President’s Message

In February nature reminds us that even in the coldest moments,

beauty can still flourish

Gabriela Aleman

The past week has certainly provided us with some very cold moments! If you are thinking of visiting the Park, it is slowly digging-out from all the snow and ice. Roadways and parking lots are plowed, but as of this writing, some areas - including the dog park - are still closed off. Of course, there are still many very icy areas throughout. The skating rink is open and will remain so thru President’s Day on February 16th.

If you are visiting the Friends Website you will notice the banner has several new additions that we'd like to bring to your attention. Click the 2 icons below to see for yourself.

The first icon is a link to a new Photo Gallery where you will find a wonderful display of Park photographs taken in all seasons and by a variety of photographers.

Also if you look under the heading of "Art" on the website Menu you can find all the photos entered in our Photo Contest for the past 3 years!

It's worth a visit to both pages to see many beautiful views of Quiet Waters Park taken by friends and visitors!

The second new icon on our menu will take you to frequently updated information about the status of the Dog Park such as updates on running water, etc. Also, there is a QR code on the bulletin board adjacent to the Dog Park where you can report conditions that you think other dog owners might like to know about. This bulletin board was donated by Pup Scouts.

Enjoy the beauty of winter in the Park…and be extra careful of icy areas! 

Warm Regards,

Kristin Pauly, President

See you in the Park!



Art Gallery Exhibit

Jennifer Gruver, "The Lonely House," Pastel

Beginning February 5 and continuing through March 29, 2026 in the Willow Gallery will hang "Midwinter Melange.” It is a collection of artwork in various media from the artists associated with the Art Committee who run the galleries at Quiet Waters Park. The show will exhibit works in pastel, oil, ceramics, stitchery, weaving, dyed silk scarves, computer generated art and watercolor. Many of the artists are retired art teachers who have found a wonderful extension of their lives become artists themselves.

The Opening Reception will be February 15, 2026 from 1:30 TO 3:30 in the Visitor Center. The Galleries are open from 9 - 4 on weekdays and 10 - 4 on weekends.  Entrance to the park is $6 per vehicle; fee is waived for the Reception only.

Lynn Goff, "Blooming," Stoneware

Watch the website for additional information on future events! In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like to volunteer, contact Terri McKenna (teresa@friendsofquietwaterspark.org) or Ranger Liz Schilder (rpschi66@aacounty.org).

February

Bird Bulletin

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

• February is National Bird Feeding Month! Feeding wild birds is a wholesome hobby

that has been steadily growing in popularity. Not only does it help the struggling wild bird population that has been declining since the 1970s, but it has also shown to have a positive impact on the mental and physical health of those who participate in the hobby! If you don’t currently feed the birds in your yard, you should consider starting – it is a wonderful way to help the environment while bringing joy to your life!

• Get ready for Grackles! Grackles return north this time of year, so watch for increased activity at your feeders. For some, grackles are a nuisance, while others quite

enjoy these beautiful, yellow-eyed, blackbirds visiting their feeders. For those of you wanting to dissuade them from “pigging out” at your feeders, try serving Safflower seed. Safflower is a great deterrent for all blackbirds and (as a bonus) mammals don’t care for the bitter taste, so it can deter squirrels too! Cardinals, on the other hand, love it, so they will thank you!

• Join the Great Backyard Bird Count! The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a

free, fun, and easy event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to

create a real-time snapshot of bird populations. Participants are asked to count birds for as little as 15 minutes on one or more days of the four-day event and report their sightings online. The 29th annual GBBC will be held Friday, February 13 to Monday,

February 16, 2026. Please visit the official website at www.birdcount.org for more

information on how to join the fun!

Join the Anne Arundel Bird Club on their monthly walk on February 15 in 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 past the Visitor Center, the amphitheater and dog park. For further information contact Jim Collatz, jcollatz@aol.com, 301-254-0188.

This event is recurring the 3rd Sunday of each month September through May.

Time is 8:00-10:30.

600 Quiet Waters Park Road

Annapolis, MD 21403

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.

Interested in sponsoring programs at Quiet Waters Park?

Our local sponsors help support Friends of Quiet Waters Park activities.

Contact us for more information: Info@friendsofquietwaterspark.org

Friends of Quiet Waters Park

www.fqwp.org

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