Nature Classes & Field Trips

Leader: Genevieve Wall
Location: Richmond, VA
Members $180; nonmembers $228
Join Senior Naturalist Genevieve Wall on a rare opportunity to encounter an ancient, endangered giant fish. In the first two weeks of September each year, Atlantic Sturgeon migrate upriver to spawn. As they travel, they breach out of the water and land back with an enormous splash. Experience what the locals playfully call “James River Whale Watching” with a pontoon boat ride, canoe paddle, and series of guided walks along the river. We won’t just admire fish from afar – on our pontoon boat ride, we’ll conduct a scientific collection trawl to learn about the fauna of tidal freshwater ecosystems. Bald Eagles and lingering Osprey will fish alongside us as we identify Hogchokers, White Perch, Bryozoa, and more. We’ll get a tour of Presquile National Wildlife Refuge, a hidden gem and Important Bird Area that few members of the public get to visit. The following day, we’ll follow along the fall zone in a series of walks and explorations through the James River Parks System – a thriving greenway along the river with rich plant life, bird life, and history. They don’t call Richmond the “River City” for nothing!

Program cost covers field activities only; we’ll share information about lodging and food options to all registrants. This trip requires a level of physical fitness to be able to be able to walk up to two miles at a time at a relaxed pace; to sit, stand, and climb short stairs; to enter and exit a canoe (with assistance); and to gently paddle a canoe on flat water. Genevieve may adjust the order of activities if needed to best serve the needs of the trip. Please also note that while we can put ourselves in the best possible position to witness sturgeon breaches, we cannot guarantee everyone will see one. REGISTER

Leader: Paul Pisano
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Our fall birding series visit natural areas under an hour’s drive from DC where a variety of habitats – including field, forest, and wetland – provide good opportunities for the observation and ID of birds in autumn, On the earliest walks, we’ll hope to catch some southbound migrants – including those “confusing fall warblers.” As the season progresses, we’ll watch for sparrows, raptors, waterfowl, and other birds, both resident and overwintering in the region. These teaching walks are aimed at beginning to mid-level birders, but all are welcome. Our explorations will be on mostly level, natural surface trails that may be uneven, muddy, and/or somewhat slippery. REGISTER

Leader: Kit Sheffield
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Here’s your chance to learn more about an ancient part of our flora which preceded flowering plants and has existed since the time of the dinosaurs. Our living classroom will be the rich woodlands of Rachel Carson Conservation Park near Olney, Md. Under the guidance of our Natural History Field Studies ferns instructor, you will learn how to begin identifying ferns in their natural habits and find out more about their life histories. We will cover 3-4 miles on well maintained, fairly flat trails. The walk will be mostly shaded but the first and last section will be through a sunny meadow. REGISTER

Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Enjoy one or more of these leisurely late-summer through late-fall strolls on relatively close-in portions of the C&O Canal’s historic Towpath which see less foot and bicycle traffic on weekdays than weekends. The focus of these naturalist-led walks will be the rich natural history of the varied habitats long the Potomac River and the Canal. We’ll proceed at a “naturalist’s shuffle” pace, stopping often to observe and enjoy seasonal plant and animal life, including birds, fall wildflowers and foliage, butterflies, snakes, turtles – and whatever else we might find. The towpath is flat, but could be muddy and/or uneven. Access to the Towpath at Riley’s Lock includes a steep incline or stairs. REGISTER

Leader: Kerry Wixted
Members $20; nonmembers $28
Join naturalist Kerry Wixted to learn about the wonderful world of bats around the world and here in Maryland. Kerry will discuss bat facts, will bust bat myths, and will talk about declining bat populations and what can be done on local and regional scales to help them. After the lecture, we’ll head outside to view some of the bat activity at Woodend. REGISTER

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

Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $35; nonmembers $49
D.C.’s inside-the-Beltway Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens sits on the east bank of the Anacostia River where it protects freshwater tidal wetlands and the wildlife that depends on them. It’s an ideal spot to spend a September morning looking for still-active butterflies and other insects, migrant and resident birds, and other wildlife against the backdrop of late-summer blooms and fruiting trees and shrubs. Expect up to a couple miles of walking under open and sunny conditions on natural surface trails and a boardwalk that could be muddy and/or slippery. REGISTER

Leader: Liz Guertin
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Our fall birding series visit natural areas under an hour’s drive from DC where a variety of habitats – including field, forest, and wetland – provide good opportunities for the observation and ID of birds in autumn, On the earliest walks, we’ll hope to catch some southbound migrants – including those “confusing fall warblers.” As the season progresses, we’ll watch for sparrows, raptors, waterfowl, and other birds, both resident and overwintering in the region. These teaching walks are aimed at beginning to mid-level birders, but all are welcome. Our explorations will be on mostly level, natural surface trails that may be uneven, muddy, and/or somewhat slippery. REGISTER

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

Join Garden Manager Alice Sturm in the exploration of the many native plant gardens Woodend has to offer. Learn what native herbs do well in certain conditions and gather ideas for your own home garden Members $12; nonmembers $16. Limited to 15 participants. REGISTER

Join our Forest Bathing Guide for a soothing mindfulness walk through the forests of Woodend. Forest Bathing originated in Japan and is meant to help de-stress and boost health and wellbeing by immersing oneself in nature and reconnecting with their senses. Members $30; nonmembers $40. REGISTER

Location: Rosslyn Metro Station, near Teddy Roosevelt Island
Leader: Genevieve Wall
Members $33; nonmembers $46
You don’t need to go far by car to enjoy the great outdoors! In this series, we’ll explore the progression of autumn one metro stop at a time. As we venture through serene river views, lush stream valleys, and lakeside trails of these metro-accessible parks, we’ll learn about the wildlife and natural history that we encounter along the way. The leader will meet you at the metro right outside the exit turnstile. Expect a 5-10 minute walk from metro station to the trail entrance. We will wander the trails, traveling at the pace of curiosity and stopping often to learn about whatever we encounter along the way. REGISTER

Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Enjoy one or more of these leisurely late-summer through late-fall strolls on relatively close-in portions of the C&O Canal’s historic Towpath which see less foot and bicycle traffic on weekdays than weekends. The focus of these naturalist-led walks will be the rich natural history of the varied habitats long the Potomac River and the Canal. We’ll proceed at a “naturalist’s shuffle” pace, stopping often to observe and enjoy seasonal plant and animal life, including birds, fall wildflowers and foliage, butterflies, snakes, turtles – and whatever else we might find. The towpath is flat, but could be muddy and/or uneven. Access to the Towpath at Riley’s Lock includes a steep incline or stairs. REGISTER

Leaders: Marney Bruce and Lisa Shannon
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Come join Marney Bruce and Lisa Shannon on one or both of these fun, easygoing fall walks along the C&O Canal. With Marney focusing on plants and Lisa, birds and insects, we’ll be looking at and talking about just about everything there is to see there. We’ll be going to Violette’s both times in order to see the changes as fall progresses. REGISTER

Leader: Len Bisson
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Our fall birding series visit natural areas under an hour’s drive from DC where a variety of habitats – including field, forest, and wetland – provide good opportunities for the observation and ID of birds in autumn, On the earliest walks, we’ll hope to catch some southbound migrants – including those “confusing fall warblers.” As the season progresses, we’ll watch for sparrows, raptors, waterfowl, and other birds, both resident and overwintering in the region. These teaching walks are aimed at beginning to mid-level birders, but all are welcome. Our explorations will be on mostly level, natural surface trails that may be uneven, muddy, and/or somewhat slippery. REGISTER

Leader: Serenella Linares
Location: Woodend Nature Sanctuary
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Join Mycologist Serenella Linares in a visit to two of her favorite mushroom hunting spots: Woodend Nature Sanctuary and Cabin John Regional Park. These fantastic spaces are home to some of the most attractive species of fungi found during the fall months: Eyelash cup fungi, Indigo milk-cap, and bleeding bonnets at Woodend, and red chanterelles, witches butter, walnut mycenas, eyelash cup fungi, smoky spindles at Cabin John – and so much more! Learn about the fungal relationships and natural phenomena associated with the fungi species at each site (loupes provided for the duration of the program). We will move at a very slow pace to observe and enjoy all the mushrooms popping up in the fungi-extravaganza season: fall. REGISTER

Leader: Liz Guertin
Members $120; nonmembers $168
Covering a quarter of the state of New Jersey, the sandy, coastal Pine Barrens are a world set apart from the endless city corridor between New York and Philadelphia. When established in 1978, the Pinelands National Reserve encompassed 1.1 million acres and remains the “largest tract of wild land along the Middle Atlantic Seaboard.” (quote by President Jimmy Carter). In this two-day whirlwind, we’ll go deep into an Atlantic white cedar swamp, see some stumpy pines and blackjack oak in one of the world’s few pygmy forests, wander along its breathtaking bogs, witness the fall cranberry harvest, and enjoy the fall bird migration along the Atlantic Flyway. Woven into our exploration, we’ll step back in time to think about the significance of the Pines on the Revolutionary War, its role as an industrial hub in early America, and as a culture set apart from the mainstream. We’ll take in a local favorite eatery or two (and PIE). 

Program cost covers field activities only; we’ll share information about lodging and food options to all registrants. Note: This trip requires a level of physical fitness to be able to be able to walk up to two (very flat) miles at a relaxed pace. We’ll walk a couple miles at least a couple times over two days. The Pinelands are quite spread out, so while our agenda attempts to keep driving times reasonable, there will be about 75 minutes of driving per day. REGISTER

Leader: Serenella Linares
Location: Cabin John Regional Park, MD
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Join Mycologist Serenella Linares in a visit to two of her favorite mushroom hunting spots: Woodend Nature Sanctuary and Cabin John Regional Park. These fantastic spaces are home to some of the most attractive species of fungi found during the fall months: Eyelash cup fungi, Indigo milk-cap, and bleeding bonnets at Woodend, and red chanterelles, witches butter, walnut mycenas, eyelash cup fungi, smoky spindles at Cabin John – and so much more! Learn about the fungal relationships and natural phenomena associated with the fungi species at each site (loupes provided for the duration of the program). We will move at a very slow pace to observe and enjoy all the mushrooms popping up in the fungi-extravaganza season: fall. REGISTER

Leader: Mark England
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Have you ever ventured out after dark and wondered: hoooo’s out there? Join experienced “owler” Mark England at sundown to try to hear or see our three most common local owl species: Eastern Screech Owl, Barred Owl, and Great Horned Owl, all of which are present at Black Hill Regional Park. Mark will demonstrate the basics of owling and talk at length about each owl species. Though the park is usually closed after dark, the leader will have a required night-use permit for our trip. REGISTER

Leaders: Rob Hilton and Lisa Shannon
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Our fall birding series visit natural areas under an hour’s drive from DC where a variety of habitats – including field, forest, and wetland – provide good opportunities for the observation and ID of birds in autumn, On the earliest walks, we’ll hope to catch some southbound migrants – including those “confusing fall warblers.” As the season progresses, we’ll watch for sparrows, raptors, waterfowl, and other birds, both resident and overwintering in the region. These teaching walks are aimed at beginning to mid-level birders, but all are welcome. Our explorations will be on mostly level, natural surface trails that may be uneven, muddy, and/or somewhat slippery. REGISTER

Leader: Marney Bruce
Location: Rock Creek Nature Center
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Join Marney Bruce on a 2-mile loop through Rock Creek Park! We’ll set off downhill through rich forest to Rock Creek, where we will follow the creek along a scenic section with boulders and rapids. After the Rapids Bridge we will head back uphill through forest to the parking area. We will walk through a number of natural habitats in a short distance. Marney has lists of more than twenty species of trees and shrubs along this route, so get set for some tree ID! Restrooms available at the Rock Creek Nature Center. REGISTER

Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Enjoy one or more of these leisurely late-summer through late-fall strolls on relatively close-in portions of the C&O Canal’s historic Towpath which see less foot and bicycle traffic on weekdays than weekends. The focus of these naturalist-led walks will be the rich natural history of the varied habitats long the Potomac River and the Canal. We’ll proceed at a “naturalist’s shuffle” pace, stopping often to observe and enjoy seasonal plant and animal life, including birds, fall wildflowers and foliage, butterflies, snakes, turtles – and whatever else we might find. The towpath is flat, but could be muddy and/or uneven. Access to the Towpath at Riley’s Lock includes a steep incline or stairs. REGISTER

Leaders: Gemma Radko and Geneveive Wall
Location: Waggoner’s Gap, PA
Rain Date: Friday, October 11
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Fall brings thousands of migrating raptors – hawks, falcons, eagles, and their allies – to the Appalachian Ridges and Atlantic coast. Our field trip goes to one of the premier hawk-watching sites in the area: Pennsylvania’s Waggoner’s Gap, about a 2.5-hour drive from DC. Over the course of the day, we’ll learn how to ID raptors as they fly far overheard, and dive into the life history of these fascinating animals. Getting to the hawk-watch lookout – you’ll want to bundle up for this rocky ad open-air viewing site! – requires walking up a short, but rocky, trail to an outcropping of perched boulders. REGISTER

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

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

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. FREE

Acompañe a nuestras guías para un paseo de observación de aves en Woodend Nature Sanctuary. El otoño es una época ideal para observar aves durante la temporada migratoria. No se necesita experiencia en observación de aves. Evento gratuito! REGISTER

Location: Cleveland Park Metro Station, near Klingle Valley Trail in Rock Creek Park
Leader: Genevieve Wall
Members $33; nonmembers $46
You don’t need to go far by car to enjoy the great outdoors! In this series, we’ll explore the progression of autumn one metro stop at a time. As we venture through serene river views, lush stream valleys, and lakeside trails of these metro-accessible parks, we’ll learn about the wildlife and natural history that we encounter along the way. The leader will meet you at the metro right outside the exit turnstile. Expect a 5-10 minute walk from metro station to the trail entrance. We will wander the trails, traveling at the pace of curiosity and stopping often to learn about whatever we encounter along the way. REGISTER

Leader: Mike Bowen
Members $20; nonmembers $28
It’s that time of year when sparrows and finches can present beginning to mid-level birders with some of their most difficult ID challenges. Feeling that way about yourself? You’re invited to join one (or both) of our field tutorials for an introduction to the most common sparrows and finches in our region during this season. Tips for recognizing plumage, voice, habitat preferences and more will be shared by our teacher-leader teams. To help you prepare for the walks, leader Mike Bowen will present an optional illustrated photo & vocalization lecture at our Woodend Sanctuary. Registration for the lecture is separate from the walks. REGISTER

Leader: Kit Sheffield
Members $35; nonmembers $49
We will learn about the identification, evolutionary history, and myriad reproductive strategies of ferns on a walk along the Swamp Trail in Great Falls Park, Virginia. Our walk will cover less than two miles on trails that are mostly flat and well maintained. There is one ten-foot section of the trail that requires navigating a rocky area. Fee covers field activities only; park pass or entry fee required to access Great Falls, VA. REGISTER

Join Nature Forward naturalists to explore the meadows, forests and stream at Woodend. Learn about the work we do to improve our native habitats for our local wildlife. Members $12; nonmembers $16. REGISTER

Leader: Mark England
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Our fall birding series visit natural areas under an hour’s drive from DC where a variety of habitats – including field, forest, and wetland – provide good opportunities for the observation and ID of birds in autumn, On the earliest walks, we’ll hope to catch some southbound migrants – including those “confusing fall warblers.” As the season progresses, we’ll watch for sparrows, raptors, waterfowl, and other birds, both resident and overwintering in the region. These teaching walks are aimed at beginning to mid-level birders, but all are welcome. Our explorations will be on mostly level, natural surface trails that may be uneven, muddy, and/or somewhat slippery. REGISTER

Join our Forest Bathing Guide for a soothing mindfulness walk through the forests of Woodend. Forest Bathing originated in Japan and is meant to help de-stress and boost health and wellbeing by immersing oneself in nature and reconnecting with their senses. Members $30; nonmembers $40. REGISTER

Location: Blue Mash Nature Trail
Leaders: Mike Bowen and Anne Cianni
Members $33; nonmembers $46
It’s that time of year when sparrows and finches can present beginning to mid-level birders with some of their most difficult ID challenges. Feeling that way about yourself? You’re invited to join one (or both) of our field tutorials for an introduction to the most common sparrows and finches in our region during this season. Tips for recognizing plumage, voice, habitat preferences and more will be shared by our teacher-leader teams. To help you prepare for the walks, leader Mike Bowen will present an optional illustrated photo & vocalization lecture at our Woodend Sanctuary. Registration for the lecture is separate from the walks. REGISTER

Leader: Stephanie Mason
Location: Woodend Nature Sanctuary
Members $35; nonmembers $49
October is a great month to begin learning to ID our local trees and shrubs. With colorful leaves and this season’s seedpods still hanging on, there are visible and fairly easy-to-find distinguishing characteristics to help sort out various species. Based at our Woodend Sanctuary, this learning session will begin under an outdoor awning where we’ll talk about techniques for tree ID, coupled with the introduction to and practice with an identification key. For the rest of our time, we’ll stay outside and practice our new ID skills on the many trees growing on-site.  Both beginners and those who want to brush up on their tree ID skills are welcome. REGISTER

Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Enjoy one or more of these leisurely late-summer through late-fall strolls on relatively close-in portions of the C&O Canal’s historic Towpath which see less foot and bicycle traffic on weekdays than weekends. The focus of these naturalist-led walks will be the rich natural history of the varied habitats long the Potomac River and the Canal. We’ll proceed at a “naturalist’s shuffle” pace, stopping often to observe and enjoy seasonal plant and animal life, including birds, fall wildflowers and foliage, butterflies, snakes, turtles – and whatever else we might find. The towpath is flat, but could be muddy and/or uneven. Access to the Towpath at Riley’s Lock includes a steep incline or stairs. REGISTER

Thursday, October 24, 6-8:30 pm
Woodend Sanctuary
Guest Speaker: Dana Milbank, columnist for The Washington Post

Calling all Nature Forward members and supporters! Be sure to join us for the 2024 Annual Meeting. The evening event will include recognition of retiring Executive Director Lisa Alexander, recognition of our Volunteer of the Year, and election of members to the Nature Forward Board of Directors. Coffee and dessert will be served.

Best-known for his political commentary for The Washington Post, columnist Dana Milbank has recently been sharing his experience moving from the city to a farm and training to become a master naturalist. Join Dana for a dialogue about nature discovery, challenge, and hope! Please RSVP to this free event at https://give.natureforward.org/MembershipMeeting24 by Friday, October 18.

BOARD ELECTIONS:
Nature Forward members will vote on candidates for the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting. An official notice including profiles of the slate of Board candidates presented by the Nominating Committee will be posted at natureforward.org/board after October 1.

Leaders: Marney Bruce and Lisa Shannon
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Come join Marney Bruce and Lisa Shannon on one or both of these fun, easygoing fall walks along the C&O Canal. With Marney focusing on plants and Lisa, birds and insects, we’ll be looking at and talking about just about everything there is to see there. We’ll be going to Violette’s both times in order to see the changes as fall progresses. REGISTER

Leader: Lorena Saavedra Smith
Location: Woodend Nature Sanctuary
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Join this transformative outdoor program to navigate life’s challenges, which often induce feelings of being alone and overwhelmed, leading to self-neglect. Embrace the fall season’s essence of rest and renewal. Through practical guidance, participants learn to prioritize self-care, find solace in nature, and recover strength and resilience amidst external turmoil. Cultivate mature compassion within a supportive community, understanding that nature is a loyal ally. REGISTER

Leader: Rita Peralta
Location: Dyke Marsh, VA
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Join Naturalist and Naturally Latinos speaker Rita Peralta for a walk on the wild side at Dyke Marsh. Tidal freshwater marshes are gems of biodiversity and play an important role in filtering water and mitigating floods and storm surges. On this wander, we’ll explore the trails and boardwalks of Dyke Marsh, and encounter wildlife like bald eagles and beavers. When you take a walk on the wild side, you never know what you’ll find. Expect a mixture of paved and natural surface trails; depending on rainfall, some muddy and puddly terrain may be possible. REGISTER

Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Fall colors are ablaze and the C&O Canal’s Towpath along the Potomac River is one of the finest places in the D.C. 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 flat stretch from Swain’s Lock to Blockhouse Point, a 9-mile round-trip ride. We’ll dismount often to look for fall fruits and fungi as we admire lingering fall blooms and color. Throughout our ride, we’ll watch and listen for all manner of wildlife, including birds, butterflies and other insects, turtles and more. Bring your own bike. REGISTER

Leaders: Rob Hilton and Lisa Shannon
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Our fall birding series visit natural areas under an hour’s drive from DC where a variety of habitats – including field, forest, and wetland – provide good opportunities for the observation and ID of birds in autumn, On the earliest walks, we’ll hope to catch some southbound migrants – including those “confusing fall warblers.” As the season progresses, we’ll watch for sparrows, raptors, waterfowl, and other birds, both resident and overwintering in the region. These teaching walks are aimed at beginning to mid-level birders, but all are welcome. Our explorations will be on mostly level, natural surface trails that may be uneven, muddy, and/or somewhat slippery. REGISTER

Location: Occoquan Bay NWR
Leaders: Rob Hilton and Lisa Shannon
Members $33; nonmembers $46
It’s that time of year when sparrows and finches can present beginning to mid-level birders with some of their most difficult ID challenges. Feeling that way about yourself? You’re invited to join one (or both) of our field tutorials for an introduction to the most common sparrows and finches in our region during this season. Tips for recognizing plumage, voice, habitat preferences and more will be shared by our teacher-leader teams. To help you prepare for the walks, leader Mike Bowen will present an optional illustrated photo & vocalization lecture at our Woodend Sanctuary. Registration for the lecture is separate from the walks. REGISTER

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. FREE

Acompañe a nuestras guías para un paseo de observación de aves en Woodend Nature Sanctuary. El otoño es una época ideal para observar aves durante la temporada migratoria. No se necesita experiencia en observación de aves. Evento gratuito! REGISTER

Leader: Joe Marx
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Theodore Roosevelt Island is a showcase of geology, well befitting the energetic environmentalist whom it honors. Ancient Piedmont bedrock exposures occur at the northern end, while modern Coastal Plain deposits form the eastern and southern portions. Surrounded by the Potomac River, the island features natural levees and backswamps (like the Mississippi), a tidal inlet and marsh (like Chincoteague) and garnet-bearing rocks (like the Blue Ridge). All within walking distance of the Metro! We’ll hike a couple of miles around the island, interpreting the story told by the rocks and soil. REGISTER

Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Join long-time field trip leader and author of the award-winning book, Finding Solace at Theodore Roosevelt Island, Wild Walking—A Guide to Forest Bathing Through the Seasons, and several other nature books, for a seasonal exploration of this 90-acre island in the Potomac River which serves as a fitting memorial to our conservationist and naturalist 26^th President – and Nature Forward (then-Audubon Naturalist Society) member. This fall tree walk will take you deep into the island, where swamp and tidal inlet can be explored by boardwalk as willow, bald cypresses, and cattails frame views of the city behind it. We’ll see autumn color among the trees as well as exciting new vistas as leaves fall. In addition to sharing her knowledge and love of the island’s trees, Melanie will share details of this National Park’s fascinating history. Expect a flat walk of nearly two miles at a leisurely pace. Our circuit walk will traverse natural surface trails as well as boardwalk, both of which may be muddy and/or slippery. REGISTER

Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Enjoy one or more of these leisurely late-summer through late-fall strolls on relatively close-in portions of the C&O Canal’s historic Towpath which see less foot and bicycle traffic on weekdays than weekends. The focus of these naturalist-led walks will be the rich natural history of the varied habitats long the Potomac River and the Canal. We’ll proceed at a “naturalist’s shuffle” pace, stopping often to observe and enjoy seasonal plant and animal life, including birds, fall wildflowers and foliage, butterflies, snakes, turtles – and whatever else we might find. The towpath is flat, but could be muddy and/or uneven. Access to the Towpath at Riley’s Lock includes a steep incline or stairs. REGISTER

Leader: Carole Bergmann
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Hoyles Mill Conservation Park in upper Montgomery County, Boyds, MD, is underlain by the largest diabase bedrock sill in the state of Maryland, and because of the unique nutrient rich soils derived from the diabase bedrock, the plant community contains many less common species. At more than 800 acres, Hoyles Mill Conservation Park preserves the biggest continuous forest under Montgomery County Park supervision. Join Carole Bergmann, retired Countywide Botanist and Forest Ecologist for Montgomery Parks for an exploration of this area and the botanically diverse flora it supports. We will walk several miles primarily on a previous gravel roadbed which is now a natural surface trail. No bathrooms at the trailhead. Limited to 10 people, due to limited parking. REGISTER

Learn about the notable trees Woodend has to offer with Restoration Manager, Bradley Simpson. We will learn how to identify these trees and where you might find them in the wild. We will explore what wildlife uses these trees and how they benefit our native ecosystems. Members $12; nonmembers $16. Limited to 15 participants. REGISTER

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

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

Leader: Liz Guertin
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Join Maryland Master Naturalist & Nature Photographer, Liz Guertin, for a journey into phone photography! Liz will cover how to compose great shots using the many creative features & apps possible on your cell phone. All phones welcome! As a special treat, our venue for the morning is the spectacular & historic Peirce Mill, where we’ll get to enjoy changing fall colors, moving water, historic buildings, and the beauty of Rock Creek Park. Please bring a freshly charged device. REGISTER

Leader: Len Bisson
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Our fall birding series visit natural areas under an hour’s drive from DC where a variety of habitats – including field, forest, and wetland – provide good opportunities for the observation and ID of birds in autumn, On the earliest walks, we’ll hope to catch some southbound migrants – including those “confusing fall warblers.” As the season progresses, we’ll watch for sparrows, raptors, waterfowl, and other birds, both resident and overwintering in the region. These teaching walks are aimed at beginning to mid-level birders, but all are welcome. Our explorations will be on mostly level, natural surface trails that may be uneven, muddy, and/or somewhat slippery. REGISTER

Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Enjoy one or more of these leisurely late-summer through late-fall strolls on relatively close-in portions of the C&O Canal’s historic Towpath which see less foot and bicycle traffic on weekdays than weekends. The focus of these naturalist-led walks will be the rich natural history of the varied habitats long the Potomac River and the Canal. We’ll proceed at a “naturalist’s shuffle” pace, stopping often to observe and enjoy seasonal plant and animal life, including birds, fall wildflowers and foliage, butterflies, snakes, turtles – and whatever else we might find. The towpath is flat, but could be muddy and/or uneven. Access to the Towpath at Riley’s Lock includes a steep incline or stairs. REGISTER

Leaders: Mike Bowen and Anne Cianni
Members (lecture only at Woodend) $20; nonmembers $28
Lecture and Field Trip option: members $49; nonmembers $69
Field trip: Saturday, November 23, 8-11:30 am at Gunner’s Lake, MD
Early winter is the best time to search for and learn to ID overwintering waterfowl in our area. If you’re ready to refresh your skills and learn for the first time, our leader Mike Bowen will offer a lecture at Woodend Nature Sanctuary prior to the in-person field trip at Gunner’s Lake in Germantown, MD, where a paved trail around the water allows for easy waterfowl watching with binoculars. While our focus will be waterfowl, we’ll keep an eye open for all birdlife. All levels of birders welcome. REGISTER

Join our Forest Bathing Guide for a soothing mindfulness walk through the forests of Woodend. Forest Bathing originated in Japan and is meant to help de-stress and boost health and wellbeing by immersing oneself in nature and reconnecting with their senses. Members $30; nonmembers $40. REGISTER

Location: College Park Metro Station, near Lake Artemesia
Leader: Genevieve Wall
Members $33; nonmembers $46
You don’t need to go far by car to enjoy the great outdoors! In this series, we’ll explore the progression of autumn one metro stop at a time. As we venture through serene river views, lush stream valleys, and lakeside trails of these metro-accessible parks, we’ll learn about the wildlife and natural history that we encounter along the way. The leader will meet you at the metro right outside the exit turnstile. Expect a 5-10 minute walk from metro station to the trail entrance. We will wander the trails, traveling at the pace of curiosity and stopping often to learn about whatever we encounter along the way. REGISTER

Leader: Paul Pisano
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Our fall birding series visit natural areas under an hour’s drive from DC where a variety of habitats – including field, forest, and wetland – provide good opportunities for the observation and ID of birds in autumn, On the earliest walks, we’ll hope to catch some southbound migrants – including those “confusing fall warblers.” As the season progresses, we’ll watch for sparrows, raptors, waterfowl, and other birds, both resident and overwintering in the region. These teaching walks are aimed at beginning to mid-level birders, but all are welcome. Our explorations will be on mostly level, natural surface trails that may be uneven, muddy, and/or somewhat slippery. REGISTER

Leader: Jen Brown
Location: Woodend Nature Sanctuary
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Late fall and early winter offers a wealth of interesting plant material perfect for pencil drawing. Learn the basics of drawing botanical subjects in pencil with Nature Forward member Jen Brown this fall. First we will cover basic pencil handling techniques and how to depict light and shadow in graphite. Then we will work on ways to draw leaves, stems, and fruits by illustrating a sprig of American Holly. The class will take place indoors at Woodend Sanctuary. REGISTER

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

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