New Germany State Park will host Junior Ranger Sprouts, a free program designed for children ages 2-4, every Monday from September 11 through October 9.

Each week, a nature-themed program will focus on one of the five senses — taste, touch, hearing, smell, and sight. Programs will include a short walk, an art or music activity, and snack time. All children must be supervised by a parent or guardian throughout the program.

The programs are free (supported by the Friends of New Germany State Park), but donations are welcome. Registration is required for each weekly program. To register, please email noah.manges@maryland.gov.

During this program, Rangers Noah and Hannah will lead the group on a short walk (weather permitting), during which the kids will look for different plants and animals along the way and see how many different colors they can find in one spot. After the walk, the group will return to the Lake House to make tie-dyed butterflies using coffee filters, clothes pins, and markers. The program will conclude with “spider crackers” (crackers topped with peanut butter or cream cheese and pretzel sticks for legs), along with grapes and apple slices.