Carrie Murray Nature Center is a hub for nature connection located in the gorgeous Gwynns Falls Leakin Park. We are tucked away among 1216 acres of the largest urban old growth forest east of the Mississippi River!

Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP) established the nature center after receiving a generous donation from Orioles baseball hall-of-fame legend, Eddie Murray. The center was dedicated and named after Carrie Murray, Eddie's mother, in 1985.

About Carrie Murray

Ms. Murray’s gentle spirit and strength of character greatly influenced her twelve children. She instilled in them the importance of family, respect for nature and a sense of responsibility, leadership, and accomplishment.

Baltimore City Recreation and Parks hopes that everyone who comes to the campus appreciates the values by which Ms. Murray lived her life. She inspires us to fulfill her mission to care for nature and each other.

Programs

Our programs serve an estimated 30,000 visitors annually, serving individuals and families as well as groups from schools, faith-based groups, recreation centers, and camps. During the school year, the nature center offers field trips and outreach programs for students of all ages. We proudly serve children as young as 2-5 years old in our Forest Preschool and Childcare program. We also offer summer camps, public programs, special events, and volunteer opportunities.

We believe in the power of hands-on, experiential learning! We understand the value of allowing children (and adults) to play and explore nature. We honor curiosity, awe, and wonder when in the forest! Our programs offer opportunities to meet live animals, explore the park, and develop a relationship with the natural world - right here in Baltimore City!

Programs include but are not limited to:

● Field Trips
● Outreach Programs
● Forest Preschool & Childcare
● Day Off Camps
● Summer Camp
● Guided Hikes
● Animal Ambassador Observations
● Nature Clubs & Meetups
● Birthday Parties

Interested in our programs? Make a request here!

Our Grounds:

The Nature Center is a campus located off Hutton Rd. and Gwynns Falls Parkway. Our campus includes:

● The nature center
● An aviary featuring birds of prey: hawks, a vulture, and owl
● Multiple gardens: sensory garden, native flower garden, rain garden
● A fire circle
● An outdoor playspace

Gwynns Falls Leakin Park is a park so big it has two names! There is plenty to explore in the forest surrounding the nature center. It provides diverse landscapes that are hard to find in urban green spaces, including:

● Forested trails
● The Sacred Magnolia Grove & Labyrinth
● Winan’s Meadow
● Wetlands
● Ridge trails
● Natural springs
● Stream sites

In Proximity To…

● I-70
● Cahill Recreation Center
● Coppin State University
● Gwynn Oak

Visit our Website for Carrie Murray Nature Center

Monica French, Nature Center Director
Email: Monica.French@baltimorecity.gov

1901 Ridgetop Rd.
Baltimore, MD 21207

General Inquiries: 410-396-0808