Fall Programs 2010
Adult hikes
Adult van tours
Adult programs
Programs for all
Programs for children (Ages 6-12)
Programs for toddlers (Ages 1-6)
Reservations
Adult hikes
NOTE: Meet at the site where the hike is to take place unless otherwise noted.
Early Morning Hike at Violettes Lock
Meet Naturalist Sandy Staples at Violettes Lock for an easy hike on the C&O Canal to explore the late summer birds along the Potomac River. Bring your binoculars and dress for the weather. Call 301-924-4141 for more information.
#119453 18 & up Free 9/1 Wednesday 8:30am-11:00am
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Fall Hike at Triadelphia Reservoir
Have you ever seen a cliff swallow? Meet Naturalist Sandy Staples at the Brighton Dam Information Center and we’ll look for cliff swallows and other waterfowl near the dam. Afterwards, we’ll drive to the eastern shore of Triadelphia Reservoir for a hike through the woods and look for resident and migrating songbirds, which can include a wide variety of warblers, vireos, thrushes, and many more species. Bring waterproof shoes, water, your binoculars, and your camera to capture some beautiful scenic views. Call 301-924-4141 for more information.
#119504 18 & up Free 9/16 Thursday 8:30am -12:00pm
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Damascus Recreational Park Hike - FULL!!!
Take a peaceful, easy hike up the Magruder Branch Trail with Naturalist Sandy Staples. The hidden paved trail in this lovely stream valley park offers great views of upland forest and excellent birding opportunities. Bring binoculars, water and dress for the weather. Meet at the gravel parking lot next to the soccer fields (all the way to the back) off Kings Valley Road, Damascus, MD 20872. Call 301-924-4141 for more information.
#119950 18 & up Free 10/8 Friday 8:30am-11:00am
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Early Morning Hike at Great Falls, MD
Take an easy hike along the C&O Canal on the Maryland side of the Potomac with Naturalist Sandy Staples. We’ll look for birds and native wildlife that frequent this area. Bring your binoculars and a camera. Meet at the Tavern at Great Falls (11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD 20854). Call 301-924-4141 for more information.
#119954 18 & up Free10/22 Friday 8:30am-11:00am
Click here to register!
Early Morning Hike at Riley’s Lock - FULL!!!
Celebrate the autumn scenery with Naturalist Sandy Staples at Riley’s Lock! We’ll explore the birds and native wildlife on the C&O Canal along the Potomac River on this easy hike. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather. Call 301-924-4141 for more information.
#120001 18 & up Free 11/3 Wednesday 9:00am-11:30am
Click here to be waitlisted!
Early Morning Hike at Blue Mash
Fall is a great time to spot songbirds when the leaves have fallen off the trees. This trail will also take us through pond and marsh habitats, so we can look for waterfowl as well. Bring your binoculars and dress for the weather. Call 301-924-4141 for more information. Reservations required. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
#120049 18 & up Free 11/30 Tuesday 9:00am-11:30am
Click here to register!
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Adult van tours
Birding at the Ward Museum and Blackwater NWR
Visit Maryland’s Eastern Shore to look for early migrating waterfowl and songbirds at several state parks, including an old growth cypress forest. After lunch we’ll visit the Ward Museum in Salisbury to watch a duck decoy carving demonstration and explore the galleries to learn more about this traditional folk art. On the way home, we’ll check out Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Bring a bag lunch, drink, and binoculars. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
#119499 18 & up $30 9/2 Thursday 8:00am-7:00pm
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Pemberton Historical Park Van Tour - FULL!!!
Step back in time as we travel to a 262-acre Wicomico County park that preserves both the natural and cultural history of the colonial lifestyle on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. In the morning, we'll hike through tidal wetlands, meadows, and pine forests reminiscent of the early 17th and 18th centuries along the Wicomico River. After lunch we'll tour Pemberton Hall (ca. 1741)—the only original plantation house of this era on Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore open to the public. Bill Wilson, former Director of Pemberton Foundation, will share his knowledge of and passion for this unique plantation, including results of underwater archeological investigations and stories of various restoration projects. Bring water and money for lunch. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
#119901 18 & up $35 9/22 Wednesday 8:00am- 6:30pm
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Fall Migration at Kiptopeake, VA
Learn about birds, butterflies and more on this three day, two-night natural history tour to the southernmost tip of Virginia's Eastern Shore. We'll witness the fall migration of many bird species as they make their way south at the Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory and Kiptopeake State Park, participate in the banding of migrating songbirds (and perhaps hawks), join in the Hawk Watch, observe staff researchers tag Monarch butterflies, and view the awesome Monarch migration. As time permits, we'll visit other natural and cultural history sites en route; our itinerary will vary slightly with the weather. Fee includes transportation to and from Meadowside and activities; bring money for meals and lodging. Call 301-924-4141 for more information. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
#119949 18 & up $150 10/5-7 Tuesday-Thursday 8:00am- 7:00pm
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Leesburg Van Tour
Visit the beautiful rolling Virginia countryside with us for the day! First, we'll take a guided tour of the historic Oatlands plantation, originally built in 1804 by George Carter—a successful farmer, vintner and businessman throughout the Civil War era. After lunch in Leesburg, we'll get our hands dirty at the Smithsonian's Naturalist Center, and learn firsthand how scientists study and identify artifacts found from all over the world. Bring water and money for lunch. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
#119952 18 & up $35 10/14 Thursday 8:00am- 6:00pm
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Candlelight Ghost Tour in Frederick - FULL!!!
Take a nighttime excursion to Maryland's most haunted city! Frederick was founded in 1745 as a gateway for pioneers as they headed west to America's frontier. The city has seen murders, casualties of war (especially the Revolutionary and Civil Wars), and other strange events throughout its history. We'll take a 90-minute candlelight walking tour through Frederick's dark streets and alleyways, as our tour guide (replete in period dress) shares haunting and unexplained stories of Frederick's past based on true events and eyewitness accounts. Bring a jacket and money for dinner, and wear comfortable walking shoes. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
#120000 18 & up $35 10/27 Wednesday 1:30pm-10:00pm
Click here to be waitlisted!
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Adult programs
Nature Matters Lecture Series
Spend an evening with area biologists and researchers as they share their expertise and knowledge of local nature and conservation topics. The fall series sheds light on the relationships and challenges of urbanization and wildlife in Montgomery County. Meet at the Nature Center. Check-in and refreshments at 6:30pm; lecture at 7. Free; registration required.
• Box Turtle Crossing:
Towson Box Turtle Translocation Study The Eastern Box Turtle Initiative has made a virtuous effort to relocate about 900 box turtles out of the ICC construction path, but some studies have shown that trans located animals can have higher mortality rates. A three-year study by Towson University aims to find out just how effective it is to relocate Eastern Box Turtles. Learn about movement patterns, habitat selection, and survival of turtles that were moved a long distance, a short distance, and not moved at all; and other challenges faced by the turtles. Speaker: Scott Farnsworth, Graduate Research Assistant, Towson University
#120735 18 & up Free 10/20 Wednesday 6:30pm- 8:30pm
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• Coyotes: Our Newest Neighbors
Coyotes have become established in Montgomery County over the past 15 years, and are spotted more often. Come learn about this newly arrived, medium-sized predator and how its presence will likely impact both wildlife and humans. Come learn some important things you can do to keep coyotes wild, and avoid the conflicts and controversy coyotes can create. Speaker: Rob Gibbs, Natural
Resources Manager, Montgomery Parks/M-NCPPC.
#
120734 18 & up Free 11/3 Wednesday 6:30pm- 8:30pm
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• Fish Tales: What Are Fish Telling Us
About Our Local Water? Fish play an important ecological role in our environment and natural history, and are an important resource providing food, recreation and economic value. Where and what kinds of fish are found in Montgomery County Parks, and what do they tell us about water quality and the health of our local aquatic habitats? Speakers: Montgomery Parks/M-NCPPC employees Jai Cole, Aquatic Biologist, and Doug Redmond, Natural Resources Manager.
#120736 18 & up Free 11/10 Wednesday 6:30pm- 8:30pm
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Programs for children
Gone Fishin’ - FULL!!!
We’ll make our own cane fishing poles, then try them out at Lake Needwood. Largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, and trout are just a few of the fish found in Lake Needwood—what will you catch? Meet Naturalist Glenn Rice at Lake Needwood Boat House (15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Rockwood, MD 20855).
#120721 7-10yrs $5 9/16 Thursday 5:30pm- 6:45pm
Click here to be waitlisted!
Homeschool Days
Homeschoolers, come explore Montgomery County's natural and cultural past through hikes, games, and field experiences.
Owls, Hawks, and Eagles of Maryland
Explore the amazing adaptation and characteristics of Maryland's birds of prey. We'll examine their feeding habits with an owl pellet dissection. look at feathers, skulls, and talons up close, and learn some of the problems raptors face in the wild through an outdoor game.
#120951 7-10yrs $7 10/06 Wednesday 2:00pm- 3:30pm
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Photo Explorations
Young photographers are invited to explore, learn about and capture the changes happening around the forest and trails of Meadowside in fall. Each child will have an opportunity to display their photographs in a special seasonal exhibit at Meadowside. *Children must bring a digital camera from home that they are comfortable using.* Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
#120715 7-12yrs $7 10/19 Tuesday 4:00pm- 5:30pm
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Programs for all
Owls, Hawks & Eagle Lunchtime & Talk
Observe Meadowside’s hawks, owls, vulture, and bald eagle during their feeding time and ask questions! Here’s your chance to speak with a Naturalist about our birds of prey, and hear stories about Meadowside’s raptors on exhibit. Meet at the Raptor Walkway behind the Nature Center. No reservations required. Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
#120701 2 & up Free 9/18 Saturday 12:00pm-12:30pm - Click here to register!
#120702 2 & up Free 10/16 Saturday 12:00pm-12:30pm- Click here to register!
#120703 2 & up Free 11/13 Saturday 12:00pm-12:30pm - Click here to register!
It’s Apple Cider Pressing Time!
The apples have ripened and it’s time to make cider. Join us for apple lore, apple facts, and take part in making cider.
#120954 3 & up $5 9/25 Saturday 10:00am-11:00am - Click here to register!
#120711 3 & up $5 10/7 Thursday 10:30am-11:30am - Click here to register!
Family Geocaching Adventure - FULL!!!
Modern-day treasure hunting happens right here in our parks! Geocaches are hidden containers that you track down using GPS units. Learn how to use a GPS unit and spend the afternoon on a geocaching adventure around Meadowside to find local caches. GPS units will be provided. Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
#120714 8 & up $8 10/16 Saturday 1:00pm- 3:00pm
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Make a Scarecrow!
Spruce up your yard with a scarecrow of your very own making. We’ll supply the straw and craft supplies; you supply the clothes to dress it. Price is per scarecrow. Naturalist: Glenn Rice
#120726 2 & up $7 10/20 Wednesday 1:30pm- 2:30pm
Click here to register!
Programs for toddlers
Inch by Inch
How tall is that tree? How long is that log? Let’s read the story Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni about an inch worm that helps measure a robin’s tail, a heron’s leg, and more. With our story, a hike, and a craft, we’ll explore things long, small, tall, and in-between! Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
#120706 3-6yrs $5 9/7 Tuesday 10:30am-11:30am
Click here to register!
Worms, Worms, and More Worms
Did you know the common earthworm found in our backyards came over from England when the Virginia Colonists settled Jamestown? Learn about worms and how they changed the natural landscape, and make a simple vivarium to take home your new wiggly pets. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
#119503 3-6yrs $5 9/7 Tuesday 1:30pm- 2:30pm
Click here to register!
Those Darn Squirrels
You’ve put a seed out for the birds and find squirrels gobbling up everything! We’ll read the funny story Those Darn Squirrels by Adam Rubin first, then learn some interesting squirrel facts and take a hike. By the end of storytime, you’ll probably think squirrels are pretty neat! Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
#120707 3-6yrs $5 9/14 Tuesday 10:30am-11:30am
Click here to register!
Tyke Hike
Come explore the bustling world around the Nature Center. Take a nature mini-hike, and make a craft.
#120567 2-4yrs $5 9/15 Wednesday 10:30am-11:15am- Click here to register!
#120568 2-4yrs $5 10/13 Wednesday 10:30am-11:15am - Click here to register!
#120569 2-4yrs $5 11/17 Wednesday 10:30am-11:15am - Click here to be waitlisted! - FULL!!!
Starry Tales
The stars and the moon have always filled us with wonder and intrigue. Join us for stories of the moon and stars, complete with activities and a craft. Naturalist: Glenn Rice
#120722 3-6yrs $5 9/16 Thursday 1:30pm- 2:30pm
Click here to register!
Down on the Farm
What’s it like to live on a farm? Listen to stories about farm animals and farm life, then walk around the beautiful Agricultural History Farm Park to meet and greet some real farm animals. Meet at the big red barn at the Agricultural History Farm Park (18400 Muncaster Rd., Derwood, MD 20855). Bring water and a hat. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
#119899 3-6yrs $5 9/21 Tuesday 10:30am-11:30am- Click here to register!
#119900 3-6yrs $5 9/21 Tuesday 1:00pm- 2:00pm- Click here to register!
Welcome, Fall!
Today is the first day of fall! What changes do you see? What are the animals doing to prepare for cooler days? Discover the wonder of the fall season with stories, activities, and a craft.
Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
#120710 3-6yrs $5 9/22 Wednesday 10:30am-11:30am
Click here to register!
Life in a Log
To most, a log is just a dead tree—but it’s really an entire metropolis filled with diverse creatures. Let’s go see what’s living in the logs around Meadowside! Naturalist: Glenn Rice
#120953 3-6yrs $5 9/23 Thursday 1:30pm- 2:30pm
Click here to register!
The Tale of a Tree
Every tree has a unique story to tell. We’ll explore the life of a tree and learn how they supply food and shelter for a variety of wildlife. Do you know what kind of tree is used by the greatest number of wild animals in our region? Come dressed to go for a short hike. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
#119902 3-6yrs $5 9/28 Tuesday 1:30pm- 2:30pm
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Weather Wonders
The change in seasons also brings changing weather. Join us for weather tales and activities as we explore nature’s weather wonders. Naturalist: Glenn Rice
#120724 3-6yrs $5 10/7 Thursday 1:30pm- 2:30pm
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Stellaluna
Did you ever wonder how animals talk to each other? How do bats and other animals help control insect problems? We’ll read the story of Stellaluna the bat, try to answer these questions, and earn how bats and insects are pollinators and an important part of the food chain. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
#119951 3-6yrs $5 10/12 Tuesday 1:30pm- 2:30pm
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Gourd Critters!
Gourds are everywhere in the fall. Learn amazing gourd facts and fanciful gourd history, and create gourd critters to take home. Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
#120712 3-6yrs $5 10/15 Friday 10:30am-11:30am
Click here to register!
Verdi, the Snake
Are you afraid of snakes? Learn about snakes and what makes them so special, and meet a live snake. Parents, bring your cameras! With a little help from the parents, we’ll also make a snake out of recycled materials to take home. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
#119953 3-6yrs $5 10/19 Tuesday 10:30am-11:30am
Click here to register!
The Not-So-Scary, Teeny Tiny Ghost
The Teeny Tiny Ghost (T.T.G. for short) finds out that Halloween can be fun and not scary. We’ll also meet another not-so scary character: Moonlight, the Halloween Cat. Decorate a ghost that you can take home and hang in the window. Costumes are optional, but highly recommended to make the event more fun! Treats provided. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
#119999 3-6yrs $5 10/26 Tuesday 1:30pm- 2:30pm
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Spider Time!
Learn about spiders through a story, meet our own rose-haired tarantula, and create a craft to take home. Storyteller: Kim Poore
#119355 3-7yrs $5 10/27 Wednesday 9:30am-10:30am
Click here to register!
Native American Ways
Explore the world of the Eastern Woodland Indian through stories, artifacts, and a craft to take home. Naturalist: Glenn Rice
#120729 3-6yrs $5 11/3 Wednesday 1:30pm- 2:30pm
Click here to register!
Look What I Did With a Leaf
Fall is a beautiful season when the leaves on most trees change color. We’ll use pressed leaves to create animal shapes and scenes that will preserve the beauty of autumn.
Naturalist: Sandy Staples
#120002 3-6yrs $5 11/9 Tuesday 9:30am-10:30am
Click here to register!
Birds
Lets’ read the story Birds by Kevin Henkes and learn about all the different shapes, colors, and sizes of birds! Then we’ll do a craft and take a hike to look for more colorful birds.
Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
#120719 3-6yrs $5 11/10 Wednesday 10:30am-11:30am
Click here to register!
Michael Recycle!
It’s a bird, it’s a plane...no, it’s Michael Recycle! We’ll listen to the story of superhero Michael Recycle, learn how to become an Earth superhero ourselves, and then make a recycled craft.
Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
#120720 3-6yrs $5 11/16 Tuesday 10:30am-11:30am
Click here to register!
Turkey Time
Explore the world of wild turkeys with turkey tales, turkey calls, and a turkey craft. Naturalist: Glenn Rice
#120732 3-6yrs $5 11/23 Tuesday 1:30pm- 2:30pm
Click here to register!
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Reservations
Visit www.ParkPASS.org anytime to register for programs or call Meadowside Nature Center at 301-258-4030, from Tuesday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m..
Date of last update: November 19th, 2010
Montgomery County Department of Parks