Nature Centers and Parks

NATURE CENTER AND PARK ACTIVITIES AUGUST 2008

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY RECREATION AND PARKS 51 W. Earleigh Heights Rd., Severna Park, MD 21146, 410-222-6244, www.aacounty.org/RecParks/parks/aacotrails_park

AUDOBON NATURALIST SOCIETY OF THE CENTRAL ATLANTIC STATES, INC. WOODEND SANCTUARY 8940 Jones Mill Road Chevy Chase, MD 20815 www.audubonnaturalist.org/

BATTLE CREEK CYPRESS SWAMP Grays Road, Prince Frederick, MD 410-535-5327
www.calvertparks.org/Parks/CypressSwamp/CShome.htm
Nature News - August, Saturday, August 16, 1:00 p.m. Allows visitors to get a close-up look at the natural seasonal changes that occur at Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, Flag Ponds and Kings Landing, and elsewhere throughout the region. Weekend afternoons, beginning at 1:00 p.m., stop by and talk with the naturalist about all of the late breaking "Nature News." Free with no reservations required. Pizza and a Program: A Noisy Evening, Friday, August 22 from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. There are lots insects making noises in the trees this time of year! Come to the nature center to hear about some of the different kinds of noisy insects that are active this time of year. Listen to sample summer night sounds as you eat pizza, then trek outside to explore the night woods around the cypress swamp. Green Hour: Serious about Solar, Saturday, August 23, from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Plants get their energy from the sun and we get much of ours from plants. How else does the sun help us? Try some fun sun experiments and even try a sun snack! Fee: $3.00/BCNES members $1.00. With paid adult, children pay member fees. Reservations and payment are required in advance.

BLACK HILL VISITORS CENTER 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD 301-916-0220
http://mcparksandplanning.org/Parks/nature_centers/blackhill/index.shtm

BLADENSBURG WATERFRONT PARK 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg 301-779-0371 TTY: 301-699-2544 www.pgparks.com
Arts on the Waterfront: Oasis/Island Sounds, Sunday, August 3, from 6:00 until 7:30 pm Get out of your chair and tap your feet to Calypso, Soca and reggae music. All ages welcome. FREE
Kayak Lesson, Saturday, August 9, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm Learn paddling skills on the scenic Anacostia River from a certified instructor. Ages 10 & up (An adult must accompany children 16 & under.) Fee: Resident $25; Non-Resident $30
Arts on the Waterfront: Turley The Magician, Sunday, August 10, from 6:00 until 7:30 pm People of all ages will be entertained by this family comedy magic show. All ages welcome. FREE
Bird Watching, Saturday, August 16, from 8:00 until 10:00 am Join a park naturalist to locate and identify woodland and water birds along the Anacostia River. Beginners and advanced birders can find something different every time. Binoculars provided. All ages welcome. (An adult must accompany children 16 & under.) Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
Bicycle Tours, Saturday, August 16, from 9:00 am until 12:00 noon Bring your bicycle and helmet for a guided tour of park trails. Ages 10 & up (An adult must accompany children 16 & under.) Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Canoe Tour, Saturday, August 16, from 9:30 am until 12:00 noon Join a park naturalist and paddle into the Aquatic Gardens to search for wildlife. Canoes, paddles, and life jackets provided. Reservations required. All ages welcome. (An adult must accompany children 16 & under.) Fee: Resident $10/boat; Non-Resident $12/boat
Arts on the Waterfront: DeAndrey Howard's Collectors Edition, Sunday, August 17, from 6:00 until 7:30 pm Watch the sunset as you listen to classic jazz music. All ages welcome. FREE
Anacostia River Canoe Tour, Wednesday, August 20, from 6:00 until 8:00 pm Join a park naturalist to paddle into the Aquatic Gardens and look for wildlife. Canoes, paddles, and life jackets provided. Reservations required. All ages welcome. (An adult must accompany children 16 & under.)
Canoe Lesson, Saturday, August 23, 10 am-2 pm Learn paddling skills from a certified instructor on the scenic Anacostia River. Ages 10 & up (An adult must accompany children 16 & under.) Fee: Resident $25; Non-Resident $30
History Program 18th Century Bladensburg, Saturday, August 30, from 4:00 until 5:00 pm Learn about the economic contributions of African Americans through this short skit. All ages welcome.

BROOKSIDE GARDENS, 1500 Glenallan Avenue Wheaton, MD 20902, 301-949-8230 www.mc-mncppc.org/parks/brookside
Summer Meadow, August 29, from 7:00 until 8:00 pm, All ages Brookside's meadow is home to deer, birds, insects, wildflowers and even bats! Come explore as the sun sets. Reservations required. Flying Squirrels, August 19, from 8:15 until 9:00 pm, All ages Come catch a glimpse of these nighttime “flyers”. Rain cancels. No reservations required.

CARRIE MURRAY NATURE CENTER, 1901 Ridgetop Road, Baltimore, MD 21207, 410-265-0808
Friendly Bug Club, Saturdays, through August 23, Noon until 1:30 pm. All ages, Fee: $2.00

CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN PARK 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788, 301- 663-9388, www.nps.gov/cato/
2008 Cabin Camping Opportunities at Camp Misty Mount (April – October) Reservations for the 2008 camping season at Camp Misty Mount are now being accepted. Special weekday rates are available again this season. If you or your family is looking for a vacation in a secluded location with basic amenities, Camp Misty Mount may be the perfect location. Call (301) 271-3140 to make reservations or for cabin information.

CHESAPEAKE BAY ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER Wildfowl Trust of North America, 600 Discovery Lane, Grasonville, Md. 21638, 410-827-6694,www.bayrestoration.org/index.html
Creepy Crawlers: Amazing Monarchs, Monday and Tuesday, August 11 and 12, from 10:00 until 11:00 am Visit the garden to watch beautiful butterflies, for Children Ages 2-5 Members: $3 per child Registration required Non-Members: $5 per child 24 hours prior to program Parents/Guardians Free Marsh Muckers: It's Fishy, August 2, from 10:00 until 11:30. You will use seining and dip nets as you wade in the bay to catch silversides, mummichogs, and other native fish. **Bring your water shoes or old sneakers and be prepared to get wet! Children Ages 6-10 Members: $7 per child Registration required Non-Members: $10 per child 24 hours prior to program

CITY OF BALTIMORE RECREATION AND PARKS, 3001 East Drive, Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD 21217, www.baltimorecity.gov/recnparks

CLEARWATER NATURE CENTER 11000 Thrift Road, Clinton, MD 301‑297‑4575, TTY 301‑699‑2544 www.pgparks.com
Reptiles Alive Show & Hike, Wednesday August 6, 10-11:30 am Meet and learn about a variety of reptiles from the nature center’s collection and touch one if you like. Then join a naturalist for a short hike to look for reptiles. Reservations are required. Ages 6 & up Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3 Creek Hike, Thursday, August 14, from 10:00 until 11:30 am Come explore, examine, and identify the many creatures found in a local creek using dip nets. Dress to get wet. Wear wading boots, water shoes or old sneakers that can get wet / muddy. Reservations are required. Ages 5 & up Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
Nature: Explore Animal Tracks, Saturday, August 16, from 10:00 until 11:30 am Learn how to search for animals by using clues such as tracks (footprints), scat, and chewings. Make a plaster cast of an animal track. Reservations are required. Ages 7 & up Fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident $4
Live Animal Show, Saturday, August 23, from 10:00 until 11:00 am Children of all ages love meeting our live animals! Touching and questions are encouraged. Reservations are required. Ages 2 & up Fee: Resident $1; Non-Resident $2
Nature: Explore Insects, Saturday, August 30, from 10:00 until 11:30 am Explore the world of insects and learn about their life cycles and how they can be helpful. A craft is included along with a short hike to search for and observe local insects. Reservations are required. Ages 6 & up Fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident $4

FAIR HILL NATURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER, 630 Tawes Drive Elkton, MD 21921, 410-398-4909 , www.fairhillnature.org

FLAG PONDS NATURE PARK Route 4, Lusby, MD, 410-535-5327, www.calvertparks.org/Parks/FlagPonds/FPhome.htm
Nature News - August, Saturday and Sunday, August 3 and 23, at 1:00 p.m. Allows visitors to get a close-up look at the natural seasonal changes that occur at Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, Flag Ponds and Kings Landing, and elsewhere throughout the region. Weekend afternoons, beginning at 1:00 p.m., you can stop by and talk with the naturalist about all of the late breaking "Nature News." Free with no reservations required.

IRVINE NATURE CENTER, 8400 Greenspring Avenue, 410-484-2413, x10,www.explorenature.orgExcursion Series: Hemlock Gorge Wildflower Walk. Saturday, August 9, from 9:00 am until 11:30 am. Spend a summer morning in the cool shady woods of Gunpowder River's Hemlock Gorge in northern Baltimore County. Search along the river and stream banks for such beauties as cardinal flower, sunflower, rattlesnake plantain, monkey flower and more.
Meet the Critter. Sunday, August 24, from 1:00 pm until 1:30 pm. Come out and meet one of Irvine's resident animals. You'll learn some fascinating facts while getting some hands-on interactions!

JUG BAY WETLANDS SANCTUARY, 1361 Wrighton Road, Lothian, MD 20711, 410-741-9330 Email: programs@jugbay.org Web site www.jugbay.org . All ages welcome, but you must preregister to hike. See the Web site for more information.
Discover Wetlands by Canoe. Sunday, Aug 10, from 9:30 am until 1:30 pm. Enjoy a leisurely paddle through the Patuxent River wetlands and open a new window into the natural history of Jug Bay. Children must be at least 7 years old.
Amphibians. Saturday, August 9, from 1:00 until 3:00 pm. Frogs, toads, and salamanders are crawling through the leaves, hopping across our forests and singing in the ponds. Come explore with them to learn all about amphibians. For all ages.
Firefly Magic. Saturday, Aug 23 from 7:30 until 9:30 pm. Join them as we discover the secrets of fireflies in this "glowing" program. Take a night hike to observe fireflies and play a "firefly flashing" game with glowsticks. Finally, find out how fireflies make light with a cool light chemical demonstration and make a firefly flashlight to take home (supplies provided). For families with children ages 6 to 10 years.
Full Moon Hike. Saturday, August 16, from 7:00 until 9:00 pm. The full moon of August is called the Fruit Moon by the Cherokees since this is the time when many wild fruits and berries ripen. Join us for a leisurely stroll through the forest under the light of the full moon. All ages; children should be able to walk up to 3 miles on natural surface trails at a moderate pace. Trails are not easily traveled by strollers.

KINDERFARM PARK, 1001 Kinder Farm Park Road, Millersville, MD 21108, 410-222-6115 www.kinderfarmpark.org

KINGS LANDING PARK, Kings Landing Road, Huntingtown, MD, 410-535-2661
www.calvertparks.org/Parks/KingsLanding/KLPhome.htm
Shakespeare and Then Some A Bit of The Bard" Saturday, August 9th & Sunday, August 10th, 6pm at the Woodland Amphitheater. Just how much Shakespeare can you fit into two carefree summer hours? The youthful and talented Chesapeake Theatre Company will show you as they interpret poetry and prose, comedy and tragedy in the spirit of The Bard. Presenting the women of Shakespeare, the music and dance featured in his plays, samples of stage combat and witticisms that have become as prevalent today as they were 400 years past. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, a picnic supper or purchase food from our board. Make ready to revel ion the green woods in true Renaissance fashion! Admission at the gate $10 adults, $5 students and seniors with discounts. May not appeal to younger children. For info, call the park at (410)535-2661. All proceeds to benefit the Woodland Amphitheater.

LADEW TOPIARY GARDENS, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD 21120, 410-557-9570, www.ladewgardens.com
Storytime: Firefly Fantasy. Monday, August 4, at 10:30 and 12:30 pm. It's that magical time of year when it appears that stars are dancing through the air. Enjoy listening a story about fireflies – our little "twinkling stars" on Earth. Members: $5 per child/adult pair, Non-Members: $10 per child/adult pair. For children age 2 to 4. Bring small blankets to sit on. Reservations required, call (410) 557-9570, ext. 226.
Over in the Meadow. Thursday, August 21 at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm. Head to the meadow to read about the many beautiful wildflowers growing there and the animals who call the meadow home. Members: $5 per child/adult pair, Non-Members: $10 per child/adult pair. For children age 2-4. Bring small blankets to sit on. Reservations required, call (410) 557-9570, ext. 226

LOCUST GROVE NATURE CENTER 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 301-299-1990
www.mcparkandplanning.org/parks/nature_centers/locust/

MEADOWSIDE NATURE CENTER 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD 301-924-4141
www.mc-mncppc.org/parks/nature_centers/meadow/

MT. RAINIER NATURE CENTER 4701 31st Street, Mt. Rainier, MD 301-927-2163 www.pgparks.com/places/nature/rainier.html
Adventure Seekers: Boyds, MD. Saturday, August 2, from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. Enjoy canoeing in Black Hill Regional Park. Bring a bag lunch and a drink. Fee includes transportation. Reservations required. Ages 8-12. Fee: Resident $1; Non-Resident $2.
Puppet Theater: Geoffrey the Rabbit Gets Lost. Saturday, August 16, from 11:00 until 11:45 am. Geoffrey gets lost in the forest and meets other animals. After the show, children will make a craft. Reservations required. All ages welcome. Free.
Canoe & Kayak Kaper: Berwyn Heights. Wednesday, August 20, from 6:00 until 7:30 pm. Enjoy a guided canoe or kayak tour on Lake Artemesia. Reservations required. Ages 3 & up. Fee without canoe/kayak: Resident $7; Non-Resident $8. Fee with canoe/kayak fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident $5.
Campfire: Butterflies of Summer. Friday, August 22, from 6:30 until 8:00 pm. Enjoy a beverage and s'mores as a naturalist discusses butterflies. Reservations required. All ages welcome. Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3.

OREGON RIDGE NATURE CENTER, 13555 Beaver Dam road Cockeysville, MD 21030, 410-887-1815. www.oregonridge.org
Greencorn Night Light Hike and Campfire. August 15, from 8:00 until 9:30 pm. Take an evening hike and learn about the three sisters known as corn, beans and squash. Native Americans depended on these crops for most of their diet. $3.00 per person.
Bird Watching Basics. August 16 from 9:00 untill 11:00 am. Irvine Nature Center's very own Robert Mardiney will be your leader. Meet at the new nature center on Garrison Forest Road. Please call for reservations and directions.
Archaeology of the Miners Town. August 17, at 10:00 am. Dr. George Brauer will assist in identifying and processing artifacts found in the park. Learn the basics about archeology and the history behind the park!

PATAPSCO VALLEY STATE PARK, 8020 Baltimore National Pike Ellicott City, MD 21043 410-461-5005 Email: park-patapsco@dnr.state.md.us Web site : http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/patapscovalley.html

PATUXENT RESEARCH REFUGE, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD 20708, 301-497-5887, http://patuxent.fws.gov
Natures Kingdoms. August 6 and 7, from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm. Investigate exciting wildlife adaptations that help us classify nature in its kingdoms. Learn to identify plants and animals based on their adaptations. Discover the close relationships between animals through classification. Explore the refuge and identify different living things outside. Ages 11 to 13.
Awesome Animal Adaptations. August 13, 14 and 15, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. Spend these three days learning all about different animal adaptations. Discover how mammals, birds, fish and more survive in their habitats and what makes some more successful than others. Arts and crafts, games, hands-on activities, and time outside will make this camp one you dont want to miss. Ages 5 to 7.

PATUXENT RIVER PARK 16000 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro 301‑627‑6074; www.pgparks.com
Butterfly Search, Fridays, August 8, 15 and 22, from 9:00 until 11:00 am. Search through various habitats for butterflies to count. Reservations required. All ages welcome. Fee: Resident $1; Non-Resident $2.
Journey Into Jug Bay's Past. Saturday, August 16, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. Come aboard our pontoon boat for a tour on the scenic Patuxent River at Jug Bay. Park archaeologists will discuss the history and archaeology of the area. A tour of the Mount Calvert plantation house included. Reservations required. Ages 8 & up
Fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident $4
Frog Watch: Frog Calling Survey. Wednesday, August 20, at 8:30 pm. Come learn about the environment while collecting valuable information about our local frogs and toads. Reservations required. All ages welcome. Free.

ROCK CREEK NATURE CENTER 5200 Glover Road, NW, Washington, DC 202-426-6829 http://www.nps.gov/rocr/

WATKINS NATURE CENTER 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 301‑218‑6702, TTY 301‑699‑2544 www.pgparks.com
Family Discovery Hike. Thursday, August 7, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. Let our naturalist guide you as you enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Reservations required. Ages 4 & up. Fee: Resident $1; Non-Resident $2.
Creature Feature: All About Reptiles. Saturday, August 9, from 10:00 until 11:00 am. Meet and learn about reptiles such as snakes, lizards, turtles, and amphibians. Reservations required. Ages 3 & up. Fee: Resident $1; Non-Resident $2.
Live Animal Show. Saturday, August 16, from 10:00 until 11:00 am. Meet and learn about the nature center's live animals, including reptiles and invertebrates. Reservations required. Ages 2 & up. Fee: Resident $1; Non-Resident $2.
Puppet Show. Wednesday, August 20, from 2:00 until 3:00 pm. Enjoy a seasonal-themed puppet show, meet a featured live animal, and make a craft. Reservations required. Ages 2 to 10. Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3. Nature Craft. Thursday, August 21, from 2:00 until 3:00 pm. Children will enjoy hands-on nature crafts and a story, and will meet a featured live animal. Reservations required. Ages 3 to 8. Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3.
Family Campfire. Friday, August 22, from 7:30 until 9:00 pm. Come to our outdoor amphitheater for stories, live animals, and more. Reservations required.
Ages 2 and up. Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3.