Marshy Point Nature Center

08/19/2026

A special message and photos from our council VP and research chair: Be aware of the biggest creature in the Dundee and Saltpeter Creek area. There have been undocumented witnesses of “Marshy” the water monster. Marshy is a distant cousin of Nessie (Loch Ness Monster) and a closer relative to Chessie of the Chesapeake Bay. Aside from general rumors of our Cemetery Big Foot roaming the park in historically significant areas, Marshy if a gentle soul who just seems curious of visitors. As the research chair to the MPNCC, we must investigate further. I recommend ALL park visitors venture to the bridges and overlooks (safely) and explore to see if you can see Marshy and photograph this ancient mystery of the Dundee/Saltpeter.

08/13/2026

Message from our Butterfly correspondent, Cathy F.,

“The butterfly house has been busy this summer. We had a lot of black swallowtails this year. Lots of caterpillars are now transitioning to butterflys.

We had moths - both Prometheus moths and Luna moths.

We are now seeing a lot of monarch caterpillars. We raised and released 4 butterflys so far but now have a new group of monarch caterpillars.”

#🐛

08/08/2026

Sunday!!! Be sure to come for our Second Sunday Bird Walks! 9 am - 11:30 am. It is Free.

“Birds above and Birds Below. Bluebirds are flying to and fro. Look at those gardens and vegetables yonder, with droppings of white and gardeners somber.”
- Wellaway Belgard

Join a few knowledgeable council members who know what certain birds look like that live or pass by Marshy Point. They also have cosponsored walks with the nature center staff and Baltimore Bird Club.

Join them every Second Sunday year round. Walks typically last until around 11:30 am and are free as well as open to everyone! Meet on the back deck of the nature center. Stay as long as you like. You can sign up on CivicRec or just show up and they will take care of it.

08/05/2026

Our community garden is very prosperous this year! Feel free to upload photos of your gardens or let us know if yours was captured in any of these at Marshy Point. Be sure to reach out to the Nature Center directly for details and how to reserve a spot for next season.

Keep an eye out for our upcoming post about our pollinators!

07/16/2026

Our research chair had a request to post this article about the history of Chase. Click on the photo to expand.

07/13/2026

We had a special surprise come from our heritage “Maryland” apple tree. Our council purchased two varietals which could have been grown in the 1740s. Mentioned in one of the land patents from that time, were “60 young apple saplings.” We did not expect any apples to form for a few years, but one lone apple grew and fell from our tree during the last storm.

Apple varieties from that time were less sweet, slightly bitter, and a little more tart. They were more for baking and cider/brandy production. We did not pass up the opportunity to try ours and it didn’t disappoint. It is slightly sweet and a little tart. The flavor is a lot milder compared to what you may be used to. In the upcoming years, we hope the trees produce lots more with the help of our pollinators and host educational events.

07/10/2026

Sunday!!! Be sure to come for our Second Sunday Bird Walks! 9 am - 11:30 am. It is Free.

“Alas, Alas, what do I see? It looks like a Red Winged Black Bird staring at me. He swoops along the ground so grand, mad as I scoop some mulch in my hands. If only he knew I admired him so, he wouldn’t scare the feathers out of me while he drops down so low.”
- Wellaway Belgard

Join a few knowledgeable council members who know what certain birds look like that live or pass by Marshy Point. They also have cosponsored walks with the nature center staff and Baltimore Bird Club.

Join them every Second Sunday year round. Walks typically last until around 11:30 am and are free as well as open to everyone! Meet on the back deck of the nature center. Stay as long as you like. You can sign up on CivicRec or just show up and they will take care of it.

07/04/2026

Happy 4th of July Weekend to everyone! With all of the celebrations this weekend, be mindful of the surrounding nature which may be impacted. Clean up after cooking out, light sparklers and fireworks in safe areas to prevent fires, and remember wildlife and pets don’t necessarily know why things are blowing up in the sky. No matter how you celebrate, be sure to do something this weekend. We are in our 250th year as a country. The photos and memories you make today will become the nostalgia in years to come and the research of our descendants.

07/01/2026

This program is endorsed by the birding experts at Marshy!

We are pleased to support Donna N. and the Maryland Master Naturalists program by sharing this unique FREE opportunity for a beginning birding course for adults with low-vision.

CROMWELL VALLEY PARK COUNCIL WILL BE HOSTING ONE DURING FALL MIGRATION SEASON

Two dates and two locations:
Marshy Point Nature Center, Middle River
Saturday, July 11, 2026, 10 a.m. to 12 noon

Lake Roland
Sunday, August 23, 2026, 10 a.m. to 12 noon

Registration through Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks CIVIC REC system: https://cpauthentication.civicplus.com/Identity/Account/Register

or email [email protected]

Beginning Birding for Adults with Low Vision
All adults who have low vision, and theirguests, are welcome to join this indoor and outdoor instructiveprogram that will help you begin enjoying identifying birds andbeing out in nature.

If you have them, bring binoculars, acellphone and/or tablet. Also bring your curiosity and a sense ofhumor as we explore the world of birds.

Some adaptive equipment will be available that includesbinoculars with various magnifications, a spotting scope with anadaptor, laser pointers that the instructor will use to help guideour sighting of the birds, and a large print bird identification book we can share among us.

Two dates and two locations:
Marshy Point Park, Middle RiverSaturday, July 11, 2026, 10 a.m. to 12 noon
Lake Roland Park, BaltimoreSunday, August 23, 2026, 10 a.m. to 12 noon
This program is free and is part of Donna N.'s Master Naturalist Programproject with Baltimore County.

05/09/2026

Tomorrow!!! Be sure to come for our Second Sunday Bird Walks! 8 am - 11:30 am. It is Free. This starts an hour earlier as it is migration time. Don’t make it a “solitary” time and bring a few friends.

Join a few knowledgeable council members who know what certain birds look like that live or pass by Marshy Point. They also have cosponsored walks with the nature center staff and Baltimore Bird Club.

Join them every Second Sunday year round. Walks typically last until around 11:30 am and are free as well as open to everyone! Meet on the back deck of the nature center. Stay as long as you like. You can sign up on CivicRec or just show up and they will take care of it.