“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together”
Who We Are
Founded in April 2001, the Friends Group is made up of volunteers dedicated to supporting the interpretive naturalist staff and nature programs—ensuring that people of all ages can enjoy meaningful nature experiences and environmental education.
What We Do
We believe these educational programs are the heart of the park. Each year, Black Hill Nature Programs serves over 12,000 participants, including 2,000+ students from Montgomery and Frederick counties who gain hands-on field experiences that boost their environmental literacy.
Funds raised by the Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs help provide:
Supplies for programs and events
Summer camp scholarships
Bus vouchers for Title 1 schools
Summer teacher naturalist interns
Greenhouse gardens and the native plant sale
Examples of Our Support Include:
Nature play spaces
Outdoor classrooms
Native plant greenhouse propagation
Discovery Center gardens
Bluebird boxes
Annual events such as the Staff Recognition Luncheon and Mudfest
Programs for schoolchildren, preschoolers, scouts, and seniors
To learn more about how the Friends Group supports nature center programs—or to get involved—click the learn more button.
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
Princy Francis, Member
In Memoriam
BOARD MEETINGS
The Friends meet monthly during the calendar year. Meetings are held in the Discovery Center.
We were honored to welcome renowned professor, entomologist, and author Doug Tallamy in celebration of FOBHNP’s 20th anniversary. To learn more about his mission and watch the presentation, click the button below.