School Field Trip Transportation Grants sponsored by the Friends of Oregon RidgeCLICK HERE ►
Register for our Naturalist-Led Hikes – Me and My Pup on the Ridge or Senior StrollCLICK HERE ►
Learn about Volunteer Opportunities – Stewardship Work DaysCLICK HERE ►
Trailblazer Newsletter
The Friends of Oregon Ridge publishes a quarterly newsletter – Trailblazer.
Beginning with the Winter 2026 edition,Trailblazer will transition to a digital-only publication.
This change represents more than a new way of delivering our newsletter—it reflects our continued commitment to the mission and vision of the Friends of Oregon Ridge. As outlined in our Five-Year Strategic Plan (see our About Us page), we are committed to protecting and stewarding Oregon Ridge, educating and engaging our community, and helping ensure that this special place is preserved for generations to come.
Moving The Trailblazer to a digital format is one small but meaningful way we can put those values into practice. By reducing the paper, printing, and resources associated with producing and mailing printed newsletters, we can support a more eco-friendly and sustainable approach while continuing to strengthen how we communicate with our members and the broader community.
What will not change is our commitment to quality.
You can continue to expect the same engaging Trailblazer you know—featuring park news and updates, educational articles, volunteer and stewardship opportunities, upcoming events, beautiful photography, community stories, and information about the important work taking place throughout Oregon Ridge.
Going digital also gives us new opportunities to enhance The Trailblazer over time with timely information, convenient links to additional resources, and easier access wherever you are.
Together, we can continue to protect, educate, engage, and steward the natural treasure that is Oregon Ridge while making choices that reflect the future we are working to create.
A Lifetime at Oregon Ridge: Lou Witt and the Heart of a Community
For Lou Witt, Oregon Ridge isn’t just a park he visits – it’s a place that has grown to be a part of his life. He first came to the Ridge in the late 1970s for simple picnics and hikes. What began as casual outings quickly became something deeper. By the early 1980s,...
Fall Folklore featuring the fascinating Woolly Bear Caterpillar
This fall, we've received numerous comments about the Woolly Bear Caterpillars in the park, and it appears that there are more than usual. Many parents have been overheard explaining to their children that the colors of the Woolly Bear caterpillar can predict the...
The Friends of Oregon Ridge Presents the Class of 2025 Scholarship Recipients!
One way the Friends of Oregon Ridge promotes environmental stewardship is through its annual scholarship program. For the past 31 years, the Oregon Ridge Nature Center Council which which has changed it name to the Friends of Oregon Ridge has awarded college scholarships to graduating seniors from Baltimore County and Baltimore City who plan to major in environmental studies.
Conservation of Our Forest and Big Trees
Judy Breitenbach, Maryland Master Naturalist. In 1634, Maryland was almost 95% forested (Seeing the Forest through the Trees). As the State was inhabited by colonists, wood was considered a commodity and used for building homes, firewood, etc. Trees were cleared for crop production.
ORNC Council Values Our Volunteers
On June 2, 2025, the Oregon Ridge Nature Center Council (ORNCC) celebrated its volunteers and scholarship recipients at its Annual Council Meeting. This meeting is meant to bring together Board members, membership and special Baltimore County guests to acknowledge the...
ORNC Council Compost Fundraiser
We are very excited for the opportunity to take our composting program full circle again this year by way of our Compost Fundraiser. We will be selling several products manufactured by Veteran Compost. We think it is pretty cool that some of these products are created...
City Nature Challenge 2023
The Results are in for the 2023 City Nature Challenge. Despite a dreary and drizzly weekend, April 28 to May 1, Baltimore placed 59th overall out of 482 participating cities AROUND THE WORLD! Baltimore also placed 5th among cities of similar geographic size.
The Makings of a Sustainable Trail
When asked their views at a late 2022 Oregon Ridge Master Plan public input meeting, it was no surprise that participants overwhelmingly chose a new trail network as their highest priority. People come from all over the region to hike at Oregon Ridge Park, and we can...
Council Speaker Series Survey
Help us come up with a better Oregon Ridge Nature Center Council Speaker Series program for next year! Please take this 5-minute survey by January 31.