At Charlotte's Quest Nature Center volunteers dedicate their time, talents, and resources to help teach environmental education and to make the public aware of their surroundings and the precious natural resources that we need to preserve for future use. The Manchester Parks Foundation promotes this awareness and advances the welfare of our natural resources through volunteer training services, fundraising, field trips, and other activities or demonstrations.

The Manchester Parks Foundation is the motivating force behind this undertaking in the small town of Manchester. Spear-headed by then Manchester Councilperson Charlotte Collett in 1993, Manchester's nature center was born. Charlotte a retired Manchester Elementary School teacher, wanted the awareness and the wonders of our enviroment taught to the Manchester Elementary School students and to the general public. School officials were contacted and shown possible plans by the town for an outdoor learning facility adjacent to the school's property. When asked if they would use the facility schoolteacher Charles Pearce and Principal Robert Bruce couldn't jump at the chance fast enough. A small Interpretive Building was erected on the more than 60 acres of land that Charlotte's Quest calls home. Pine Valley Park and the Walnut Street pond are comprised in this acreage.

The building and the surrounding land were purchased through Open Space money that the town was able to receive.

Fundraisers are important to the success of Charlotte's Quest, as well as, the consistant usage of the area by schools, day care facilities, and the general public. Field trips are available by calling and scheduling a time that is suitable. For available dates you may check out our online calendar by linking from our website at www.charlottesquestnaturecenter.com. Our one major fundraiser each year is our annual Spring Fest the first Sunday in May. Vendors, exhibitors, games, environmental presenters and more bring in funds for the operation of Charlotte's Quest.

 START MAKING A DIFFERENCE TODAY...  

After completing the required form you will be mailed an application and information about our volunteer programs. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available for people in all age groups.

We currently have needs in the following areas to name a few:

• ♦ Information Desk/Receptionists on the first and third Sundays of each month.
• ♦ Trail maintenance
• ♦ Bluebird Trail observations and maintenance
• ♦ Building maintenance
• ♦ Grounds maintenance
• ♦ Spring Fest
• ♦ Fundraising
• ♦ Assisting the naturalist with field trips
• ♦ Carpentry projects
• ♦ General clerical duties
• ♦ Newsletter printing and mailing

JUNIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

This is a great opportunity for children 14-18 years of age to earn the required 75 hours of community service learning needed for graduation from the Carroll County School system.

Requirements for the Junior Volunteer Program:

• ♦ Fill out application.
• ♦ Interview with Volunteer Coordinator(s).
• ♦ Attend all required training.

Once you become a Junior Volunteer you have a diverse selection of volunteer opportunities to choose from.

Requesting an application is the first step to becoming a volunteer. Please fill out the form below.

* Required Information

 Personal Information 

Name* Address* PO Box/Apt. # Town/City* Postalcode* Phone* Email*

Areas of Interest          

Community Affiliations  

Days/Hours you are available

Days of availability

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Hours of Availability


I am interested in becoming a volunteer at Charlotte's Quest Nature Center

I am interested in becoming a Junior Volunteer (14-18 years of age)

When finished please click on the submit button for your message to be sent. Thanks.

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Charlotte's Quest NATURE CENTER
3400 Wilhelm Lane
Manchester, Maryland 21102
410.374.3395

Email Us

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HOURS OF OPERATION

Charlotte's Quest is under the direction of the Manchester Parks Foundation and the Town of Manchester. Charlotte's Quest Nature Center is operated by volunteers and one paid staff member, the Naturalist, and is maintained by donations, grants, memberships, and in-kind gifts. No government funding is received.

The Nature Center's Interpretive Building will be open the:

First Sunday of each month: 
12:30 PM until 4 PM (except holidays)
and during special events and programs

Weekdays: 
are 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.

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MISSION

It is the mission of the Manchester Parks Foundation to be stewards of the environment by protecting the watershed area and our precious natural resources, by teaching environmental education to the public, by the restoring of the native plants and animals, and by maintaining a diverse natural world.

The Manchester Parks Foundation is the caretakers of Charlotte's Quest Nature Center and Pine Valley Park.

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CHARLOTTE'S QUEST
NATURE CENTER
and Pine Valley Park

RULES AND REGULATIONS

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.