Howard County Bird Club

A Chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society

Cedar Lane Park

10745 Route 108, Columbia, MD 21044

Size: 100 acres with two entrances: North Area entrance on MD 108; West Area entrance on Cedar Lane.

Habitat: Mature deciduous woods, extensive edge, a small stream, and a tiny wetland adjacent to athletic fields.

Best Months: May and September/October

Coverage Time: 1–2 hours, less if just walking the paved trail through the woods.

Trails/Paths: There are 2.5 miles of paved walkways and trails in the park. An asphalt trail winds through mature woods from one section of the park to the other. There is also a short section of beaten trail in the woods, two grassy swaths near the wood edge, and mown areas around the perimeter of the park and the sports fields.

Notable Birds: Bald Eagle, Red-breasted Nuthatch.

Amenities: This is a heavily used park with sports fields (some lighted), tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball court, picnic pavilions, two tot lots, picnic tables, benches (mostly in the active recreation area), and a horseshoe pit. Restrooms.

Handicapped Access: The asphalt path can be reached from either the North Area (across the bridge, then left around the tennis courts) or from the West Area (walk between the building with rest rooms and the tot lot). The path has gentle grades and a few benches. Leaves and acorns can be a hazard in the fall, especially after a rain.

Operation and Hours: 7:00 a.m. to dusk or as posted when there are games on lighted fields.

Special Attractions: Spring wildflowers; paved path through deciduous forest for woodland birds; some butterfly habitat before extensive mowing in early summer.

Howard County Recreation and Parks information

Nearby Sites: Centennial Park, Wilde Lake, Middle Patuxent Environmental Area.

Compiler: Joanne Solem