Monthly Member News

& Updates





April 2025

In this Issue

  • President’s Message
  • Earth Day in the Park
  • Art Gallery Exhibits
  • Fairy House Festival
  • Gerald Winegrad, Exploring Cuba's Biodiversity and Cultural Treasures
  • Celebrate the Night Sky
  • Annual Photo Contest is Now Open
  • Yoga in the Park
  • Call for Artists
  • Nature Center Sundays
  • Seeking Volunteers for Box Turtle Study
  • April Bird Bulletin
  • Tuesday Infant/Toddler Hike
  • AA Bird Club Walk
  • Memorial Tribute Tree

Calendar of Events


Apr 2 thru May 18 - Art Gallery Exhibits


Apr 20 - AA Bird Club Monthly Walk (8-10:30)


April 26- Earth Day in the Park


April 27 - Celebrate the Night Sky


May 1 - Call for Artists Due (June 1 With Late Fee)


May 17 - Fairy House Festival Opening Celebration

           

Recurring - Infant/Toddler Tuesday Hikes

FQWP Partners

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A SPONSOR OF PROGRAMS IN QUIET WATERS PARK?


THE ACTIVITIES OF THE FRIENDS OF QUIET WATERS PARK ARE SUPPORTED IN PART BY OUR LOCAL SPONSORS. CONTACT US TODAY TO LEARN MORE:

Info@friendsofquietwaterspark.org

Ornamental Cherry Blossoms

by Ingrid Munoz

April Photo Contest Winner

'April is the time to turn over a new leaf'

-Terri Guillemets


President’s Message:  


April brings the arrival of spring with signs of renewal and change visible throughout the Park. The Earth Day celebration is Sunday, April 26th and several new walks, geared to various ages and interests, are offered. Check the information in the Newsletter and make your plans now to come to the Park to welcome spring and honor our earthly home.  


Speaking of our earthly home, have you ever wished you could look at the stars from the Overlook in Quiet Waters Park? “Celebrate the Night Sky” is a first-of-its-kind viewing being held from 8:30 to 10 pm Sunday, April 27th (registration is limited and a small fee is required). This is a rare opportunity to join three astronomers and fellow stargazers in an important activity supported by the Friends and the Park. All of our local officials: Mayor Gavin Buckley, County Executive Stewart Pittman, and Governor Wes Moore have issued proclamations highlighting the importance of the Dark Sky movement. 


For another perspective on our planet and its inhabitants, former State Senator Gerald Winegrad is presenting “Exploring Cuba’s Biodiversity and Cultural Treasures” the evening of April 16th at 7pm in the Blue Heron Room. There is no fee or registration required for the presentation sponsored by the Anne Arundel Bird Club and Friends of Quiet Waters Park.  


We are excited to announce several changes to our yearly photo contest. We have improved our process for accepting entries so please follow the instructions in the flyer and on the Friends website


Yoga is returning to the Park in the Visitor Center on Sunday, April 13 at noon. And on Earth Day in the Park, April 26th, the session will be located in the formal gardens, just out the back door of the Visitor Center from 12 - 1:15. The link to register is on the Friends website.


There are two exciting additions to the Friends website - an interactive map showing all 12 new environmental and historical Wayside signs – click on a number and the sign will appear! And an interactive map showing all 19 of the Sculptures in the Park - hover over the number and the name of the piece and the sculptor appears, click the number and the sculpture appears!  Have fun trying them out! 


These are only a few of the activities taking place in April as the Park awakens from its winter downtime, so check our website www.fqwp.org or Facebook Friends of Quiet Waters Park frequently for updates.  


Better yet, see you in the Park!   

Donate to the Friends of QWP!



Art Gallery Exhibit

April 2 Thru May 18


From April 2 through May 18th, two very different artists will exhibit in the Galleries. Wendy D. Johnson is both an Artist and Art Educator. Her exhibit, in the Willow Gallery, is titled "Coastal Roots and Tranquility." Wendy states, “As a child growing up on Cornfield Creek, I learned to love all things surrounding the Chesapeake Bay and began by illustrating lighthouses and boats. The “Coastal’ artwork trend has been an inspiration to revisit my roots painting tranquil subject matter in relation to bodies of water. I hope you find a sense of calm from my work.”
Paul Gruner of Gruner Pottery will show in the Garden Gallery with his ceramics exhibit titled “Exploring Landscapes in Clay.” He states “I’m using clay vessels and slabs as canvases for abstract and impressionist landscapes, painted with glazes. Layered glazes melt and interact when fired in the kiln, and even after years of experience, I am often surprised by the results. But I love the depth and visual texture of glazes and find them a great medium for painting natural vistas."
The Galleries are open from 9 - 4 on weekdays and 10 - 4 on weekends. The Opening Reception for the Artists is on April 6, 2025 from 1:30 to 3:30 at the Visitor Center which holds the Galleries. Admission to the park is $6 per vehicle; fee is waived for the Reception only.

Wendy D. Johnson, Graceful Nettle,"Watercolar Gouache"

Paul Gruner, "Meadow Tile," Stoneware and Glaze

Yoga In The Park



Come and join our Annapolis and Quiet Waters Friends in two all levels yoga practice sessions. On April 13 a practice will be held in the Visitors Center (upstairs). And on April 26 (Earth Day in the Park) the session will be located in the formal gardens, just out the back door of the Visitor Center. These are both an all levels family friendly event hosted by Chevon, The Mystic Yogini LLC. Please bring a mat, any props you wish to use and water.


Please park at the Blue Heron Center Lot or Parking Lot J. Please do not occupy the flag/circle staff parking.


In the event of increment weather, your ticket may be used for a future Soulful Sunday session of equal value. Click to Register:  https://linktr.ee/ChevonKelly

Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks and the Friends of Quiet Waters Park announce that their annual arts festival, Art @ the Park 2025, will take place at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, MD October 11 and 12, 2025 from 10am-4 pm. PLEASE NOTE: this year, the event will be OUTDOOR ONLY. The Visitor Center and Blue Heron Center, where we normally host indoor vendors, will be under renovation. All vendors will be outside and will need 10' x 10' tents.


Applications for this juried exhibition OPEN Monday, February 3, 2025 and CLOSE Thursday, May 1, 2025(late application through Sunday, June 1, 2025 with $25 late fee.) Artists will be notified of jury decisions beginning the week of May 15, 2025.

Also, different this year is that we are using Google Forms instead of Zapplication for applications. Please apply using this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1jU-2g5k5H|c RRejuo43qPc8yiW3AtyO02enZxzKysA/edit  


The application fee is $30 ($55 after May 1). Please pay your application fee here: https://fqwp.org/make-a-payment/. If payment for your application is not received, you will not be juried or accepted into the show. Booth prices are $125.


For more information: email Ranger Liz at rpschi66@aacounty.org.


Nature Center Sundays


Join the park ranger every Sunday from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm for Nature Center Sundays, a special opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the outdoors. This program allows community members to explore and learn about the park's rich environment. The parks experienced and knowledgeable rangers will be on hand to answer questions and share insights about the fascinating plants and animals that call the park home. Don't miss this chance to deepen your connection with nature and discover the wonders right in your backyard! The Nature Center is located on the second floor of the Visitor Center. $6

per car entry fee into the park applies.


Courtesy of Kate Neall, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Gambrills.


April Bird Bulletin


• Nesting season is underway! You can begin to monitor nest boxes for activity by mid-month, if you haven’t already begun to do so. Be sure to provide a super-boost of calcium and protein by serving our Nesting SuperBlend to your birds. The need for protein and calcium substantially increases for birds during periods of egg-laying. Protein is crucial for muscle and feather development in young birds.


• They’re almost here! Hummingbirds are on their way and are projected to arrive in Maryland by mid-April. Get those feeders cleaned and prepped for hummingbird season! If you are making your own nectar, the recipe is 1 part regular table sugar to 4 parts water (1:4) and avoid using red dyes.


• Earth Day is April 22 nd ! Celebrate Earth Day by creating a bird-friendly habitat in your yard. In the last 50 years, our bird population has declined by almost one-third, largely due to habitat loss. Your yard can make a difference. Visit www.wbu.com/certify-your-yard to learn how you can help birds flourish.

Join the Anne Arundel Bird Club on their monthly walk through Quiet Waters Park on paved paths through habitat that includes mature deciduous forest, wood edges, mowed fields, wetlands, and a native plant garden, along with sweeping views of the open waters of the South River and Harness Creek.


Meet at the parking lot at the end of

Quiet Waters Park Road passed the Visitor Center,

passed the amphitheater and passed the dog park

on the 3rd Sunday - April 20th (8:00-10:30)

Honor Your Loved One While Helping

Your Favorite Park!

Next time you are in the Visitors Center, visit the Memorial Tribute Tree in the entrance foyer installed by the Friends of Quiet Waters Park and park staff. The tree offers those wishing to honor loved ones an opportunity to purchase gold, silver, and copper leaves and special features such as acorns or mini trees. These will be custom engraved with your personal messages. The engraved feature will be a perpetual tribute to your loved one and proceeds benefit the park.  


For more information about the Memorial Tribute Tree or Memorial Living Tree, visit the Friends website:

https://fqwp.org/memorials-programs/

Friends of Quiet Waters Park
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