Nature Classes & Field Trips

Leader: Bradley Simpson
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Join Habitat Manager, Bradley Simpson, to explore three local wetland areas in the DC region: Dyke Marsh, McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area, and Jug Bay Natural Area. While the forest blooms in spring and the meadows in fall, wetlands come alive in the summer months. From water lilies to swamp rose mallow to bog orchids, these saturated environments are a summer spotlight. REGISTER.

Leader: Danielle Brigida
Members $33; nonmembers $46
During the heat of the day, many wildlife hunker down to rest. But as afternoon deepens into evening and the low-angle sunlight sets the marsh aglow, a flurry of foraging activity begins! On this walk, we’ll enjoy the woods and wetlands of Huntley Meadows. We will hope to encounter amphibians, herons, or even beaver along the boardwalk. We’ll enjoy the lush late summer plant life as well. As we wind down at dusk, we may glimpse some nocturnal creatures beginning their nighttime routines. No matter the season, Huntley Meadows never disappoints! REGISTER.

Leader: Paul Pisano
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Summertime…and the living is easy – unless you’re a bird busy with nesting chores and the many challenges of raising young. That means summertime can be a more challenging period for nature lovers to encounter birds as they quiet down and move around with greater stealth. Still, the challenge is worth the reward: there is lots to observe, discuss, and enjoy on a summer birding walk, as the nesting, feeding, and fledging stages of life are full of drama, risk, and fascination! When the series begins, breeding bird activity will still be ongoing, but as summer moves into late July and August, the movement of southbound migrants will be underway. This series is geared towards beginning and mid-level birders. Expect some open and sunny field conditions at all of our locations. There will be chances, however, to duck into the shade periodically. REGISTER.

Leader: Karoline Anders
Location: Boyds, MD
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Here’s your chance to visit the home garden of a Nature Forward member who has worked to reduce lawn coverage, increase food and shelter for wildlife, and incorporate native plants whenever possible. Karoline will share her successes and failures while guiding you on a leisurely stroll through her yard. Karoline’s 2/3-acre yard includes more than 101 native plant species in multiple sun and moisture combinations, plus an extensive vegetable garden. REGISTER.

Leader: Jen Brown
Members $33; nonmembers $46
In this class at Woodend Nature Sanctuary, we will learn basic watercolor techniques. We’ll put our new skills into practice by painting all the different parts of a coneflower (ray flowers, disc flowers, leaves and stem). And, if there is time, we will put them altogether and paint a complete coneflower. Along the way, we’ll hone our observations and bring vivid summer wildflowers to life on the page. REGISTER.

Leaders: Rob Hilton and Lisa Shannon
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Summertime…and the living is easy – unless you’re a bird busy with nesting chores and the many challenges of raising young. That means summertime can be a more challenging period for nature lovers to encounter birds as they quiet down and move around with greater stealth. Still, the challenge is worth the reward: there is lots to observe, discuss, and enjoy on a summer birding walk, as the nesting, feeding, and fledging stages of life are full of drama, risk, and fascination! When the series begins, breeding bird activity will still be ongoing, but as summer moves into late July and August, the movement of southbound migrants will be underway. This series is geared towards beginning and mid-level birders. Expect some open and sunny field conditions at all of our locations. There will be chances, however, to duck into the shade periodically. REGISTER.

Leader: Lisa Shannon
Location: Brookside Gardens and Pine Lake, Wheaton Regional Park, MD
Members $33; nonmembers $46
September may be autumn, calendrically, but here in DC early September still has summer weather and, most importantly, summer insects! We’ll start at the Brookside Gardens pollinator garden to see what butterflies are around and then walk through the beautiful gardens to Pine Lake to look at dragonflies. (It’s about a 1.5-mile walk total, on mostly flat paved or gravel trails.) REGISTER.

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. We’ll encounter migrating birds, autumnal bounties of flowers, fruit, and nuts, and the seasonal progression as animals and plants prepare for winter.  The leader will meet you at the metro outside the exit turnstile. Expect a ~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, fruits, 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 stairs or a steeply-inclined foot trail. REGISTER.

Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Join a naturalist for these seasonal, broad-based nature explorations of nearby parks rich in natural history. We’ll walk between 2-4 miles as we enjoy the development of fall color and fruits amongst lingering blooms and all manner of wildlife, including insects, resident and migrating birds, mammals, and reptiles and amphibians. At Riverbend Park, which sits along the Potomac River near Great Falls, VA, we’ll use both bottomland and upland trails to enjoy fall colors and fruits. At the Patuxent Research Refuge/North Tract near Laurel, MD, we’ll explore Coastal Plain woodlands and wetlands. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, on the banks of the Anacostia River inside the Beltway, features protected swamp, marsh, and woodland habitats within sight of DC’s urban sprawl. Our explorations on trips A&B will occur on mostly-level natural surface trails which may be muddy, slippery, and/or rutted. The natural surface trails at Riverbend will include uphill and downhill walking. 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: Mark England
Location: Little Bennett Park
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 the 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. Participants will be expected to keep quiet to maximize our chances of observing owls. REGISTER.

Leader: Carole Bergmann
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Rachel Carson Conservation Park (RCCP) near Brookeville, Maryland is a 650-acre protected area named as one of the Best Natural Areas in Montgomery County. Comprised of both forested tracks and open meadows in varying stages of succession, RCCP harbors rich species diversity due to its many habitats, which also create numerous niches for a wide range of wildlife. With leader Carole Bergmann–former Countywide Botanist and Forest Ecologist for Montgomery County–we will explore the characteristics of woody and herbaceous plants nearing the end of the growing season, early-succession piedmont grasses, and the dried remnants of seeds, fruit, flowers, and leaves. Though botany is our focus, we will be attuned to whatever wildlife we encounter. Expect to hike up to 3 miles through a variety of plant communities, including dry and wet meadows, shrub thickets, early successional woods, higher quality maturing upland forests, and riparian bottomlands along the Hawlings River. Expect some uphill and downhill on natural surface trails, which may be slightly rocky, muddy, and/or slippery. No restrooms at the trailhead. 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, fruits, 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 stairs or a steeply-inclined foot trail. REGISTER.

Leader: Genevieve Wall
Location: Southeast of Richmond, VA
Members $280; nonmembers $330
Experience the beauty of autumn on the James, America’s founding river, as Senior Naturalist Genevieve Wall leads us on an immersive two-day adventure. The tidal wetlands on the James River come alive in fall, as migrating flocks of red-winged blackbirds descend on native wild rice, deciduous trees don their autumn apparel, and fresh pecans crunch underfoot. We’ll explore one of Virginia’s most remarkable ecosystems and its rich natural and cultural history by canoe, pontoon boat, and guided hikes through riverside habitat. Paddle through blackwater creeks and tidal marshland, then ferry over to Presquile National Wildlife Refuge. Because you can only reach this island by boat, this hidden gem and Important Bird Area is an ecological treasure that few members of the public ever get to visit. We’ll spend the night at the refuge’s rustic bunkhouse, with optional night and sunrise hikes to enjoy the rich plant and animal life on the island. On day two, we’ll embark on a leisurely hike on the trails out to the interior creeks, where the forest floods twice a day at high tide. We’ll close our exploration by conducting a scientific collection fish trawl from the pontoon boat to learn about the fauna of tidal freshwater ecosystems. Bald Eagles (and perhaps any lingering first-year Osprey) will fish alongside us as we identify Hogchokers, White Perch, Bluegill, and other aquatic species. There will be an option to share a meal together at a nearby riverside restaurant. Families with youth ages 10+ welcome! (All minors must have a parent/guardian accompany them on the trip.) Program cost covers all guided activities, overnight accommodation at a rustic shared bunkhouse, and three group meals during our stay. Participants should be able to be able to walk up to two miles at a relaxed pace; to sit and stand for extended periods, to climb a short step; 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. Important note: the shared bunkhouse is the only lodging option for this outing. Alternate accommodation is not available. Should severe weather force us to postpone the trip, we will reschedule to November 7-8. 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, fruits, 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 stairs or a steeply-inclined foot trail. 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 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 a basic, easy-to-use ID 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.

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: Stephanie Mason
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Join a naturalist for these seasonal, broad-based nature explorations of nearby parks rich in natural history. We’ll walk between 2-4 miles as we enjoy the development of fall color and fruits amongst lingering blooms and all manner of wildlife, including insects, resident and migrating birds, mammals, and reptiles and amphibians. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, on the banks of the Anacostia River inside the Beltway, features protected swamp, marsh, and woodland habitats within sight of DC’s urban sprawl. At the Patuxent Research Refuge/North Tract near Laurel, MD, we’ll explore Coastal Plain woodlands and wetlands. At Riverbend Park, which sits along the Potomac River near Great Falls, VA, we’ll use both bottomland and upland trails to enjoy fall colors and fruits. Our explorations on trips A&B will occur on mostly-level natural surface trails which may be muddy, slippery, and/or rutted. The natural surface trails at Riverbend will include uphill and downhill walking. REGISTER.

Leaders: Alex Green, Lisa Green, Genevieve Wall 
Location: Cambridge, MD 
Members: $230; nonmembers $280
After a popular one-day trip in March, Alex and Lisa Green from Harriet Tubman Tours and Senior Naturalist Genevieve Wall are back with an expanded version: a two-day nature and history adventure on Maryland’s eastern shore! Visit the landscapes where Harriet Tubman’s keenly developed skills as a naturalist helped keep her and her passengers on the Underground Railroad safe. In this tour, you’ll learn a blend of Harriet Tubman’s life history, and explore some questions – how do you keep warm on a cold night when smoke from a fire could reveal your location? What plants are useful, edibly or medicinally, and where can they be found? How do you stay aware of human and animal movements? The two-day version of this trip will allow for hands-on learning activities about shelter, evasion, and navigation. On this trip, we’ll caravan together to a series of sites that will enrich your understanding of Harriet Tubman’s life and legacy – as a hero of the underground railroad, a force for freedom, and a naturalist with deep knowledge of the land around her. 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 one mile at a time at a relaxed pace on mostly flat natural surface trails. The leaders may adjust the order of activities if needed to best serve the needs of the trip. Should inclement weather force us to postpone, we will reschedule to November 14-15. 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, fruits, 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 stairs or a steeply-inclined foot trail. 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: Genevieve Wall
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Visit Maryland’s oldest state park! From the banks of the Patapsco river, we’ll set off uphill along the Cascade Trail, hugging close to the stream at first and then returning on the uplands side. Along the way, we’ll pay close attention to the progression of summer, as well as the wildflowers, trees, mammal tracks and signs, birds, or reptiles we encounter. We will cover nearly three miles on natural surface trails, which include a couple of steep uphill/downhill sections and some rocky terrain. There is a $2 entry fee per car to enter the park. REGISTER.

Leader: Jen Brown
Location: Woodend Nature Sanctuary
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Fall in our area can be a dazzling array of color, but oak leaves are often overlooked.  With their glowing golds, rich browns, and subtle reds they make a challenging but fun subject for watercolor.  In this class we will focus on a single oak leaf, first doing a tonal study in one color to map out the lights and darks, then moving on to color. We will also cover color mixing, how to transfer a drawing to watercolor paper, and tips on how to handle leaf veins. 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, fruits, 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 stairs or a steeply-inclined foot trail. REGISTER.

Leader: Liz Guertin
Location: Patuxent River Park, Jug Bay Natural Area (PG County, MD)
Members $33; nonmembers $46
Join Maryland Master Naturalist & Nature Photographer, Liz Guertin, for a journey into phone photography! Liz will teach composing great shots, using the many creative features & apps on your phone, and how to capture fall color in all its glory. All phones welcome! Our venue for the morning is the spectacular Jug Bay Natural Area and Black Walnut Creek boardwalk, where we’ll find bald cypress and other plants in fall color. Please bring a freshly charged device. REGISTER.

Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Join a naturalist for these seasonal, broad-based nature explorations of nearby parks rich in natural history. We’ll walk between 2-4 miles as we enjoy the development of fall color and fruits amongst lingering blooms and all manner of wildlife, including insects, resident and migrating birds, mammals, and reptiles and amphibians. At Riverbend Park, which sits along the Potomac River near Great Falls, VA, we’ll use both bottomland and upland trails to enjoy fall colors and fruits. At the Patuxent Research Refuge/North Tract near Laurel, MD, we’ll explore Coastal Plain woodlands and wetlands. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, on the banks of the Anacostia River inside the Beltway, features protected swamp, marsh, and woodland habitats within sight of DC’s urban sprawl. Our explorations on trips A&B will occur on mostly-level natural surface trails which may be muddy, slippery, and/or rutted. The natural surface trails at Riverbend will include uphill and downhill walking. REGISTER.

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. We’ll encounter migrating birds, autumnal bounties of flowers, fruit, and nuts, and the seasonal progression as animals and plants prepare for winter.  The leader will meet you at the metro outside the exit turnstile. Expect a ~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.

Lecture: Thursday, November 19, 7-9:30 pm (Woodend Nature Sanctuary) (Paul Pisano)
Field Trip A: Saturday, November 21, 8:30-11 am (Occoquan Bay NWR) (Paul Pisano)
Field Trip B: Sunday, November 22, 8:30-11 am (Blue Mash) (Rob Hilton & Lisa Shannon)
Lecture: members $20, nonmembers $28
Each walk: 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 Paul Pisano will present an optional illustrated photo & vocalization lecture at our Woodend Sanctuary. Registration for the lecture is separate from the walk. REGISTER.

Lecture: Thursday, November 19, 7-9:30 pm (Woodend Nature Sanctuary) (Paul Pisano)
Field Trip A: Saturday, November 21, 8:30-11 am (Occoquan Bay NWR) (Paul Pisano)
Lecture: members $20, nonmembers $28
Each walk: 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 Paul Pisano will present an optional illustrated photo & vocalization lecture at our Woodend Sanctuary. Registration for the lecture is separate from the walk. REGISTER.

Lecture: Thursday, November 19, 7-9:30 pm (Woodend Nature Sanctuary) (Paul Pisano)
Field Trip B: Sunday, November 22, 8:30-11 am (Blue Mash) (Rob Hilton & Lisa Shannon)
Lecture: members $20, nonmembers $28
Each walk: 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 Paul Pisano will present an optional illustrated photo & vocalization lecture at our Woodend Sanctuary. Registration for the lecture is separate from the walk. 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, fruits, 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 stairs or a steeply-inclined foot trail. 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: 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. We’ll encounter migrating birds, autumnal bounties of flowers, fruit, and nuts, and the seasonal progression as animals and plants prepare for winter.  The leader will meet you at the metro outside the exit turnstile. Expect a ~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.

Lecture: Thursday, December 10, 7-9:30 pm (Woodend Nature Sanctuary)
Field Trip: Sunday, December 13, 8:30-11:30 am (Gunner’s Lake, Germantown, MD)
Lecture: members $20, nonmembers $28
Lecture and Field Trip: members $49; nonmembers $69
Leaders: Mike Bowen and Anne Cianni
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 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.

Field Trip: Sunday, December 13, 8:30-11:30 am (Gunner’s Lake, Germantown, MD)
Lecture: members $20, nonmembers $28
Lecture and Field Trip: members $49; nonmembers $69
Leaders: Mike Bowen and Anne Cianni
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 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.

Leader: Bradley Simpson
Location: Rock Creek Park – Picnic Grove 10
Members $33; nonmembers $46
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 Rock Creek Park. On this walk, we’ll enjoy December along the trail and learn how to approach identifying trees when their branches are mostly bare. REGISTER.

Leaders: Genevieve Wall and Stephanie Mason
Location: Widewater, C&O Canal (Montgomery County, MD)
Members $33; nonmembers $46
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 hustle-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. Be ready for a round-trip of nearly 4 miles on the natural surface Towpath at a pace faster than our usual naturalist’s shuffle. REGISTER.