Charlotte's Quest Nature Center is a hidden treasure within the Town of Manchester, Maryland. Charlotte's Quest is located adjacent to Manchester Elementary School and lies within Manchester's Pine Valley Park, one of the town's 3 park systems. Pine Valley Park has more than 60 acres of land with over 4 ½ miles of trails, a stream, natural springs, a pond, pine and hardwood forests and abundant wildlife.

The Manchester Parks Foundation, INC., a 501(C)3 non-profit organization, oversees the day-to-day-operations of the center. The funding of the center is done through the generosity of memberships, donations and help from dedicated volunteers, and through our monthly programs. An occasional grant aids this process. Volunteers and our naturalist administer most of the maintenance and the running of Charlotte's Quest's programs, activities and events. No federal government funding is received.

The Manchester Parks Foundation is the organization that oversees the nature center and Pine Valley Park with help from the Town of Manchester, the owners of the land. The Town of Manchester provides some funding for maintenance of our facility and the equipment needed; for our biggest event, Spring Fest; and to pay the Naturalist's salary. The Town employees also help with the mowing of our larger fields. If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact us via email or through our Contact Us page.

Hours of Operation

Charlotte's Quest Nature Center's Interpretive Building is open the:

First Sunday of each month:
12:30 PM until 4 PM

Weekdays:
By appointment

Our 4 1/2 miles of trails, Walnut Pond, the Stream of Life, the natural springs and forests are open everyday from dawn until dusk. You are welcome to park and walk in.

Feel free to park at the gate and walk in during the hours that the Interpretive Building is not open.

These rules are intended to secure the fullest enjoyment of the facilities for our visitors. The commission of offenses under local ordinances or state law shall be cause for arrest.

• Park grounds are open to the public from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week.
• Park facilities are available for public use on a first come, first serve basis except for areas that have been previously reserved.
• No fires permitted without prior permission
• Vehicles are restricted to designated roads and parking areas only.
• No alcoholic beverages allowed on park property.
• No dumping or littering on park property, all trash must be carried out.
• All pets must be under owner's control at all times. (Please carry doggie do out with you.)
• No weapons or firearms (including BB guns) allowed on park property.
• No person may hunt, trap or endanger animals in any way.
• No boating or swimming allowed in park.
• Cutting of timber is prohibited
• Fishing is catch and release only.
• No sales, solicitations, or placement of any signs within the park without prior permission.
• Disturbing habitat of animals is prohibited.
• Structures, plants and natural features may not be removed, damaged, or defaced.
• A person may not camp or lodge without prior permission from the Manchester Parks Foundation.
• Loitering in vehicles is prohibited.