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

APRIL

The Magic of Early Spring Woods FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Monday, April 1 (10 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Marney Bruce
Members $24; nonmembers $34
No fooling: even if it’s a chilly day our leader is sure to find signs of spring in the woodlands of the Goldmine Tract at Great Falls Park, MD. With the colors and forms of unfolding leaves and blooms overhead and early spring wildflowers underfoot, the morning is sure to warm the spirits, regardless of the weather. Our leader describes this exploration, most likely on the Tract’s Valley Trail, as relatively easy. REGISTER HERE

Introduction to Wildflower ID
Thursday, April 4 (7:30-9:30 pm)
Saturday, April 6 (9:30 am-3 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $48; nonmembers $68
Lecture only members $25; nonmembers $35
In April, spring wildflowers in the Washington area are dazzling! We’ll spend Thursday evening at Woodend discussing books, equipment, and terminology for beginning wildflower identification. On Saturday we’ll travel to the Carderock area along the C&O Canal and explore several short trails between the Canal and the Potomac River. We’ll practice using keys to identify wildflowers and look for Virginia bluebells, dutchman’s breeches, twinleaf, toad trillium, and many other species. Expect some rocky, uneven terrain on the field trip. REGISTER HERE

Geology Hike at Soldiers Delight
Saturday, April 6 (1-4 pm) DATE CHANGED TO SUNDAY, APRIL 7.
FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Leader: Joe Marx
Members $26; nonmembers $36
The Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area, near Owings Mill, MD, preserves one of the largest patches of igneous bedrock that was lifted from beneath the sea floor and stranded in patches amidst the continental rock of the Piedmont. Soils here are thin, dry, and nutrient-poor, producing a landscape observably different from most of the mid-Atlantic. We’ll hike around 3 miles on park trails (parts will be steep and possibility muddy), studying the bedrock, soil, and plant communities. Note: Our geology hikes move farther and at a faster pace than our usual naturalists’ shuffle. REGISTER HERE

Spring in the Parks
(8:30 am-1 pm)
A: Sunday, April 7 – Watkins Regional Park, MD
B; Sunday, April 28 – Rock Creek Park, DC
C: Saturday, May 11 – Mason Neck NWR, VA
Members $28; Nonmembers $38
Full Series $84; nonmembers $114
Join our Senior Naturalist for these broad-based nature explorations of close-by parks rich in natural history. We’ll walk between 2-3 miles in a search for spring wildflowers and seasonal wildlife activity, including birds, butterflies, and amphibians. Our first destination visits rich woodland and wetland habitats near Largo, MD. On our next expedition, we’ll explore the surprisingly wild urban forest and streamside trails of Rock Creek Park in the District. As the pulse of spring change slows down and the woods stand green, we’ll walk the bottomlands adjacent to Belmont Bay near Occoquan, VA. All of our trips include some uphill/downhill (steepest on walks A and B) on natural surface trails, which are likely to be muddy and possibly slippery this time of year. REGISTER HERE

Spring Saunters Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
Section B: April 10 – Widewater FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Section C: April 24 – Swain’s Lock FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Section D: May 8 – Riley’s Lock FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Section E: May 22 – Violettes Lock FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $25; nonmembers $35
Enjoy one or all of these leisurely walks along portions of the C&O Canal. The focus of our walks, each beginning from a different location, will be general natural history of the varied habitats along the Potomac River and the Canal. We’ll proceed at a slow “naturalist’s shuffle” pace as we watch spring unfold. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers, butterflies, snakes, turtles, and whatever else we might find. Carpool from Woodend with the leader if you desire. REGISTER HERE

Budbreak and Spring Wildflower Walk on Theodore Roosevelt Island FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Wednesday, April 10 (10 am-2pm)
Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley
Members $28; nonmembers $38
Join the author of A Year in Rock Creek Park, City of Trees and a forthcoming book about Theodore Roosevelt Island for an early spring exploration of this 88-acre island in the Potomac. The island park serves as a fitting memorial to our 26th President, who was a naturalist, an early conservationist – and a member of the Audubon Naturalist Society! We’ll witness the miracle of budbreak amongst the island’s remarkable trees and enjoy the floodplain forest’s lovely Virginia bluebells, spring beauties, trout lilies, and other spring ephemerals. Our walk will take us around the island on woodland trails and through the swamp and tidal inlet on an elevated boardwalk trail. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy under the towering sycamores as we look for great blue herons, wood ducks, belted kingfishers and returning osprey. REGISTER HERE

Walk Among the Giants
B. Saturday, April 13 (8 am-Noon)
C. Sunday, July 21 (8 am-Noon)
D. Sunday, October 27 (8 am-Noon)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $28; nonmembers $38
Walk among the giant Sycamores, Oaks, and River Birches on this seasonal series of explorations along the Potomac River just upstream of Great Falls, MD. We’ll keep our eyes and ears open for all manner of wildlife, and watch the winter woods turn green, and then summer sultry before fall colors herald the coming of another winter. Our floodplain trail, connecting with the Towpath, is mostly level, but could be muddy as we walk our loop of roughly 2.5 miles. Image credit: Googoo85  REGISTER ONLINE.

Hawks Aloft at Fort Smallwood Park
Saturday, April 13 (9 am-3 pm)
Leaders: Hal Wierenga and Lynn Davidson
Members $32; nonmembers $44
Fort Smallwood, situated at the mouth of the Patapsco River where it empties into the Chesapeake Bay, provides one of the region’s premier hawkwatching sites for spring raptor migration. If weather conditions are favorable, we can hope to see good numbers of hawks passing over the park at this season. Though the focus of the day will be watching hawks, there may also be time to look for the earliest songbird migrants, butterflies, and even wildflowers, depending on the day’s weather, the number of hawks aloft, and the interest of the group. REGISTER HERE

Bluebells and Budbreak at Boundary Bridge FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Saturday April 13 (9:30 am-2 pm)
Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley
Members $28; nonmembers $38
We’re delighted that the author of the award-winning book, A Year in Rock Creek Park and the critically acclaimed, City of Trees, will offer her 13^th year of nature walks for ANS in the country’s oldest urban national park. On our walk, we will witness the annual floral miracle of Virginia bluebells, spring beauties, and trout lilies in the floodplain forest, as we admire the leaves of tulip tree and American beech begin to spill from their buds. We’ll hope to catch bloodroot, wild ginger, cut-leafed toothwort and other spring ephemerals in bloom as we explore both floodplain and upland woods at a leisurely pace. Our lunch stop, high above the creek on a dramatic rock outcrop offering, will offer spectacular views. Here, we’ll do a bit of “forest bathing,” time permitting. Throughout, we’ll keep our eyes and ears open for belted kingfishers, wood ducks, migrating songbirds, and tiny spring peepers. REGISTER HERE

Spring Early Birds (7-10 am)
B: Sunday, April 14 – Huntley Meadows, VA (Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton)
C: Saturday, April 27 – Dyke Marsh, VA (Mike Bowen)
D: Saturday, May 4 – Patuxent Research Refuge, MD (Mike Bowen)
E: Sunday, May 12 – Glover Archbold, DC (Jim Nelson)
F: Saturday, May 18 – Little Bennett, MD (Mark England) FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
G: Sunday, May 26 – Pennyfield Lock, MD (Lisa Norwalk and Len Bisson)
Each walk members $26; nonmembers $36
Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with this series of short bird walks at nearby parks. These walks are designed for beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can sometimes be overwhelming. On each walk, we’ll search for both resident and migrant birds by song and sound. We’ll discuss the arrival sequence the spring travelers, practice spotting them in the field, and attempt to learn the songs of many species. Our trips include walking on natural surface trails, which may be muddy, slippery and uneven. Walk C will include some uphill/downhill walking. REGISTER HERE

Native Plant Gardening
Spring Walk: Wednesday, April 17 (10 am-Noon)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $20; nonmembers $28
Explore the Blair Native Plant Garden, located just outside the Sanctuary Shop, with our Senior Naturalist who helped develop the garden and its educational focus. Find out more about the values of gardening with native plant species, including: lower maintenance; more value to native birds, butterflies and other insects, including pollinators; reduced negative impact on local ecosystems, and more. We’ll discuss native alternatives to popular non-native species such as English ivy, as well as resources for broadening one’s knowledge and understanding of plants natives to the mid-Atlantic. You’re welcome to bring along a bag lunch to eat with the leader after the walks, which are scheduled to highlight seasonal aspects of the garden. REGISTER ONLINE.

Smitten by Frogs FIELD TRIP FULL, LECTURE STILL AVAILABLE
Thursday, April 18 (7:30-9:30 pm)
Saturday, April 20 (7-9 pm field trip)
Leader: Richard Schubert
Members $42; nonmembers $58
Lecture only members $24; nonmembers $34
Unlike the ideal Victorian child, frogs are mostly heard and not seen. We have 20 species of these anurans in Maryland, including the recently-discovered Kauffeld’s (Atlantic Coast) Leopard Frog, the first new frog discovered on the east coast in over 130 years! We will discuss visual and auditory identification of local frogs, and review their varying habits, adaptations, and preferred habitat/location, with special emphasis on Montgomery County. To complement the evening lecture at Woodend Sanctuary, there will be an early evening field trip to McKee-Beshers Wildlife management Area near Poolesville. Our leader, an ANS member who is smitten by frogs, aims for hearing or seeing at least 6 (or hopefully 7) species. REGISTER HERE

Evening on the Canal  FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Friday, April 19 (6:45-8:45 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $25; nonmembers $35
Early spring evenings can be alive with wildlife as you’ll discover on this stroll from Swain’s Lock up the C&O Canal towpath. We’ll watch for wildlife as the sun sets, and as twilight gives way to the darkness of night, we’ll listen for calling frogs and hooting Barred Owls while discussing the adaptations of these and other nocturnal animals. REGISTER HERE

River Herring Return to Rock Creek
Saturday, April 20 (9 am-1 pm)
Leaders: Neal Fitzpatrick and Bill Yeaman
Free, but registration required.
Tom Horton describes the annual Rock Creek migration of river herring in Bay Country: “No finer parade, or one more unappreciated, ever swung through this capital than the quicksilver legions of Alosa pseudoharengus, the common river herring.” On our 22nd (!) annual herring walk, we hope to view the spawning run and discuss opportunities for restoring fish migration to Rock Creek. We will visit the fish ladder at Peirce Mill, then walk south on the hiker/biker path to the National Zoo. Meet at the Cleveland Park Metro Station. The walk will end at the Woodley Park/National Zoo/Adams Morgan Station.  REGISTER HERE

Spring Saunters Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
Section C: April 24 – Swain’s Lock FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Section D: May 8 – Riley’s Lock FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Section E: May 22 – Violettes Lock FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $25; nonmembers $35
Enjoy one or all of these leisurely walks along portions of the C&O Canal. The focus of our walks, each beginning from a different location, will be general natural history of the varied habitats along the Potomac River and the Canal. We’ll proceed at a slow “naturalist’s shuffle” pace as we watch spring unfold. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers, butterflies, snakes, turtles, and whatever else we might find. Carpool from Woodend with the leader if you desire. REGISTER HERE

Introduction to E-Bird
Friday, April 26 (10-11:30 am)
Leader: Pam Oves
Free, but registration required.
New to eBird? Whether you want to use eBird as a way to keep track of your life list or check out hotspots to see what’s been spotted recently, we’ll introduce you to eBird and all it has to offer. At this free workshop at Woodend, our leader will also briefly touch on other resources such as mdbirding.com and ANS’s own Voice of the Naturalist. If time permits, we’ll take a stroll around Woodend and enter our own observations into eBird. REGISTER HERE

Spring Butterflies of Hoyle’s Mill Conservation Park FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Saturday, April 27 (10 am-2:30 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $28; nonmembers $38
Hoyle’s Mill Conservation Park in upper Montgomery County, preserves the largest diabase bedrock habitat in Maryland, making it a rich area of both common and uncommon plants. These plants are caterpillar hosts and nectar resources for spring butterflies, such as the pipevine swallowtail and its more common cousins: falcate orangetip; olive hairstreak; Eastern comma; and several species of duskywing skippers. We’ll look for these species and their associated plant communities along a mostly flat dirt/gravel road in the Park on a walk of 2-3 miles. Image credit: Ryan Kaldari  REGISTER HERE

Spring Early Birds (7-10 am)
C: Saturday, April 27 – Dyke Marsh, VA (Mike Bowen)
D: Saturday, May 4 – Patuxent Research Refuge, MD (Mike Bowen)
E: Sunday, May 12 – Glover Archbold, DC (Jim Nelson)
F: Saturday, May 18 – Little Bennett, MD (Mark England) FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
G: Sunday, May 26 – Pennyfield Lock, MD (Lisa Norwalk and Len Bisson)
Each walk members $26; nonmembers $36
Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with this series of short bird walks at nearby parks. These walks are designed for beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can sometimes be overwhelming. On each walk, we’ll search for both resident and migrant birds by song and sound. We’ll discuss the arrival sequence the spring travelers, practice spotting them in the field, and attempt to learn the songs of many species. Our trips include walking on natural surface trails, which may be muddy, slippery and uneven. Walk C will include some uphill/downhill walking. REGISTER HERE

Spring in the Parks
(8:30 am-1 pm)
B: Sunday, April 28 – Rock Creek Park, DC
C: Saturday, May 11 – Mason Neck NWR, VA
Members $28; Nonmembers $38
Join our Senior Naturalist for these broad-based nature explorations of close-by parks rich in natural history. We’ll walk between 2-3 miles in a search for spring wildflowers and seasonal wildlife activity, including birds, butterflies, and amphibians. Our first destination visits rich woodland and wetland habitats near Largo, MD. On our next expedition, we’ll explore the surprisingly wild urban forest and streamside trails of Rock Creek Park in the District. As the pulse of spring change slows down and the woods stand green, we’ll walk the bottomlands adjacent to Belmont Bay near Occoquan, VA. All of our trips include some uphill/downhill (steepest on walks A and B) on natural surface trails, which are likely to be muddy and possibly slippery this time of year. REGISTER HERE

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

MAY

Spring on Wheels Along the Potomac
Friday, May 3 (8:30 am-3 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 the 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 Riley’s Lock, a 12.3 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 migrants and other breeding bird activity. Bring your own bike. Image credit: Taylor Janis REGISTER HERE

Abloom in the Blue Ridge
Saturday, May 4 (9 am-3 pm)
Leader: Sujata Roy
Members $32; nonmembers $44
The G. Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Area in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Linden, VA is a 4000-acre area that is well known for its botanical diversity. The floral display is especially rich in early May when the hillsides are covered with many wildflowers including masses of large-flowered trillium, plus yellow-lady’s-slipper, showy orchis, wild geranium, three-lobed violet, and rue-anemone.  Spring migrants such as Scarlet Tanager and American Redstart, as well early season butterflies, also abound in these mature woodlands. Our field day will focus on the sites rich plant community, but we won’t turn a blind eye to other spring sightings on our leisurely exploration of 2-3 miles. Expect some uphill/downhill walking on rocky and uneven trails. REGISTER HERE

Spring Early Birds (7-10 am)
D: Saturday, May 4 – Patuxent Research Refuge, MD (Mike Bowen)
E: Sunday, May 12 – Glover Archbold, DC (Jim Nelson)
F: Saturday, May 18 – Little Bennett, MD (Mark England) FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
G: Sunday, May 26 – Pennyfield Lock, MD (Lisa Norwalk and Len Bisson)
Each walk members $26; nonmembers $36
Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with this series of short bird walks at nearby parks. These walks are designed for beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can sometimes be overwhelming. On each walk, we’ll search for both resident and migrant birds by song and sound. We’ll discuss the arrival sequence the spring travelers, practice spotting them in the field, and attempt to learn the songs of many species. Our trips include walking on natural surface trails, which may be muddy, slippery and uneven. Walk C will include some uphill/downhill walking. REGISTER HERE

Geology at Greenbrier State Park, MD
Saturday, May 4 (9 am-1 pm)
Leader: Joe Marx
Members $26; nonmembers $36
Greenbrier State Park is located on the western slope of South Mountain about fifteen miles northwest of Frederick, Maryland. Its trails provide good exposures of three formations of the Blue Ridge Province: Antietam, Harpers and Weverton. The exposures have two unusual features. First, the Antietam is the source of the tube-shaped Skolithos fossils commonly seen in DC-area stream gravels. Second, because the Blue Ridge rocks are overturned within the park, walking uphill means walking backward in geologic time. Unfortunately, there will be a price to pay to see these Cambrian and Precambrian wonders. Our two-mile hike will be quite rocky and involve about 500 feet of elevation gain. Although we will proceed at a slower geologist pace than usual, it will still be a moderate to strenuous hike. Note that for day use, the park charges $3 per person for Maryland residents and $5 per person for non-residents. REGISTER HERE

Spring Warbler Walk
Sunday, May 5 (7-11 am)
Leaders: Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton
Members $26; nonmembers $36
More than 30 species of warblers pass through the mid-Atlantic during spring migration—but finding and properly identifying these active songbirds can be a real challenge. Our leaders, both long-time birders in the area, will aim this teaching trip at beginning to mid-level birders. The walk will begin at Pennyfield Lock and then move upriver to Riley’s Lock along the Potomac C&O Canal. REGISTER HERE

Glorious Spring in Rachel Carson Park
Sunday, May 5 (9 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Carole Bergmann
Members $26; Nonmembers $36
Experience spring unfolding in the plant communities of this Park’s high-quality forests, mountain laurel thickets, rocky outcroppings, and Hawlings River bottomlands. Under the guidance of a field botanist who knows this area well, we’ll admire and ID unfolding leaves, seasonal wildflowers, and many native ferns. Expect a walk of 2.3 miles, with some uphill/downhill over terrain that may be uneven, rocky, and/or muddy. REGISTER HERE

Spring Saunters Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
Section D: May 8 – Riley’s Lock FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Section E: May 22 – Violettes Lock FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $25; nonmembers $35
Enjoy one or all of these leisurely walks along portions of the C&O Canal. The focus of our walks, each beginning from a different location, will be general natural history of the varied habitats along the Potomac River and the Canal. We’ll proceed at a slow “naturalist’s shuffle” pace as we watch spring unfold. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers, butterflies, snakes, turtles, and whatever else we might find. Carpool from Woodend with the leader if you desire. REGISTER HERE

Spring Nature Drawing Workshop
Friday, May 10 (10 am-2:30 pm)
Leader: Tina Thieme Brown
Members $26; nonmembers $36
There is a long tradition of naturalists keeping field notes. Often their written notes are accompanied by drawings. In this workshop, you will be guided through the steps to create a spring sketch, using pens or pencils in your sketchbook or field journal. Starting out, Tina will lead you on a brief walk at our Woodend Sanctuary, pausing to observe and record notes in your sketchbook. When you return to the tables and chairs in our tented classroom, she will share her sketchbooks, demonstrate art supplies, and explain techniques to create a quick sketch. Here’s a chance to slow down and look closely at spring leaves, buds and flowers as you capture a spring day in your sketch and field notes. A list of art supplies will be provided with your registration and confirmation. REGISTER HERE

Spring in the Parks
(8:30 am-1 pm)
C: Saturday, May 11 – Mason Neck NWR, VA
Members $28; Nonmembers $38
Join our Senior Naturalist for these broad-based nature explorations of close-by parks rich in natural history. We’ll walk between 2-3 miles in a search for spring wildflowers and seasonal wildlife activity, including birds, butterflies, and amphibians. Our first destination visits rich woodland and wetland habitats near Largo, MD. On our next expedition, we’ll explore the surprisingly wild urban forest and streamside trails of Rock Creek Park in the District. As the pulse of spring change slows down and the woods stand green, we’ll walk the bottomlands adjacent to Belmont Bay near Occoquan, VA. All of our trips include some uphill/downhill (steepest on walks A and B) on natural surface trails, which are likely to be muddy and possibly slippery this time of year. REGISTER HERE

Spring in Your Step FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Saturday, May 11 (4:30-6:30 pm)
Leaders: Pam and Chris Oves
Free, but registration required.
The early bird may get the worm, but late afternoon can be a rewarding time to birdwatch as well. Join us on a 2-3 mile stroll on the paved Black Hill Hiker/Biker Trail in Black Hill Regional Park, with views of Lake Seneca. We’ll look and listen for birds such as Belted Kingfisher and Bald Eagle as well as migrants such as Baltimore and Orchard Orioles. Limited to 12 participants. This walk is aimed at beginning birders. REGISTER HERE

Spring Hike on the Appalachian Trail
Sunday, May 12 (full day hike)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $36; nonmembers $50
Spring rains, warming temperature, 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. Beginning at Gathland State Park, the former estate of a Civil War correspondent, we’ll hike along the AT for around 2.5 miles, before retracing our steps. We’ll cover around 5 miles on this moderately strenuous uphill/downhill hike on trails that will be rocky and uneven. We’ll stop to observe natural phenomena, but will keep a pace necessary to cover the distance stated. REGISTER HERE

Spring Early Birds (7-10 am)
E: Sunday, May 12 – Glover Archbold, DC (Jim Nelson)
F: Saturday, May 18 – Little Bennett, MD (Mark England) FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
G: Sunday, May 26 – Pennyfield Lock, MD (Lisa Norwalk and Len Bisson)
Each walk members $26; nonmembers $36
Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with this series of short bird walks at nearby parks. These walks are designed for beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can sometimes be overwhelming. On each walk, we’ll search for both resident and migrant birds by song and sound. We’ll discuss the arrival sequence the spring travelers, practice spotting them in the field, and attempt to learn the songs of many species. Our trips include walking on natural surface trails, which may be muddy, slippery and uneven. REGISTER HERE

Wonders at Woodend: Forest Bathing through the Seasons
Wednesdays (10 am-Noon)
Section B: May 15 FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Section C: July 10
Section D: October 16 FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley
Each walk members $26; nonmembers $36
Savor the natural joys of each season on forest bathing walks led by Melanie Choukas-Bradley, a longtime ANS field trip leader and the 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. Our leader is a Nature & Forest Therapy Guide with certification from the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides and Programs of Sonoma County, California. Experience the restoration of Woodend as we explore and commune with the living things in our meadows, forest, and Blair Garden. A serving of maple sap “tea” and a sharing of nature poetry will conclude each walk. REGISTER ONLINE.

Spring Shorebird Migration on the Delaware Bay
Thursday, May 16 (7:30-9:30 pm)
Saturday, May 18 (full-day field trip)
Leaders: John Bjerke and Cyndie Loeper
Members $48; nonmembers $64
Lecture only members $24; nonmembers $34
Each year in May, horseshoe crabs migrate to the beaches of Delaware Bay to mate and lay their eggs. During the same time period, hundreds of thousands of shorebirds, en route to summer breeding grounds, stop at the Bay to feast and refuel on the concentrated number of horseshoe crab eggs. At Thursday’s lecture, John Bjerke will discuss shorebird migration and use slides to help ID some of the most common shorebirds in our region. Saturday’s field trip, led by Cyndie Loeper and a second leader (TBA), will take us to the Bay, where we will hope to see and ID a variety of shorebirds. REGISTER HERE

Spring Early Birds (7-10 am)
F: Saturday, May 18 – Little Bennett, MD (Mark England) FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
G: Sunday, May 26 – Pennyfield Lock, MD (Lisa Norwalk and Len Bisson)
Each walk members $26; nonmembers $36
Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with this series of short bird walks at nearby parks. These walks are designed for beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can sometimes be overwhelming. On each walk, we’ll search for both resident and migrant birds by song and sound. We’ll discuss the arrival sequence the spring travelers, practice spotting them in the field, and attempt to learn the songs of many species. Our trips include walking on natural surface trails, which may be muddy, slippery and uneven. Walk C will include some uphill/downhill walking. REGISTER HERE

On the Wing in Late Spring
Sunday, May 19 (8 am-Noon)
Leaders: Stephanie Mason and Cathy Stragar
Members $28; nonmembers $38
As the pace of spring’s dramatic changes in the natural world starts to slow down, we’ll take a couple of slow strolls ourselves along the C&O Canal Towpath from Riley’s Lock both upriver and downriver. We’ll keep eyes open and ears attuned to things on the wing:  birds, butterflies, bees, and dragonflies. Of course, we’ll pay attention to the plant company these winged things keep, as well. REGISTER HERE

Geology of Leesylvania State Park
Sunday, May 19 (9 am-1 pm)
Leader: Joe Marx
Members $26; nonmembers $36
Leesylvania State Park sits next to the tidal Potomac about five miles south of Woodbridge, Virginia. Its sandy beach, sandstone cliffs and upland gravel terraces illuminate the geological history of the Coastal Plain and of the Chesapeake Bay estuary. We will hike a loop of about three miles within the park over well-maintained woodland trails. The terrain is flat to gently rolling with a couple of short steep sections. If there has been recent rain, the trail may be muddy at spots. The pace set and distance covered is usually faster and father than our usual “naturalist’s shuffle.” REGISTER HERE

Introduction to Bird ID by Voice
Tuesday, May 21 (7:30-9 pm)
Thursday, May 23 (7:30-9 pm)
Saturday, May 25 (7 am-Noon)
Leader: Mark England
Members $50; nonmembers $70
The sounds made by birds can help find and identify many species, yet to beginning birders, the wide variety of sounds can be confusing. If you know many of our area birds by sight but not by sound, this class is for you. Two evening sessions will use recordings and slides to study bird songs and calls. Our field trip to one or more sites in Montgomery County will give us a chance to listen for and try to learn some of the local species. Image credit: Prather, J. F., Peters, S., Nowicki, S., Mooney, R. (2008). “Precise auditory-vocal mirroring in neurons for learned vocal communication.” Nature 451: 305-310. REGISTER HERE

Spring Saunters Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
Section E: May 22 – Violettes Lock FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $25; nonmembers $35
Enjoy one or all of these leisurely walks along portions of the C&O Canal. The focus of our walks, each beginning from a different location, will be general natural history of the varied habitats along the Potomac River and the Canal. We’ll proceed at a slow “naturalist’s shuffle” pace as we watch spring unfold. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers, butterflies, snakes, turtles, and whatever else we might find. Carpool from Woodend with the leader if you desire. REGISTER HERE

Spring Hike on Sugarloaf
Friday, May 24 (10 am-3 pm)
Leaders: Melanie Choukas-Bradley and Tina Thieme Brown
Members $34; nonmembers $48
The author and the artist of two books about Sugarloaf Mountain team up once again for a seasonal outing devoted to the botany, wildlife, geology, and history of our local monadnock in the rural Piedmont northwest of Washington, D.C. The 1.5 mile hike is timed to coincide with High Spring’s greening of the Sugarloaf Mountain woodlands and the blooming of many plants, including mountain laurel and fringe-tree. Bring binoculars to look for Wood Thrushes, Warblers, Ravens, and other bird species. After lunch, Tina will show you how to approach a quick leaf sketch, and Melanie will introduce the concept of “forest bathing,” time permitting. Our hike includes uphill/downhill walking over rocky trails and a fairly steep ¼ mile hike up to the summit—all at a leisurely pace. REGISTER HERE

Spring Early Birds (7-10 am)
G: Sunday, May 26 – Pennyfield Lock, MD (Lisa Norwalk and Len Bisson)
Each walk members $26; nonmembers $36
Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with this series of short bird walks at nearby parks. These walks are designed for beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring pulse of bird activity can sometimes be overwhelming. On each walk, we’ll search for both resident and migrant birds by song and sound. We’ll discuss the arrival sequence the spring travelers, practice spotting them in the field, and attempt to learn the songs of many species. Our trips include walking on natural surface trails, which may be muddy, slippery and uneven. REGISTER HERE

Botany in a Parking Lot
Wednesday, May 29 (10 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Marney Bruce
Members $24; nonmembers $34
No joke! Our leader invites you to join her for an easy walk around one of her favorite botanical hot-spots along the C&O Canal Towpath at the Carderock Recreation Area. Expect an easy walk around the parking lot as she shows you how to ID the diverse group of trees around the lot, using bark, buds, leaves, and developing fruits. REGISTER HERE

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

JUNE

B is for Butterfly
Saturday, June 15 (9 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $28; nonmembers $38
On this slow stroll through several habitats at Black Hill Regional Park, near Boyds, MD, we’ll offer an introduction to some of the butterflies of summer: their habitats, how to identify them, and where to look for their caterpillars and host plants. Our areas of exploration will be open and sunny. Image credit: D. Gordon E. Robertson REGISTER HERE.

Summer Shuffles Along the Canal
Wednesdays (9-11:30 am)
Section A: June 19 – Pennyfield Lock
Section B: July 3 – Riley’s Lock
Section C: July 17 – Carderock
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $25; nonmembers $35
Entire series $65/$122
Summer’s here and it may be hot, so we’ll keep our pace to a shuffle as we visit four areas along the Potomac River and the C&O Canal. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers, butterflies, dragonflies, snakes, and whatever else we may find underfoot or overhead. Carpooling will be available from Woodend. REGISTER HERE.

Solstice Walk at Little Bennett
Friday, June 21 (9 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Carole Bergmann
Members $26; nonmembers $36
Explore this botanical gem among Montgomery County Parks as the season slips from spring into summer. At 3,700 acres, this Park near Clarksburg, MD harbors rich plant diversity due to it many habitats. On our hike of around 3 miles, the County’s just-retired forest ecologist will introduce you to many of this protected area’s plants of early summer. Expect some uphill and downhill walking on natural surface trails which may be muddy and/or slippery. REGISTER HERE.

Western Montgomery County Butterfly Count
Saturday, June 22
Join us for the 30th annual Western Montgomery County Butterfly Count. Participants in this citizen science project will be sent into the field in teams to count butterfly species in a given area. No experience is necessary. This mid-summer count, modeled after the Christmas Bird Counts, is organized by ANS and sponsored by the North American Butterfly Association and Xerces Society. Email Stephanie Mason at stephanie.mason@anshome.org for a participant’s information letter.

Solstice Butterfly Hike
Sunday, June 23 (10 am-2 pm)
Leader: Tom Stock
Members $26; nonmembers $36
The varied habitats of the vast Little Bennett Regional Park near Clarksburg, MD is the setting for our search for early summer butterflies, their host plants, and their nectar resources. Species such as American Copper, Great Spangled Fritillary, Little Wood Satyr, Summer Azure, and Little Glassywing are possible, just to name a few. Field conditions will include open areas with possibly tall vegetation, and some bushwhacking necessary for access. Bring along your close-focusing binoculars to benefit most from this outing. REGISTER HERE.

Six-legged Songsters of Summer
Thursday, June 27 (7:30-9:30 pm)
Leader: Cathy Stragar
Free, but registration is required.
Sticky summer has arrived, and the songs of insects such as cicadas, crickets, and katydids begin to swell into a noisy and riotous chorus. Join naturalist Cathy Stragar at our Woodend Sanctuary for a slide introduction to the most common of these songsters: who they are, why they sing, and how they make their amazing sounds. She’ll also describe how to get involved with the fourth annual Cricket Crawl citizen science activity in late August. REGISTER HERE.

The Buzz on Bees and Wasps
Saturday, June 29 (9-11:30 am)
Leader: Cathy Stragar
Members $24; nonmembers $34
From solitary parasitic wasps to the highly social honey bee, from potter wasps to carpenter bees, these related insects form a fascinating and critically important part of the natural world. We’ll take a look at their diversity, life histories, significant ecological roles, and worrisome threats facing bees and wasps. We’ll spend our time outdoors, combing the Woodend Sanctuary for wasps and bees, identifying them, and observing their habits. REGISTER HERE.

Soggy Bogs, Tiny Trees, and Walks on the Wild Side
Saturday, June 29 (9 am) to Sunday, June 30 (4 pm)
Leader: Mark Garland
Members $120; nonmembers $168
The Pine Barrens region of New Jersey is one of the wildest places along the eastern seaboard. With coarse sand for soil, the region is dominated by pitch pine and scrub oak forests, in places dwarfed by periodic fires. In the lower spots there are cedar swamps, narrow tea-colored rivers, and bogs that are home to insectivorous plants and orchids. Join naturalist Mark Garland for a series of short hikes through these various habitats into the wild heart of the Pine Barrens. As we enjoy the wilds of this unusual region, we’ll search for birds, butterflies, frogs, and other wildlife, along with many of the unusual plant communities of the Pine Barrens. We’ll also discuss elements of this area’s fascinating human history. Overnight options include motels in Hammonton, NJ or in the far eastern suburbs of Philadelphia (Voorhees, Marlton, Mt. Laurel, etc.); or the campgrounds and cabins of the Wharton State Forest. Note: expect some driving on unpaved roads, though we will try to carpool for most of these stretches. REGISTER HERE.

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

JULY

Summer Shuffles Along the Canal
Wednesdays (9-11:30 am)
Section B: July 3 – Riley’s Lock
Section C: July 17 – Carderock
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $25; nonmembers $35
Entire series $65/$122
Summer’s here and it may be hot, so we’ll keep our pace to a shuffle as we visit four areas along the Potomac River and the C&O Canal. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers, butterflies, dragonflies, snakes, and whatever else we may find underfoot or overhead. Carpooling will be available from Woodend. REGISTER HERE.

Holiday on Wheels Along the Patuxent
Thursday, July 4 (8:30 am-1 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $28; nonmembers $38
Dust off your bike and join us to explore the woods and wetlands along the Patuxent River in Prince George’s County, MD. We’ll use the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Tour roadway, closed to cars on this day, to visit a variety of habitats in our search for summer activity in the natural world. We’ll dismount often to look for wildflowers, birds, butterflies, and frogs. Our round-trip ride will be between 5-8 miles. Bring your own bike. Image credit: Dave Huth REGISTER HERE.

Wonders at Woodend: Forest Bathing through the Seasons
Wednesdays (10 am-Noon)
Section C: July 10
Section D: October 16 FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley
Each walk members $26; nonmembers $36
Savor the natural joys of each season on forest bathing walks led by Melanie Choukas-Bradley, a longtime ANS field trip leader and the 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. Our leader is a Nature & Forest Therapy Guide with certification from the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides and Programs of Sonoma County, California. Experience the restoration of Woodend as we explore and commune with the living things in our meadows, forest, and Blair Garden. A serving of maple sap “tea” and a sharing of nature poetry will conclude each walk. REGISTER ONLINE.

Paddle on the Potomac
Tuesday, July 16 (10 am-1 pm)
Leaders: Melanie Choukas-Bradley and Stephanie Mason
Members $30; nonmembers $42
Meet two naturalists at the Key Bridge Boathouse for a summer paddling trip around Theodore Roosevelt Island. Discover the magic of paddling around DC’s historic 88.5 acre island in the Potomac beneath the boughs of magnificent sycamores, cottonwoods, silver maples, black walnuts, basswoods and river birches. Witness the blooms of many summer wildflowers growing along the shoreline and the thrill of spotting ospreys, bald eagles, herons and egrets, and the noisy kingfisher! Canoes or kayaks can be rented or you can bring your own. Registration fee does not include boat rental. REGISTER HERE.

Summer Shuffles Along the Canal
Wednesdays (9-11:30 am) 
Section C: July 17 – Carderock
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $25; nonmembers $35
Entire series $65/$122
Summer’s here and it may be hot, so we’ll keep our pace to a shuffle as we visit four areas along the Potomac River and the C&O Canal. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers, butterflies, dragonflies, snakes, and whatever else we may find underfoot or overhead. Carpooling will be available from Woodend. REGISTER HERE.

Native Plant Gardening
Summer Walk: Thursday, July 18 (10 am-Noon)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $20; nonmembers $28
Explore the Blair Native Plant Garden, located just outside the Sanctuary Shop, with our Senior Naturalist who helped develop the garden and its educational focus. Find out more about the values of gardening with native plant species, including: lower maintenance; more value to native birds, butterflies and other insects, including pollinators; reduced negative impact on local ecosystems, and more. We’ll discuss native alternatives to popular non-native species such as English ivy, as well as resources for broadening one’s knowledge and understanding of plants natives to the mid-Atlantic. You’re welcome to bring along a bag lunch to eat with the leader after the walks, which are scheduled to highlight seasonal aspects of the garden. REGISTER ONLINE.

Summer Meadow
Saturday, July 20 (8:30 am-12:30 pm)
Leaders: Stephanie Mason and Cathy Stragar
Members $28; nonmembers $38
Join two naturalists for a closer look at the web of life in both wet and dry meadows at Little Bennett Regional Park in upper Montgomery County, MD. We’ll search for the wildlife that finds food and shelter amidst the sun-loving wildflowers and fruiting grasses, including butterflies and other insects, birds, and reptiles and amphibians. Field conditions will be open and sunny. Image credit: Dr. Thomas G. Barnes  REGISTER HERE.

Sunset Stroll in the Hollow
Saturday, July 20 (6:30-8:30 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $25; nonmembers $35
Enjoy a slow evening stroll through the field, forest, and wetland habitats of the Hughes Hollow area, south of Poolesville, MD. As the sun sets, we’ll look and listen for owls, frogs, foxes, beavers, bats, and insects, discussing the adaptations of these crepuscular and nocturnal animals. REGISTER HERE.

Fern Basics
Sunday, July 21 (9 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Kit Sheffield
Members $26; nonmembers $36
What makes a plant is a fern? What are some of the common ferns in our area? And importantly, how can you start to tell them apart? Join our leader, who is especially fond of ferns, on a ramble through several habitats in Great Falls Park, VA to learn more about these ancient and beautiful plants. Trails could be muddy and uneven. Image credit: Antepenultimate REGISTER HERE.

Walk Among the Giants
C. Sunday, July 21 (8 am-Noon)
D. Sunday, October 27 (8 am-Noon)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $28; nonmembers $38
Walk among the giant Sycamores, Oaks, and River Birches on this seasonal series of explorations along the Potomac River just upstream of Great Falls, MD. We’ll keep our eyes and ears open for all manner of wildlife, and watch the winter woods turn green, and then summer sultry before fall colors herald the coming of another winter. Our floodplain trail, connecting with the Towpath, is mostly level, but could be muddy as we walk our loop of roughly 2.5 miles. Image credit: Googoo85  REGISTER ONLINE.

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

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

AUGUST

Summer Fungus Walk
Sunday, August 4 (9-11 am)
Leader: Serenella Linares
Members $24; nonmembers $34
Summer is a great time to get introduced to the most common families of fungi in our area and find out more about their natural history and many ecological functions. We’ll visit a variety of habitats at our Woodend Sanctuary. Note: the focus of our field trip is fungi’s important and under-appreciated role in forest ecology, not the edibility of particular species of mushrooms. REGISTER HERE.

Introduction to Dragonflies and Damselflies
Thursday, August 8 (7:30-9:30 pm)
Sunday, August 11 (3/4 day field trip)
Leaders: Lisa Shannon and Richard Orr
Members $46; nonmembers $64
Lecture only $24/$34
Grab your binoculars and prepare to set your sights not on birds—although “mosquito hawk” is a common moniker—but on those six-legged, aerial acrobats of wetland habitats: the dragonflies and damselflies. At our evening lecture, Lisa Shannon will discuss ID, biology, and behavior of the more common species of Odonates in our area. Dragonfly expert Richard Orr will join her on our field trip to the Patuxent Research Refuge (North Tract) near Bowie, MD, where everyone will have a chance to test their identification skills. REGISTER HERE.

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