Breathe Deep. Wander Far. Come Home to Nature.

Discover peace, beauty, and biodiversity at Serenity Ridge Nature Preserve and Arboretum.

Plan Your VisitSupport Us

Our Mission

Serenity Ridge Nature Preserve and Arboretum (SRNPA) is a 97-acre property in Baltimore County, lovingly stewarded by the Berg family since 1965. It is also home to Maryland’s first 100% natural burial cemetery, Serenity Ridge Natural Burial Cemetery—a place where the cycles of life and nature are honored in harmony.

Our mission is to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Maryland’s native habitats by creating space for education, exploration, and connection. Through immersive experiences on our trails and within our gardens, we invite visitors to witness the intricate relationships between native plants, wildlife, and the ecosystems they sustain.

We believe that by spending time in nature—walking the land, observing its rhythms, and learning how its many parts support one another—people can cultivate a more meaningful connection to the natural world and a shared responsibility for its care.

A dirt path through a lush forest
A dirt path through a lush forest

Video Credit: Frank Marenghi from the Baltimore Bird Club

River Otters enjoying Serenity Ridge, why not you!

Explore Highlights

Nature preserves are protected landscapes set aside to conserve wildlife, native plants, and natural ecosystems. These vital areas serve as sanctuaries for endangered species and support biodiversity by maintaining habitats where nature can flourish with minimal human impact.

Beyond conservation, nature preserves offer people the opportunity to reconnect with the natural world—to walk among trees, observe wildlife, and experience the quiet rhythms of an undisturbed environment. They are places for reflection, learning, and cultivating a deeper sense of environmental responsibility.

Trails & Habitats

Nestled within the Piedmont Plateau, Serenity Ridge Nature Preserve and Arboretum features gently rolling hills, thriving hardwood forests, vibrant wetlands, meandering streams, and peaceful valleys. This diverse landscape supports a rich tapestry of wildlife, offering frequent sightings and interactions with mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians—all coexisting within a dynamic and healthy ecosystem.

Arboretum

We are currently in the process of developing a Level II Arboretum, which will be registered with ArbNet. We are a nationally certified Level I arboretum with ArbNet . Our goal it to become a Level II, to cultivate and showcase at minimum of 100 different species of native Maryland trees and woody plants, creating a living collection that reflects the rich botanical heritage of our region. In addition to this, we are committed to replanting a wide variety of native Maryland plants and wildflowers, further supporting local biodiversity and ecological resilience.

Education Programs

In the near future, Serenity Ridge Nature Preserve and Arboretum will offer a variety of educational programs designed to inspire curiosity, stewardship, and hands-on engagement with the natural world. Set within a landscape of rolling hills, forests, and wetlands, this will be a beautiful and peaceful place for learners of all ages to deepen their understanding of native ecosystems, participate in restoration projects, and explore practical ways to protect and care for the land. Through immersive, place-based learning, we aim to cultivate a stronger connection between people and nature—one rooted in knowledge, experience, and shared responsibility.

Don’t Miss

Our Events

Follow for upcoming events that will be taking place at Serenity Ridge.

Stay Connected with Us

Share your information with us, and we’ll keep you informed about upcoming events and updates.

Newsletter Subscribe

Get Involved

We’d love for you to join us in nurturing these sacred spaces. Whether you volunteer, attend an event, or take part in an onsite seminar, there’s a place for you to connect, learn, and grow with us.

Serenity Ridge Nature Preserve and Arboretum is a non-profit tax-exempt charitable organization (EIN: 33-1332146) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.