Rachel Carson Conservation Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rachel Carson Conservation Park is a 120-acre park located in Montgomery County, Maryland.


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Summary

It is named after Rachel Carson, an environmentalist and author of the book "Silent Spring," which helped to inspire the modern environmental movement.

There are many good reasons to visit Rachel Carson Conservation Park. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, bird watching, and nature photography. It is also a great place to learn about the environment and conservation efforts. Visitors can attend educational programs and learn about the park's history and ecosystem.

There are several points of interest to see at Rachel Carson Conservation Park. One of the main attractions is the Rachel Carson Greenway Trail, a 25-mile trail that runs through several parks and natural areas in Montgomery County. The park also has several nature trails, a pond, and a butterfly garden.

Interesting facts about the park include that it is home to several species of rare plants and animals, including the eastern box turtle and the spotted salamander. The park also has a history of farming, and visitors can see the remains of old farm buildings and equipment.

The best time to visit Rachel Carson Conservation Park is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its best. The park can be visited year-round, but summer can be hot and humid, and winter can be cold and snowy.

Overall, Rachel Carson Conservation Park is a great place to experience nature, learn about conservation efforts, and enjoy outdoor activities. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in environmentalism and the natural world.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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