Group Programs
Locust Grove offers a variety of programs for schools, scouts and youth groups to complement MCPS Environmental Literacy standards, fulfill scout badge requirements or provide an informative activity in a natural setting.
For K-- 5th grade, please see our Nature Everywhere program page.
Let us help you find the joy in nature everywhere. For further information and/or to sign up call our office at 301-765-8660.
Pre-School: Eco-Explorations
Seasonal Programs
Scout Programs
Pre-School: Eco-Explorations
Pre-school programs are experiential and are designed for children to use their senses as they explore the habitats of Locust Grove throughout the seasons. Each season brings exciting and unique changes to the natural world. A hike through the habitats will reveal the natural wonders of the season. Programs can be taken individually but coming to Locust Grove more than once is a good way to learn about seasonal changes. Programs can be modified to meet specific teaching goals such as focusing on mammals, insects, or birds. Program length: 1 hour. Group size: limited to 20 students. Fee: $5 per student. No charge for teachers and chaperones.
The following programs are available:
Exploring Fall
Autumn is a wonderful time to be in the woods. It is a time for plants and animals to prepare for winter. Students will look for evidence of change and learn about the changes they observe. Why do leaves fall? What are animals doing?
Exploring Winter
Winter is a wonderful time to "sense" the trails! Things look, smell, and sound different. Students will learn about how plants and animals survive the cold. We will look for the animals still active in the park. Bundle up and enjoy this seasonal program!
Exploring Spring
It's alive! Students will use their senses to explore life emerging from winter. Buds, blossoms, bees, babies! Feel the warming earth, smell the sweet fragrant soil, tune into the sounds of spring.
Seasonal Programs
Maple Sugaring and Apple Cider Pressing have been seasonal activities in North America for centuries! These hands-on programs allow students to learn about the historic relationship of humans and trees in a tasty fashion. Programs length: 1 hour. Group size: limited to 30 students.
Maple Sugaring
Syrup making has been a late-winter activity in North America for centuries. In this program students learn about the important historical relationship people have with maple trees and follow the production of maple syrup by practicing drilling a tree, observing sap flow, watching the boiling process, and tasting the finished product. Students will learn about the role of sap in the life of a tree as they practice identifying maple trees and learn about the physiology and anatomy of trees. This program is available from mid January to early March (weather permitting) and is designed for all ages. Fee: $6 per child; no charge for teachers and adult chaperones.
Apple Cider Pressing
Join us as we put the squeeze on some apples! Learn the history of apples in America. Discover the art of cider making and try a taste of this traditional American drink. This program is available during Fall and is designed for all ages. Fee: $7 per child; no charge for teachers and adult chaperones.
Scout Programs
Locust Grove offers programs for Bears, Webelos, Daisies, Brownies, and Junior Girl Scouts. Some, but not all badge offerings are listed below. Fees: Bears, Daisies. Webelos, and Brownies: $5 per scout. Jr. Girl Scout and Boy Scout: Call 301-765-8660 for fee information.
Webelos:
Geology
Forester
Naturalist
Brownies:
Nature-oriented Try-its
Junior Girl Scouts:
Nature- and science-oriented badges
Please contact us at 301-765-8660 for your scout program needs.
Montgomery County Department of Parks