Nature Classes & Field Trips

Leader: Stephanie Mason
Location: Widewater on the C&O Canal
Members $35; nonmembers $49
An elder of a Native American tribe from the Pacific Northwest advised: There is more to be learned by climbing the same mountain a hundred times than by climbing a hundred different mountains. Following this admonition, we’re offering this series of broad-based nature explorations along the Potomac River’s C&O Canal and its varied habitats–from upland rocky woods to rich floodplain forests. Our monthly hikes will return each month to a stretch of Towpath moving from the Widewater access upriver to Great Falls. Here we’ll traverse the bridges out to the Falls overlook–and after enjoying the drama and din of the tumbling water, we’ll retrace our steps back to our starting point for a total of around 4 miles. We’ll experience lingering summer in September, autumn’s colorful transformations in October and November, and then the arrival of winter’s open landscapes in December. On each walk, we’ll keep our eyes and ears open for the changing seasonal activity of wildlife and plant life. These hikes will move faster and farther than our usual naturalists’ shuffle. REGISTER

Leader: Carole Bergmann
Members $35; nonmembers $45
Venture out into the parks this December with retired Montgomery County Botanist and Forest Ecologist Carole Bergmann. Though winter is arriving, the forest is anything but empty: this 3,700 acre park near Clarksburg, MD harbors rich plant diversity due to its many habitats which also create many niches for a wide range of wildlife. We will explore the characteristics of herbaceous plants at the end of the growing season, early-succession piedmont grasses, and the dried remnants of seeds, fruit, flowers, and leaves. On a leisurely hike of up to a couple miles, our leader will introduce you to this parkland’s seasonal plant richness in addition to general natural history. Expect some open conditions, some forested stretches, as well as some uphill and downhill on natural surface trails which may be muddy and/or slippery. REGISTER

Leader: Paul Pisano
Location: Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, VA
Members $33; nonmembers $46
In the deceptively quiet season of winter, a flurry of bird activity can be found! From foraging flocks of sparrows, chickadees, and titmice to the colorful nuptial plumage of winter waterfowl, there’s plenty to delight in when birding in winter. Enjoy the tinkling glass song of a Winter Wren or the energetic musical jumble of a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet along parks and greenways throughout the DC Region, guided by passionate birders who love all things avian. Avid birders, bird-enthusiasts, and bird-curious people of all knowledge levels warmly welcome. REGISTER

Please join us on December 14, when Nature Forward will conduct its 82^nd Annual Christmas Bird Count.  The 15-mile diameter count circle encompasses most of the District and parts of Virginia and Maryland. So, no matter where you live in or around the district, there is a spot for you to count.  Novices and intermediate level birders will be placed with experts, so don’t feel reluctant to volunteer because of your skill level. This is a learning experience too! 

If you want to learn more about the DC Christmas Bird Count or sign up as a participant, contact the Compiler, Larry Cartwright at [email protected] or 571-359-2395.  You may also contact Nature Forward through Pam Oves at [email protected].

Join enthusiastic birders at Woodend to learn birding basics. One will learn binocular basics and how to identify common birds as well as explore the wonders of migration. Members $12; nonmembers $16. Second registrant is FREE. REGISTER

RSVP at https://forms.office.com/r/GgQ4BCfk9v

Leader: Bradley Simpson
Location: Boundary Bridge at Rock Creek Park
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Ever wanted to know what type of tree you were looking at and despaired because there were no leaves? Never fear, help is here! Join Habitat Manager Bradley Simpson for a winter stroll at Boundary Bridge in Rock Creek Park. On this walk, we’ll enjoy December along the creek and learn how to approach identifying trees when their branches are mostly bare. Trails are mostly flat and natural surface, which may be muddy and/or slippery. REGISTER

Leaders: Stephanie Mason and Genevieve Wall
Location: Widewater to Great Falls, MD along C&O Canal
Members $35; nonmembers $49
The first day of winter is arriving. Whether you call this astronomical event the shortest day — or the longest night — of the year, it’s a good occasion to pause the bustle of daily life and join fellow nature lovers on a hike in a beautiful place! Our outing starts at the Widewater area along the C&O Canal Towpath and will move upriver to Great Falls. Here we’ll traverse the bridges out to the Great Falls Overlook – and after enjoying the drama and din of the Falls, we’ll retrace our steps back to Widewater. As daylight fades on our return walk downriver, we’ll look and listen for wildlife activity – primarily birds – as they settle in for the longest night of the year. Expect a round trip of nearly 4 miles on the flat towpath at a pace faster than our usual naturalist’s shuffle. REGISTER

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.  We’ll proceed at a “naturalists’ shuffle” pace as we look and listen for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, practice winter botany skills, and enjoy the expansive views along the Potomac River that this season.  While the Towpath is flat, it could be muddy or snow-covered.  Our seasonal Wednesday walks will continue with Spring Saunters Along the Canal starting on April 2. REGISTER.

Leader: Liz Guertin
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Tundra swans dancing, buffleheads diving, mergansers ducking! Maryland is host to over thirty species of migrating waterfowl in the winter months and it doesn’t get better than Thomas Point Park, a small peninsula in Anne Arundel County that juts out into the Chesapeake Bay, birds on all sides. Join Master Naturalist, birding enthusiast, & photographer Liz Guertin for a winter walk along this wonderful spot for swans, ducks, and endless water views. We’ll walk 1.5 miles at a slow pace for birdwatching on a mostly paved surface, small amounts on a natural surface trail. REGISTER.

A: Patuxent River Park, MD
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Take on two of your New Year’s resolutions at once: spend more time outdoors exploring nature AND get more exercise by signing up for one or all of these winter hikes. This season’s series begins in Prince George’s County along the western shore of the Patuxent River where the Jug Bay Natural Area protects old field, forest, and freshwater tidal wetlands. We’ll hike between 3-4 miles on mostly level trails which will be a mix of natural and paved surfaces. Our next two hikes visit the scenic bottomlands along the Potomac River. Hike B will use the natural surface Potomac Heritage Trail along the Virginia side of the River to move from Riverbend Park to Great Falls Park, VA–and back–for a round trip of just over 3 miles.  While basically flat, this trail may be muddy and slippery–and there is a small amount of rocky scrambling. We’ll keep eyes and ears open for the earliest signs of spring as we hike upriver on the flat C&O Canal towpath from Pennyfield Lock near Potomac, MD to the end of Blockhouse Point Conservation Park. After enjoying this dramatic stretch of cedar-topped cliffs, we’ll reverse course and hike back to Pennyfield for a round-trip of nearly 4 miles. On all three of these hikes, we will search for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, while practicing our winter botany skills and enjoying the open landscapes of the season. Hikes may be modified depending on weather and ground conditions, which could be muddy or snow-covered. These hikes are designed to offer a natural history experience for persons who want to move farther and faster than the pace of most Nature Forward field trips. We will stop to observe and admire nature, but will keep a pace necessary to cover the distance stated. REGISTER.

Leader: Marney Bruce
Members $33; nonmembers $46
What can trees tell us about soil, rocks, and water? Trees have preferences for where they grow, and learning to read their habitats can unlock an encyclopedia of natural history information about the area’s geology, hydrology, soil, and more. Over the course of the walk, leader Marney Bruce will show participants how to unpack meaning from the trees growing around them. REGISTER.

Leader: Mark England
Members $35; nonmembers $49
The wetland habitats of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge are a premier birding destination on Maryland’s Eastern Shore near Cambridge. Waterfowl are the signature birds of the Refuge—and the best viewing months are November through February.  Wintering species include Tundra Swans, Canada and Snow Geese, and more than 20 species of ducks. Bald Eagles are abundant here and the refuge’s woodlands harbor owls, towhees, woodpeckers, nuthatches, woodcock, and turkeys year-round. Our birding day will begin at 9 am along the Choptank River waterfront in Cambridge, before moving on to the Refuge for explorations along the Refuge’s Wildlife Drive. The leader is likely to stay out until darkness falls depending on the weather and the interests of the group. Limited to 10 participants. NOTE: There will be times when participants will be asked to consolidate into fewer cars to provide for safe and productive stops along the Wildlife Drive. Optional owling until 5:30 pm. REGISTER.

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.  We’ll proceed at a “naturalists’ shuffle” pace as we look and listen for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, practice winter botany skills, and enjoy the expansive views along the Potomac River that this season.  While the Towpath is flat, it could be muddy or snow-covered.  Our seasonal Wednesday walks will continue with Spring Saunters Along the Canal starting on April 2. REGISTER.

Leader: Len Bisson
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Winter might seem quiet and serene, but you’ll be amazed by how vibrant the season can be with leaf litter, lakes, and shrubs alive with the sights and sounds of winter birds. From the tinkling notes of a Winter Wren to the lively songs of a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, each walk promises moments that will surprise and inspire everyone from the newly bird-curious to occasional birders to seasoned bird lovers. Expert guides will lead our explorations in parks and greenways throughout the DMV to track foraging sparrows and chickadees, and marvel at the stunning colors of winter waterfowl. Register now for shared nature experiences that are sure to excite! Avid birders, bird-enthusiasts, and bird-curious people of all knowledge levels warmly welcome. REGISTER.

Leaders: Rob Hilton and Lisa Shannon
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Winter might seem quiet and serene, but you’ll be amazed by how vibrant the season can be with leaf litter, lakes, and shrubs alive with the sights and sounds of winter birds. From the tinkling notes of a Winter Wren to the lively songs of a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, each walk promises moments that will surprise and inspire everyone from the newly bird-curious to occasional birders to seasoned bird lovers. Expert guides will lead our explorations in parks and greenways throughout the DMV to track foraging sparrows and chickadees, and marvel at the stunning colors of winter waterfowl. Register now for shared nature experiences that are sure to excite! Avid birders, bird-enthusiasts, and bird-curious people of all knowledge levels warmly welcome. REGISTER.

Leader: Genevieve Wall
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Enjoy these leisurely walks on the Towpath along close-in portions of the C&O Canal National Historical Park.  We’ll proceed at a “naturalists’ shuffle” pace as we look and listen for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, practice winter botany skills, and enjoy the expansive views along the Potomac River that this season.  While the Towpath is flat, it could be muddy or snow-covered.  Our seasonal Wednesday walks will continue with Spring Saunters Along the Canal starting on April 2. REGISTER.

Leader: Mark England
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Winter might seem quiet and serene, but you’ll be amazed by how vibrant the season can be with leaf litter, lakes, and shrubs alive with the sights and sounds of winter birds. From the tinkling notes of a Winter Wren to the lively songs of a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, each walk promises moments that will surprise and inspire everyone from the newly bird-curious to occasional birders to seasoned bird lovers. Expert guides will lead our explorations in parks and greenways throughout the DMV to track foraging sparrows and chickadees, and marvel at the stunning colors of winter waterfowl. Register now for shared nature experiences that are sure to excite! Avid birders, bird-enthusiasts, and bird-curious people of all knowledge levels warmly welcome. REGISTER.

Leaders: Rob Hilton and Lisa Shannon
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Winter might seem quiet and serene, but you’ll be amazed by how vibrant the season can be with leaf litter, lakes, and shrubs alive with the sights and sounds of winter birds. From the tinkling notes of a Winter Wren to the lively songs of a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, each walk promises moments that will surprise and inspire everyone from the newly bird-curious to occasional birders to seasoned bird lovers. Expert guides will lead our explorations in parks and greenways throughout the DMV to track foraging sparrows and chickadees, and marvel at the stunning colors of winter waterfowl. Register now for shared nature experiences that are sure to excite! Avid birders, bird-enthusiasts, and bird-curious people of all knowledge levels warmly welcome. REGISTER.

Leaders: Rob Hilton and Lisa Shannon
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Winter might seem quiet and serene, but you’ll be amazed by how vibrant the season can be with leaf litter, lakes, and shrubs alive with the sights and sounds of winter birds. From the tinkling notes of a Winter Wren to the lively songs of a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, each walk promises moments that will surprise and inspire everyone from the newly bird-curious to occasional birders to seasoned bird lovers. Expert guides will lead our explorations in parks and greenways throughout the DMV to track foraging sparrows and chickadees, and marvel at the stunning colors of winter waterfowl. Register now for shared nature experiences that are sure to excite! Avid birders, bird-enthusiasts, and bird-curious people of all knowledge levels warmly welcome. REGISTER.

Leader: Genevieve Wall
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Lighting and tending fires is an ancestral human practice. In this two hour workshop at Woodend Sanctuary, we’ll learn about fire-by-friction, explore different fire structures and techniques, and learn how to read a landscape and the plant life within it to understand where to find fire-ready materials even in adverse weather conditions. This workshop will take place outdoors, and warm clothing will be vital. Expect hands-on building of fire structures, teamwork, and problem-solving as we feed our central fire! REGISTER.

B: Riverbend Park, VA
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Take on two of your New Year’s resolutions at once: spend more time outdoors exploring nature AND get more exercise by signing up for one or all of these winter hikes. This season’s series begins in Prince George’s County along the western shore of the Patuxent River where the Jug Bay Natural Area protects old field, forest, and freshwater tidal wetlands. We’ll hike between 3-4 miles on mostly level trails which will be a mix of natural and paved surfaces. Our next two hikes visit the scenic bottomlands along the Potomac River. Hike B will use the natural surface Potomac Heritage Trail along the Virginia side of the River to move from Riverbend Park to Great Falls Park, VA–and back–for a round trip of just over 3 miles.  While basically flat, this trail may be muddy and slippery–and there is a small amount of rocky scrambling. We’ll keep eyes and ears open for the earliest signs of spring as we hike upriver on the flat C&O Canal towpath from Pennyfield Lock near Potomac, MD to the end of Blockhouse Point Conservation Park. After enjoying this dramatic stretch of cedar-topped cliffs, we’ll reverse course and hike back to Pennyfield for a round-trip of nearly 4 miles. On all three of these hikes, we will search for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, while practicing our winter botany skills and enjoying the open landscapes of the season. Hikes may be modified depending on weather and ground conditions, which could be muddy or snow-covered. These hikes are designed to offer a natural history experience for persons who want to move farther and faster than the pace of most Nature Forward field trips. We will stop to observe and admire nature, but will keep a pace necessary to cover the distance stated. REGISTER.

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.  We’ll proceed at a “naturalists’ shuffle” pace as we look and listen for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, practice winter botany skills, and enjoy the expansive views along the Potomac River that this season.  While the Towpath is flat, it could be muddy or snow-covered.  Our seasonal Wednesday walks will continue with Spring Saunters Along the Canal starting on April 2. REGISTER.

Leader: Marney Bruce
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Though we still have a month of astronomical winter ahead of us, depending on the year, it may start to feel like Spring: the air temperature may have warmed, insects may be stirring in the leaf litter, and wood frogs and spring peepers may have already started calling. As the days lengthen, the season starts to shift in the plants as well. On this visit to Carderock Recreation Area in MD, we will observe the plants around us and watch for the signs of late winter waking into spring in the buds and emergent ephemerals we may find. REGISTER.

Leader: Paul Pisano
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Winter might seem quiet and serene, but you’ll be amazed by how vibrant the season can be with leaf litter, lakes, and shrubs alive with the sights and sounds of winter birds. From the tinkling notes of a Winter Wren to the lively songs of a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, each walk promises moments that will surprise and inspire everyone from the newly bird-curious to occasional birders to seasoned bird lovers. Expert guides will lead our explorations in parks and greenways throughout the DMV to track foraging sparrows and chickadees, and marvel at the stunning colors of winter waterfowl. Register now for shared nature experiences that are sure to excite! Avid birders, bird-enthusiasts, and bird-curious people of all knowledge levels warmly welcome. REGISTER.

Leader: Stephanie Mason
Location: Boyds, MD
Members $33; nonmembers $46
In his Sand County Almanac, conservationist Aldo Leopold described the mating display of the American Woodcock as a “sky dance.” Announcing its presence with nasal “peents”, the male woodcock ascends high in the sky at dusk. To the accompaniment of a constant twittering, it circles, then plummets back to earth in a series of zigzag movements, wings whistling. On this field program to a natural area in upper Montgomery County, we’ll hope to be lucky enough to catch a performance of this seasonal drama.   REGISTER.

C: C&O Canal, MD
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Take on two of your New Year’s resolutions at once: spend more time outdoors exploring nature AND get more exercise by signing up for one or all of these winter hikes. This season’s series begins in Prince George’s County along the western shore of the Patuxent River where the Jug Bay Natural Area protects old field, forest, and freshwater tidal wetlands. We’ll hike between 3-4 miles on mostly level trails which will be a mix of natural and paved surfaces. Our next two hikes visit the scenic bottomlands along the Potomac River. Hike B will use the natural surface Potomac Heritage Trail along the Virginia side of the River to move from Riverbend Park to Great Falls Park, VA–and back–for a round trip of just over 3 miles.  While basically flat, this trail may be muddy and slippery–and there is a small amount of rocky scrambling.  We’ll keep eyes and ears open for the earliest signs of spring as we hike upriver on the flat C&O Canal towpath from Pennyfield Lock near Potomac, MD to the end of Blockhouse Point Conservation Park.  After enjoying this dramatic stretch of cedar-topped cliffs, we’ll reverse course and hike back to Pennyfield for a round-trip of nearly 4 miles. On all three of these hikes, we will search for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, while practicing our winter botany skills and enjoying the open landscapes of the season.  Hikes may be modified depending on weather and ground conditions, which could be muddy or snow-covered. These hikes are designed to offer a natural history experience for persons who want to move farther and faster than the pace of most Nature Forward field trips. We will stop to observe and admire nature, but will keep a pace necessary to cover the distance stated. REGISTER.

Leader: Genevieve Wall
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Enjoy these leisurely walks on the Towpath along close-in portions of the C&O Canal National Historical Park.  We’ll proceed at a “naturalists’ shuffle” pace as we look and listen for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, practice winter botany skills, and enjoy the expansive views along the Potomac River that this season.  While the Towpath is flat, it could be muddy or snow-covered.  Our seasonal Wednesday walks will continue with Spring Saunters Along the Canal starting on April 2. REGISTER.

Leader: Len Bisson
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Winter might seem quiet and serene, but you’ll be amazed by how vibrant the season can be with leaf litter, lakes, and shrubs alive with the sights and sounds of winter birds. From the tinkling notes of a Winter Wren to the lively songs of a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, each walk promises moments that will surprise and inspire everyone from the newly bird-curious to occasional birders to seasoned bird lovers. Expert guides will lead our explorations in parks and greenways throughout the DMV to track foraging sparrows and chickadees, and marvel at the stunning colors of winter waterfowl. Register now for shared nature experiences that are sure to excite! Avid birders, bird-enthusiasts, and bird-curious people of all knowledge levels warmly welcome. REGISTER.

Leader: Carole Bergmann
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Designated one of the “Best Natural Areas” in M-NCPPC Parks, the 630-acre Blockhouse Point Conservation Park contains a variety of habitats: from upland forests to floodplain forests to rock outcrops to streams and wetlands. As we enter meteorological spring, some trees may be bare while others are budding or even blooming, and ephemeral wildflowers may be emerging from the leaf litter. Botanist Carole Bergmann will lead the group as we explore the park and observe the biodiversity of plant life focusing on seasonal aspects and ecological niches. Expect a couple mile hike on natural surface trails, with some rocky and uneven terrain with uphill and downhill stretches. REGISTER.

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.  We’ll proceed at a “naturalists’ shuffle” pace as we look and listen for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, practice winter botany skills, and enjoy the expansive views along the Potomac River that this season.  While the Towpath is flat, it could be muddy or snow-covered.  Our seasonal Wednesday walks will continue with Spring Saunters Along the Canal starting on April 2. REGISTER.

Leader: Marney Bruce
Members $33; nonmembers $46
The Vernal Equinox is the moment in which day and night are of equal length. This is the tipping point between astronomical winter and spring: from here on out, spring is full steam ahead. On this walk, we will experience this transition with the 2.5 mile Rapids Bridge Loop in Rock Creek Park. We will begin walking through winter woods, but when we get closer to Rapids Bridge along Rock Creek, the spring ephemerals put on quite a display. These short-lived blooms take advantage of the early spring: temperatures have warmed and days have lengthened, but the trees overhead have not yet shaded out the sun with new leaf growth. Enjoy this ephemeral moment of transition out in nature! REGISTER.