Group Programs
Locust Grove offers a variety of programs for schools, scouts and youth groups to complement or enhance the MCPS science and social studies programs, fulfill scout badge requirements or provide an informative activity in a natural setting.
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
Grades K-5: Experiences
Seasonal 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. Programs length: 1 hour.
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? Group size: limited to 20 students.
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. The will look for the animals still active in the park. Bundle up and enjoy this seasonal program! Group size: limited to 20 students.
Exploring Spring
It's alive! Students will use their senses to explore life emerging from winter. Buds, blossoms, bees, babies! Feel the warmiing earth, smell the swee fragrant soil, tune into the sounds of spring. Group size: limited to 20 students.
Grades K-5: Experiences
Our program offerings follow MCPS curriculum requirements and encourage vocabulary and language development. Programs can be tailored to meet your teaching needs - whether your class requires engagement, exploration or expanded learning. Each program is lead by a professional naturalist and includes a guided discussion followed by firsthand observations and hands-on activities outside. Students must come dressed for the weather. Programs length: 1 to 1.5 hour Group size: limited to 60 students.
The following programs are available:
Living Things (K-2)
What does it mean to be a living thing? Students will explore living things found at Locust Grove to develop an understanding of what it means to be alive.
Weather (2-4)
How does weather affect plants and animals? What is the difference between weather and climate? How are plants and animals adapted to weather here at Locust Grove. Students will investigate and observe temperature, humidity and sky conditions in the woods and meadows to better understand weather and its affect on living things.
Life Cycles (2-3)
- Seeds & Plants
Why are plants important? How are they different from animals? Students will investigate these questions and others as they learn about the parts of plants and the different strategies they have developed to survive and reproduce. Students will hunt for seeds and discover the diversity of life in the park. - Animals
Living things grow and change and some change more than others! Students will discuss the life cycle and adaptations of insects and amphibians to learn more about metamorphosis in its diverse manifestations. We'll search outside to learn more about the amazing ways animals grow and change.
Environments, Habitats & Ecosystems (3-5)
What's it like where we live? Who lives here? Locust Grove provides students with opportunities to learn about what makes a good habitat and what happens when a habitat is threatened. Students will seek out the "inhabitants" of our deciduous forest and learn the connections between the living and non-living elements.
Native Ways (4-5)
Through a series of outdoor activities, students will experience the daily life of Eastern Woodland Indian children as they lived in this region 500 years ago - where they sheltered, what they wore, the chores they were assigned and how life was connected to the natural world. Students will learn about food preparation and the critical importance of specific plants and animals found in woodland habitat
Nature's Adaptations (1-3)
Why do some animals have fur while others have feathers or scales? Students will use the resources of the nature center to compare the adaptive mechanisms of the plants and animals found in Montgomery County. A hike through the woods and meadows will allow students to discover the diversity of colors, shapes, sizes, and habits that allow them to survive.
Investigating Watersheds (4-5)
Water is a critical element of all living things. There are habits we can learn to be conserve and protect the water so important to life. Through a series of activities students will learn about where they live in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, learn about the water cycle phases, and explore and examine the biological, physical and chemical indicators of Cabin John Creek.
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 to all ages.
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 to all ages.
Montgomery County Department of Parks