Message from the Southeastern Regional Manager Ranger Pat Bright, Jr.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Maryland Park Service! The Southern Maryland Recreational Complex (SMRC) is comprised of nearly 20,000 acres that span three counties. It includes one state forest, six state parks, two state wildlands and numerous Natural Resource Management Areas. We boast some of the Free State’s very finest jewels and an invaluable corps of volunteers strings these gems together.

Our facilities simply could not run without the selfless contributions provided by our volunteers and “Friends” groups. Wherever you wish to volunteer in the SMRC, we welcome you, as do our vital affiliates: the Friends of Cedarville State Forest, the Friends of Calvert Cliffs State Park, the Friends of Merkle NRMA, the Friends of Smallwood State Park and the Friends of Chapman State Park. Together with our small staff, these groups perform park operations, patrols, historic interpretation, special events management, park maintenance, trail work, beach cleanups, environmental education programs, fishing derbies and much, much more.

Volunteer Opportunities

Are you interested in volunteering with the Maryland Park Service? Merkle NRMA has plenty of volunteer opportunities, with something for everyone! We are looking for volunteers to help maintain and create new sections of trail, monitor and report bluebird activity, help care for, feed, and clean up after our resident animals and maintain our gardens. If this sounds like an opportunity for you, please email MerkleWildlife.NRMA@maryland.gov or call 443-510-9920. You must be 16 or older to volunteer, unless accompanied by an adult.

Want more information? Contact:

Merkle Natural Resources Management Area and Visitors Center
11704 Fenno Road
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

443-510-9920
MerkleWildlife.NRMA@maryland.gov