Who We Are

The Friends Group was formed in April 2001 by volunteers interested in supporting the interpretive naturalist staff and the nature programs, to ensure that nature experiences and environmental education would be available to individuals of all ages. 

What We Do

We believe that these educational programs are the heart of the park. On a yearly basis, Black Hill Nature Programs conducts nature programs/events for over 12,000 individuals including giving 2,000+ students from Montgomery and Frederick counties with a meaningful field experience that increases their environmental literacy.  The Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs uses money raised to fund necessary supplies to conduct programs and events, scholarships for summer camps, bus vouchers for Title 1 schools, summer teacher naturalist interns, green house gardens and the native plant sale.

Examples of activities the Friends Group supports include:

• Nature Play Spaces;

• Outdoor Classrooms;

• Native Plant Greenhouse Propagation;

• Discovery Center Gardens;

• Bluebird Boxes;

• Annual Events such as Staff Recognition Luncheon, and Mudfest; and,

• Programs for schoolchildren, preschoolers, scouts, and seniors

To find out more information about some of the many ways the Friends have been able to contribute to the nature center programs, visit the donate page.

Board Members

Carol Gregoire, President

vacant, Vice-President

Lou Masciocchi, Treasurer

Keri Pérez, Membership Secretary/Webmaster

Elaine Gibson, Secretary

Anita Pustelnik, Plant Sale Coordinator

Sheila MacLeod, Member

Monika Laws, Member

Karoline Anders, Member

Kara Constantine, Member

Prince Francis, Member

BOARD MEETINGS

The Friends meet monthly during the calendar year. Meetings are held in the Discovery Center.