Monthly Member News

& Updates

(Revised to Correct a Link)

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June 2025

In this Issue

  • President’s Message
  • Invitation to the Annual Membership Meeting
  • Art Gallery Exhibit
  • Fairy House Display Lives On
  • Summer Concert Schedule
  • History Wiki - Quiet Waters Park
  • Capitol SUP Happenings
  • Red Maple Pavilion Playground
  • Calling All Photographers
  • Yoga in the Park
  • Introducing Ranger of the Month
  • Nature Center Sundays
  • June Bird Bulletin
  • Tuesday Infant/Toddler Hike
  • AA Bird Club Walk
  • Memorial Tribute Tree

Calendar of Events



Present thru July 6 - Annapolis Watercolor Club 50th Anniversary Exhibit


Fairy Houses On Display Thru June 22


June 15 - AA Bird Club Monthly Walk (8-10:30)


June 16 - FQWP Annual Members Meeting @ 6pm Visitors Center

           

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

Golden Flight

by Tina Lavato

June Photo Contest Winner


President’s Message:  


And what is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days

  

                                 John Keats


Fullness is the theme in Quiet Waters Park as the days turn toward summer. The intense growing season of spring is settling into robust landscapes and the full green of the trees and foliage is on display. Walkers along the trails are becoming more frequent and the park is alive with activity from morning to evening.  


The Fairy House magic continues along the Holly Pavilion Trail and the houses seem right at home in their leafy glade. They will, however, disappear on June 22nd so be sure to catch them before that! The Friends want to especially acknowledge four contributions to the Fairy House Festival – two musicians from the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra filled the woods with additional magic at the opening “enchantment,” and two large and lovely planters filled with lavender native flowers were a gift from Homestead Gardens. These generous gifts added so much to the spirit of the festival. 


On a more formal note, the Annual Membership Meeting of the Friends will be held in the Garden Gallery – amidst all of the “Golden” watercolor paintings on display from the Annapolis Watercolor Society. All members are invited to attend this meeting where 5 Board members will be voted upon for the next two fiscal years – through June 30, 2027. This meeting is always a special occasion with a review of the recent activities and accomplishments from each Committee along with refreshments, and the formal vote. The meeting begins at 6pm and the Annual Meeting itself will be finished by 7pm with a break, followed by the regular June Board meeting continuing on until 8pm. 


The Friends are announcing a new theme for the coming fiscal year, Native Roots Restoration, to draw attention to a new emphasis throughout the park in activities to remove invasive species and replace them with native plants. I think you will enjoy this lyrical explanation of the benefits of this activity - provided by AI:


In the heart of our beloved Quiet Waters Park, a symphony of renewal begins with the removal of invasive species, those unwelcome wails that stifle nature’s choir. By replacing them with native roots, we weave a tapestry of vibrant life that beckons back the flutter of butterflies and the cheerful chirps of songbirds. This harmonious restoration nurtures essential habitats, enriching the soil with a life force that fosters resilience and creates a thriving ecosystem for wildlife. As the park flourishes, so too does the spirit of the community, gathering under the leafy canopies, their laughter dancing on the breeze. Together, we cultivate not just a sanctuary of beauty, but a deeper connection to the land, enhancing our shared joy and the lessons of stewardship for generations to come. "Native Roots Restoration" breathes life back into every corner, inviting all to witness the magic of harmony and balance in our urban oasis.


In future newsletters we will give you more information about participating in invasive species removal projects and programs. 


For a change-of-pace for the playground loving children in your household, you might want to turn into the Red Maple Pavilion on your next park visit. A bright and inviting set of playground equipment offers new challenges and pleasures for both climbers and their caretakers. 


We are also providing a reminder about the wonderful resource of photos and videos pertaining to the history of Quiet Waters Park available on the Annapollis Wiki History site. New digitized photos have been added from the Park archives.


So yes, June is busting out all over Quiet Waters Park…see you there!   

Donate to the Friends of QWP!



Invitation to the Annual

Membership Meeting



The Friends of Quiet Waters Park was founded just after the Park was formed in 1990 and in 2017 a set of By-Laws established it as a Membership Organization designating June for the Annual Meeting of Members.  



This years’ meeting will take place on June 16th at 6pm in the Garden Gallery of the Visitor Center.


All current members are invited to attend and vote. There will be a review of the past fiscal years’ activities, including a financial report and the election of Board Members.  


*All Board meetings are open to the public.

*Light refreshments will be available. Please join us.




Art Gallery Exhibit

Annapolis Watercolor Club

50th Anniversary Exhibit Through July 6


Continuing in the Galleries through July 6th the Annapolis Watercolor Club (AWC) is holding a special exhibition celebrating their 50th Anniversary. The theme of the exhibit is “gold” (50th “Golden” Anniversary) and all paintings in the exhibit contain the color gold (metallic, metallic leaf or other golden color). The works were juried and judged and prizes awarded to both AWC members and guest artists who entered their work. 
The Galleries in the Visitor Center are opened from 9 - 4 on weekdays and 10 - 4 on weekends. Entrance to the park is $6 per vehicle.

Stacy Lund Levy, "Guided Tranquility," Annapolis Watercolor Club

Theresa Jackson, "Golden Sunset Gozo" Annapolis Watercolor Club

The Enchantment Until June 22, 2025...


The Fairy House Festival opened with blue skies and a breeze at its back! The Holly Pavilion and itsTrail were transformed into a place for celebration of so much that is graceful and hopeful about our community.


The pavilion featured garlands and butterflies, handmade bouquets on each table, and lovely flowers donated by

Homestead Gardens.


The hundreds of visitors were greeted with cupcakes and lemonade and fairy wands and smiling faces.


And then to the Fairy House Trail to find scores of Fairy Houses, each completely unique, some breathtakingly detailed works of art, all reflective of the loving talents of our residents, including school kids, friends, individuals, couples, families.


And this year, wanderers of the trail also had the extraordinary experience of hearing mystical music among the trees. Where could it be coming from, people asked? It brought tears, people said. Ahh, it was a gift of two talented Annapolis Symphony Orchestra musicians – a flautist and a violinist – who became as one with the forest and the fairies. What could be more perfect than all of this?


The Fairy Houses along the Trail will continue to be with us through June 22. Be sure to visit before the fairies mystically pack up and move on (we do have permission to capture them for a time at https://fqwp.org/fairy-house-festival-2025/).


This event was made possible due to the Friends of Quiet Waters Park and the members who support us. The Friends’ financial resources for events like this come from member donations and we ask anyone who loves the Park to join us. Clap if you believe and please use the Membership and/or Donate links.


Paddle, Run and Unwind with Capitol SUP

This Summer at Quiet Waters Park


Make the most of June with Capitol SUP at Quiet Waters Park! Whether you're new to paddle boarding, love a good trail run, or want to catch golden hour on the water, we've got something for you.


Run Club - Mondays 6:00-7:30 pm

Intro to SUP - Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 pm & Saturdays, 10:00-11:30 am

Yappy Hour- June 12 (bring your pup!)

Sunset Paddles - June 7 & 21

Eco Tour - June 21


Plus, Summer GROM Camp officially begins June 16th! Designed for kids ages 7–14, our week-long camps build confidence on the water through paddleboarding, kayaking, and outdoor games—all led by experienced counselors in a safe, fun environment.


Come explore the beauty of Quiet Waters by land and water. All experience levels welcome—bring a friend or make a few new ones!


Join us for an event or book a rental: Quiet Waters Park

Book a week of summer camp: Summer GROM Camp


Red Maple Pavilion Playground


Got kids? Take them to the new Red Maple Pavilion playground!

Yoga In The Park


No yoga sessions are currently scheduled but stay tuned for future sessions hosted by Chevon, The Mystic Yogini LLC.


Ranger Davis - Introducing Ranger of the Month


Ranger Logan Davis is one of the newer part-time Rangers in Quiet Waters Park. He grew-up in New Mexico, where he came to appreciate all the ways in which plants and animals adapted and flourished in the desert environment. He joined the US Air Force and was stationed in Alaska where he began serious hiking and adventuring in another stark, yet life-filled, landscape. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland and responded to an ad to become a QWP Ranger. What attracted him most was the idea of helping people relate to nature and the kinds of discoveries about its mysteries that he found so compelling. He will be providing assistance to visitors coming to the Park June 20 - 21 for the Great American Campout program sponsored by Anne Arundel County. (Registration for the Campout this year is closed, but if you are interested in next year, sign-up for the AA County Newsletter). In the meantime, keep an eye out for Ranger Logan in other parts of the park!  

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

www.wbu.com/gambrills


June Bird Bulletin


June is National Perennial Plant Month! June is the perfect time to purchase and plant perennials, if you haven’t already done so. Adding native plants to your yard is a wonderful (and attractive) way to support your local pollinators!

House Wrens on their NEST behavior! June is peak nesting time for House Wrens and their nests are small works of art that can be found in already existing crevices like tree holes, bird houses, flower pots, or even shoes! The male wren will begin the process by building multiple starter nests to attract a female. A female will select one of the nests by adding a soft lining of feathers and plant fibers. The finishing touch is usually moss, bark, and other similar materials to help with camouflage. 

Did you know? The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) is a US federal law that protects nearly all native bird species in the United States (over 1,000 species), with only a few exceptions. It prohibits the "take" of these birds, which includes activities such as killing, capturing, collecting feathers, and disrupting nests. If you see a native bird with an active nest, you must leave it alone until the young have fledged before you can remove it. More information about this law and its limited exceptions can be found online: https://www.fws.gov/law/migratory-bird-treaty-act-1918.

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 - June 15th (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.

Friends of Quiet Waters Park
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