This program is geared toward senior citizens with an interest in learning more about our parks and nature so they can get active, visit their local state parks, and sharpen their sense of wonder! Six weekly sessions are led by a variety of instructors including rangers, historians, naturalists, and other Department of Natural Resources experts.
Learn about plants, animals, park rangers, conservation, history, stewardship, and much more! Sessions include exercise, expert-led talks, fellowship, games, and hikes. Participants who complete the program become certified Senior Rangers.
The program has been offered at
Patapsco Valley State Park,
Janes Island State Park,
Bohemia River State Park,
Fair Hill NRMA, the
Tuckahoe State Park complex,
Seneca Creek State Park, and the Southern Maryland Recreational Complex (SMRC). These programs are available at different times of year at these parks so check here or on their websites for when these programs are offered. Space is limited when they are offered, so please contact your park to check availability. Coming to more locations soon!
Benefits to being a Senior Ranger
- Reduce isolation
- Fight boredom
- Raise self-esteem
- Be emotionally nourished
- Interact multi-generationally
- Energize yourself
- Connect with nature
- Boost your mood
- Reduce stress
- Boost memory
- Restore focus
Quotes:
- "Wow! This is our 5th series of Senior Rangers that my husband and I attended. We are thrilled with the various topics and activities that you all seem to come up with! Great speakers, interesting programs, and the whole group is so friendly! We'll keep coming back" Joyce K.
- “Thanks for that exceptional, informative program!” - Kathy Stroh, Fair Hill Senior Ranger Program, October 2023
- “ The myriad of different programs during Senior Rangers was astounding!!! I've never been an artist, or cared to try, but through our class in Senior Rangers Beginner painting class, the interest has sparked! I'm entering 3 paintings in next years county fair and Lucy and I attend weekly painting classes. Thanks Senior Rangers!"
- "Oh my gosh.....vultures pee on their legs to cool off....oh the things we learned in Senior Rangers! Most fun program ever! I wish other parks did this.” -Barry L.
- “My sister and I had never done kayaking before Senior Rangers. We loved it so much, we bought our own kayaks.” -Christine Moesch Janes Island Senior Ranger.
- "I retired last year, and my wife passed away this past February. I've been so lonely and depressed. Senior Rangers is just what the doctor ordered! Fascinating programs with LOTS to do and I love my new host of friends!" -Wayne R.
2026 Senior Ranger Sessions
Western Region
| Park | Age Req. | Dates | Contacts | Flyer |
|---|
Check back soon.
| | |
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Central Region
| Park | Age Req. | Dates | Registration/Contacts | Flyer |
|---|
Seneca Creek State Park
| 55+ | Wednesdays, April 15-May 20
10 a.m. - Noon |
Register Here
dyla[email protected] |
|
Seneca Creek State Park
| 55+ | Wednesdays, September 16-October 21
10 a.m. - Noon |
Register Here
dyla[email protected] |
|
Bohemia River State Park
| 55+ | Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 and June 10,& 17
10 a.m. - Noon | Registration opens April 1
[email protected] |
Download flyer here.
|
Elk Neck State Park
| 55+ | Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20, and June 3, 10, & 17
10 a.m. - Noon | Registration opens April 1
[email protected] |
Download flyer here.
|
Patapsco Valley State Park
| 55+ | Spring: Wednesdays, April 29-June 10
Morning Group: 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Afternoon Group: 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. |
[email protected] |
|
Patapsco Valley State Park
| 55+ | Fall: Wednesdays, September 30-November 11
Morning Group: 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Afternoon Group: 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. |
[email protected] |
|
Southern Region
Eastern Region
