Fall programs
Registration starts August 15, 2008.
Adult hikes for the Fall
Adult van tours for the Fall
Fall programs for scouts
Fall programs for all
Fall programs for children and youth
Fall special events
Programs for toddlers/preschool for the Fall
Adult hikes for the Fall
Early Morning Hike at the Agricultural History Farm Park
#58120 FREE 9/19 Friday 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Join Naturalist Sandy Staples at the Agricultural History Farm Park to learn about this historical park and hike the trails through the local countryside along Rock Creek. Bring water and binoculars. Moderate hiking. Reservations required. Call 301-924-4141 for more information. Easy hike.
Early Morning Hike at Blue Mash
#58000 10/10 Friday 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Meet Naturalist Sandy Staples at Blue Mash to explore this private park located just outside of Olney, MD. Explore the great variety of habitats within easy walking distance. Reservations required. Call 301-924-4141 for directions. FREE
Early Morning Hike at Violettes Lock
#58118 FREE 10/24 Friday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Meet Naturalist Sandy Staples at Violettes Lock to explore the birds and native wildlife along the Potomac River. This is an easy hike, but dress for the weather. Call (301) 924-4141 for directions. Reservations required.
Early Morning Hike at Seneca
#58067 FREE 11/21 Friday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Meet Naturalist Sandy Staples at Seneca Lock to explore the birds and native wildlife along the Potomac River. This is an easy hike, but dress for the weather. Reservations required. Call (301) 924-4141 for directions.
Adult van tours for the Fall
Gardens and Art in Washington, DC
#57987 $20 9/3 Wednesday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Celebrate the summer's end with a visit to two Catholic sites: the National Shrine and the Franciscan Monastery. We'll explore the gardens, catacombs, architecture, mosaics and art. It will be like going to Europe without the plane ride!. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
St. Michaels Van Tour
#58336 $34 9/25 Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Enjoy the small town atmosphere of St. Michaels as we visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and more. Explore the history of the Chesapeake Bay, St. Michaels, and the people, Native Americans, watermen, and duck hunters. Each has left their mark on the culture of this area!
Marine Corps Museum Van Tour
#57979
$20 10/9 Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Explore the history, past and present, of the U.S. Marine Corps at the newly opened museum in Quantici, VA. Bring money to eat lunch in the Tun Tavern, a recreation of an 18th century pub. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
Halloween in Baltimore
#57978 $35 10/31 Friday 1:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Place your fate in Sandy's hands as we're off to Charm City (Baltimore) to explore ghosts and goblins including Edgar Allen Poe, the master of gruesome mystery. Visit several sites including special events at Westminster Mall and Burying Ground to celebrate this macabre night.
Blackwater NWR Van Tour
#57999 $30 11/20 Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
We'll cross to the Eastern Shore of Maryland to explore the wildlife at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and the Chesapeake Environmental Center with easy hikes in a variety of habitats along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Bring binoculars and waterproof shoes. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
Fall programs for scouts
Webelos: Forester Activity Badge
#57867 7-10 yrs $25 9/6 Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Learn what it takes to be a forester as we hit the trails to learn how to identiy different trees, and why wildfires can play a beneficial role in a forest ecosystem. Please dress to be outdoors and bring a bag lunch. Naturalist: Glenn Rice
Brownie Try-It Water Everywhere
#57868 7-10yrs $20 9/18 Thursday 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Make a splash with this Try-It as we explore different aquatic environments including ponds and streams. Please dress to get wet. Naturalist: Glenn Rice
Boy Scout Environmental Science Badge
#57874 8-17yrs $40 9/30 Tuesday 10 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Join us as we examine different forms of pollution, our impact on the environment, and what we can do to reduce our negative impact. Bring a bag lunch and dress for the weather. Naturalist: Glenn Rice
Brownie Try-It: Listening to the Past
#57884 7-10 yrs $20 10/8 Wednesday 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Listening to the past tells us how people used to live and what children did long ago. Join us while we complete this Try-It while learning about the area's pioneer past through past, crafts, stories, and more. Naturalist: Glenn Rice
Webelos: Naturalist Activity Badge
#57885 7-10 yrs $25 10/9 Thursday 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Do you enjoy watching wildlife? If so, you're already a naturalist. Go on a search with us to see wildlife in our forests, meadows, streams, and ponds--but not before we learn how to identy the poisonous plants and animals in our area. Please dress to be outdoors and bring a bag lunch. Naturalist: Glenn Rice
Brownie Try-It: Eco-Explorer
#57975 7-10 years $20 10//22 Wednesday 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Ecology is the study of how plants and animals live together in the environment. Have fun learning to be an eco-explorer. Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
Boy Scout: Overnight Geology Merit Badge
#57993 8-18 yrs $80 11/3 and 11/4 Monday and Tuesday 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Dig deep into geology as we explore Crystal Caverns, campout overnight in a cave, and meet the Geology merit badge requirements. Naturalist: Glenn Rice
Brownie Try-It: Earth Is Our Home
#57976 7-12 yrs $20 11/5 Wednesday 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
The earth is our home. Become a caretaker of the earth and discover some fun and easy ways to be "green" and make our home a better place. Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
Webelos: Scientist Activity Badge
#57887 7-10 yrs $25 11/8 Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Join us to explore how airplanes fly, mater the laws of physics and motion, and do some scientific experiments that will play tricks on our eyes. Please bring a bag lunch. Naturalist: Glenn Rice
Fall programs for all
Night Hike at Meadowside
#57970 8yrs and up $5 9/5 Friday 8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Experiencing nature at night can be fun and exciting. We will become familiar with special adaptations of nocturnal animals and hike the trails around Meadowside to experience a world much different than in the daytime. Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
It's Apple Cider Pressing Time!
#57801 3 yrs and up $4 9/18 Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
#57804 3 yrs and up $4 9/20 Saturday 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
#57806 3 yrs and up $4 9/20 Saturday 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The apples have ripened on the tree and it's time to make cider. Join us for apple lore, apple facts, apple tasting and take part in making apple cider. All participants must register.
Apple Cider Pressing Down On The Farm
#57832 3 yrs and up $8 9/30 Tuesday 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
#57838 3 yrs and up $8 9/30 Tuesday 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join Naturalist Melanie Marshall for a hayride around the Agricultural History Farm Park. Learn about local farm life, and apple history and take part in apple cider pressing. All participants must register.
Scarecrow Making
#57825 3 yrs and up $5 10/9 Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
#57828 3 yrs and up $5 10/9 Thursday 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Spruce up your porch or lawn with a scarecrow of your very own making. Your scarecrow will come complete with its very own birth certificate. We supply the straw, the pantyhose, and craft supplies. You supply the clothing to dress it in. The price is per scarecrow! Naturalist: Melanie Marshall
Planetarium Program
#57997 8yrs&up FREE 10/10 Friday 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
#57998 8yrs&up FREE 11/14 Friday 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Join us for the current night sky constellations, sky lore, and sky facts. Meet at the Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Center. Naturalist: Melanie Marshall
Fall Family Hike and Picnic
#57974 3 yrs and up $5 10/18 Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Spend a great morning enjoying the fall colors with a hike t our pioneer cabins. There we will explore the cabins and learn pioneer games. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at our pioneer site. Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
Pumpkin Painting Fun!
#57824 3 yrs and up $5 10/24 Friday 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
October is pumpkin time. Make your own pumpkin last longer by painting it. We will supply the pumpkins, the paints and the decorations, you supply the imagination. Bring a box to take your creation home in. Naturalist: Melanie Marshall
The Lorax Movie and Morning Hike
#57996 3 yrs and up $5 11/15 Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Let's speak for the trees! Come watch this classic Dr. Seuss cartoon about the importance of trees, go for a hike, and plant your own tree seeds. All participants must register and pay. Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
Fall programs for children and youth
Tree and Tees
#57971 7-12 yrs $5 9/19 Friday 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
We will take a hike to learn about the trees in our forest adn why they are important. Afterward, we will design and make some tree-mendous shirts! Your must bring your own plain, white cotton t-shirt to use for this activity. Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
The Owls of Harry Potter
#57977 7-12 yrs $5 11/20 Thursday 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
You've read the books, seen the movies, and learned the spells, now explore the owls of Harry Potter. Learn about some of the species of owls from the books, the magical lore of owls, and create your own message carrier owl. Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
Fall special events
Apple Festival and Campfire
#57866 2 yrs and up $8 9/26 Friday 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
It's apple harvest time! Join us for an apple celebration! Visit our pioneer farm and its orchard. Join in apple cider pressing, apple lore, and hands-on activities. We will end the evening at our campfire ring for s'omores and more! Only the children need to pay!
Halloween Extravanga!
#57819 3 yrs and up $8 10/17 Friday 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
It's time for Meadowside's annual Halloween Extravanganza! Wear your costume and join the Meadowside staff for a howling night of family Halloween fun. Take a hike through the woods on a path lit by jack o'lanterns and make Halloween crafts to take home. Only the child pays.
Programs for toddlers/preschool for the Fall
Lady Bugs, Lady Bugs!
#57757 3-6 yrs $5 9/2 Tuesday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Get the facts about lady bugs, one of the most beloved of beetles, through stories, a garden hike and a craft. Naturalist: Melanie Marshall
Storytime: Dancers in the Garden
#57856 3-6 yrs $5 9/2 Tuesday 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
What is that flash of green and red moving up and down like a helicopter? Learn about hummingbirds (and a moth that looks just like one) with a story and a craft. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
Breakfast with the Bugs
#57968 3-6 yrs $5 9/3 Wednesday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
This morning, get buggy! Come meet and learn about insects and bugs. Then make and enjoy a yummy buggy breakfast treat. No real bugs in this receipe, but if you have any food allergies or concerns, please call ahead! Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
It's Hibernation Time!
#57854 3-6 yrs $5 9/16 Tuesday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Winter is coming and it's time to hibernate. Find out who the forest sleepy heads are through stories, activities and a craft. Naturalist: Melanie Marshall
Storytime: Wiggle Waggle Dance
#57857 3-6 yrs $5 9/16 Tuesday 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m
Here's your chance to learn why honey bees dance a special dance. What's all that sweet stuff that they made and why is it stored in our observation hive. Yummy, it's really tasty. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
Tyke Hike
#57888 2-4 yrs $5 9/19 Friday 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
#57973 2-4 yrs $5 10/16 Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
#57889 2-4 yrs $5 11/12 Wednesday 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 p.m.
Come and discover the bustling world around the nature center. Take a mini-nature hike and make a craft to take home.
Storytime: Chirping Crickets
#57858 3-6 yrs $5 9/23 Tuesday 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Who is making all that noise? Meet live crickets and learn about our musical fall insect and why they are important in nature. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
Celebrate Frogs
#57972 3-6yrs $5 9/23 Tuesday 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Did you know 2008 is the year of the frog? Let's learn about and celebrate amphibians with a story, fun activities, and a craft.
Wee Little Historians
#57875 3-5 yrs $5 9/25 Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
#57876 3-5 yrs $5 10/16 Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
#57877 3-5 yrs $5 11/6 Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Let your little one explore Pioneer Life through games, food, crafts geared toward tots.
Storytime: Worms, worms, and more Worms
#57859 3-6 yrs $5 9/30 Tuesday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Did you know that worms came with the Virginia colonists when they settled Jamestown? Kids will learn about these critters and make a simple terrarium to take home with a live worm - an easy pet to keep. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
Storytime: How Does The Wind Walk
#57860 3/6 yrs $5 10/7 Tuesday 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Discover how the wind can change with the seasons and how it can influence nature and our lives. Join Naturalist Sandy Staples for a story and make a simple craft that is wind powered to take home.
F.B.I. Agents
#57994 3-6 yrs 10/8 Wednesday
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
We will study the agents of decomposition, the F.B.I. - Fungus, Bacteria, and Invertebrates. Don your badge and we will go on a hike to find these secret agents that help the forest recycle! Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
Pumpkins Galore
#57853 3-6 yrs $5 10/14 Tuesday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Autumn is pumpkin time! Join us for an hour of pumpkin fun as we learn how pumpkins grow, tell pumpkin tales, and make a pumpkin craft to take home! Naturalist: Melanie Marshall
Storytime: Stellaluna
#57861 3-6 yrs $5 10/21 Tuesday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Learn about bats and whay they help to control potential insect problems. We'll learn how bats and insects are pollinators and an important part of the food chain. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
Gourd Critters
#57886 3-6 yrs $5 10/29 Wednesday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Gourds are everywhere at this time of the year. Learn some amazing gourd facts, some fanciful groud history and create gourd critters to take home.
The Not So Scary Teeny Tiny Ghost
#57862 3-6 yrs $5 10/29 Wednesday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
#57863 3-6 yrs $5 10/29 Wednesday 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
T.T.G. finds out how Halloween can be fun and not scary. We'll make a ghost to take home after the story. Costumes are optional but highly recommended to make the event more fun Naturalist: Sandy Staples
Storytime: While You Were Sleeping
#57864 3-6 yrs $5 11/4 Tuesday 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Learn about different nocturnal animals and why they have adapted to sleeping during the day and being active at night. It is a whole different world than what you or I are used to. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
Teddy Bears and Teddy Tales
#57823 3-6 yrs $5 11/5 Wednesday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Bring your favorite teddy bear and listen to bear tales - black bears, brown bears, and of course, teddy bears! Make a bear craft to take home. Naturalist: Melanie Marshall
Mr. Grey Squirrel and Friends!
#57855 3-6 years $5 11/11 Tuesday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Even in winter, the grey squirrel is everywhere! Hurrying, scurrying, and digging up the nuts buried in the fall. Join us as we explore the wonderful world of the grey squirrel and frienids through stories, activities, and a craft. Naturalist: Melanie Marshall
Plants for Dinner
#57995 3-6 yrs $5 11/13 Thursday 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Plants are important to us all! Let's talk about plants and afterward, make a yummy plant part salad to take home for dinner. Naturalist: Lisa Droubi
Feathered Friends
#57865 3-6 yrs $5 11/18 Tuesday 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Now is the time to put out feeders for our feathered friend as the weather gets colder. Transform a plastic gallon milk jug into a feeder to hang outside your window so you can watch the winter birds as they feed. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
Gobble, Gobble, Gobble
#57844 3-6 yrs $5 11/20 Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Turkey tales, turkey calls, and a turkey craft help explore the world of the wild turkey. Naturalist: Melanie Marshall
The Tale of a Tree
#58337 3-6 yrs $5 11/25 Tuesday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Every tree has its own story to tell. Explore the life of a tree and learn how they supply food and shelter for a variety of wildlife. Naturalist: Sandy Staples
Reservations
Call Meadowside Nature Center at 301-924-4141
Tuesday - Friday
from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Date of last update: April 29, 2008
