Sign up for our year-round Nature Classes and Outings!

These programs offer nature novices and experienced naturalists alike an array of opportunities to explore and learn about our area’s natural history. Our experienced naturalists lead small group classes and trips to parks and wild spaces throughout the DC-metro region — and beyond. Lectures are held at our Woodend Sanctuary. Field trips are reached by private vehicle or carpool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Map of Field Trip Destinations

Link to DC Audubon Society’s map of Wheelchair Accessible and Metro-accessible birding spots

Link to Maryland Ornithological Society’s “Best Birding Sites in Maryland and DC”

Want to see what programs you are registered for? Log into your online account here.

Questions? Call Pam at 301-652-9188 x16 or email pam.oves@anshome.org.

Covid-19 Update – Walks and Field Trips

As long as area jurisdictions remain in at least Phase II of Covid-19 precautions, we are planning to offer in-person field trips to natural areas throughout the DMV. Should there be any changes to these plans, we will notify trip participants and all ANS members through e-mails and/or social media.
 We understand some people may still be trying to get first and second appointments for the Covid vaccine. Since our groups include both those who are vaccinated and those who are not, we will continue to require mask-wearing during our outdoor field trips unless a group is fully vaccinated. Leaders will be told if a group is fully vaccinated so please continue to bring your masks. Of course, anyone who feels more comfortable still wearing a mask should feel free to do so.  
* Both leaders and participants are required to wear face masks and observe social distancing throughout the field trip (see above).
* Both leaders and participants are required to complete a health questionnaire before participating in the field trip.
* Maximum number of participants for the field trips will be 8, depending on field trip location, trip focus, and leaders’ preferences.
* Our schedule of field outings will be updated every four-six weeks to add new listings farther out. This “rolling schedule” will help us respond to any changes in the Covid situation which may arise.

Look for June programs to be posted on Friday, May 21.

MAY

Spring Early Birds (7-10 am) 
I: Saturday, May 1 – Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, VA (Mike Bowen and Anne Cianni) WAITLIST OPEN
J: Sunday, May 9 – Governor’s Bridge Natural Area, MD (Len Bisson) WAITLIST OPEN
K: Tuesday, May 11 – Pennyfield Lock, MD (Mike Bowen and Anne Cianni) WAITLIST OPEN
L: Saturday, May 15 – Kingman Island Park, DC (Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton) WAITLIST OPEN
M: Tuesday, May 18 – Little Bennett Park, MD (Mark England) WAITLIST OPEN
N: Saturday, May 22 – Hughes Hollow, MD (Len Bisson) WAITLIST OPEN
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42 
As May arrives, spring migration peaks and then winds down. The walks on this second half of our series are designed for beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pace and range of bird activity can often seem overwhelming. On each walk, we’ll search for and spend time observing and appreciating both resident and migrant birds by sight and sound. Our field outings are undertaken on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which may be muddy, uneven, and/or slippery. Some mild uphill/downhill is possible. Participants will provide their own binoculars. Due to Covid precautions, there will be no sharing of spotting scopes on these trips. REGISTER

Geology at Great Falls, MD WAITLIST OPEN
Tuesday, May 4 (9:30 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Joe Marx
Members $30; nonmembers $42
People in our region find Great Falls both fascinating and perplexing. Arguably our most dramatic landscape feature, its origin and development remain obscure to many of us. We will take a relatively easy hike from the Great Falls (MD) Tavern Visitor Center to the falls overlook and adjacent areas along the towpath for a round trip of 1.5-2 miles. During the walk, we will discuss how the bedrock of the Great Falls area formed in tectonic collisions hundreds of millions of years ago and how the waxing and waning of the continental glacier led to the much more recent creation of the falls. Our geology walks move at a faster pace and over a greater distance than our usual naturalist’s shuffle. REGISTER

Spring Saunters Along the Canal 
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm) 
Section G: May 5 – Riley’s Lock WAITLIST OPEN
Section H: May 12 – Riley’s Lock WAITLIST OPEN
Section I: May 19 – Pennyfield Lock WAITLIST OPEN
Section J: May 26 – Pennyfield Lock WAITLIST OPEN
Leader: Stephanie Mason 
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42 
Enjoy these leisurely walks on the Towpath along close-in portions of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. The focus of our walks, starting from different locations, will be general natural history of the varied habitats along the Potomac River and Canal. We’ll proceed at a slow “naturalist’s shuffle,” as we experience the peak of spring change– and then watch as summer starts sneaking in. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers, butterflies, snakes, turtles, and whatever else we might find. NOTE: Spaces are limited, so thanks for not registering for more than one walk per destination. REGISTER

Spring on Wheels Along the Potomac TWO SPOTS LEFT
Thursday, May 6 (8:30 am-1 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $34; nonmembers $48
Spring has sprung and the Towpath along the Potomac River is one of the finest places in the DC-metro area to experience this season’s richness. In order to cover more territory and visit more habitats, we’ll use bikes to explore the stretch from Swain’s Lock to Blockhouse Point, an 8.75 mile round-trip ride. We’ll dismount often to look for spring wildflowers, butterflies and other insects, and reptiles and amphibians—all the while keeping an eye and ear open for spring bird activity. Bring your own bike. REGISTER

The Trees of Spring WAITLIST OPEN
Friday, May 7 (10 am-12:30 pm)
Leader:  Marney Bruce
Members $30; nonmembers $42 
By early May, most of the trees in our region are sporting the new growing season’s leaves. Some early-blooming species are already bearing developing seed containers while a few late bloomers are biding their time. Join our tree-hugging leader for an introduction to and appreciation of the large trees lining the flat Berma Road trail, which parallels the Towpath above the Widewater stretch of the Canal. REGISTER

Spring in the Parks (8:30-11:30 am) 
E: Saturday, May 8 – Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC 2 SPOTS LEFT
F. Sunday, May 16 – Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, VA CANCELLED
Leader: Stephanie Mason  
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42 
Our Senior Naturalist wraps up this spring’s series of broad-based nature outings to protected areas offering a wide range of habitats to explore. Early in the month, we’ll visit the wetlands and woodlands of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens alongside the Anacostia River, DC.  Mid-month, we’ll walk the open grasslands and Occoquan Bay bottomlands near Woodbridge, VA. Be prepared to walk between 1- 2.5 miles on natural surface trails which may be muddy/slippery. REGISTER

Spring Early Birds (7-10 am) 
J: Sunday, May 9 – Governor’s Bridge Natural Area, MD (Len Bisson) WAITLIST OPEN
K: Tuesday, May 11 – Pennyfield Lock, MD (Mike Bowen and Anne Cianni) WAITLIST OPEN
L: Saturday, May 15 – Kingman Island Park, DC (Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton) WAITLIST OPEN
M: Tuesday, May 18 – Little Bennett Park, MD (Mark England) WAITLIST OPEN
N: Saturday, May 22 – Hughes Hollow, MD (Len Bisson) WAITLIST OPEN
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42 
As May arrives, spring migration peaks and then winds down. The walks on this second half of our series are designed for beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pace and range of bird activity can often seem overwhelming. On each walk, we’ll search for and spend time observing and appreciating both resident and migrant birds by sight and sound. Our field outings are undertaken on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which may be muddy, uneven, and/or slippery. Some mild uphill/downhill is possible. Participants will provide their own binoculars. Due to Covid precautions, there will be no sharing of spotting scopes on these trips. REGISTER

Appalachian Spring WAITLIST OPEN
Sunday, May 9 (8:30 am–1 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $34; nonmembers $48
Spring rains, warming temperatures, and longer hours of daylight ignite a great burst of life in the valleys and ridges of the Appalachian Mountains. One of the best ways to explore this seasonal richness is along the Appalachian Trail. Our Senior Naturalist leads this search for spring blooms, butterflies, and breeding bird activity amongst the rocky terrain of Maryland’s South Mountain. Starting at Gathland State Park, we’ll hike along the AT for around 1.5 to 2 miles before retracing our steps. Note that the AT here is rocky and uneven–and there will be some moderately strenuous uphill/downhill. We’ll stop often to observe natural phenomena, but will then periodically pick up the pace to try and cover the distance stated. REGISTER

Spring Early Birds (7-10 am) 
K: Tuesday, May 11 – Pennyfield Lock, MD (Mike Bowen and Anne Cianni) WAITLIST OPEN
L: Saturday, May 15 – Kingman Island Park, DC (Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton) WAITLIST OPEN
M: Tuesday, May 18 – Little Bennett Park, MD (Mark England) WAITLIST OPEN
N: Saturday, May 22 – Hughes Hollow, MD (Len Bisson) WAITLIST OPEN
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42 
As May arrives, spring migration peaks and then winds down. The walks on this second half of our series are designed for beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pace and range of bird activity can often seem overwhelming. On each walk, we’ll search for and spend time observing and appreciating both resident and migrant birds by sight and sound. Our field outings are undertaken on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which may be muddy, uneven, and/or slippery. Some mild uphill/downhill is possible. Participants will provide their own binoculars. Due to Covid precautions, there will be no sharing of spotting scopes on these trips. REGISTER

Wonders at Woodend: Forest Bathing Through the Seasons WAITLIST OPEN
Saturday, May 15 (10 am-Noon)
Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley
Members $30; nonmembers $42
Savor the natural joy of this season on a forest bathing walk led by Melanie Choukas-Bradley, a longtime ANS field trip leader and author of The Joy of Forest Bathing—Reconnect with Wild Places & Rejuvenate Your Life. Discover the magic of shinrin-yoku, translated as “forest bathing,” a nature-oriented mindfulness practice that originated in Japan and has become popular all over the world. Experience the restoration of our Woodend Sanctuary as we explore and commune with the living things in its meadows, forest, and Blair Garden. Our leader is a Nature & Forest Therapy Guide with certification from the Association of Nature & Therapy Guides and Programs of Sonoma County, CA.  A walk will be scheduled each season in 2021. REGISTER

Spring Early Birds (7-10 am) 
L: Saturday, May 15 – Kingman Island Park, DC (Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton) WAITLIST OPEN
M: Tuesday, May 18 – Little Bennett Park, MD (Mark England) WAITLIST OPEN
N: Saturday, May 22 – Hughes Hollow, MD (Len Bisson) WAITLIST OPEN
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42 
As May arrives, spring migration peaks and then winds down. The walks on this second half of our series are designed for beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pace and range of bird activity can often seem overwhelming. On each walk, we’ll search for and spend time observing and appreciating both resident and migrant birds by sight and sound. Our field outings are undertaken on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which may be muddy, uneven, and/or slippery. Some mild uphill/downhill is possible. Participants will provide their own binoculars. Due to Covid precautions, there will be no sharing of spotting scopes on these trips. REGISTER

On the Wing in Late Spring WAITLIST OPEN
Friday, May 21 (8:30-11:30 am)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $30; nonmembers $42
As the pace of spring’s dramatic changes in the natural world slows down, we’ll visit the bottomland habitats of Riverbend Park along the Potomac near Great Falls, VA. We’ll keep eyes open and ears attuned to things on the wing: birds, butterflies, dragonflies, bees, and other insects. Of course, we’ll pay attention to the plant company these winged things keep, as well.  Natural surface trails may be muddy—and will include some uneven and rocky stretches. REGISTER

Who’s Afraid of Latin? 2 SPOTS OPEN
Saturday, May 22 (8:30-11 am)
Leader: Kit Sheffield
Members $30; nonmembers $42
Many of us shy away from using scientific names when we start learning to ID and appreciate plants. Does that sound like you? Truth is, these tongue-twisters can tell us about the discovery and uses of plants, in addition to where they grow, some of their ID characteristics, and their relationships to other plants. It becomes easier to understand and remember the scientific names by noticing common English words that use the same root (no pun intended). On this stroll along the C&O Canal Towpath from Violette’s Lock, we’ll start to think about these names in new ways, while also enjoying the lingering spring blooms. REGISTER

Spring Early Birds (7-10 am) 
N: Saturday, May 22 – Hughes Hollow, MD (Len Bisson) WAITLIST OPEN
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42 
As May arrives, spring migration peaks and then winds down. The walks on this second half of our series are designed for beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pace and range of bird activity can often seem overwhelming. On each walk, we’ll search for and spend time observing and appreciating both resident and migrant birds by sight and sound. Our field outings are undertaken on natural surface trails and/or boardwalks which may be muddy, uneven, and/or slippery. Some mild uphill/downhill is possible. Participants will provide their own binoculars. Due to Covid precautions, there will be no sharing of spotting scopes on these trips. REGISTER

Birding-by-Ear Walks
A: Sunday, May 23 (7-10 am) WAITLIST OPEN
B: Thursday, May 27 (7-10 am) 1 SPOT OPEN
Leader: Mark England
Members $30; nonmembers $42
Do you hear what I hear? The various songs and calls made by birds can help enthusiasts find and ID species, especially when the landscape is fully leafed out. But for beginning and mid-level birders, interpreting this wide variety of voices can sometimes be confusing and frustrating. Our leader will help participants learn to listen for and begin to recognize some of the species breeding in our region. Each walk will split field time between the Blue Mash Nature Trail and nearby Rachel Carson Conservation Park. Due to limited spaces, only one walk per person, please. REGISTER

Marvelous May at Widewater Date changed from 5/14
Tuesday, May 25 (9 am-12:30 pm) 
Leader: Stephanie Mason 
Members $30; nonmembers $42 
We’ll embrace all things spring on this loop hike along the Potomac, a 4-mile stretch we return to frequently. We’ll keep our eyes and ears open for birds, butterflies, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and more as we hike upriver along the C&O Canal from the Widewater area to Great Falls, MD. Of course, our search will include the abundant wildflowers and trees along the River’s rich bottomland and upland habitats. Our return walk follows the Berma Road trail above the Canal. Note: This hike will move faster and farther than our usual naturalist shuffle. REGISTER

Mountain Laurel Meander WAITLIST OPEN
Friday, May 28 (10 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Marney Bruce
Members $30; nonmembers $42
As spring gives way to summer, enjoy blooming Mountain Laurel and other plants of oak/hickory woodlands along Northwest Branch Creek in upper Silver Spring, MD. Be prepared for some gentle uphill/downhill–and perhaps several small stream crossings—on our hike using the natural-surface Rachel Carson Greenway Trail. REGISTER