The Merle Thorpe Jr. Charitable Trust (dba Thorpe Foundation) commonly known as ThorpeWood, is a non-profit organization established in 1993. Your contribution will support our outdoor education programs and hands-on learning opportunities to area youth. Additionally, your generosity will go to our local and regional community as we expand our role as a model of good stewardship of natural resources.

It is through the generosity of individuals and businesses that we are able to continue to offer experiential environmental programming to our youth and adult communities.

The following is a guide to membership levels, although any size donation is welcome:

All contributors will receive ThorpeWood's newsletter, Catoctin Mountain Happenings, (4 per year), discounted rates on our fee-based educational programs, and discounts on purchases of ThorpeWood merchandise*. Contributors will also be the first to know about our free annual spring and fall events. Those contributing at the level of Chesapeake Bay Watershed Friend and higher will also receive significant discounts in rental rates for meetings and retreats.

*Please note that a family discount for programs and ThorpeWood merchandise begins at a $50 membership level.

If you are interested in supporting our mission,

Click here to open a contribution form you can print and mail with a check.

We can also accept online contributions made with Visa or Master Card, or with your PayPal account.

Click here to contribute online with your credit card.

ThorpeWood has been accepted into the 2004 Combined Federated Campaign of Western Maryland. Select #3313 to support through your regular CFC payroll deductions. You may also write in Thorpe Foundation as recipient of your Frederick County United Way contribution.

Note: Some employers, in order to encourage employee giving to non-profits, offer to match gifts given by their employees. Does your employer have such a program?

A copy of the current financial statement for Thorpe Foundation is available by writing ThorpeWood, 12805-A Mink Farm Road, Thurmont, MD 21788, or by calling (301) 271-2823. Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Charitable Solicitations Act are also available for the cost of postage and copies from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, (410) 974-5534.