Winter Programs 2011/12
Adult hikes
Programs for adults
Adult van tours
Programs for all (ages 2 & up)
Programs for homeschool children
Programs for children and youth (ages 6-12)
Programs for teens (ages 14-17)
Programs for toddlers (ages 1-6)
Reservations
Adult hikes
NOTE: Meet at the site where the hike is to take place unless otherwise noted.
Blue Mash Trail Hike
Start the new year off on the right foot with an easy walk exploring the habitats in this quiet park near Olney. We may see water birds and winter song birds. The trail may be muddy, so dress accordingly. Bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at the Zion Road entrance to the park.
#168024 18 & up Free Wednesday 1/11 9:30am–11:00am
Click here to register!!!
back to top
Adult van tours
Leap Day Van Trip
Make your Leap Day special and explore someplace new! Dividing Howard and Baltimore counties, Patapsco Valley State Park is an oasis in the middle of our busy metropolis. We'll hike moderately strenuous trails in the Orange Grove area of the park, then head into historic Ellicott City for lunch. Please wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring water and money for lunch.
#168150 18 & up $30 2/29 Wednesday 9:30am-3:30pm
Click here to register!!!
back to top
Adult programs
Nature Matters
Spend an evening with researchers and conservationists for an intriguing lecture series focused on local nature and conservation topics.
Check-in and refreshments at 6:30 pm; lecture begins at 7 pm.
Bats: The Only Flying Mammals
Join Park Naturalist and bat enthusiast Leslie Sturges for a fascinating look at bats of the mid- Atlantic region. From Leslie's perspective as a wildlife rehabilitator, explore bat behavior, natural history, and conservation challenges. How is the devastating white-nose syndrome disease affecting bat populations in our region?
#168157 14 & up FREE 12/14 Wednesday 6:30pm-8:30pm
Click here to register!!!
Lake Needwood: Management and Restoration
Join Stephen Reid and Andy Frank of the Montgomery Parks/M-NCPPC Park Development Division for a look at the process of managing our park lakes. What's going on with Lake Needwood? Learn about dredging, how it's performed, and why it was needed to restore Lake Needwood. The planning process, habitat enhancements, and future plans will also be discussed.
#168159 14 & up FREE 1/25 Wednesday 6:30pm-8:30pm
Click here to register!!!
Birding Around the Lake
Join us for winter bird watching around Lake Needwood. Please meet outside the boathouse (15700 Needwood Lake Circle Rockville, MD 20855).
Bring binoculars and dress for the weather.
#168455 18 & up FREE 12/14 Wednesday 9:00am-11:00am - Click here to register!!!
#168456 18 & up FREE 1/4 Wednesday 9:00am-11:00am - Click here to register!!!
#168457 18 & up FREE 2/1 Wednesday 9:00am-11:00am - Click here to register!!!
back to top
Programs for all
Owls, Hawks & Eagle Lunchtime and Talk
Observe Meadowside's hawk, owl, vulture, and bald eagle during their feeding time and ask questions! Speak with a Naturalist about birds of prey, and learn some of the stories about the raptors on exhibit. These talks will begin at the Raptor Walkway behind the Nature Center. No registration required.
#169249 2 & up FREE 12/3 Saturday 12:00pm-12:30pm - Click here to register!!!
#169250 2 & up FREE 12/31 Saturday 12:00pm-12:30pm - Click here to register!!!
#169251 2 & up FREE 1/21 Saturday 12:00pm-12:30pm - Click here to register!!!
#169252 2 & up FREE 2/25 Saturday 12:00pm-12:30pm - Click here to register!!!
Evergreens
Not all evergreens are pine trees! We'll look closely at trees that keep their leaves in winter, then make a special pine/apple decoration for you to take home.
#168017 4 & up $5 12/17 Saturday 11:30am-12:30pm
Click here to register!!!
Bird Bingo
Every season brings new birds. Stop by the Nature Center to get a bird bingo card, then hit our trails to search for feathered friends.
Share what you find with the Naturalist staff and receive a prize!
#168459 6 & up FREE 1/7 Saturday 1:00pm-3:00pm
Click here to register!!!
Meet a Reptile
What makes a reptile a reptile? Find out, then see and touch one of our resident reptiles.
#168054 3 & up FREE 1/14 Saturday 3:00pm-3:30pm
Click here to register!!!
Maple Sugaring
Learn about this fun American tradition. Find out how maple syrup is made, from tree to bottle, then take a delicious syrup taste test!
#168058 4 & up $5 2/11 Saturday 9:30am-10:15am
Click here to register!!!
Programs for homeschool children
Homeschool Days
Homeschoolers, come explore Montgomery County’s natural and cultural past through hikes, games and field experiences.
• eBird Excursions
Help us track migratory patterns of birds in our parks. Using binoculars and field guides, we'll I.D. our seasonal visitors and record the data online (using eBird) to share with others. Explore a new spot every time! Please dress for the weather.
#168512 11-18yrs $3 12/6 Tuesday 10:00am-11:30am - Click here to register!!!
#168513 11-18yrs $3 1/10 Tuesday 10:00am-11:30am - Click here to register!!!
#168514 11-18yrs $3 2/7 Tuesday 10:00am-11:30am - Click here to register!!!
• Owls of Winter
Whoooo's there? Learn about these winter visitors and meet one of Meadowside's resident owls.
#168511 7-12yrs $5 1/17 Tuesday 10:30am-11:30am
Click here to register!!!
back to top
Programs for children and youth
Paper Beads
We're going to give magazine paper a new life as an easy-to-make bead. Give a gift that's beautiful, ecofriendly, and handmade by you!
#168021 7-12yrs $4 12/17 Saturday 1:00pm-1:45pm
Click here to register!!!
Grandkids and Me
Looking for a fun way to spend time with your grandchildren? Create memories while participating in fun natural and cultural history programs with activities such as hikes, games, crafts, and more. Grandchildren sign up; grandparents are free!
• Winter Explorations
Come with your grandchild to explore the winter season around the Nature Center. Explore wildlife adaptations in winter, make your own animal tracks, enjoy snowy snacks, and more.
#168360 6-11yrs $15 12/27 Tuesday 10:00am-12:30pm
Click here to register!!!
• Season for Sugar Snow
The sap is running in our maple trees and that means it's maple sugaring season. Come with your grandchild to learn about maple trees and the process of maple sugaring. Then taste some sweet syrup and make a maple craft to take home.
#168362 6-11yrs $8 2/16 Thursday 4:00pm-5:30pm
Click here to register!!!
Whooooo's in the Woods?
We'll hike along the Rock Creek stream valley calling for barred, barn, and screech owls, then wrap up our evening with a short film, warm cocoa, and roasted marshmallows.
#168510 6 & up Free 1/18 Wednesday 6:00pm-8:00pm
Click here to register!!!
Skeleton Skills
Go beyond fur, feathers, and skin! Explore skulls and bones to learn more about local wildlife and their adaptations. Through x-rays, hands-on exploration of animal skulls, and fun activities, we'll develop our skeleton skills!
#168402 6-10yrs $5 1/26 Thursday 4:00pm-5:00p
Click here to register!!!
back to top
Programs for teens
Teen Montgomery
Whether crawling through caves, hiking the Appalachian Trail or caring for owls, hawks and eagles, "TEEN Montgomery" gets teens outdoors learning about their environment
while making a difference through environmentally based service learning projects. TEEN Montgomery is all about exploring something new, helping the environment,
making new friends and (most of all) having fun!
• National Wildlife Visitor Center
There's no school today so we're heading to the National Wildlife Visitor Center. The center highlights the work of scientists who strive to improve the condition of wildlife and their habitats. We'll get a close-up look at some of the research being conducted by the scientists, and explore the interactive exhibits inside the center. Bring a bag lunch.
#168550 14-17yrs $35 1/23 Monday 10:00am-3:00pm
Click here to register!!!
• Owl Prowl and Campfire
Bundle up for a fun evening in the park! We'll hike in the dark along our trails and call our local owls. It's owl mating season, so we may be able to hear several kinds and learn how to triangulate to locate them. After our hike, we'll gather around the campfire for s'mores.
#168552 14-17yrs $10 2/9 Thursday 6:30pm-8:00pm
Click here to register!!!
back to top
Programs for toddlers
Animals Getting Ready for Winter
The first day of winter is coming soon. What do different animals in the park do to get ready for winter? Join us for a story and hike. Please dress to go exploring outdoors.
#167800 3-6yrs $4 12/6 Tuesday 1:30pm-2:15pm
Click here to register!!!
The Great Migration Challenge
As birds of summer vanish from our yards and woodlands, have you ever wondered where they go and how they find their way? Find out how through a story, game, and craft.
#168460 4-6yrs $5 12/7 Wednesday 1:00pm-2:00pm
Click here to register!!!
Tyke Hike
Come and discover the bustling world around the Nature Center. Take a nature mini-hike and make a craft to take home.
#168350 2-3yrs $5 12/14 Wednesday 10:30am-11:15am - Click here to register!!!
#168351 2-3yrs $5 1/11 Wednesday 10:30am-11:15am - Click here to register!!!
#168352 2-3yrs s $5 2/1 Wednesday 10:30am-11:15am - Click here to register!!!
Tiny Talon Tales
Children will spread their wings as they listen to stories of raptors and see them come alive. Listen to a raptor-themed story, meet Meadowside's own raptors, and make a craft to take home.
#168354 3-5yrs $5 12/20 Tuesday 10:30am-11:30am - Click here to register!!!
#168355 3-5yrs $5 1/24 Tuesday 10:30am-11:30am - Click here to register!!!
#168356 3-5yrs $5 2/21 Tuesday 10:30am-11:30am - Click here to register!!!
Edible Ornaments for Wildlife
Make some fun ornaments you can hang on a tree outside your home, and see what wildlife comes to enjoy them. You can enjoy your tree beautifully decorated; the wildlife will enjoy how it tastes!
#168399 3-5yrs $5 12/22 Thursday 1:30pm-2:30pm
Click here to register!!!
The Mitten
Hear a wonderful story about a mitten and the different ways the forest animals try to use it, hike to find hidden visitors in the forest around the Nature Center, then make and take home a special mitten.
#168050 3-6yrs $5 1/14 Saturday 11:30am-12:30pm - Click here to register!!!
#168055 3-6yrs $5 1/17 Tuesday 1:30pm-2:30pm - Click here to register!!!
Love Bugs?
Cockroaches and spiders normally may make you shudder, but the bugs at Meadowside are irresistible! Come learn about bugs, then make some buggy valentines.
#168404 3-5yrs $5 2/14 Tuesday 10:30am-11:30am
Click here to register!!!
Which Beak Is Best?
Birds' beaks may be large or small, heavy or light, short or long. Each kind of beak is used for eating a particular type of food. Learn how birds use their beaks through stories, games, and a craft.
#168449 4-6yrs $5 2/15 Wednesday 1:00pm-2:00pm
Click here to register!!!
Knock, Knock—Woodpeckers!
What is that knock-knock-knocking in the woods? Read a story, learn about these fascinating birds, and make a fun woodpecker-friendly feeder to take home.
#168410 3-5yrs $5 2/22 Wednesday 10:30am-11:30am
Click here to register!!!
My First Little House Books: Sugar Snow
Laura and the Ingalls family look forward to late winter for maple sugaring! Learn about the process of maple sugaring through Laura's eyes, then experience it first-hand at Meadowside. We'll end our time together with a sweet taste of maple syrup!
#168412 3-5yrs $5 2/23 Thursday 10:30am-11:30am
Click here to register!!!
Is Spring Just Around the Corner?
We'll read a story about frog and toad, and then take a hike to see if spring is just around the corner.
#168101 3-6yrs $5 2/28 Tuesday 1:30pm-2:30pm
Click here to register!!!
back to top
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..
Last updated: November 3, 2010
Montgomery County Department of Parks