Nature Classes & Field Trips

Thursday, March 30 (7-9:30 pm)
Leader: Mike Bowen
Members $26; nonmembers $34
It’s time to start brushing up on the voices and field marks of the lovely and soon-to-be-arriving warblers. Even for the most seasoned birders, finding and properly IDing them as they arrive or pass through between late March and the end of May can be a real challenge. Since we all need an annual refresher, we’ve enlisted the help of one of our most experienced bird trip leaders. He will use both photos and recordings to present the general arrival sequence of warbler species in our region. Our tutorial will be presented indoors at our Woodend Sanctuary.  REGISTER

Friday, March 31 (10 am-1 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Beat the winter blues on this search for the earliest spring wildflowers in the woods and bottomlands along the Potomac near Carderock Recreation Area, just outside the Beltway near the American Legion Bridge. We’ll look for the greening leaves, swelling buds, and (fingers crossed) unfolding flowers of species such as Harbinger of Spring, Early Saxifrage, Spring Beauty, and Bloodroot. NOTE: our roughly 1.5 mile hike will include some uneven, rocky, hilly, and likely muddy stretches on natural surface trails.  REGISTER

Sunday, April 2 (8-11 am)
Leader: Len Bisson
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with these field programs at nearby parks. Our walks are aimed at beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can often be overwhelming. We’ll search for both resident and migrating birds by sight and sound. As we develop skills for finding birds in the field, we’ll also discuss the arrival sequence of spring travelers–and the departure of overwintering species. Our field trips are undertaken on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which may be muddy, uneven, and/or slippery. Some mild uphill/downhill is possible. Participants provide their own binoculars.  REGISTER

Sunday, April 2 (8-11:30 am)
Leader: Liz Guertin 
Members $33; nonmembers $46 
Join Maryland Master Naturalist and award-winning nature photographer Liz Guertin for a journey into nature photography basics:  learning to compose and achieve the best shots possible in the outdoors. All cameras are welcome–including your phone!  Liz will cover everything from exposure & composition to the craft & ethics of nature photography. Our venue for Section A will be the Carderock Recreation Area, along the C&O Canal and the banks of the Potomac, where we will focus on native spring flowers, leaves & ferns unfurling, stands of bright skunk cabbage, and more. Section B’s destination at Brighton Dam in Howard County, MD features flowering azalea bushes as far as the eye can see. We’ll enjoy a spectrum of pinks, whites, reds, ivories and purples with the beautiful Triadelphia Reservoir in the background.  We’ll also keep our eyes open for native spring flowers & birds. Our leader invites you to feel free to bring along sample photographs you’d like to discuss. REGISTER

Wednesday, April 5 (8:15-11 am)
Leader: Paul Pisano
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with these field programs at nearby parks. Our walks are aimed at beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can often be overwhelming. We’ll search for both resident and migrating birds by sight and sound. As we develop skills for finding birds in the field, we’ll also discuss the arrival sequence of spring travelers–and the departure of overwintering species. Our field trips are undertaken on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which may be muddy, uneven, and/or slippery. Some mild uphill/downhill is possible. Participants provide their own binoculars.  REGISTER

Wednesday, April 5 (10 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $33; nonmembers $46
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 shuffle,” as we experience the wondrous unfolding of spring. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers and other plants, butterflies, snakes, turtles, and whatever else we might find. REGISTER

Friday, April 7 (9 am-1 pm) 
Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley
Members $40; nonmembers $56
We’re delighted that the author of the award-winning book, A Year in Rock Creek Park and the critically acclaimed, City of Trees, will offer her 17th year of Nature Forward walks in the country’s oldest urban national park. Under her expert guidance, you will witness the annual floral miracle of Virginia bluebells, spring beauties, and trout lilies in the floodplain forest, while the leaves of tulip tree and American beech begin to spill from their buds. We’ll hope to catch bloodroot, wild ginger, cut-leafed toothwort and other blooming spring ephemerals as we explore both floodplain and upland woods at a leisurely pace. Time permitting, we’ll do a bit of “forest bathing.” Throughout, we’ll keep our eyes and ears open for belted kingfishers, wood ducks, migrant songbirds, and tiny spring peeper frogs. Expect some uphill/downhill walking on natural surface trails which may be muddy and/or slippery. REGISTER

Saturday, April 8 (9 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $33; nonmembers $46
During April, spring wildflowers in the Washington area are abundant and dazzling! On this field class, based in the just-outside-the Beltway Carderock Recreation Area, we’ll explore several short trails between the C&O Canal and the Potomac River. We’ll work on developing the observational skills which are key to learning to recognize and ID wildflowers. As we’re learning the names and niches of species such as Virginia bluebells, dutchman’s breeches, toad trillium, and more, we’ll take time to just enjoy their beauty. Expect some rocky, uneven, and muddy terrain on the natural surface trails we’ll use. REGISTER

Wednesday, April 12 (8:30 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Join our Senior Naturalist for these broad-based nature hikes in four of our region’s close-by protected areas. On each outing, we’ll experience the dramatic seasonal changes in the natural world ignited by spring’s longer hours of daylight and warming temperatures. We’ll search for showy wildflowers, the unfolding leaves of trees and shrubs, and all manner of spring wildlife activity. Be prepared to walk between up to 2.5 miles on natural surface trails which may be rocky, uneven, and/or possibly muddy/slippery. Hikes B and C include uphill/downhill, with the steepest walking on B.  REGISTER

Friday, April 14 (7:30-10:30 am)
Leaders: Anne Cianni and Mike Bowen
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with these field programs at nearby parks. Our walks are aimed at beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can often be overwhelming. We’ll search for both resident and migrating birds by sight and sound. As we develop skills for finding birds in the field, we’ll also discuss the arrival sequence of spring travelers–and the departure of overwintering species. Our field trips are undertaken on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which may be muddy, uneven, and/or slippery. Some mild uphill/downhill is possible. Participants provide their own binoculars.  REGISTER

Friday, April 14 (10 am-12:30 pm)
Leaders: Marney Bruce and Anne DeNovo
Members $33; nonmembers $46
A stroll through an early spring woods in our region can be magical–with the colors and forms of unfolding leaves and stems of trees and shrubs catching the eye. In bottomland woods, there’s the added delight of spring wildflowers underfoot. Our leaders can’t wait to share one of their favorite places for this seasonal wonderment: the Monocacy Aqueduct on the C&O Canal Towpath near Dickerson, MD. Carpets of spring ephemerals and leafing-out trees will be celebrated as the group walks upriver—and then back—for a total of 2-3 miles. The Towpath is wide and flat, but may be muddy and rutted. REGISTER

Saturday, April 15 (9 am-1 pm)
Leaders: Neal Fitzpatrick and Bill Yeaman
Suggested donation: $5-$20
Tom Horton describes the annual Rock Creek migration of river herring in Bay Country: “No finer parade, or one more unappreciated, ever swung through this capital than the quicksilver legions of Alosa pseudoharengus, the common river herring.” On our 23rd(!) annual herring walk, we hope to view the spawning run and discuss opportunities for restoring fish migration to Rock Creek. We will meet at the Cleveland Park metro and walk the adjacent stream valley to visit the fish ladder at Peirce Mill. We’ll continue south to Klingle Valley, just north of the National Zoo, and walk the hiker biker trail to our end point at Connecticut Ave and Devonshire Pl. which is a short walk back to the Cleveland Park metro station. REGISTER

Sunday, April 16 (8:30 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Joe Marx
Members: $35; nonmembers $49
The Georgetown neighborhood in Washington rests firmly on a mass of ancient granite, surrounded by several other types and ages of bedrock. Our hike will cover about 5 miles–through wooded parkland and along city streets. The terrain varies from easy to moderate, with hills being the biggest challenge. During our hike, we will visit the edge of the Coastal Plain, three gorges, the Piedmont upland, and a major fault zone. Not bad for a morning’s stroll around town. The pace set and distance covered on our geology forays will be faster and farther than our usual “naturalist’s shuffle.” REGISTER

Sunday, April 16 (2-5 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $33; nonmembers $42
They’re lovely to behold. But their beauty belies the scrappy, survival strategies of our region’s short-lived spring wildflowers. Coping with cold temperatures, species such as Trout Lily, Spring Beauties, and Dutchman’s Breeches race to complete their flowering and fruiting cycles before the brief window of spring sunlight is shut out by the unfolding forest canopy. Our Senior Naturalist spills some of their secrets in a roughly 1.5-mile round trip walk along the C&O Canal Towpath from Violettes Lock. REGISTER

Wednesday, April 19 (10 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $33; nonmembers $46
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 shuffle,” as we experience the wondrous unfolding of spring. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers and other plants, butterflies, snakes, turtles, and whatever else we might find. REGISTER

Friday, April 21 (10 am-12:30 pm)
Leaders: Marney Bruce and Anne DeNovo
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Nothing could be finer during the last half of April than a morning stroll through the bottomlands along the Potomac River. By this time in the season’s unfolding, spring beauties, golden ragwort Virginia bluebells and more add bright color to the forest floor. Overhead, trees such as maples, elms, and cottonwood unspool their flowers and leaves. Our route—mostly level, but possibly muddy and/or slippery—will follow the River Trail from Great Falls, MD. We will move upriver along the floodplain, then return along the C&O Canal Towpath for a total hike of a little over 2 miles. REGISTER

Saturday, April 22 (7:30-10:30 am)
Leaders: Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with these field programs at nearby parks. Our walks are aimed at beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can often be overwhelming. We’ll search for both resident and migrating birds by sight and sound. As we develop skills for finding birds in the field, we’ll also discuss the arrival sequence of spring travelers–and the departure of overwintering species. Our field trips are undertaken on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which may be muddy, uneven, and/or slippery. Some mild uphill/downhill is possible. Participants provide their own binoculars.  REGISTER

Saturday, April 22 (8:30 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Join our Senior Naturalist for these broad-based nature hikes in four of our region’s close-by protected areas. On each outing, we’ll experience the dramatic seasonal changes in the natural world ignited by spring’s longer hours of daylight and warming temperatures. We’ll search for showy wildflowers, the unfolding leaves of trees and shrubs, and all manner of spring wildlife activity. Be prepared to walk between up to 2.5 miles on natural surface trails which may be rocky, uneven, and/or possibly muddy/slippery. Hikes B and C include uphill/downhill, with the steepest walking on B.  REGISTER

Wednesday, April 26 (7-10 am)
Leaders: Anne Cianni and Mike Bowen
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with these field programs at nearby parks. Our walks are aimed at beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can often be overwhelming. We’ll search for both resident and migrating birds by sight and sound. As we develop skills for finding birds in the field, we’ll also discuss the arrival sequence of spring travelers–and the departure of overwintering species. Our field trips are undertaken on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which may be muddy, uneven, and/or slippery. Some mild uphill/downhill is possible. Participants provide their own binoculars.  REGISTER

Friday, April 28 (10 am-1 pm)
Leader: Jen Brown
Members $33; nonmembers $46
We’re happy to offer this introductory workshop where you’ll learn how to create colored sketches using a limited number of watercolor pencils. This approach is especially useful if you want to do field sketching as you only need carry three or four pencils, a water brush, and paper in your backpack. Nature Forward member and artist Jen Brown will guide you through the following techniques—color mixing, washes, and shading. This tutorial will be based at our Woodend Sanctuary where our native plant gardens will offer many eye-catching spring blooms.  Depending on the weather, we’ll spend some (or most) of our time under an outdoor tented space. A list of suggested materials for this program will be sent two weeks in advance. REGISTER

Sunday, April 30 (7-10 am)
Leader: Liz Guertin
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with these field programs at nearby parks. Our walks are aimed at beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can often be overwhelming. We’ll search for both resident and migrating birds by sight and sound. As we develop skills for finding birds in the field, we’ll also discuss the arrival sequence of spring travelers–and the departure of overwintering species. Our field trips are undertaken on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which may be muddy, uneven, and/or slippery. Some mild uphill/downhill is possible. Participants provide their own binoculars.  REGISTER

Monday, May 1 (9 am-2:30 pm) 
Leader: Stephanie Mason 
Members $35; nonmembers $49
We’ll embrace all things spring on this celebrational hike along the Potomac River’s protected uplands and bottomlands–a 4-mile stretch of diverse habitats that we return to frequently. We’ll keep our eyes and ears open for birds, butterflies, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and more as we hike upriver along the C&O Canal from the Widewater access to Great Falls Park, MD—and back. Note: This hike will move faster and farther than our usual naturalists’ shuffle field trips. REGISTER

Wednesday, May 3 (10 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $33; nonmembers $46
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 shuffle,” as we experience the wondrous unfolding of spring. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers and other plants, butterflies, snakes, turtles, and whatever else we might find. REGISTER

Thursday, May 4 (8:30 am-Noon)
Leader: Liz Guertin 
Members $33; nonmembers $46 
Join Maryland Master Naturalist and award-winning nature photographer Liz Guertin for a journey into nature photography basics:  learning to compose and achieve the best shots possible in the outdoors. All cameras are welcome–including your phone!  Liz will cover everything from exposure & composition to the craft & ethics of nature photography. Our venue for Section A will be the Carderock Recreation Area, along the C&O Canal and the banks of the Potomac, where we will focus on native spring flowers, leaves & ferns unfurling, stands of bright skunk cabbage, and more. Section B’s destination at Brighton Dam in Howard County, MD features flowering azalea bushes as far as the eye can see. We’ll enjoy a spectrum of pinks, whites, reds, ivories and purples with the beautiful Triadelphia Reservoir in the background.  We’ll also keep our eyes open for native spring flowers & birds. Our leader invites you to feel free to bring along sample photographs you’d like to discuss. REGISTER

Thursday, May 4 (1-5 pm)
Leader: Joe Marx
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Our Woodend Sanctuary sits firmly on the hard rock of Maryland’s Piedmont Upland. The woods and lawns of today, however, hide evidence of a tumultuous history extending back half a billion years. We’ll hike about 2 miles on woodland paths within the Sanctuary as well as neighboring Rock Creek Park, examining the topography and underlying bedrock to see what they can tell us about Woodend’s geologic story. The walk, sometimes uphill or downhill over rocky or muddy terrain, will move faster at a faster pace than our usual naturalist’s shuffle. REGISTER

Sunday, May 7 (7-10 am)
Leader: Len Bisson
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with these field programs at nearby parks. Our walks are aimed at beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can often be overwhelming. We’ll search for both resident and migrating birds by sight and sound. As we develop skills for finding birds in the field, we’ll also discuss the arrival sequence of spring travelers–and the departure of overwintering species. Our field trips are undertaken on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which may be muddy, uneven, and/or slippery. Some mild uphill/downhill is possible. Participants provide their own binoculars.  REGISTER

Wednesday, May 10 (7-11 am)
Leaders: Rob Hilton and Lisa Shannon
Members $35; nonmembers $49
It’s high season for warblers!!!! With more than 30 species of these winged travelers moving into and through the Mid-Atlantic during spring migration, it can be challenging to find and properly identify them. Our leaders, both long-time birders in the DMV, will aim this teaching field trip at beginning to mid-level birders. The leisurely walk along the C&O Canal will begin at Pennyfield Lock and then move upriver to Riley’s Lock. REGISTER

Thursday, May 11 (8:30 am-2 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $35; nonmembers $49  
Spring has sprung and the Towpath along the Potomac River is one of the finest places in the DC-metro area to experience this season’s richness. In order to cover more territory and visit more habitats, we’ll use bikes to explore the stretch from Swain’s Lock to Blockhouse Point, a nearly 9 mile round-trip ride. We’ll dismount often to look for spring wildflowers, butterflies and other insects, and reptiles and amphibians—all the while keeping an eye and ear open for spring bird activity. Bring your own bike. REGISTER

Friday, May 12 (10 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Marney Bruce
Members $33; nonmembers $46
By early May, most of the trees in our region are sporting the new growing season’s leaves. Some early-blooming species are already bearing developing seed containers while a few late bloomers are biding their time. Join our tree-hugging leader for an introduction to and appreciation of the large trees lining the flat Berma Road trail, which parallels the Towpath above the Widewater stretch of the Canal. REGISTER

Saturday, May 13 (7-10 am)
Leaders: Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with these field programs at nearby parks. Our walks are aimed at beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can often be overwhelming. We’ll search for both resident and migrating birds by sight and sound. As we develop skills for finding birds in the field, we’ll also discuss the arrival sequence of spring travelers–and the departure of overwintering species. Our field trips are undertaken on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which may be muddy, uneven, and/or slippery. Some mild uphill/downhill is possible. Participants provide their own binoculars.  REGISTER

Saturday, May 13 (8:30 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Join our Senior Naturalist for these broad-based nature hikes in four of our region’s close-by protected areas. On each outing, we’ll experience the dramatic seasonal changes in the natural world ignited by spring’s longer hours of daylight and warming temperatures. We’ll search for showy wildflowers, the unfolding leaves of trees and shrubs, and all manner of spring wildlife activity. Be prepared to walk between up to 2.5 miles on natural surface trails which may be rocky, uneven, and/or possibly muddy/slippery. Hikes B and C include uphill/downhill, with the steepest walking on B.  REGISTER

Sunday, May 14 (9 am-2:30 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Spring rains, warming temperatures, and longer hours of daylight ignite a great burst of life in the valleys and ridges of the Appalachian Mountains. One of the best ways to explore this seasonal richness is along the Appalachian Trail. Our Senior Naturalist leads this search for spring blooms, butterflies, and breeding bird activity amongst the rocky terrain of Maryland’s South Mountain. Starting at Gathland State Park near Frederick, we’ll hike along the AT for around 1.5 to 2 miles before turning around and retracing our steps. The AT here is rocky and uneven–and there will be some moderately strenuous uphill/downhill. We’ll stop often to observe natural phenomena, but will then pick up the pace to try and cover the distance stated. REGISTER

Wednesday, May 17 (7-10 am)
Leader: Mark England
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with these field programs at nearby parks. Our walks are aimed at beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can often be overwhelming. We’ll search for both resident and migrating birds by sight and sound. As we develop skills for finding birds in the field, we’ll also discuss the arrival sequence of spring travelers–and the departure of overwintering species. Our field trips are undertaken on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which may be muddy, uneven, and/or slippery. Some mild uphill/downhill is possible. Participants provide their own binoculars.  REGISTER

Wednesday, May 17 (10 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $33; nonmembers $46
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 shuffle,” as we experience the wondrous unfolding of spring. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers and other plants, butterflies, snakes, turtles, and whatever else we might find. REGISTER

Thursday, May 18 (10 am-1 pm)
Leader: Kit Sheffield
Members $33; nonmembers $46
What makes a plant a fern? And what are the most common ferns in our area? Walk the moderate trails of Riverbend Park–home to at least fifteen species of these ancient plants–with a naturalist who will share the answers. Along the way, he’ll also help you learn some of the common characteristics that you’ll be able to use to identify ferns on your own. This park is located along the Potomac River near Great Falls, VA. Be prepared for some uphill/downhill on this hike of several miles on trails which might be muddy, uneven, and/or slippery. REGISTER

Saturday, May 20 (8:30 am-2 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $35; nonmembers $49
As the pace of spring’s dramatic changes in nature slows down, join our exploration of the field, forest, and freshwater tidal habitats along the western shore of the Patuxent River where it is protected as the Jug Bay Natural Area. We’ll keep eyes open and ears attuned to things on the wing: birds, butterflies, dragonflies, bees, and other insects. Of course, we’ll pay attention to the plant company these winged things keep, as well. Be prepared to walk between 3-4 miles on uneven but flat natural surface trails which may be muddy/slippery.  REGISTER

Sunday, May 21 (7-10 am)
Leader: Paul Pisano
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with these field programs at nearby parks. Our walks are aimed at beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can often be overwhelming. We’ll search for both resident and migrating birds by sight and sound. As we develop skills for finding birds in the field, we’ll also discuss the arrival sequence of spring travelers–and the departure of overwintering species. Our field trips are undertaken on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which may be muddy, uneven, and/or slippery. Some mild uphill/downhill is possible. Participants provide their own binoculars.  REGISTER

Friday, May 26 (10 am-12:30 pm)
Leaders: Marney Bruce and Anne DeNovo
Members $33; nonmembers $46
As spring gives way to summer, enjoy blooming Mountain Laurel and other plants of the oak/hickory woodlands along the Rachel Carson Greenway Trail adjacent to Northwest Branch Creek in upper Silver Spring, MD. Be prepared for uneven and rocky natural surface trails with some gentle uphill/downhill stretches. Depending on recent rains, there may also be several small stream crossings.  REGISTER

Saturday, May 27 (7-11 am)
Leader: Mark England
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Do you hear what I hear? The various songs and calls of birds can help enthusiasts find and ID species, especially when the landscape is fully leafed out. But for beginning and mid-level birders, interpreting this wide variety of voices can be confusing and frustrating. Our leader will help you learn to listen for and begin to recognize some of the species breeding in our region. He’ll also discuss the upsides/downsides of using Voice ID apps. The walk will split field time between the Blue Mash Nature Trail and nearby Rachel Carson Conservation Park. This walk is intentionally scheduled after the migratory pulse of through species in order to focus on local breeders—both resident and migratory.  REGISTER

Wednesday, May 31 (10 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $33; nonmembers $46
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 shuffle,” as we experience the wondrous unfolding of spring. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers and other plants, butterflies, snakes, turtles, and whatever else we might find. REGISTER