigs in a fieldSmiling, young Farm Campers walking happily with mats to start Yoga time outside in the woods.A group gathers in sun spackled forest to learn about mushrooms at Farm Camp at Backbone Farmsunflowers in the foreground of beautiful Backbone Farm.

Kids Summer Day Camp 2024

It’s an action packed 4-day kids summer camp on the farm. Kids experience farm life and nature during our fabulous fun learning adventure. Lots of laughs, new adventures and skill development at the same time. Grow, learn, play, explore and more!

Call Carol at 301-746-4083 with any questions.

We are so excited for this year!

Kids Summer Farm Day Camp 2024
July 8th to 11th
Daily 10am-4:30pm
Ages 5 to 13
Only one session and limited space.

A group of Happy Campers finding and learning about snakes on the farm.
Reptiles-and-Amphibians-with-the-Feral-Nut-All-Earth-Eco-Tours-photo

Check out Mother Earth News Article on Backbone Farm.
“Growing kids, food and skills”

Kids Summer Day Camp 2024 is a collaboration between Backbone Farm and All Earth Eco Tours..

Families also love to visit the Farmers Market in Oakland on Wednesdays and Saturdays

Our Kayak Tours are super fun, relaxing and beautiful. Check them out. https://allearthtours.com/kayaking-tours-deep-creek-lake/

Maybe Birds of Prey are your thing! Birds of Prey Program near Deep Creek Lake – All Earth Eco Tours (allearthtours.com)

And just about everyone loves our Sankes and Salamanders program! Reptiles & Amphibians Adventure w/ The Feral Nut – All Earth Eco Tours (allearthtours.com)

Birds of Prey Programs near Deep Creek Lake

Don’t miss our Birds of Prey Programs near Deep Creek Lake this summer with Master Falconer Deron Meador of Adventures with Raptors in the beautiful town park in Friendsville, Maryland. Birds of Prey Program near Deep Creek Lake

Learn about hawks, owls and falcons in this two-hour, fun learning program with Deron and Sherry Meador of Adventures with Raptors.  So many birds, so much fun.

See these amazing Bird of Prey up close, in person and be able to take pictures. A truly fantastic time to share with family and friends. It’s the perfect activity for kids and adults.

BIRDS OF PREY PROGRAM near Deep Creek Lake

  • SUMMER PROGRAM INFORMATION:
  • Where: Friendsville Town Park – near the stage, beside The Community Center. Turn left just after the Bear Creek Bridge into Parking Area for the Community Center, Community Drive.
  • When: Tuesdays 10:00am until 12:00 noon beginning June 6th.
  • RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED– Please do not make reservations unless you are serious about coming. We usually end up turning folks away who really want to come. Please cancel the day before if you can’t make it. Please arrive early so we can start on time.
  • Cost: $20 per person 
  • Phone 301-746-4083 for more information and reservations
  • Program space is limited.
  • Feel free to bring a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful riverside town park after the program. And please remember to Leave No Trace. HTTPs://www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm
  • If small children get antsy, don’t worry, there’s lots of room to let them run around.
  • This beautiful park offers: a big playground, picnic areas, sand volleyball court, 2 tennis courts, horseshoe pits, basketball court, fitness trail, paved walking and biking trail, and a ramp for river and beach access.
  • Unsurprisingly, people often wonder just how many different Bird of Prey there are. Here, then is a pretty fun list for you to look at. A List Of Birds Of Prey Or Raptors – WorldAtlas
  • We look forward to seeing you and the birds do too!

 

Snakes and Salamanders Sunday Funday guided hikes near Deep Creek Lake with the Feral Nut.

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 our 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. Our tours are both an adventure and 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

Additionally, you will also find Mark doing what he loves at our very popular and super fun Farm Camp with our friends out at Backbone Food Farm. The dates of the camp this year are July 17th – 20th. Farm Camp is undeniably one of the most fun things we do all year. Check it out and then send your kids to us and let us help them grow.

Kids Summer Farm Day Camp 2023

In short, a walk with The Feral Nut  is a fantastic experience. A true Maryland snake and amphibian lover, AKA Mark Pankowski’s joy of the natural world and of reptiles and amphibians in particular, is contagious.  Spend 2 1/2 hours exploring and discover what reptilian and amphibian wonders can be found near our rivers, creeks and woods.  If creepy crawlies are there, the Feral Nut will 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

So, don’t miss our Snakes and Salamanders Sunday Funday guided hikes! They are fun, fabulous and a little bit freaky too.

  • Family Wildlife Hike Autumn Glory Weekend, October 11th

 

54th Annual Autumn Glory Festival Weekend – Reptiles & Amphibians Adventure w/ The Feral Nut

Snakes-and- Salamanders -Sunday- Fundays- guided -hikes- near Deep- Creek- Lake Hike leader Mark Pankowski in beautiful Garrett County, holding a very large snake

Adventure with The Feral Nut (Mark Pankowski,Rockville, MD)
This 2 1/2 hour family nature walk and wildlife discovery program features an exploration of the Yougiogheny Wild and Scenic River with snake and reptile guru and All Earth Eco Tours guest instructor, The Feral Nut (14K Instagram Followers).

You will explore with Mark learning about and looking for a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians along Marylands’s only Wild and Scenic River Trail, in Friendsville Maryland. You will discover and learn about likely hiding places and the ways and habits of our creepy and crawly animal relatives. Sometimes we go up river and sometimes down.

  • Family Wildlife Hike Autumn Glory Weekend, October 11th

Expect to maybe get a tad dirty and be sure to bring cameras for photos. Mark is an expert at finding creatures both great and small so this promises to be a great time for young and old wildlife fans and nature lovers. Dress for the weather and wear suitable footwear. Program runs rain or shine.

My name is Mark Pankowski, I/m from Rockville, Maryland. I’ve always enjoyed looking for critters out in nature, but I especially got into the “exotic” ones over the last 3 or 4 years. My favorite snake is the Eastern Hognose, named for their upturned snout (used for burrowing!) but known for their ability to play dead & their insane colors! Every animal truly has an incredible story, and I love telling them. Insane evolutionary processes, weird behaviors, crazy interactions with humans over the last few decades. Even if you don’t consider yourself a reptile nerd, you will be intrigued.

Covid 19 safety precautions in full effect – masks required when walking in a single file and when social distancing cannot be maintained.

 

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