Celebrate your love for the C&O Canal by sharing your personal story about the Park. Each story will take a look at a person’s relationship with the C&O Canal. Whether an NPS ranger, a volunteer, or a visitor, everyone has a story to tell about the canal! If you want to share your story, fill out the form below, email it to us at [email protected] or post it on your social media feeds with the hashtag #MyCanalStory. We could use your story here on our website!
The Canal Towns embrace a long, storied history of transportation achievements and cultural heritage including art. The natural beauty that surrounds the towns and the quiet charm within their boundaries appeals to artists making homes here and pursuing their art inclinations. Although popular today as quaint and welcoming stations for trail adventurers to reset with unique food and drink offerings, breweries, and old-fashion ice cream parlors; the towns have much more to offer as well.
Since 2013, the C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP) has engaged thousands of K-12 students through Canal Classrooms, an experiential education program in hotspot areas of the Park including Great Falls, Williamsport, and Cumberland. Led by a committed group of retired educators known as the Canal Classroom Corps (CCC), the program is built on STEAM-based curricula (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math). To date, nearly 70,000 students have participated in Canal Classrooms, including many who are economically disadvantaged and attend Title 1 schools.
Photo by Alice Mayio
Canal Classrooms runs through the spring and fall semesters, from March to May and September to November. During the year, participating K-12 students can expect to be fully immersed in experiential learning that focuses on the historical and natural resources found in the C&O Canal NHP. The curriculum includes topics such as Weathering & Erosion, Dendrology, Transportation History, Immigrant History, Environmental Education, and Plant Identification. Because much of the program is held at one of the visitor center locations (Great Falls, Williamsport, and Cumberland), students are provided with hands-on learning experiences – including canal boat rides and Meet the Mule activities.
While Canal Classrooms has returned to its pre-pandemic participation levels, there was a time when the National Park Service was not welcoming students for in-person activities. Canal Classroom Corps teachers led virtual programs to help bridge this gap. In addition to this, funding for the program also supported the purchase of interpretive supplies and resources that are included in Canal Explorer backpacks. These backpacks are filled with items, such as reading materials about plants, weather, and water cycles, binoculars, a compass, games, and more. Since the return to pre-pandemic participation, Canal Explorer backpacks have become a staple part of the Canal Classroom program. Last year, 75 backpacks were distributed to elementary schools in Montgomery County.
Photo by Trust Staff
As the Park’s official nonprofit partner, the C&O Canal Trust works to provide support for Canal Classrooms. In 2023, through the generosity of donors, the Trust raised nearly $30,000. Funding for Canal Classrooms helps to support materials as well as the needs of the dedicated CCC teachers. Grants and donations made to the C&O Canal Trust for Canal Classrooms directly support program expenses, such as transportation, teacher training workshops, curriculum development, and teacher stipends.
This year, at the C&O Canal Trust’s Park After Dark annual fundraising gala, the paddle-raise funding priority will feature Canal Classrooms. Support for the program relies heavily on the philanthropy of our canal community and will enable the Park to provide critical education programs to more school children each year.
Celebrate your love for the C&O Canal by sharing your personal story about the Park. Each story will take a look at a person’s relationship with the C&O Canal. Whether an NPS ranger, a volunteer, or a visitor, everyone has a story to tell about the canal! If you want to share your story, fill out the form below, email it to us at [email protected] or post it on your social media feeds with the hashtag #MyCanalStory. We could use your story here on our website!
The C&O Canal Trust celebrated a very active July with various events focused on stewardship, education, and beautification throughout the entire length of the C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP). We engaged with community groups through our Canal For All program, and we welcomed corporate groups for stewardship projects. This month, the Trust worked with Anheuser Busch, Arc of Washington County, Boys and Girls Club of Eastern Panhandle, Extreme Bike Camp, Girls Inc., the Landon School, Salesforce, and Timbrook Achievement Center / Teens Inc..
Photo by Trust Staff
Celebrate your love for the C&O Canal by sharing your personal story about the Park. Each story will take a look at a person’s relationship with the C&O Canal. Whether an NPS ranger, a volunteer, or a visitor, everyone has a story to tell about the canal! If you want to share your story, fill out the form below, email it to us at [email protected] or post it on your social media feeds with the hashtag #MyCanalStory. We could use your story here on our website!
During National Preservation Month, Trust President & CEO Lauren Riviello joined Preservation Maryland’s PreserveCast to discuss activating historic resources. With topics ranging from how she came to work with non-profits to the C&O Canal Trust’s award-winning Canal Quarters interpretive program, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
Lock 2 in Georgetown by Paul Graunke
Celebrate your love for the C&O Canal by sharing your personal story about the Park. Each story will take a look at a person’s relationship with the C&O Canal. Whether an NPS ranger, a volunteer, or a visitor, everyone has a story to tell about the canal! If you want to share your story, fill out the form below, email it to us at [email protected] or post it on your social media feeds with the hashtag #MyCanalStory. We could use your story here on our website!
Photo by Francis Grant-Suttie
Photo by Francis Grant-Suttie
Celebrate your love for the C&O Canal by sharing your personal story about the Park. Each story will take a look at a person’s relationship with the C&O Canal. Whether an NPS ranger, a volunteer, or a visitor, everyone has a story to tell about the canal! If you want to share your story, fill out the form below, email it to us at [email protected] or post it on your social media feeds with the hashtag #MyCanalStory. We could use your story here on our website!
Did you know that the C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP) is one of the most biologically diverse parks, with one of the highest concentrations of rare, threatened and endangered plant species in the eastern United States? Help us preserve and protect the larger natural ecosystem of the C&O Canal. Get involved this April by giving a gift to the C&O Canal Trust or joining us this year for our public volunteer Canal Community Days events.
Read More
Celebrate your love for the C&O Canal by sharing your personal story about the Park. Each story will take a look at a person’s relationship with the C&O Canal. Whether an NPS ranger, a volunteer, or a visitor, everyone has a story to tell about the canal! If you want to share your story, fill out the form below, email it to us at [email protected] or post it on your social media feeds with the hashtag #MyCanalStory. We could use your story here on our website!
Celebrate your love for the C&O Canal by sharing your personal story about the Park. Each story will take a look at a person’s relationship with the C&O Canal. Whether an NPS ranger, a volunteer, or a visitor, everyone has a story to tell about the canal! If you want to share your story, fill out the form below, email it to us at [email protected] or post it on your social media feeds with the hashtag #MyCanalStory. We could use your story here on our website!
Along the 184.5 mile length of the towpath, there are many small towns and communities where visitors can explore, shop, eat and sleep. In chillier months, Park lovers can find refuge among cozy cafes or warm up with a craft beer in one of the many local breweries.
Celebrate FeBREWary this year by visiting each of these canal towns in the Canal Towns Partnership and check out these featured cafes and breweries.
19929 Fisher Avenue, Poolesville, MD 20837
4.7 miles from the towpath at Edwards Ferry
Photo from Locals (Facebook)
223 W. Potomac Street Brunswick, MD 21716
0.3 mile walk/bike from C&O Canal
Photo by Ester Herberts
223 W. Potomac Street Brunswick, MD 21716
0.3 mile walk/bike from C&O Canal
Photo from Beans in the Belfry (Facebook)
180 High St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
0.4 mile walk/bike from C&O Canal Lock 33
Photo by Joe Hainey
37412 Adventure Center Lane, Purcellville, VA 20132
2.5 miles from the towpath in Harpers Ferry
Photo from Harpers Ferry Brewing (Instagram)
1102 W. Washington Street, Bolivar, WV 25425
1.6 miles from Maryland Heights Trailhead
Photo from H.B. Snallygasters (Facebook)
1271 Washington Street, Bolivar, WV 25425
2.2 miles from C&O Canal towpath
Photo from Rations Roasters (Facebook)
164 Shepherd Grade Road, Shepherdstown, WV 25443
0.7 mile walk/bike from the C&O Canal
Photo by Bavarian Brothers Brewing
134 E German Street, Shepherdstown, WV 25443
1.0 mile walk/bike from the C&O Canal
Photo from Lost Dog Coffee (Facebook)
100 W German Street, Shepherdstown, WV 25443
1.0 mile walk/bike from the C&O Canal
Photo from Shepherdstown Sweet Shop Bakery (Facebook)
10210 Governor Lane Blvd. #2100, Williamsport, MD 21795
2.5 mile walk/bike from C&O Canal
Photo by Cushwa Brewing Company
10212 Governor Lane Blvd. #1008, Williamsport, MD 21795
2.5 mile walk/bike from C&O Canal
Photo from River Bottom Roasters (Facebook)
108 Greene Street, Cumberland, MD 21502
0.6 mile walk/bike from C&O Canal
Photo from Basecamp Coffee Co (Facebook)
Celebrate your love for the C&O Canal by sharing your personal story about the Park. Each story will take a look at a person’s relationship with the C&O Canal. Whether an NPS ranger, a volunteer, or a visitor, everyone has a story to tell about the canal! If you want to share your story, fill out the form below, email it to us at [email protected] or post it on your social media feeds with the hashtag #MyCanalStory. We could use your story here on our website!
In 2023, we received many wonderful photo contest entries. From iconic nature pictures to mesmerizing sunsets to beautiful day trips along the towpath, our canal enthusiasts share gorgeous highlights of the C&O Canal National Historical Park.
These are your favorite photos—our monthly photo contest winners! Check them out below and reminisce with us about 2023.
Click the picture to view full size.
Submit your photos of the Park to be considered for our monthly photo contest here.
Celebrate your love for the C&O Canal by sharing your personal story about the Park. Each story will take a look at a person’s relationship with the C&O Canal. Whether an NPS ranger, a volunteer, or a visitor, everyone has a story to tell about the canal! If you want to share your story, fill out the form below, email it to us at [email protected] or post it on your social media feeds with the hashtag #MyCanalStory. We could use your story here on our website!
The C&O Canal Trust welcomed more than 70 individuals to the C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP) in October for volunteer service and educational programs.
Kite Pharma volunteers at Weverton with the C&O Canal Trust. Photo by Trust Staff.
Groups with the Washington County Division of Stormwater Management and Kite Pharma worked with the Trust to collectively remove nearly 2,000 pounds of trash from Weverton between mile markers 57 and 59 during two volunteer events. Trust volunteers responded to an immediate need for trash cleanup in the area, providing vital support to the Park and visitors. Along with general trash, the groups removed items like a frying pan, fishing nets, metal folding chairs, and a card table. Volunteers with Shepherd University helped remove over 200 pounds of trash from Lock 38, another busy access point in Washington County. Read More
Photo by Brian Edwards
“Thankful for…
the ground under my feet
the wind in my hair
the sun in the sky
the trees everywhere!” – Justin
Great Blue Heron at Pennyfield Lock by Jan Branscome
“I am grateful for the beauty of light reflecting off the river, the grace of the Great Blue Heron, the sunset of colors in the turning of a maple leaf. I am warmed by dapples of sunlight streaming through trees and cloaked in a comforting nostalgia by the scent of muddy water. I am thankful for the ceaseless flow and perpetual warbles of the Potomac, always rooting me to the generations of beings that have come to this place for restoration, exploration, life-sustaining resources, renewal, and continued growth. I have been truly fortunate to have spent time building bridges and community in a space that illuminates the beauty of reciprocal relationships, demonstrates the importance of balance, and explicates the need for intentional living. Gratitude abounds for this space, for the beings that make it their home, and for the invitations extended to each of us: Come and play. Explore and learn. Listen and receive.” – Jacob
Wingnut by Robyn Sumner
“Meet Wingnut. I am thankful that we live within walking distance of the beautiful C&O Canal. As a family, we have strolled, hiked, biked, skied, boated, tubed, and introduced four beautiful dogs to the historic site. Every season is beautiful in the Park. I think my favorite is just after freshly fallen snow; you can hear every sound, see birds and wildlife, and feel at peace.” – Robyn
Great Falls Tavern by Jan Branscome
“I’m thankful for those who had the foresight to recognize the importance of protecting and preserving this beautiful piece of paradise. And equally thankful for those who are dedicated to continuing that mission for future generations.” – Jane
Lockhouse 10 by Visit Montgomery
“I’m grateful for the ability to live the life I need to live, which includes being able to enjoy wild spaces like the C&O Canal. I have lived without access to nature and never take it for granted. So many don’t know the freedom of an unpaved trail.” – Aidan
Walking With a Friend by Kelly Hilton
“I am thankful for the unique learning opportunities and interpretive experiences the Park presents. With over 1,300 historical structures, 20,000 acres of land, and 184.5 miles of towpath, the Park is a wealth of living history that tells the stories of the past. I am thankful to everyone who works toward the preservation and upkeep of this treasured local and national resource.” -Kalina
Four Locks (MM 109) near Clear Springs, Maryland by Nicholas Clements
“I am thankful for the benches along the towpath- particularly the one near Lockhouse 44. I love to sit and read a book on warm, sunny days.” – Becky
Autumn Morning at Sideling Hill Creek by Paul Graunke
“I am grateful for all the C&O has to offer. The glimmering colors, the calming symphony of nature, and the breath of fresh air and rejuvenation that only a walk through the Park can provide.” – Grace
Each adult bat can eat up to 1,000 insects per hour. That is over $53 million of free pest control they provide and with the agricultural benefit of being pesticide free.
There are 10 confirmed species of bats within the C&O Canal NHP. Eight of which are hibernating bats.
Bats aid in pollination both by transferring pollen when drinking nectar from flowers but also through seed spreading.
There are other mammals that have the ability to glide, or fall with style. Though bats are the only mammal that have the true ability to fly.
While many believe bats to have poor eyesight and rely on echolocation, bats’ vision is actually pretty comparable to human sight. As well not all bats can echolocate, only 70% have the capability.
Insectivore as the name suggests eat insects. While other species of bat can be carnivores or frugivores. Carnivorous bats eat meat like frogs, fish and birds. Frugivores eat fruit and other vegetation like fig, mango and agave.
Eight different species of bat now call the Indigo Tunnel “home,” including the Maryland state endangered small-footed myotis and the federally endangered Indiana bat. The Indigo Tunnel, located in Allegany County, has been identified by Maryland Department of Natural Resources as one of the largest bat hibernacula in the state. To protect the hibernating bats and their home, the National Park Service has placed metal gates at the portals of the tunnel. (pictured below)
Photo by Maximillian Ruther
Photo by Nanette Nyce
Information for this post was sourced from the NPS and BatWeek.org
Top image by HitchHike via Pexels
Photo by Szemere Photography
Photo by Trust Staff
Celebrate your love for the C&O Canal by sharing your personal story about the Park. Each story will take a look at a person’s relationship with the C&O Canal. Whether an NPS ranger, a volunteer, or a visitor, everyone has a story to tell about the canal! If you want to share your story, fill out the form below, email it to us at [email protected] or post it on your social media feeds with the hashtag #MyCanalStory. We could use your story here on our website!
© 2024 C&O Canal Trust.
Web site development by CermakTech.
