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Spring Programs 2010
Adult hikes
Adult van tours
Programs for adults
Programs for all
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 Swains Lock
We’ll hike along the Potomac River, look for birds and other wildlife, and learn fascinating facts about the Swain family of lockkeepers, after whom this lock is named. Meet Naturalist Sandy Staples at Swains Lock (Lock #21). Easy hike; bring your camera and binoculars if you have a pair. Reservations required; print your ParkPASS confirmation for directions, or call 301-924-4141 for more information.
#103732 18 & UP FREE 3/19 Friday 9:00am-11:30am
Click here to register!
Damascus Recreational Park Hike
This fascinating stream valley park, hidden among housing developments, is home to vernal pools—small, still pools that form in spring where toads, frogs, newts and salamanders lay their eggs. We’ll look for amphibian eggs and tadpoles, spring wildflowers and songbirds as we hike along. Bring your camera and binoculars if you have a pair. Meet Naturalist Sandy Staples at the parking lot next to the soccer fields off Kings Valley Road. Reservations required; print your ParkPASS confirmation for directions, or call 301-924-4141 for more information.
#103744 18 & UP FREE 4/16 Friday 8:30am-11:00am
Click here to register!
Early Morning Hike at Great Falls, MD
Take an easy hike along the C&O Canal with us to look for birds (possibilities: bluebirds, bald eagles, great blue herons) and native flora and fauna. Bring your camera and binoculars if you have a pair. Meet Naturalist Sandy Staples at the Tavern at Great Falls on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. Reservations required; print your ParkPASS confirmation for directions, or
call 301-924-4141 for more info.
#103749 18 & UP FREE 4/30 Friday 8:30am-11am
Click here to register!
Spring Hike at Triadelphia Reservoir- FULL!!!
This hike is a birder’s delight! After marveling at the huge expanse of azaleas in bloom on the hillside, we’ll hike down to see a wide variety of birds you won’t easily find elsewhere in Montgomery County, including the cliff swallow. Cliff swallows build colonies of jug-shaped, enclosed mud nests on rocks, cliffs, and buildings—it’s quite a sight to see them flying overhead from the bottom of the reservoir! We’ll also keep an eye out for warblers, vireos, thrushes and other species, so bring your camera and binoculars if you have a pair. Meet Naturalist Sandy Staples at Brighton Dam
Information Center in Patuxent State Park (near Brookeville). Reservations required; print your ParkPASS confirmation for directions, or call 301-924-4141 for more information.
#103754 18 & UP FREE 5/13 Thursday 8:30am-1:00pm
Click here to be waitlisted!
Early Morning Hike at Riley’s Lock
Start the day with an easy hike down the C&O Canal, looking for birds and native wildlife and listening to fascinating facts of history and nature along the way. Meet Naturalist Sandy Staples at Riley’s Lock. Reservations required; print your ParkPASS confirmation for directions, or call 301-924-4141 for more information.
#103756 18 & UP FREE 5/21 Friday 8:00am-10:30am
Click here to register!
Adult van tours
Local History in Sandy Spring, MD
This little town holds a lot of history! We’ll visit the Sandy Spring Museum (don’t miss the traveling dentist’s chair), Sandy Spring Slave Museum, and other local sites along the Underground Railroad trail. Meet at the Nature Center, and bring money for lunch. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
#103729 18 & up $25 3/11 Thursday 9:00am- 5:00pm
Click here to register!
Harrisburg History and Tea Tour - FULL!!!
Featuring gilt and marble halls, a vaulted dome and vast rotunda, murals, sculpture, stained glass, sparkling crystals and gold leaf, Teddy Roosevelt called the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg "...the handsomest building I ever saw." We’ll tour the Beaux- Arts (American Renaissance) style statehouse, which tells the story of Pennsylvania rich history through its art and architecture. Then it’s time for tea at Sweet Remembrances in Mechanicsburg, complete with a tea talk, take-home recipes, and a full high tea. Time permitting, we’ll make a stop at The Rosemary House and Gardens for a little shopping. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
#103736 18 & up $40 3/25 Thursday 8:00am- 6:00pm
Click here to be waitlisted!
Visit Madison’s Montpelier Mansion - FULL!!!
Travel back in time on a visit to the beautifully restored home of James Madison, the fourth President of the United States and "Father of the Constitution." We’ll explore the new Visitor Center, tour the renovated mansion, and take in the beautiful backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. After lunch in the town of Orange, we’ll return to explore the gardens and other buildings on the Montpelier plantation. Bring money for lunch. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
#103738 18 & up 1 $35 4/8 Thursday 8:00am- 6:00pm
Click here to be waitlisted!
National Arboretum Spring Hike - FULL!!!
Springtime at the Arboretum is a thing to behold! We’ll walk through hills of blooming azaleas and dogwoods, explore the Fern Valley native plant collection (with spice bush, prairie plants, shrubs, and woodland flowers), and learn about the uses of herbs (past and present) with a tour of thirteen different themed herb gardens (Native American, medicinal, Colonial era, and
more). Bring money for lunch from A. Litteri, Washington’s oldest Italian grocery store and deli. Bring binoculars and a camera if you have them.
#103747 18 & up $20 4/22 Thursday 9:00am- 5:00pm
Click here to be waitlisted!
Adkins Arboretum Van Tour - FULL!!!
Beauty—both natural and man-made—abounds at this 400-acre native garden and preserve on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. We’ll walk through meadows, woodlands, and trails filled with more than 600 different species of native plants, and...artwork. Yes, there’s art installed in the meadows and woods, as well as the Visitor’s Center. We’ll also take a peek at the Spring Plant Sale. Bring a bag lunch and beverage. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
#103752 18 & up $24 5/7 Friday 8:00am- 5:30pm
Click here to be waitlisted!
Heritage Rosarium Tour & more - FULL!!!
In a feature story on NPR’s "All Things Considered," reporter Jacki Lyden wrote, "It takes an obsession to create a rose garden as glorious as the one Nick Weber has grown at his home in
Ashton, Maryland." Weber’s "Heritage Rosarium" is filled with nearly 700 heirloom varieties of ramblers and climbers, nearly all of them "old roses" that existed before 1867 and are no longer available from commercial florists. Here’s your one chance this year to see (and smell!) this amazing display of flowers, and even take some home with you (bring $). Time permitting, we’ll explore other inspiring local gardens, and learn which plants and flowers we can grow to help attract and support birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
#103793 18 & up $20 5/27 Thursday 9:00am- 5:00pm
Click here to be waitlisted!
Programs for adults
Composting Training Session
Composting is a simple and natural way to recycle yard trimmings such as leaves and grass into a wonderful soil conditioner for lawns and gardens. Learn more about composting basics at this training session hosted by Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Services. Get a complimentary compost bin to take home with you! Free program; registration is required.
#102954 18 & up Free 3/25 Thursday 6:30pm-7:30pm
Click here to register!
Programs for all
Maple Sugaring Down on the Farm
Tap a maple tree to collect the sap, and boil it down to syrup. Take a taste test and see what other surprises syrup produces. Also enjoy an early spring hayride around the farm! Meet at the Agricultural Farm Park (18400 Muncaster Road, Derwood, MD 20855). Please register and pay for all participants.
#102999 2 & up $7 3/4 Thursday 10:00am-11:30am
Click here to register!
Kite Flying Time! - FULL!!!
Take advantage of the March winds! Make and decorate your own kite to fly over the windswept fields at the Agricultural Farm Park in Derwood located at 18400 Muncaster Road.
#103000 2 & up $5 3/18 Thursday 3:30pm-4:30pm
Click here to be waitlisted!
Owls, Hawks and eagle Lunchtime & Talk
Observe Meadowside’s hawks, owls, vulture, and bald eagle during their feeding time and ask questions! Get a chance to speak with a Naturalist about our birds of prey, and learn some of the stories about Meadowside’s own raptors on exhibit. These talks will begin at the Raptor Walkway behind the nature center. No reservations required.
#102992 All Ages Free 3/20 Saturday 12:00pm-12:30pm - Click here to register!
#102994 All Ages Free 4/17 Saturday 12:00pm-12:30pm - Click here to register!
#102995 All Ages Free 5/15 Saturday 12:00pm-12:30pm - Click here to register!
Home School Hikes
Come and experience the sights and sounds of spring in the DC region as we explore a different park on each hike. We'll learn how to identify an array of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and animals that call this area home using field guides and dichotomous keys. Transportation provided. Please meet at Meadowside Nature Center for all hikes. These hikes are designed especially for 8-14 year olds.
• Turkey Run Hike
Explore the plants and animals that live along the rocky outcroppings of the Potomac River. The plants and animals we will be on the lookout for include skinks, Great Blue Herons, and Virginia Bluebells. Hike is approximately 3 miles long, across both sloped and flat terrain. Please bring a bag lunch, and register and pay for all participants.
#103100 8 & up $8 4/15 Thursday 9:30am- 2:30pm
Click here to register!
• C&O Canal and Harper’s Ferry Hike
Travel the towpath from Weverton, MD into Harper’s Ferry to Jefferson Rock for a panoramic view of the Potomac and the Shenandoah Rivers. Along the way we will examine Maryland’s geologic past and learn about the local wildlife including painted turtles, tree frogs, and spring wildflowers. Hike is approximately 6 miles long, across flat terrain. Please bring a bag lunch, and register and pay for all participants.
#103101 8 & up $10 5/20 Thursday 9:30am- 5:00pm
Click here to register!
Meadowside movies by the Fire
Spend an evening around Meadowside’s campfire ring to enjoy tasty toasted marshmallows and a short film. On April 22, explore the changes of spring with a showing of "Caterpillar and Polliwog." On May 20, meet some amphibian friends and watch the film version of "Frog and Toad Are Friends." We'll supply the marshmallows and graham crackers, you bring your chocolate of choice, and we'll make s’mores! Please register and pay for all participants.
• Caterpillar and Polliwog (12 minutes)
#102965 3 & $3 4/22 Thursday 7:30pm- 8:30pm - Click here to register!
• Frog and Toad Are Friends (17 minutes) - FULL!!!
#102967 3 & up $3 5/20 Thursday 7:30pm- 8:30pm - Click here to be waitlisted!
Drawing and painting Nature
Come outside and try your hand at painting ‘en plein air’ with professional artist Roberta Staat and Naturalist Sandy Staples. In this 19th century French art technique, artists work to really see their natural surroundings, and paint ‘all prima’ (all at once) to capture the scene at that moment. This is a beginner’s class; all are welcome. We’ll sketch and paint outside if it’s nice, or move inside the Nature Center to observe and paint the live animals and fascinating natural objects there if the weather’s bad. You supply imagination and vision; we’ll supply the acrylic paints, brushes, etc. Bring a snack and beverage if you like.
#103750 8 & up $10 5/1 Saturday 10:00am-12:00pm
Click here to register!
Photo Explorations
Using the inspiration of the forest and trails of Meadowside, young photographers will explore a different theme in nature photography in each session such as plants, animals, and aquatic life. After participating, each child will have photographs displayed in a special seasonal exhibit in the nature center. **Children must bring their own digital camera that they are comfortable using, along with the computer connecting cable.** Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
#102987 7-13yrs $7 5/12 Wednesday 4:00pm-5:30pm - Click here to register!
#102988 7-13yrs $7 5/19 Wednesday 4:00pm-5:30pm - Click here to register!
#102989 7-13yrs $7 5/26 Wednesday 4:00pm-5:30pm - Click here to register!
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Programs for toddlers
Down on the Farm - FULL!!!
What’s it like to live on a farm? Come hear stories about farm animals and farm life, then walk around the beautiful Agricultural History Farm Park to meet and greet some real farm animals there. Meet at the big red barn at the Ag History Farm (18400 Muncaster Rd., Derwood, MD).
#103727 3-6yrs $5 3/9 Tuesday 1:30am- 2:30pm
Click here to be waitlisted!
Busy Beaver
Explore these amazing builders through fun activities and a walk out to a pond to find out how they keep so busy. Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
#102949 3-6yrs $5 3/16 Tuesday 9:30am-10:30am
Click here to register!
Spring is Here!
As the snow and cold weather disappear, spring brings many changes--some obvious, some subtle. We’ll use our powers of observation to learn about some of these changes with a story, craft, and hike.
#103734 3-6yrs $5 3/23 Tuesday 10:30am-11:30am
Click here to register!
Egg-cited about eggs!- FULL!!!
Not just birds are laying eggs this spring! Discover some different animals that lay eggs, learn egg-citing egg facts. Look at eggs of all shapes and sizes. Then make a craft to take home! Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
#102953 3-6yrs $5 3/23 Tuesday 1:30pm- 2:30pm
Click here to be waitlisted!
Tyke Hikes
Come and discover the bustling world around the Nature Center. Take a mini-nature hike, and make a craft to take home.
#102955 2-4yrs $5 3/24 Wednesday 10:30am-11:15am - Click here to be waitlisted! - FULL!!!
#102960 2-4yrs $5 4/14 Wednesday 10:30am-11:15am - Click here to register!
#102961 2-4yrs $5 5/19 Wednesday 10:30am-11:15am - Click here to register!
Box Turtle at Long pond - FULL!!!
Turtles come in many shapes and sizes, but the Eastern box turtle is probably your yard’s most likely visitor. We’ll meet a real box turtle, then go for a hike to a pond to search for turtles basking in the sun.
#103737 3-6yrs $5 4/6 Tuesday 10:30am-11:30am
Click here to be waitlisted!
It’s Raining, It’s pouring
While waiting for May’s flowers, learn about April’s showers. Games, activities, and a craft will introduce us to science and fun behind those sprinkling, dripping, drizzly rainy days!
Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
#102975 3-6yrs $5 4/7 Wednesday 10:30am-11:30am
Click here to register!
Mud - FULL!!!
Spring brings us lots of rain showers, and that means mud! Come discover the fun in the mud through stories and activities, and make some mud art. Come ready to get muddy!
#102976 3-6yrs $5 4/13 Tuesday 10:30am-11:30am
Click here to be waitlisted!
In a Small, Small pond
Explore life in a pond and learn about the different animals you can expect to find in and around a pond: frogs, turtles, and much more. After the story and craft, we’ll hike to a real pond to see who lives there.
#103743 3-6yrs $5 4/13 Tuesday 1:30pm- 2:30pm
Click here to register!
Happy Earth Day!- FULL!!!
What better way to celebrate Earth Day than spending it outside! Take a short hike, learn what we can do to help the planet, and make an earth-friendly craft to take home. Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
#102977 3-6yrs $5 4/22 Thursdays 10:30am-11:30am
Click here to be waitlisted!
Beauty of Butterflies
Explore the remarkable world of butterflies from their beautiful colors, adaptations, and amazing journeys through activities, crafts, and a hike. Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
#102978 3-6yrs $5 4/28 Wednesday 10:30am-11:30am
Click here to register!
Lightning Bugs - FULL!!!
Ever marveled at the lightning bugs you see at night? Join us for an exploration of lightning bugs through stories and a craft! Naturalist: Glenn Rice
#103103 3-6yrs $5 4/29 Thursday 1:30pm- 2:30pm
Click here to be waitlisted!
Slugs & Slime
Investigate nature’s oozy, gushy, and slimy critters in nature! Hunt for slugs and other slime-makers and mix up your own batch of slime. Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
#102986 3-6yrs $5 5/5 Wednesday 10:30am-11:30am
Click here to register!
Pond Explorers
Join us as we explore a pond and the animals that live there through stories, a craft, and a hike to Meadowside’s pond. Naturalist: Glenn Rice
#103149 3-6yrs $5 5/7 Friday 1:30pm- 2:30pm
Click here to register!
The Moonflower - FULL!!!
When the lights go out and you’re drifting off to sleep, have you ever wondered what happens as the sun goes down and the moon comes out? We’ll explore how the night comes alive through a story and craft, and learn about animals and plants that are specially adapted to be up and at ‘em at night.
#103753 3-6yrs $5 5/11 Tuesday 10:30am-11:30am
Click here to be waitlisted!
Who Lives in the Ocean? - FULL!!!
When you’re playing in the ocean, you might see a little fish or two under your feet. But there’s a whole world of animals living in there, like sharks and whales and sea turtles—and some animals you may have never seen! We’ll learn all about this watery world and its inhabitants with a story and craft, and talk about things we can do to keep these animals safe.
#103755 3-6yrs $5 5/18 Tuesday 1:30pm- 2:30pm
Click here to be waitlisted!
Two Bad Ants
Can you imagine what it would be like to be an ant or a cricket? Explore the Lilliputian world of insects, and gain a new appreciation for the complex lives of these tiny creatures. Story, craft, and hike.
#103792 3-6yrs $5 5/26 Wednesday 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 301-924-4141, from Tuesday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m..
Last updated: February 23, 2010
Montgomery County Department of Parks