Purse State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Purse Area of Nanjemoy WMA
Purse State Park, February 2017
Purse Area of Nanjemoy WMA Location in Maryland
Location	Charles, Maryland, United States
Area	149 acres (60 ha)
Elevation	3 ft (0.91 m)
Established	Unspecified
Operator	Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Website	Nanjemoy WMA

Purse State Park is a special place in Charles County, Maryland. It used to be its own park, but now it's part of a much larger area called the Nanjemoy Wildlife Management Area. This bigger area is about 1,365-acre (552 ha) (that's like 1000 football fields!). Purse State Park is famous for its beaches along Wades Bay, which is part of the Potomac River. It's a super cool spot for finding fossils!

Exploring Purse State Park

Purse State Park is located right on the Potomac River in Charles County, Maryland. It's known for its beautiful natural setting and, most importantly, for its amazing fossil hunting opportunities. Even though it's now part of the bigger Nanjemoy Wildlife Management Area, the area once known as Purse State Park still keeps its unique charm.

What Can You Do There?

The main activity that draws people to Purse State Park is looking for fossils. The beaches along Wades Bay are famous for having many ancient treasures hidden in the sand and rocks. It's like a real-life treasure hunt!

Fossil Hunting Adventures

If you love history and discovery, fossil hunting at Purse State Park is perfect for you. People often find all sorts of cool things here.

What Kinds of Fossils Can You Find?

The most common fossils found at Purse State Park are shark teeth. Imagine holding a tooth from a shark that lived millions of years ago! Besides shark teeth, you might also find tiny fossils called Cibicides. These are the fossilized shells of very small ocean creatures called foraminifera. They look like tiny, spiral-shaped shells. Finding these small fossils can be just as exciting as finding a big shark tooth!

Tips for Fossil Hunting

• Check the tides: The best time to look for fossils is usually at low tide, when more of the beach is exposed.
• Be patient: Finding fossils takes time and a keen eye. Don't give up if you don't find something right away!
• Look carefully: Scan the sand, gravel, and small rocks near the water's edge.
• Bring a small bag: You'll want a safe place to keep your awesome discoveries.

Location and Management

Purse State Park is located in Charles County, Maryland, along the Potomac River. It's a beautiful area managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. They work to protect the natural environment and the wildlife that lives there, while also allowing people to visit and enjoy the area responsibly.