The Great Migration Challenge
Quest information
MIGRATION – It’s a RISKY business
Each year in North America, nearly 350 different species of birds migrate or move from one place to another. Migration is the annual movement from one place to another and eventually returning to the same area of departure. Some species only move a short distance, while others may travel thousands of miles, crossing oceans and continents during their migratory journey. Loss of habitat along their migration path and wintering grounds pose serious challenges. Many hazards face migratory bird populations including collisions with skyscrapers, windows, radio towers; interactions with predators and diseases (West Nile Virus). It is clear that birds’ survival is dependent upon human actions.
It is time to fly South for the winter, but watch out for hazards. While playing the part of birds, you will discover the challenges faced by migratory birds. To begin your journey you will choose a migratory bird, roll the dice and begin at the station with the number you rolled. A series of 24 stations are placed around the playground area with instruction on each station. When conditions are favorable, the card will tell you to move ahead. When you encounter a hazard, you may be delayed or have to go back. Will you make it safely to your wintering grounds? Remember not all birds survive. Sometimes they encounter favorable conditions and sometimes hazards. Good Luck and Happy Flying.
- Park Quest is available daily starting May 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021.
- The quest begins at the
Cedarville State Forest playground and should take the participants 15 minutes.
- You can play as many times as you would like.
- To show that you participated in this challenge please take a picture of you and your selected bird at the end of the challenge.
- This quest is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
- Pets are permitted. Please make sure to clean up after your pet.
Park Information
Cedarville State Forest is located at the headwaters of Maryland’s largest freshwater swamp, the Zekiah and invites exploration and adventure of its diverse natural, recreational and historic features. The forest has a four-acre pond which is open for bank fishing only. Camping can be enjoyed seasonally with reservations being made in advance. Cedarville State Forest has approximately 19 miles of trails, which are multi-use. Hunting is allowed in season. Thousands of visitors use Cedarville State Forest each year. Please help to protect the forest’s natural and historic resources by following the LEAVE NO TRACE ethic.
Southern Maryland Recreational Complex
Cedarville State Forest
10201 Bee Oak Road
Brandywine, MD 20613
Phone: (301) 888-1410
Duty Phone: (443) 975-4358
Driving Directions:
- From Annapolis:
Follow Route 50 West to Route 301 South. From Route 301 South travel to Cedarville Road (at the very end of Prince George's County). At traffic light, take a left on Cedarville Road. As a landmark there will be a large white warehouse located on the left hand side. Take Cedarville Road to Bee Oak Road (on your right) which will be the main entrance to the forest. - From Prince George's County:
Travel Route 301/5 South and take a left on Cedarville Road. Follow directions above from Cedarville Road. - From Waldorf (Charles County):
Follow Route 5/301 north into Prince George's County. As soon as you cross into Prince George's County turn right onto Cedarville Road. Follow Cedarville Road to Bee Oak Road (on your right) which is the main entrance for the forest. - From Washington, D.C.:
Follow either Branch Avenue (Route 5) or Pennsylvania Avenue (Route 4). If using Route 5, follow Route 5 for directions from Prince George's County above. If using Pennsylvania Avenue (Route 4), follow Route 301 south from Prince George's County. At the end of Prince George's County and before you enter Charles County, turn left onto Cedarville Road. Follow Cedarville Road to Bee Oak Road (on your right) which is the entrance to the forest.
