
Trails, landmarks, and nature await!
We wish you were here to enjoy the beauty in our backyard. That's why we're challenging YOU to Explore the Gunpowder Watershed from April 22 - June 3, 2025. You'll be rewarded for spending time outdoors and visiting local nature centers, historic sites, and businesses.
It's free to participate - just complete one or both of our challenges to earn a commemorative T-shirt and a chance to win our grand prize: a full day paddleboarding or kayaking experience for two from Ultimate Watersports.
- Activity Challenge - Complete 20 miles of activity on land (or water)
- Passport Challenge - Collect 4 stickers from participating locations
Questions? Contact Amy Young, GVC Outreach and Stewardship Manager, by email.


Activity Challenge
We're spreading awareness about caring for the Gunpowder Watershed while staying active and getting out in nature. Join us for our Activity Challenge - it's easy!
- Register for the challenge - click here
- Walk, bike, roll, or paddle at your own pace
- Track your progress manually with our Activity Log or your fitness app of choice
- Complete 20 miles between April 22 - June 3
Be prepared to present your results to us at the Explore the Gunpowder Watershed celebration in late June (date and location TBD) to claim your t-shirt.
Passport Challenge
Please note that Passports will be available at locations starting the week of April 14th!
Indulge in what nature has to offer our community. Join us for our Passport Challenge - it's easy!
- Register for the challenge - click here
- Visit Gunpowder Passport locations to collect stickers - see map and list below
- Bonus - Volunteer with GVC and earn a sticker
- Collect 4 stickers to complete your passport
Be prepared to present your results to us at the Explore the Gunpowder Watershed celebration in late June (date and location TBD) to claim your t-shirt.
Passport Partners
Here's our list of 2025 Explore the Gunpowder Watershed Challenge Passport Partners. Each provide a unique glimpse into the Gunpowder Watershed. Please refer to each location's website and/or social media to determine any changes to their open hours.
Baltimore County Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden
- Address: 1114 Shawan Rd, Cockeysville, MD 21030
- Open Hours: Daily (sunrise-sunset)
- Website: https://sites.google.com/view/bcmg-demo-garden
Charlotte's Quest Nature Center
- Address: 3400 Wilhelm Lane, Manchester, MD 21102
- Open Hours: Monday & Wednesday (10 am - 1 pm)
- Website: https://www.charlottesquest.org/
- Special Direction: Visit bulletin board in parking lot to find out how to get your sticker!
Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum
- Address: 701 Wilson Point Rd, Middle River, MD 21220
- Open Hours: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (10:30 am - 3: 30 pm)
- Website: https://www.mdairmuseum.org/
Graham Equestrian Center
- Address: 10301 Harford Rd, Glen Arm, MD 21057
- Open Hours: Daily (8 am - 7 pm)
- Website: https://grahameq.org/
Gunpowder Falls State Park - Jerusalem Mill
- Address: 2813 Jerusalem Rd, Kingsville, MD 21087
- Open Hours for Visitor Center: Saturday (10 am - 4 pm) and Sunday (1 pm - 4 pm)
- Website: https://jerusalemmill.org/
Gunpowder Riverkeeper at Sparks Nature Center
- Address: 1207 Sparks Rd, Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152
- Open Hours: Monday - Saturday (9 am - 3 pm)
- Website: https://gunpowderriverkeeper.org/
Historical Society of Baltimore County
- Address: 9811 Van Buren Lane, Cockeysville, MD 21030
- Open Hours: Friday - Saturday (10 am- 2 pm)
- Website: https://hsobc.org/
Manor Mill
- Address: 2029 Monkton Rd, Monkton, MD 21111
- Open Hours: Wednesday - Sunday (12 pm - 6 pm)
- Website: https://manor-mill.com/
Marshy Point Nature Center
- Address: 7130 Marshy Point Rd, Middle River, MD 21220
- Open Hours: Daily (9 am - 5 pm)
- Website: https://www.marshypoint.org/
Oregon Ridge Nature Center
- Address: 13555 Beaver Dam Rd, Cockeysville, MD 21030
- Open Hours: Daily (9 am - 5 pm)
- Website: https://www.oregonridgenaturecenter.org/
Pipe the Side Brewing Company
- Address: 721 Hanover Pike, Hampstead, MD 21074
- Open Hours: Wednesday - Sunday (Hours vary)
- Website: https://pipethesidebrewingcompany.com/
Ultimate Watersports
- Address: 100 Kearney Dr, Joppatowne, MD 21085
- Open Hours: Seasonal hours - visit website
- Website: https://ultimatewatersports.com/
Willow Grove Nature Center at Cromwell Valley Park
- Address: 2175 Cromwell Bridge Rd, Parkville, MD 21234
- Open Hours: Daily (9 am - 5 pm)
- Website: https://cromwellvalleypark.org/