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  • Location:
    Meadowside Nature Center
    5100 Meadowside Lane
    (located in Rock Creek Regional Park)
    Rockville, Maryland 20855
    Directions and Map

  • Hours of Operation:
    Tuesday - Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm
    Closed Sundays and Mondays
    Park and Trails open: sunrise to sunset

  • Contacts:
    Phone: 301-258-4030

» Back to: » Parks home » Nature Centers » Meadowside Nature Center » Group Programs

Group Programs

 

Meadowside Nature Center offers weekday programs for school groups, scouts and other organized groups.

Leader's Guide to Programs

Natural History Programs

  • Bugs
    Suggested Ages: 3 and up
    Insects are one of the largest groups of animals on the planet. Discover what makes an insect an insect or a bug a bug by
    meeting some of Meadowside’s live bugs. Explore the different life cycles, feeding strategies, and adaptations exhibited by
    insects. (Hike included April thru October)
  • Butterflies (Available April thru mid-October)
    Suggested Ages: 3 and up
    Butterflies and moths are one of the insect world’s most fascinating and charming members. Explore the life cycle of butterflies and moths, their differences and similarities, their food preferences, and their unusual survival strategies. (Hike included April thru October)
  • Owls, Hawks and Eagles of Maryland
    Suggested Ages: 7 and up
    Explore the amazing adaptations and characteristics of Maryland’s birds of prey. Experience these birds live and up close along our Raptor Walkway and learn about their feeding habits through an owl pellet dissection activity.
  • Reptiles and Amphibians
    Suggested Ages: 3 and up
    Learn about the world of amphibians and reptiles with a seasonal emphasis. Explore the different life cycles and adaptations by meeting some of Meadowside’s live animals. (Hike included April thru October)
  • Seasons
    Suggested Ages: 3 -7
    Learn how native plants and animals change with the seasons. Who stays? Who goes? What survival strategies do various
    plants and animals use during different seasons? Weather permitting, students will explore these seasonal changes on an
    interactive hike.

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Cultural History

  • Native Americans
    Suggested Ages: 5 and up
    Explore how Native Americans are believed to have lived. What did they eat? Where did they live? How did they treat the land? Program emphasizes local geography and natural resources as an influence on Native American culture.

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Self-Guide Opportunities

Meadowside Nature Center offers indoor and outdoor exhibits as well as hiking trails for groups to explore on their own. Groups may visit the nature center on a self-guided basis. However, priority use of the facility is given to scheduled groups. All selfguided groups must notify Meadowside Nature Center in advance to reserve a tour time.

Indoor Exhibits
  • Legacy of the Land
    Enjoy a unique chance to explore your natural heritage. Walk
    through an earthen tunnel, look underwater at fish and turtles, crawl through a cave, and walk along a path to observe animals in natural habitats native to Maryland.
  • Legacy of the People
    This cultural history exhibit lets you experience the day-to-day activities of Maryland’s early settlers and Native Americans. Opportunities include dressing in costumes, playing with toys and games, and learning about daily life through hands-on exhibits.
  • Curiosity Corner
    Explore a hands-on discovery room designed to stimulate the senses. Displays include a microscope table, discovery boxes with games and puzzles, a wildlife observation area, and live animals.
Outdoor Exhibits and Trails
  • Raptor Aviaries
    The raptor aviaries are located behind the nature center and contain different birds of prey, including native owls of Montgomery County, hawks, a Turkey Vulture, and a Bald Eagle.
  • Hiking Trails
    There are many hiking trails surrounding the nature center to suit your group’s abilities and needs. Your group can explore habitats including meadows, woods, ponds, streams, a lake, and areas of historical interest. A map of the trails can be found at the nature center.

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Tip for a Successful Trip

  • Suggested 5:1 student to adult chaperone ratio
  • Chaperones are responsible for supervision and appropriate behavior of all students in their group.
  • Easy to read name tags are highly recommended.
  • Please be prompt! Late arrivals will result in shortened programs.
  • Please submit a completed group roster upon arrival.
  • Dress appropriately for your program. We suggest outdoor clothing and appropriate shoes for hiking.
  • Do you have lunch plans? We do not allow food or drink inside the nature center. Ask about our first come first serve picnic pavilion.

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Group Programs Fees and Registration Worksheet

Let us help you plan your trip!

Program requests are accepted up to a year in advance.

  • Have several program dates and times in mind when calling for reservations in case your first choice is unavailable.
  • Programs are available Tuesday –Friday.
  • Program times start on the half hour beginning at 9:30 AM.
  • The maximum group size is 30 students.
  • A $50 non-refundable deposit for each program is due 3 weeks from the date you make the reservation.
  • Balance is due on or before your program date.

Reservations

Call Meadowside Nature Center at 301-258-4030
Tuesday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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