Summer Shuffle Along the Canal at Carderock

(MD) (Nature Forward) Summer arrives and it’s likely to be hot, so we’ll keep our pace along Maryland’s C&O Canal to a shuffle as we visit spots along the Potomac River parkland. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers, butterflies, dragonflies, snakes, and whatever else we may find underfoot or overhead.

Bilingual Family Walk at Woodend (Jun)

(MD) (Nature Forward) Join expert naturalists on a leisurely walk through the habitats at Woodend. Explore the wonders of trees, meadows, streams, insects, birds, and everything Woodend has to offer! We look forward to seeing you at Woodend! FREE Acompáñenos para una caminata en Woodend, guiada por nuestros naturalistas para explorar la maravilla de la naturaleza—los arboles, pájaros, insectos y …

Family Walk at Woodend (Jun)

(MD) (Nature Forward) Join Nature Forward Master Naturalist volunteers for a Family Walk. Enjoy, learn, and play in our new accessible nature playspace. Explore the fall finds throughout Woodend including acorns, meadow wildflowers, butterflies, and birds. We look forward to seeing you at Woodend! $12 a family for members, $20 a family for nonmembers. Only register one adult when signing …

Mountain Laurel Meander

(MD) (Nature Forward) Location: Rachel Greenway Trail, Silver Spring, MD As spring gives way to summer, enjoy blooming Mountain Laurel and other plants of the oak/hickory woodlands along the Rachel Greenway Trail adjacent to Northwest Branch Creek in upper Silver Spring, MD. Be prepared for uneven and rocky natural surface trails with some gentle uphll/downhill stretches. Depending on recent rains, …

Spring Saunter Along the Canal F: Swain’s Lock

(MD) (Nature Forward) Enjoy these leisurely walks on the Towpath along close-in portions of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. The focus of our walks, starting from different locations, will be the general natural history of the varied habitats along the Potomac River and Canal. We’ll proceed at a slow “naturalist’s saunter” as we experience the wondrous unfolding of spring. …

Sketching along the Lakeside

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (13-Adult) Walk with a naturalist by the lakeside and learn techniques and tips for drawing the natural world. Gain a better understanding of how to utilize different sketching and observational skills. Bring the medium of your choice to the class.

Signs of the Beaver Sketch Hike

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (12-Adult) Join artist and naturalist Margaret Wohler to learn about Huntley’s nocturnal engineers by studying and drawing the tracks and traces they leave behind. We will learn about the lives of beavers, have a little basic drawing instruction and then go hiking to find signs of beaver activity. All art materials provided.  

Scavenger Hunt Adventure at the Lake

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (4-Adult) Join a naturalist to learn about various nature topics that relate to the lake depending on the season. Then go on a scavenger hunt adventure to find different related objects around the lake and collect a small themed prize.

Hike with a Gal Friend

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) (16-Adult) Celebrate the sisterhood of women by grabbing your best gal friend and going on a guided hike with a naturalist. Learn about the flora and fauna found around the lake, and most importantly, spend time with a close friend.

Campfire Saturdays

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Join us for an evening campfire the whole family can enjoy. During the program we will explore the wonders of our natural world. Our programs may include nature walks, interactive activities, animal presentations, or other opportunities to learn about nature and our place in it. Includes s’mores. Topics vary by date. Children must be accompanied by …