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President’s Message
"March brings loud and shrill, stirs the dancing daffodil."
Gabriela Aleman
Welcome back to Quiet Waters Park! The unexpectedly harsh snow and ice of February have finally gone and the trails and walkways are clean and open for visitors again!
Returning to the Park after an almost 2-week hiatus, I was reminded of the idea of taking a "Slow Hike." While fast-paced walking is beneficial to health, there is also benefit in taking a, mindful, and leisure-focused approach to hiking. Slow hiking can be a "quiet rebellion" against performance-driven activity by taking time to listen for a longer time, look more closely, and inhale more deeply. You might want to give it a try.
Throughout the year I will offer more information about our theme - “Native Roots Restoration.” I will share information about new initiatives within the Park to remove large swaths of plants not native to our environment. The same idea applies to trees – native trees provide many advantages including natural limits that help keep their growth in check. They also support insects, birds and small mammals that are dependent on the shelter and food sources that native trees provide.
Our intention is not only to bring healthier plants to the Park, but to provide information about how we can bring more native trees and plants into our yards and other public spaces. Check out the Tree Ambassadors Program sponsored by the Watershed Stewards Program - a great opportunity described further down in this months’ newsletter.
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Warm Regards,
Kristin Pauly, President
See you in the Park!
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March Photo Contest Winner
Majestic Flight
by Kim Cover
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Through the eyes of the photographer...Kim Cover
"My husband and I were out for an evening cruise on our boat. We love coming into the little cove off Harness Creek at the park to just sit quietly and watch the wildlife as the sun sets. This particular evening did not disappoint, as we came upon this beauty as he flew in, enjoyed a little snack and flew out!"
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2026 FQWP Photo Contest – Now Open!
| | We’re excited to welcome entries for the 12th Annual Friends of Quiet Waters Park Photo Contest. Share your best images of Quiet Waters Park—nature scenes, wildlife, water views, sculptures, seasonal landscapes, and park events. | | | | |
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Clap if you believe . . .
Quiet Waters Park and the Friends of Quiet Waters Park Sculpture Committee are, by popular demand, again hosting this year's
Fairy House Festival!
You can create and submit a Fairy House made of materials found in nature to be on display within the woods of Quiet Waters Park.
Enchantment begins on Saturday, June 6 at 2 PM at the Holly Pavilion - all are invited and Fairy - like costumes are encouraged!
Fairy Houses will be on display along the Holly Trail from June 6 through June 28.
Guidelines for constructing and submitting a Fairy House will be available on the Friends of Quiet Waters Park website, Facebook page, and Instagram beginning March 15. The first 75 qualifying applications will be accepted.
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Jennifer Gruver, "The Lonely House," Pastel | |
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 Galleries are open from 9 - 4 on weekdays and 10 - 4 on weekends. Entrance to the park is $8 per vehicle; fee is waived for the Reception only.
| | Lynn Goff, "Blooming," Stoneware | | | | |
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Bygone Buildings Burn – Part 1
Fire is a feature both of nature and human habitation; Quiet Waters is no exception. In just the last 80 years, two fires destroyed houses on the Quiet Waters property. Both fires were set intentionally – though for very different, even opposite, motivations!
On October 9, 2020, the home of Ned and Lillian Bishop was set ablaze. The Bishops owned all of Quiet Waters approximately 350 acres. The home was on 18-acres, known as Quiet Waters Retreat, a parcel acquired by the county just the year before.
The Bishop home was in an area without public water and more than 1,500 feet off Forest Hill Drive, much of that distance without a driveway. As a result, firefighters had to carry in all the needed equipment (ladders, power tools.) The complex conditions meant that 76 firefighters responded from Anne Arundel County, Annapolis Fire Department, Naval Support Activity Annapolis Fire Department, and Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department, fighting for 90 minutes to extinguish the flames.
The fire was immediately deemed “incendiary in nature;” the motive was arson.
Though photos of a teenaged ‘person of interest’ were posted to news sites, the actual arsonist has never been publicly identified.
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The Bishop House Arson
October 9, 2020
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The Bishop House After The Fire
October 2020
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2027 Parks & Recreation Survey
The Land Preservation, Parks, and Recreation Plan is required to be submitted by each county to the State of Maryland every five years. This plan serves as a guide for the development of parks, improvements to recreational facilities and programs, and efforts to preserve land in Anne Arundel County. The next LPPRP is due in 2027, and your input and feedback in 2026 are essential to its success.
Don't miss your opportunity to have an impact on your desires for Quiet Waters Park and other Anne Arundel County recreational facilities and programs.
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• Did you know? Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is home to one of the largest breeding populations of bald eagles in the United States. The refuge's observation floor is a WBU Pathways to Nature program site and funded by a percentage of each WBU customer's purchases.
This year's Eagle Festival will be on March 14, 2026. Experience live eagle and other birds of prey programs, kid’s activities, tours, nature and conservation exhibits, food all day and more!
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• Are you seeing an increase in Bluebird activity? Bluebirds are likely starting to stake territory and select nesting houses. Be sure to have their favorite foods available and have your bluebird houses ready! All cavity nesters can be picky about their housing choices, but Bluebirds are known for it. Bluebirds favor houses in open, sunny, grassy areas fixed on a pole with a baffle to deter predators. Males will identify potential sites, and the females will make the final choice. If you need any guidance, call or come visit our shop - we are happy help!
| | | | | • Have you been wondering where your Goldfinches went this winter? Well, they may have been hiding in plain sight all along! In winter, they sport their winter feathers which are drab brown or a dull yellow-green. The winter feathers make it harder to distinguish the males from the females and sometimes they are mistaken for sparrows at first glance. However, in the coming weeks, the males will begin to molt into their brilliant yellow plumage they are best known for! | | | | |
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Join the Anne Arundel Bird Club on their monthly walk on March 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
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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.
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Infant/Toddler Hike
Join Ranger Liz every Tuesday for a fun winter hike! The location changes each week, so ask the gate attendant where we are.
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Individual annual memberships help us fund projects & events in the Park.
Become a member today!
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Not ready for a membership, but would still like to donate?
Click below to donate today!
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Honor Your Loved One
While Helping Your Favorite Park!
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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.
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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
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Friends of Quiet Waters Park
www.fqwp.org
Stay Connected via Facebook
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