Winter Programs
Good News!
Money and trees will be saved! There's an easy-to use electronic version of all of our Guides. Scroll down to see LGNC's program offerings, and use the new e-guide to browse all Montgomery Park program offerings.
Locust Grove offers quality programs featuring the natural and cultural history of Montgomery County and the surrounding region. Come visit our forest exhibit and hike one or all of our many trails.
NOTE: During inclement weather, Nature Centers follow Montgomery County Public School closures, delayed openings and early releases. If school is closed due to inclement weather, all children's programs are cancelled. Cancellation of Adult programs is determined on a case-by-case basis. Please call the nature facility to check on adult program status.
To make registration easier
Make note of the course # and register at ParkPASS or click the links below.
NOTE: ANY program attendee who falls in the age range of the program needs to register; this includes adults who fall within the listed ages!! Also, all children must be accompanied by an adult, unless noted otherwise. Questions? Please call 301-765-8660.
Cancellation Information
Locust Grove follows the Montgomery County Public Schools for weather-related closings. If schools are closed, programs that day are canceled. If schools open late, morning programs will be canceled but afternoon programs will go on as scheduled. If schools close early, programs after the closing time will be canceled.
Locust Grove Programs
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Toddlers |
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Adults |
Families |
DECEMBER
9–Friday Foray to Widewater Loop
For this month's "Friday Foray," we'll hike for about 3 miles on flat trails along the C&O Canal, overlooking Widewater—one of the most picturesque areas along the Canal. Bring binoculars to look for waterfowl. Call 301-765- 8663 if you need directions.
#170449 Ages 18+; FREE; 10:00am-noon
14–Winter Wander
Explore trails around the Nature Center and look for signs of animals preparing for winter.
#167399 Ages 3-6; $5; 10:00-11:00am
20–Tot Time: Winter Birds
Learn about colors, sizes, and movements of winter birds as we hike and watch them at the feeder.
#168357 Ages 2-3; $5; 10:00-10:45am
22–Winter Solstice Campfire
On the shortest day of the year, enjoy extra light and warmth of a campfire. We'll provide all you need to roast marshmallows and make s'mores. Stop by anytime between 1 and 3pm.
#167899 Ages 3-12; $5; 1:00- 3:00pm
JANUARY
4–Mini-Museum Day (Mammals)
We'll turn the Nature Center into a mini-museum and pull out our coolest natural items for you to touch and see up close. A naturalist will answer your questions and provide an activity. Stop by anytime between 10am and noon on program days.
#167499 Ages 3-12; $4; 10:00am-noon
10–Tot Time: Icy White
Snow, ice, and stars are white….what else is white on a cold day? We’ll explore a world of white with our youngest naturalists.
#168363 Ages 2-3; $5; 10:00-10:45am
11–Mini-Museum Day (Birds)
We'll turn the Nature Center into a mini-museum and pull out our coolest natural items for you to touch and see up close. A naturalist will answer your questions and provide an activity. Stop by anytime between 10am and noon on program days.
#167649 Ages 3-12; $4; 10:00am-noon
18–Mini-Museum Day (Reptiles & Amphibians)
We'll turn the Nature Center into a mini-museum and pull out our coolest natural items for you to touch and see up close. A naturalist will answer your questions and provide an activity. Stop by anytime between 10am and noon on program days.
#167699 Ages 3-12; $4; 10:00am-noon
20–Winter Warmth
We'll explore holes, burrows, fur and feathers as we uncover the secrets to staying warm in the wild.
#168000 Ages 3-6; $5; 10:00-11:00am
23–New Moon Hike
Join us to experience the dark of winter during January's new moon. Winter is a great time to learn about noises in the night as the cold, crisp air causes things to crackle and pop in the woods.
#168049 Ages 5+; $2; 6:30- 7:30pm
25–Mini-Museum Day (Insects)
We'll turn the Nature Center into a mini-museum and pull out our coolest natural items for you to touch and see up close. A naturalist will answer your questions and provide an activity. Stop by anytime between 10am and noon on program days.
#167700 Ages 3-12; $4; 10:00am-noon
FEBRUARY
1–Woodpecker Walk
Let's learn about woodpeckers as we listen and look for them tapping on trees.
#167799 Ages 3-6; $5; 10:00-11:00am
7–Full Moon Hike
Come on out for a brilliant hike! We'll wander the woods by the light of a full moon and see what or who is out and about.
#168160 Ages 5+; $2; 7:00- 8:00pm
14–Maple Syrup Valentine's Treat
Have an extra sweet Valentine's Day as you learn about, and taste maple syrup. We'll visit our tapped maple trees, boil sap in the evaporator and sam-ple different kinds of syrup.
#168553/ #168649 Ages 1+; $3; 11:00am-noon/ 1:00- 2:00pm
21–Tot Time: Sounds
Did you hear that? Sounds can be subtle ....alarming...or music to our ears. We'll encourage both noise-making and listening as we explore the nature of sound.
#168403 Ages 2-3yr; $5; 10:00-10:45am
23–Feed the Birds!
Late winter is hard for birds—seeds are running out, berries are dried or gone, and bugs are tucked deep in trees or underground. Come learn how to make healthy food for our feathered friends, to help see them through the last of winter.
#168301 Ages 1+; $5; 11:00am-noon
Montgomery County Department of Parks