Plunging into Gunpowder with a Purpose

The Marshy Point Nature Center will hold its fifth annual Popsicle Plunge on Saturday at Gunpowder Falls State Park.

About 500 people are expected to turn out. Around 100 people typically plunge into the Gunpowder River, nature center officials say. The event is the major fundraiser for the nature center, which is part of the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks.

The fun begins at noon with the plunge set for 2 p.m. rain or shine. There will be music and food for sale, along with activities for children, such as face painting.

Registration will take place between 12 and 1:30 p.m. The registration fee is $20. Those who pledge $40 will receive a free T-shirt while those who pledge at least $150 will also receive a free sweatshirt.

Pledges can be made and the registration form can be downloaded online.

Since opening in 2000, Marshy Point Nature Center has developed programs suitable for adults and children. This includes monthly audiovisual lectures by noted naturalists along with weekend discovery hikes and demonstrations.  During the summer, there is a water-oriented camp for children.

The center is also home to a growing list of educational courses, which currently include canoeing, beekeeping and bird watching. Marshy Point is currently being expanded to provide classrooms and support facilities for ongoing education programs.