Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Join a naturalist for these seasonal, broad-based nature explorations of nearby parks rich in natural history. We’ll walk between 2-4 miles as we enjoy the development of fall color and fruits amongst lingering blooms and all manner of wildlife, including insects, resident and migrating birds, mammals, and reptiles and amphibians.  Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge near Woodbridge, VA protects open grasslands as well as bottomlands along Belmont and Occoquan Bays. At the Patuxent Research Refuge/North Tract near Laurel, MD we’ll explore Coastal Plain woodlands and wetlands. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, on the banks of the Anacostia River inside the Beltway, features protected swamp, marsh, and woodland habitats within sight of DC’s urban sprawl. Our explorations will occur on mostly-level natural surface trails which may be muddy, slippery, and/or rutted. REGISTER.