ThorpeWood

02/28/2026

us for our Nature on Tap Speaker Series at RAK Brewing Co. on Tuesday, March 10th, featuring aquatic ecologist Mark Southerland who will be sharing all about what he calls "savvy salamanders."

Salamanders are some of the most fascinating and overlooked residents of our forests and streams. Mark will share insights into the remarkable lives of these secretive amphibians and the vital role they play in healthy ecosystems.

We’ll also explore the importance of vernal pools - temporary spring wetlands that provide critical habitat for salamanders and other wildlife - and discuss current efforts to better protect these unique ecosystems.

Photos are of salamanders found at ThorpeWood! Thanks, !

Registration appreciated but not required: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/rw43ap3

02/26/2026

🌸Are you ready for spring?! Beyond the warmer weather, blossoming flowers, and lengthening daylight, the changing of seasons offers a natural invitation for reflection and renewal. As we cross the threshold into spring, join us for an evening of connection and intention at our Vernal Equinox Celebration 🌱

We’ll welcome the spring with a guided walk through the woods, gather around the bonfire, and learn about Indigenous traditions that honor the changing of seasons. Tea and cookies will be shared as we celebrate the return of longer days and new life.

🕕 Early arrival: 6:00 PM
🌿 Program begins: 6:30 PM
🌙 Farewells: 8:00 PM

Hosted by the Sustainability Committee at ThorpeWood.

This celebration will take place at ThorpeWood, though the exact location on the property may shift depending on the weather. Any updates will be communicated promptly.

✨ Space is limited. Register today: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/mpj5uem

02/23/2026

If winter is feeling extra heavy this year, you're not alone 💙

Registration for our February Grief Support Group and Hike on Saturday, February 28th is now OPEN. We will meet at the ThorpeWood Lodge at 9am. 🥾❄🌲

These monthly grief support groups and hikes are offered at no cost through ThorpeWood's nature-based grief support program, The Umbrella Project . Facilitated by a professional grief counselor, each 90-minute support group is followed by an optional hour-long hike of moderate intensity.

We look forward to supporting you on the 28th.

Registration appreciated: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/ht85y69

02/04/2026

We’re excited to share this preview from our friends at 88Visual of the short film they created about Adult Summer Camp at ThorpeWood, and we can’t wait for you to see the full story.

Join us this Friday at 6:30 PM at Artspiration in Frederick for a short film about slowing down, finding rest, and rediscovering play as adults - things our modern world doesn’t make nearly enough space for.

Come be part of the conversation, learn how to join this community, and get a glimpse of what ThorpeWood is all about ♥

02/03/2026

Join us for our February Nature on Tap at RAK Brewing Co. to learn all about crocodilians with Drew Roderuck from the National Aquarium🐊🐊🐊

Drew will be sharing an assortment of fascinating (and surprisingly sweet) stories about crocodilians - what makes them unique, misunderstood, and absolutely essential to their ecosystems.

Drew brings more than a decade of experience in herpetology, having worked with everything from venomous snakes to turtles to crocodilians. He currently specializes in Australian reptiles and has extensive hands-on training with crocodilians, making him the perfect guide into their ancient and captivating world.

Is this the perfect Valentine's date, or what? Don't miss it!

To register: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/ya63ucb

01/31/2026

Join us this Friday, February 6 at 6:30 PM at Artspiration for the very first screening of the short film 2 Black Guys: A ThorpeWood Experience.

This film follows 40 strangers who came together for a camping-style therapeutic experience rooted in slowing down, reconnecting, and creating space outside the noise of everyday life.

Come watch, come reflect, and be part of the conversation - and learn more about what we have planned for Summer 2026 😎⛺🔥

01/23/2026

Registration for our January Grief Support Group and Hike on Saturday, January 31st is now OPEN! We will meet at the ThorpeWood Lodge at 9am. 🥾❄🌲

These monthly grief support groups and hikes are offered at no cost through ThorpeWood's nature-based grief support program, The Umbrella Project. Facilitated by a professional grief counselor, each 90-minute support group is followed by an optional hour-long hike of moderate intensity.

We look forward to supporting you on the 31st.

Registration appreciated: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/34angqa

01/21/2026

Happy National Hugging Day 🤍

Everyday at ThorpeWood we get to see firsthand how much safe connection matters for mental health and wellbeing. Sometimes that connection looks like a hug from a trusted person. Sometimes it’s a tree. Sometimes it’s a very shaggy horse or the cuddliest barn cat. And believe it or not, giving yourself a hug even reduces the stress-hormone cortisol and can help you feel safer and calmer if you're overwhelmed.

However you find your hug today, we hope it brings a sense of calm, care, and connectedness 🤗💓

01/09/2026

New year, new line-up! We'll be learning about everything from wildflowers to crocodiles in 2026 and can't wait to explore, discover, and share the wonders of nature with you all year long!

While our Nature on Tap Speaker Series usually meets on the second Tuesday of the month, for January only, we’ll gather on Tuesday, January 20th.

We’re thrilled to welcome Kevin Lamp, Deer Project Leader with the Maryland DNR Wildlife & Heritage Service, who will be sharing all about white-tailed deer. 🦌

This is a great chance to grab a drink, connect with fellow nature lovers, and fall deeper in love with our beautiful planet.

Mark your calendars! Starting in February, Nature on Tap returns to its regular second-Tuesday-of-the-month schedule, always at RAK Brewing Co.

01/07/2026

There is still time to register for our Young Adult Winter Grief Retreat.

This retreat offers time in nature, shared space with peers, and room to breathe during a hard season. If this feels like the right fit for you or someone you care about, we’d love to welcome you.

Fill out an interest form by following this link: https://umbrellaprojecthike.org/interested/

If winter feels extra heavy this year, you’re not alone.

The Umbrella Project is holding space for grieving young adults ages 18-29 the weekend of January 16th - 19th. There's still time to apply for a retreat rooted in nature and connection.

Free to attend. Supportive. Real.

https://umbrellaprojecthike.org/interested/