Summer Programs 2011
Adult hikes
Programs for adults
Programs for all
Programs for mixed ages (Ages 1-17)
Programs for children
(Ages 6-12)
Programs for toddlers (Ages 1-6)
Campfire programs
Reservations
Adult hikes
NOTE: Meet at the site where the hike is to take place unless otherwise noted.
Wildflower Walk at Meadowside
Come and experience the sights and sounds along the Rock Creek Stream Valley. We'll start our hike from Meadowside Nature Center walking along the rocky outcroppings of the stream bed before heading through our meadows to Lake Frank. Along the way we'll take in the seasonal wildflowers, ferns and birds. Hike is approximately three miles long, across both sloped and flat terrain. Naturalist: Glenn Rice
#142199 18 & up Free 8/26 Friday 9:30am-11:30am
Click here to Register!
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Programs for adults
"Nature Matters" Lecture Series
Spend an evening with researchers and conservationists for an intriguing lecture series focused on local nature and conservation topics.
Check-in and refreshments at 6:30pm; lecture begins at 7:00pm. Registration is required.
* Birds, Mosquitoes, and Disease: West Nile Virus
In the 11 years since West Nile virus (WNV)
emerged in New York City in 1999, it has spread across North, Central, and South America, and into
the Caribbean, causing over 20,000 documented human infections and 1,000 deaths. Our research aims to determine how human land use (deforestation and urbanization) affects WNV transmission. Understanding the influence of urbanization on virus transmission is critical to improving surveillance and control programs and ultimately reducing the impact of this virus on human and wildlife health. Our research includes studying mosquitoes, birds, mammals and microclimates across a set of sites that spans a gradient from intact forest to downtown urban centers in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. Speaker: A. Marm Kilpatrick, Assistant Professor, Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz.
#143249 18 & up Free 6/1 Wednesday 6:30pm- 8:30pm
Click here to register!
* Using Genomic Technologies to Understand Honey Bee Declines
Honey bees are important crop pollinators in many
countries, including the U.S. However, the rate at which managed colonies fail to survive the winter has increased dramatically in recent years, without any unifying explanation. We will discuss how advances in the field of genomics have been used to snoop out possible causes of colony collapse disorder and better understand other bee diseases. This will include a basic primer on what genomics is and why it has had a profound impact on biology in recent years. We will also learn about the current hypotheses for bee declines that are being tested. Speaker: Scott Cornman, Postdoctoral Scientist, Bee Research Lab, United States Department of Agriculture -Agricultural Research Services
#143250 18 & up Free 7/13 Wednesday 6:30pm- 8:30pm
Click here to register!
*ICC Environmental Stewardship/Compensatory Mitigation Effort
Protecting the diverse and sensitive natural environment that will be traversed by the Intercounty Connector (ICC) requires extraordinary focus and effort. This is why the ICC's $370 million environmental program—more than 15% of the project's estimated cost—is both unprecedented in scope and cutting edge in approach. Approximately $97 million will be spent on approximately 50 stream restoration, wetland creation, and storm water management projects that are part of the ICC's Environmental Stewardship and Compensatory Mitigation efforts. Learn more about these efforts and how state, local, and federal agencies have collaborated on these projects to help protect and restore Montgomery County's valuable natural resources.
Speaker: Jai Cole, Aquatic Ecologist, Montgomery County Parks
#143252 18 & up Free 8/3 Wednesday 6:30pm- 8:30pm
Click here to register!
Programs for all
Owls, Hawks & 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.
#142212 2 & up Free 6/11 Saturday 12:00pm-12:30pm - Click here to register!
#142213 2 & up Free 6/18 Saturday 12:00pm-12:30pm - Click here to register!
#142214 2 & up Free 7/9 Saturday 12:00pm-12:30pm- Click here to register!
#142215 2 & up Free 7/16 Saturday 12:00pm-12:30pm - Click here to register!
#142216 2 & up Free 8/13 Saturday 12:00pm-12:30pm - Click here to register!
#142217 2 & up Free 8/20 Saturday 12:00pm-12:30pm - Click here to register!
Family Geocaching Adventure
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 Nature Center. Long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended for this "treasure" hike. Bring a GPS unit if you have one; or borrow one of ours if you don't.
#142221 8 & up $8 6/11 Saturday 9:30am-11:30am
Click here to register!
Night Hike at Meadowside
Experiencing nature at night can be fun and exciting. We'll learn about the special way nocturnal animals have adapted to the night, and hike the trails around Meadowside to experience a world much different than its daytime counterpart.
#142223 6 & up FREE 7/22 Friday 8:00pm-9:15pm
Click here to register!
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Programs for children
Photo Explorations
Young photographers are invited to explore, learn about, and capture the changes happening around the forest and trails of Meadowside. We'll explore different habitats and themes each session such as plants, animals, and aquatic life. *Children must bring a camera that they're comfortable using, with fully charged battery.* Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
#142218 7-12yrs $8 6/28 Tuesday 4:00pm- 5:30pm - Click here to register!
#142219 7-12yrs $8 7/16 Saturday 9:30am-11:00am - Click here to register!
#142220 7-12yrs $8 8/2 Tuesday 4:00pm- 5:30pm - Click here to register!
Life in a Stream
Spend the afternoon discovering life in a stream! Perform tests on temperature, speed and water quality; and use aquatic nets to hunt for stream critters that can tell us about our stream's health. *Please wear closed-toe shoes that you don't mind getting wet.*
#142200 7-10yrs $7 7/14 Thursday 2:00pm- 3:30pm
Click here to register!
Go Play in the Creek!
We'll explore along the banks of the creek, have a leaf race, and look for what's living near and in the water. Wear old tennis shoes or water shoes.
#142228 6-12yrs $5 8/24 Wednesday 1:00pm- 2:00pm
Click here to register!
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Programs for mixed ages
Explore the Stream - FULL!!!
Explore the stream with aquatic nets looking for crayfish, fish, insects, and more! Wear old tennis
shoes or water shoes.
#142225 3-12yrs $5 8/16 Tuesday 12:30pm- 1:30pm
Click here to be waitlisted!
Incredible Insects
What makes an insect an insect? Find out as we explore the park for some of these amazing creatures.
#142227 3-12yrs $5 8/17 Wednesday 1:00pm- 2:00pm
Click here to register!
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Programs for toddlers
Tyke Hike
Come and discover the bustling world around the Nature Center. Take a mini-nature hike, and make a craft to take home.
#142201 2-4yrs $5 6/15 Wednesday 10:30am-11:15am - Click here to register!
#142202 2-4yrs $5 7/6 Wednesday 10:30am-11:15am - Click here to register!
#142203 2-4yrs $5 7/27 Wednesday 10:30am-11:15am - Click here to register!
#142204 2-4yrs $5 8/10 Wednesday 10:30am-11:15am - Click here to register!
#142205 2-4yrs $5 8/24 Wednesday 10:30am-11:15am - Click here to register!
Are You a Grasshopper?
We'll read a story to learn about grasshoppers, then take a walk to look for them in the park.
#142224 3-6yrs $5 8/16 Tuesday 10:00am-11:00am
Click here to register!
Are You a Dragonfly?
We'll read a story together to learn about dragonflies, then take a walk to look for them in the park.
#142226 3-6yrs $5 8/17 Wednesday 10:00am-11:00am
Click here to register!
Campfire programs
Meadowside by the Fire
Spend an evening around Meadowside’s campfire ring to enjoy tasty toasted marshmallows and a short film. 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 (adults and children).
*Harold and His Amazing Green Plants (12 min.)
#142208 3 & up $3 6/16 Thursday 8:00pm- 9:00pm
Click here to register!
* Frog Goes to Dinner (12 min.)
#142209 3 & up $3 6/30 Thursday 8:00pm- 9:00pm
Click here to register!
* Paul Bunyan (20 min.)
#142210 3 & up $3 7/21 Thursday 7:30pm- 8:30pm
Click here to register!
* A Cricket in Times Square (25 min.)
#142211 3 & up $3 8/4 Thursday 7:30pm- 8:30pm
Click here to register!
Herp Hunt & Campfire
We'll begin the evening learning about the natural history of Maryland's amphibians. As the sun sets over Meadowside, we'll hike around our pond, wetlands, and marsh in search of frogs, toads, and salamanders. Then it's time for a roaring campfire and marshmallow roasting
#142207 8-12yrs FREE 7/7 Thursday 7:30pm-9:00pm
Click here to register!
Dog-Friendly Campfire
Woof! This campfire is going to the dogs! Spend the evening under the stars enjoying a traditional campfire with your furry family pet. Learn about your dog's closest relative, the coyote, and enjoy a short film and marshmallow roasting. We'll supply marshmallows and graham crackers, you bring your chocolate of choice, and we'll make s' mores. Treats will be supplied for our four-footed friends as well! Dogs must be on-leash and well-mannered around people and other dogs, with up-to-date shots. Please register and pay for all (except your pets!).
#142222 3 & up $3 7/12 Tuesday 7:30pm- 8:30pm
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..
Date of last update: May 12, 2011
Montgomery County Department of Parks