Nature Everywhere
Connecting kids with nature
Montgomery Parks’ nature centers have long been a favorite field trip destination for school children and teachers. Now, Locust Grove Nature Center wants to bring the field trip to you! The following are some of our exciting new Nature Everywhere programs designed to help your kindergarten through 4th grade students meet the new Maryland Environmental Literacy Standards. With the guidance of our professional naturalists, every schoolyard has a world of nature waiting to be discovered.
HABITAT IS HOME
All living creatures need food, water, shelter and space. Students will identify and explore habitats around the school grounds, looking for the four elements of a good habitat. We will discuss how human beings affect natural habitats and learn what we can do to preserve the ‘homes’ of our wildlife neighbors.
CHANGING SEASONS
Plants and animals adapt in many ways to the arrival of cold weather. We’ll discover who migrates, who hibernates and who remains here and active when the weather turns cold. We’ll examine different animal pelts and learn how some mammals are able to stay warm and dry. We’ll also observe the changes plants make in response to shorter days and falling temperatures.
THE SECRET SEED
Fall is the time for seeds! Find out why these small plant parts are so important to people and wildlife. We’ll explore outside, looking for as many seeds as we can find. We’ll compare their sizes, talk about how they travel, who might like to eat them, and learn the names of the plants they will become.
FALL GUIDED HIKE
Spend your time in a less formal session while your class explores outdoors with a park naturalist. Nature will surprise and delight your students as they learn interesting facts about local plants and animals. Hike in Cabin John Regional Park, or meet the naturalist in an outdoor area near your school. NOTE: This program can be offered as professional training at your school; we’ll show you natural features right outside your door that you can incorporate into lesson plans.
The following programs are offered at the Nature Center:
NATIVE WAYS
Students experience the daily life of Eastern Woodland Indian children as they lived in our area over 1,000 years ago. We will explore where they found shelter, how they prepared food, what they wore, and what chores children did. We’ll discover the importance of certain plants and animals, and how deeply the Woodland Indians were connected to the natural world.
APPLE CIDER PRESSING
Learn the history of apples in America and the traditions European settlers brought to the New World. Discover the art of cider making and taste this traditional American drink. Available mid-September to mid-October. NOTE: Extra $2 charge per student applies.
Fees:
Nature Center In-house programs: $5/student ($2.50/student for Title I schools)
School Visits: $5/student ($2.50/student for Title I schools) plus $35 travel fee. No charge for teachers or chaperones.
Call Locust Grove Nature Center at 301-765-8660 for more program and scheduling information.
Montgomery County Department of Parks