Winter 2010 Programs
To make registration easier
Our winter program guide is now available, signups began November 15th.
NOTES:
To reach the naturalist staff call 301-972-5991
or the Administrative Assistant at 301-444-3141.
Winter Programs 2010
Programs with Multiple Date Listings
A Bird Walk for Families: Winter
Join Beth and Keith Hamilton, birders, educators, and owners of the Wild Birds Unlimited store in Germantown, for an afternoon of bird-watching fun in Black Hill Regional Park. Bring binoculars or borrow ours. 6 & up Free program but registration required. Sun. 1:00pm- 2:00pm
#93449 12/6 #93450 1/17 #93451 2/7
Babes in the Park
Parents, bring your tots and explore the park and all the wonders of nature with a Black Hill Naturalist. We'll take a guided hike, read different nature stories and make a craft together. Dress for the weather. 3-6yrs Register and pay for the children only. FOBH $3/$4 Wed. 10:00am-10:45am
#93250 12/9 #93251 1/6 #93252 2/3
Nature’s Explorers
Homeschooled children (ages 6-12) are invited to learn about different aspects of nature and science. Please dress for the outdoors. 6-12yrs Thurs. 1:30pm- 3:00pm FOBH $5/$6
#93299 12/10 #93300 1/14 #93301 2/11
Winter Birds & Waterfowl Watching
Meet Naturalist Denise Gibbs at the Visitor Center observation deck to scan the lake with spotting scopes and observe the many species of over-wintering ducks, geese and swans. Get tips on how to identify waterfowl and other water birds, then caravan to two other waterfowl viewing hotspots around the lake. We may also see the lake's resident bald eagles. All viewing locations are wheelchair accessible. Bring binoculars if you have them, and dress for the weather. Spotting scopes provided. 18 & up, Sundays 8:30am-10:30am FOBH $6/$8
#96557 12/13 #96558 1/17 #96559 2/7
An Evening with Flying Squirrels
Meet at the Visitor Center for a short presentation about these amazing nocturnal creatures, then take a short walk along a forest path to our feeding area to observe the flying squirrels’ antics. Dress for indoors/ outdoors; bring a folding chair and a flashlight. Naturalist: Denise Gibbs; Volunteer Naturalists: Pat Caro, Mary McKnight, and Donna Marino. Program canceled in the event of inclement weather. 10 & up FOBH $3/$4 Wed. 5:30pm- 6:30pm
#96600 12/16 #96601 1/13 #96602 2/10
Backyard Bird Treats
Learn which seed is preferred by which bird, and where to place your feeders, then make treats for your backyard feathered friends. Dress for outdoor bird watching. Free; registration required.
#93304 12/19 Sat. 11:00am-12:30pm
#93305 1/24 Sun. 11:00am-12:30pm
#93349 2/26 Fri. 3:00am- 4:30pm
Storytime at Black Hill Visitor Center
Learn about different aspects of the natural world through stories, hikes and crafts with a different nature topic each course. Activities are designed for children ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. No underage siblings, please. Dress warmly in layers (a hat that covers the ears, winter boots with wool or polar fleece, socks and gloves). Pay for child only. Volunteer Naturalists: Peg Dorgan, Barb Kreiley, Judy Briggs, Sujata Roy, Kathy Leedy and Sheila MacLeod.FOBH $3/$4
Beaver Tales - 1/20
Enjoy tail-slapping fun with stories about our beloved furry friends, plus a cool make-and-take beaver lodge craft, complete with beaver residents! We’ll also take a short walk to visit an active beaver lodge.
#91351 1/20 W 1:00pm- 2:00pm
Sleepers and Creepers - 1/28
Join us as we explore the woods, seeking sleeping salamanders, insects, spiders, sowbugs, centipedes, millipedes and worms. We'll gently wake them, then tuck them back to sleep!
# 91349 1/28 Thurs. 11:00am-12:00pm
Wily Winter Fox - 2/18
Join us for tales of Mr. Fox's patience and determination as he works to survive the harsh winter. We’ll touch real fox pelts and a fox skull, learn how to call foxes, identify fox tracks outside, and make a furry fox craft, too.
#91350 2/18 Thurs. 11:00am-12:00pm
Winter Meetings ~ FOBH
If you love nature, join us! Meetings feature a short presentation on a natural history topic by a Black Hill Naturalist, discussions on park programming and more. Meet at the Black Hill Visitor Center - 6:30-8:30pm. Free!
Tues. Jan. 19
Tues. Feb. 23
Volunteer Naturalist Training ~ Winter Sessions at Black Hill Visitor Center
These training sessions are designed for current adult Volunteer Naturalists at Black Hill Visitor Center, and new Volunteers who apply before the session dates. Registration is required, and all sessions are free. To register, please email Naturalist Denise.Gibbs@ MontgomeryParks.org or call her at 301-444-3142. All sessions take place both indoors and outside—we’ll walk, explore, learn and share. Please bring water and binoculars if you have them. Sessions will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. If you’re interested in becoming a new Volunteer Naturalist, please email Denise before the training dates. 18 & up
Winter Tree Identification and Folklore
Put on your detective hats and join Montgomery Parks Natural Resources Manager Rob Gibbs on a guided walk to identify trees and shrubs in their winter disguises, using features of the twigs, bark, seeds, nuts, fruits, fallen leaves and other clues. This is a great way to ID trees even in summer when the leaves may be 100 feet over your head and inaccessible. We’ll also discuss natural history of these woody plants, including their human and wildlife uses. We'll provide field guides, keys and handouts.
12/12 Sat. 9:30am – 12:00pm
Insects in Winter
Have you ever wondered where all the insects go in winter? Naturalist Denise Gibbs will teach you how common local insects survive the cold, as well aswhere and in what stage of their life cycle they overwinter. We’ll walk through the woods and fields to search for some of their winter hiding places, and look for traces of insects that are active during winter. Field guide and resource notebook provided.
1/16 Sat. 9:30am – 12:00pm
Bald Eagles of Black Hill
Join Naturalist Lynette Lenz to learn everything you’ll need to present your own bald eagle program for the public! Lynette will share information on the natural history of bald eagles, as well as the history of our very own pair of nesting eagles at Little Seneca Lake. We’ll visit their current nest site, and other areas around the park frequented by bald eagles. Binoculars and spotting scopes will be available to use, or bring your own if you have them.
Note date change from guide. 2/13 Sat. 9:30am – 12:00pm
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Make note of the course # and register at ParkPASS.
December Programs
Van Trip to Festival of Wreaths & Tean - Thurs., December 3rd
We're combining two wonderful trips into one this holiday season. First we'll visit the "Festival of Wreaths" at the Carroll Arts Center in Westminster, then we'll enjoy a delicious lunch together at Gypsy’s ea Room, an English-style tearoom in the oldest standing home in Westminster. 18 & up FOBH $35/$40
#93999 12/3 Thurs. 8:30am- 3:00pm
Family Craft Day - Sat., Decmeber 5th
Before the holiday rush begins, come to the Visitor Center to create some treasures and gifts for family and friends. We’ll supply all the materials, directions and help you’ll need—just bring a box or basket to carry your masterpieces home. 3 & up Fee is per family; please register one family member. FOBH $10/$15 12/5 Sat.
#96650 10:00am -11:30am
#96654 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Van Trip to Carroll County Farm Museum - Fri., December 11th
We’ll travel to Westminster, Maryland to tour this historic mid-19th century farmhouse with its holiday-themed decorations, and the surrounding outbuildings. There will also be time to visit the gift shop. Bring money to stop for lunch afterwards at a local restaurant and farmers’ market. 18 & up FOBH: $16/$20
#93249 12/11 Fri. 8:30am- 3:00pm
Geminids Meteor Shower - Sun., December 13th
This is one of the most reliable meteor showers of the year! Settle back on our giant plastic tarp and take in the brilliant rising winter constellations and clusters, and the fading fall constellations and clusters to the west. Volunteer Naturalist: Jim Cook. OFFSITE EVENT: Meet at Dr. William Rickman Equestrian Center at the Woodstock Equestrian Park. Print your ParkPASS confirmation for directions. 6 & up Free but registration required.
#91300 12/13 Sun. 11:00pm- 1:30am
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Make note of the course # and register at ParkPASS.
January Programs
Wonders of the Winter Night Sky - Thurs., January 14th
Join us for the bright stars of the giant Winter Circle, Orion and the other constellations, the Milky Way river of stars, star clusters and nebulas, double stars and the amazing planet Jupiter! Enjoy a presentation, then explore the sky through binoculars and telescopes (provided). 6 & up Volunteer Naturalist: Jim Cook Free but registration required.
#96749 1/14 Thurs. 7:00pm- 9:00pm
Wintering Waterfowl at Black Hill - Sat., January 23rd
Meet at the Visitor Center for a brief introduction to the ducks, geese and swans that spend the winter on Little Seneca Lake, then observe them from the deck. We'll also carpool to a few good viewing spots around the lake. Bring binoculars if you have them, and dress for the weather. Spotting scopes provided. Volunteer Naturalists: Tim Gier and Ed Escalante. 18 & up FOBH: $4/$6.
#93456 1/23 Sat. 8:00am-10:00am
Nature Journaling - Sat., January 23rd
Enjoy a winter's afternoon exploring nature and learning different methods of recording observations in a nature journal, including weblogs, citizen science notation, and other creative means. This is not a drawing class, so artistic skills are not required—we'll emphasize close nature observation and description. Tracing paper, colored pencils, stamps and inks provided. Dress for indoors/outdoors and bring your journal and camera. Volunteer Naturalists: Sujata Roy, Cindy Clark, and Peg Dorgan. 12 & up FOBH $6/$8.
#93455 1/23 Sat. 2:00pm- 4:00pm
Family Day at the Visitor Center - Mon., January 25th
School’s off today, so bring the kids to the Visitor Center for an afternoon of nature fun. Friends of Black Hill NaturePrograms will be on hand to show you how to use our popular Nature Boxes, and Volunteer Naturalists will lead short nature walks with hands-on activities and games. All Ages Drop in anytime between 1 and 4pm!
#93949 1/25 Mon. 1:00pm- 4:00pm
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Make note of the course # and register at ParkPASS.
February Programs
Groundhog Day Celebration - Tues., February 2nd
Celebrate our whimsical weather-forecasting friend with stories, songs, coloring pages, and a groundhog craft. We'll also visit a real groundhog burrow complex. Volunteer Naturalists: Sheila MacLeod, Lynn Vetter and Mary McKnight. 3-8yrs FOBH $3/$4
# 92499 2/2 Tues. 1:00pm- 2:00pm
Winter Photography Excursion - Thurs., February 4th
Travel to the spectacular Sideling Hill road cut, site of the largest exposed syncline (a downward-curving "fold" in the earth) in the eastern U.S. There’ll be countless opportunities for great shots at this spot near Hancock, Maryland, including exquisite blue icicles and pastel ice flows cascading down the cliffs of the cut. We'll also visit the "Cascades," a frozen waterfall complete with blue ice flows, huge icicles and basalt rocks, and an adjacent property with a large lava stone wall and a restored 1828 cabin. Bring money for a quick lunch stop. 18 & up FOBH $20/$25
#91399 2/4 Thurs. 9:00am- 4:00pm
Nature Journaling: Illustrating Owls - Sat. February 6th
Naturalist Denise Gibbs will introduce you to the resident and wintering owls that may be found at Black Hill Regional Park. Then Smithsonian artist Kandy Vermeer Phillips will guide you in techniques for capturing their images with colored pencils and block prints. There will be taxidermy mounts of owls for you to observe as you create. Bring your journal or sketchpad; all art materials will be provided. 18 & up FOBH $10/$12
#96652 2/6 Sat. 1:00pm- 3:00pm
Valentine’s Week Chocolate Celebration - Wed., February 10th
The history of chocolate is rich and filled with romance, obsession and magic. We’ll investigate the world’s love affair with this amazing New World discovery ,explore the cocoa tree’s natural history, and enjoy samples of organic and fair-trade chocolates from around the world. Naturalist Denise Gibbs, with Volunteer Naturalists Ed and Karen Escalante, Sheila MacLeod, Kathy Leedy and Mary McKnight. 18 & up FOBH $8/$10
#91199 2/10 Wed. 12:30pm- 2:30pm
The Great Backyard Bird Count at Black Hill Visitor Center - Fri. February 12th
Bundle up, bring a folding chair and binoculars and join Naturalist Denise Gibbs as "citizen scientists" in the Cornell Ornithology Lab’s annual nationwide winter bird count. In the morning, we'll set up in front of the bird feeders; our afternoon site will be on the rock jetty near the public boat ramp. Get great tips on how to identify winter birds! Participate for as little as 15 minutes, or stay the whole day. Spotting scopes provided. 18 & up Free; registration required.
#96655 2/12 Fri. 8:00am- 4:00pm
Mid-Winter Star Search - Wed., February 17th
Winter brings clear skies, just right for observing the wonders of the heavens. Join us for a look deep into the Milky Way river of stars and our home galaxy to spot constellations, star clusters, double stars, nebulas and more. We'll provide mega-binoculars and spotting scopes to survey the skies, or you can bring your own. Volunteer Naturalist: Jim Cook. OFFSITE EVENT: Meet at the Rickman Equestrian Center near Dickerson, MD. Print your ParkPASS confirmation receipt for directions. Free; registration required. All Ages
#96700 2/17 Wed. 7:00pm- 9:00pm
Gourd Birdhouses & Feeders - Sat., February 20th
Create a birdfeeder or birdhouse from a gourd, designed and painted by you, especially for your backyard birds. Gourds, patterns and paints supplied. Children must be accompanied by parent. FOBH $10/$12
#94049 2/20 Sat. 2:00pm- 4:00pm
Hiking After Dark at Little Bennett - Fri., February 26th
Join Naturalist Lynette Lenz for night hike at Little Bennett Park to see if any owls and nocturnal animals are out enjoying the
winter evening. 5 yrs. & up, Free program but registration required. Print your ParkPASS confirmation for details and directions.
#96251 2/26 Fri. 6:30PM-8:30PM
Make note of the course # and register at ParkPASS.
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Date of last update: November 25, 2009
Montgomery County Department of Parks