Adventure awaits for Maryland nature-lovers willing to take on a statewide photographic scavenger hunt celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. The Maryland Park Service on Thursday launched its “America In Miniature: Maryland State Parks Adventure Challenge,” which tasks participants with taking photos of various landmarks, species, and other scavenger hunt items. The challenge’s title refers to former National Geographic editor Gilbert Grosvenor’s description of Maryland nearly a century ago, when he called the state’s topographical diversity as “a delightful geographic miniature of America.” To participate, folks must first register online at www.shopdnr.com. A required $10 donation to the Maryland Park Service covers the cost of a challenge badge and shipping. From now through Nov. 15, participants are asked to photograph various items for different point values as they explore the state’s parks, forests, and other public lands. The goal is to rack up 250 points, one for each year since the nation was founded. Players will submit their photos and receive a badge upon completing the challenge. Many Marylanders will make easy work of the challenge, after a recent UMBC poll found about one-quarter of the state’s residents visit public lands at least once a month. With 20 challenge categories to choose from and options throughout the state, participants can truly decide their own path to that 250-point goal. Among the scavenger items are 10 new benches that the Maryland Park Service has placed on trails across the state. Players who find a bench labeled the “best seat in the park” can take a photo to earn 20 points. For more information about the America In Miniature challenge, including a breakdown of points and challenges, click here. ...read more read less