Adults
Nature Classes and Field Trips
june
Explore the Great Outdoors with the experts
Event Details
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.
Event Details
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.
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.
Time
Year Around Event (2021)
Event Details
Questions? Call Pam at 301-652-9188 x16 or email pam.oves@anshome.org. ANS COVID Policy for Outdoor Adult Programs As of June 1, 2021 Both leaders and participants are asked to
Event Details
Questions? Call Pam at 301-652-9188 x16 or email pam.oves@anshome.org.
ANS COVID Policy for Outdoor Adult Programs
As of June 1, 2021
Both leaders and participants are asked to observe social distancing throughout outdoor field trips. Any participant or leader who has not been vaccinated for Covid-19 is requested to wear a mask. Of course, participants are always welcome to wear masks if they are more comfortable. At this time, masks are required indoors at Woodend for everyone.
This policy is subject to change.
JUNE
Summer Shuffles Along the Canal
Wednesdays (9-11:30 am)
Section A: June 9 – Carderock
Section B: June 23 – Riley’s Lock
Section C: July 7 – Swain’s Lock WAITLIST OPEN
Section D: July 21 – Pennyfield Lock
Leaders: Gina Ghertner (A & D) and Carol Hayes (B & C)
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42
Summer arrives! It’s likely to be hot, so we’ll keep our pace along Maryland’s C&O Canal to a shuffle as we visit four spots along the Potomac River. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers, butterflies, dragonflies, snakes, and whatever else we may find underfoot or overhead in this nearby parkland. REGISTER
Dragons of the Air
Sundays (9-11:30 am)
A. June 13 – Lake Artemesia, Greenbelt, MD
B. August 1 – Pine Lake, Wheaton Regional Park, MD
Leader: Lisa Shannon
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42
The wetlands protected in two urban parks are ideal spots to begin learning how to ID the most common dragonflies in our area. Naturalist Lisa Shannon will help dragonfly enthusiasts focus on identification characteristics, as well as the life histories, of these aerial insects. Close-focusing binoculars are recommended for optimal dragon-watching in the open and sunny habitats we’ll explore. REGISTER
Solstice Walk at Little Bennett WAITLIST OPEN
Friday, June 18 (9 am-Noon)
Leader: Sujata Roy
Members $30; nonmembers $42
Explore this botanical gem among Montgomery County Parks as the season slips from spring into summer. At 3,700 acres, the Park near Clarksburg, MD harbors rich plant diversity due to it many habitats. On a leisurely hike of up to a couple of miles, our summer wildflower teacher will introduce you to many of this protected area’s blooming plants of early summer. Expect some open and sunny conditions, as well as some uphill and downhill, on natural surface trails which may be muddy and/or slippery. REGISTER
Fern Basics
Saturday, June 19 (9 am-Noon)
Leader: Kit Sheffield
Members $30; nonmembers $42
What makes a plant a fern? And what are the most common ferns in our area? Walk the moderate trails of Riverbend Park, home to at least fifteen fern species, with a naturalist who will share the answers to these questions. He’ll also help you learn some of the common characteristics you’ll be able to use to identify ferns on your own. There will be some uphill/downhill on this hike of several miles. Trails might be muddy and uneven. REGISTER
Summer Shuffles Along the Canal
Wednesdays (9-11:30 am)
Section B: June 23 – Riley’s Lock
Section C: July 7 – Swain’s Lock WAITLIST OPEN
Section D: July 21 – Pennyfield Lock
Leaders: Gina Ghertner (D) and Carol Hayes (B & C)
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42
Summer arrives! It’s likely to be hot, so we’ll keep our pace along Maryland’s C&O Canal to a shuffle as we visit four spots along the Potomac River. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers, butterflies, dragonflies, snakes, and whatever else we may find underfoot or overhead in this nearby parkland. REGISTER
Introduction to Dragonflies and Damselflies FIELD TRIP FULL
Thursday, June 24 (7-9 pm)
Sunday, June 27 (morning field trip)
Leaders: Lisa Shannon
Members $46; nonmembers $64
Virtual lecture only $20/$28
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. During the evening lecture on the Zoom platform, our leader will discuss ID, biology, and behavior of the more common species of Odonates in our area. You’ll join our leader for a morning field trip to the wetland habitats of Patuxent Research Refuge (North Tract) near Bowie, MD, where all will have a chance to test their identification skills. REGISTER
How Does Her Garden Grow? WAITLIST OPEN
Friday, June 25 (10 am-Noon)
Leader: Marney Bruce
Members $30; nonmembers $42
Here’s your chance to visit the home garden of an ANS member who has worked to reduce lawn coverage, increase food and shelter for wildlife, and incorporate native plants whenever possible. Marney will share her successes and failures on a stroll through her yard, which includes sun-loving plants in the front, shade-loving species in the back, and a water feature. Our destination garden is located in the Bethesda, MD vicinity. REGISTER
Time
Year Around Event (2021)
Event Details
Questions? Call Pam at 301-652-9188 x16 or email pam.oves@anshome.org. ANS COVID Policy for Outdoor Adult Programs As of June 1, 2021 Both leaders and participants are asked to
Event Details
Questions? Call Pam at 301-652-9188 x16 or email pam.oves@anshome.org.
ANS COVID Policy for Outdoor Adult Programs
As of June 1, 2021
Both leaders and participants are asked to observe social distancing throughout outdoor field trips. Any participant or leader who has not been vaccinated for Covid-19 is requested to wear a mask. Of course, participants are always welcome to wear masks if they are more comfortable. At this time, masks are required indoors at Woodend for everyone.
This policy is subject to change.
JULY
Summer Birding Strolls (7-9:30 am)
A. Thursday, July 1 – Blue Mash Nature Trail, MD WAITLIST OPEN
(Leader: Mark England)
B. Thursday, July 8 – Huntley Meadows, VA 1 SPACE LEFT
(Leader: Paul Pisano)
C. Sunday, July 18 – Patuxent Research Refuge WAITLIST OPEN
headquarters, MD (Leader: Len Bisson)
D. Wednesday, July 28 – Black Hill Regional Park, MD (Leader: Mark England) WAITLIST OPEN
E. Sunday, August 8 – Occoquan Bay National Wildlife WAITLIST OPEN
Refuge, VA (Leader: Paul Pisano)
F. Saturday, August 21 – Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC (Leaders: Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton) WAITLIST OPEN
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42
Summertime…and the living is easy – unless you’re a bird busy with nesting chores and the challenges of raising young. Summertime can also be a more difficult period for nature lovers to encounter birds as they quiet down and move around with greater stealth. Still, there is lots to observe, discuss, and enjoy on a summer birding walk so we’re happy to offer this new series for beginning to mid-level birders. As the series begins, breeding bird activity will still be underway, but by late July and into August, southbound migrants will be on the move. Expect some open and sunny field conditions at all of our locations. There will be chances to duck into the shade periodically as we keep our pace to a stroll. REGISTER
Wonders at Woodend: Forest Bathing Through the Seasons 1 SPACE LEFT
Saturday, July 3 (9-11:30 am)
Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley
Members $30; nonmembers $42
Savor the natural joy of this Summer 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 worldwide. Enjoy the restoration of our Woodend Sanctuary as you 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. A walk will be scheduled each season in 2021. REGISTER
Summer Shuffles Along the Canal
Wednesdays (9-11:30 am)
Section C: July 7 – Swain’s Lock WAITLIST OPEN
Section D: July 21 – Pennyfield Lock
Leaders: Carol Hayes (C) and Gina Ghertner (D)
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42
Summer arrives! It’s likely to be hot, so we’ll keep our pace along Maryland’s C&O Canal to a shuffle as we visit four spots along the Potomac River. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers, butterflies, dragonflies, snakes, and whatever else we may find underfoot or overhead in this nearby parkland. REGISTER
Summer Tree Walks
Section A: Saturday, July 10 (9 am-Noon) 2 SPOTS LEFT
Jug Bay Natural Area of Patuxent River Park, MD
Section B: Friday, July 30 (9:30 am-Noon)
ANS Woodend Sanctuary, MD
Leader: Bradley Simpson
Each walk members: $30; nonmembers $42
Summer is a great season to enjoy our local trees—and not just for the cooling shade they provide. During this peak growing period, trees offer observers lots of visual characteristics for identification: leaves, bark, buds, ripening seed pods, and silhouette. Join our Restoration Manager /tree ID teacher on one or both of these outings to experience different habitats and species. Bradley will also discuss tree and wildlife associations. Walk A to the Coastal Plain bottomlands of Jug Bay Natural Area in PG County will move faster and farther than Walk B, which will explore the Piedmont landscape at our Woodend Sanctuary near Chevy Chase, MD. REGISTER
The Summer Side of Rachel Carson Park WAITLIST OPEN
Friday, July 16 (9 am-Noon)
Leader: Sujata Roy
Members $30; nonmembers $42
Rachel Carson Conservation Park near Olney, MD protects a variety of natural communities, including oak-hickory woodlands, mountain laurel thickets, rocky outcroppings, Hawlings River bottomlands, and open meadows. Although its woodland trails are frequented as “hot spots” for spring wildflower displays, there’s another season of plant life here which invites appreciation. Join our leader for this summer wildflower hike of up to several miles. Expect some open, sunny field conditions, as well as some uphill/downhill walking over terrain that may be uneven, rocky and/or muddy. REGISTER
Paddle on the Potomac 1 SPOT LEFT
Wednesday, July 21 (10 am-1 pm)
Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley
Members $30; nonmembers $42
Join a naturalist 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! Our leader is the author of Finding Solace at Theodore Roosevelt Island, so she knows this area well. Canoes or kayaks can be rented or you can bring your own. Registration fee does not include boat rental. REGISTER
Summer Shuffles Along the Canal
Wednesdays (9-11:30 am)
Section D: July 21 – Pennyfield Lock
Leader: Gina Ghertner
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42
Summer arrives! It’s likely to be hot, so we’ll keep our pace along Maryland’s C&O Canal to a shuffle as we visit four spots along the Potomac River. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers, butterflies, dragonflies, snakes, and whatever else we may find underfoot or overhead in this nearby parkland. REGISTER
Ferns and Their Reproduction
Saturday, July 24 (8:30-11 am)
Leader: Kit Sheffield
Members $30; nonmembers $42
On this field outing to DC’s National Arboretum, we will go beyond basic fern ID and delve into the amazing world of fern reproduction. We’ll discuss how ferns normally reproduce–and some of the odd twists they take along the way. Visiting the Fern Valley area of the Arboretum, we’ll hope to find and identify a variety of fern species which help illustrate our discussions. REGISTER
Questions? Email pam.oves@anshome.org.
Time
Year Around Event (2021)
Event Details
Questions?
Event Details
Questions? Call Pam at 301-652-9188 x16 or email pam.oves@anshome.org.
ANS COVID Policy for Outdoor Adult Programs
As of June 1, 2021
Both leaders and participants are asked to observe social distancing throughout outdoor field trips. Any participant or leader who has not been vaccinated for Covid-19 is requested to wear a mask. Of course, participants are always welcome to wear masks if they are more comfortable. At this time, masks are required indoors at Woodend for everyone.
This policy is subject to change.
AUGUST
Dragons of the Air
Sundays (9-11:30 am)
B. August 1 – Pine Lake, Wheaton Regional Park, MD
Leader: Lisa Shannon
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42
The wetlands protected in two urban parks are ideal spots to begin learning how to ID the most common dragonflies in our area. Naturalist Lisa Shannon will help dragonfly enthusiasts focus on identification characteristics, as well as the life histories, of these aerial insects. Close-focusing binoculars are recommended for optimal dragon-watching in the open and sunny habitats we’ll explore. REGISTER
The Buzz on Bees and Wasps
Saturday, August 7 (9-11:30 am)
Leader: Cliff Fairweather
Members $30; nonmembers $42
From solitary parasitic wasps to the highly social honeybee, 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 the worrisome threats currently facing bees and wasps. Our outdoor classroom will be the varied habitats at our Woodend Sanctuary, including open, sunny meadows and our cultivated wildlife gardens. REGISTER
Summer Birding Strolls (7-9:30 am)
E. Sunday, August 8 – Occoquan Bay National Wildlife WAITLIST OPEN
Refuge, VA (Leader: Paul Pisano)
F. Saturday, August 21 – Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC WAITLIST OPEN
(Leaders: Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton)
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42
Summertime…and the living is easy – unless you’re a bird busy with nesting chores and the challenges of raising young. Summertime can also be a more difficult period for nature lovers to encounter birds as they quiet down and move around with greater stealth. Still, there is lots to observe, discuss, and enjoy on a summer birding walk so we’re happy to offer this new series for beginning to mid-level birders. As the series begins, breeding bird activity will still be underway, but by late July and into August, southbound migrants will be on the move. Expect some open and sunny field conditions at all of our locations. There will be chances to duck into the shade periodically as we keep our pace to a stroll. REGISTER
Summer Fungus Walks
Section A: Wednesday, August 25 (9-11 am)
Section B: Saturday, August 28 (9-11 am)
Leader: Serenella Linares
Each walk members $30; nonmembers $42
Late August is a great time to be introduced to some of the common local fungi while finding out more about their vital functions in the natural world. Our Woodend Sanctuary will be the site for these walks on trails which are natural surface. The expert leader is one of our own staff, whose knowledge about any and all mushrooms that might pop up in your yard has earned her the accurate and affectionate nickname Mushie. Note: the focus of our field outings is fungi’s important and under-appreciated role in forest ecology, not the edibility of particular species of mushrooms. REGISTER
Questions? Email pam.oves@anshome.org.
Time
Year Around Event (2021)
Continuing Education / NHFS
june
Event Details
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to take classes in the NHFS program. Most environmental education is aimed at children and youth. Because nature programming
Event Details
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to take classes in the NHFS program. Most environmental education is aimed at children and youth. Because nature programming wasn’t a part of my suburban childhood (and I might not have cared about it or retained it in any case) I am thrilled to be able to learn about natural history as an adult – ‘when the student is ready, the teacher appears.’ Thanks to the Audubon Naturalist Society, natural history is becoming a passion.” Field Studies student R. Gray
This unique continuing education program for adults provides a comprehensive and stimulating view of our region’s natural history and conservation issues. Taught at the college freshman level, these courses are open to anyone 18 years of age or older, professionals and amateurs alike. A Certificate of Accomplishment in Natural History is awarded to those choosing to complete a required curriculum of 39 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), but anyone can enroll in any class for the sheer pleasure of learning.
Registration Info for Natural History Field Studies Classes
Registration is now being handled completely online by the Audubon Naturalist Society (not the Graduate School USA) through our adult program registration system.
- Questions? Contact pam.oves@anshome.org.
- Refund Policy for NHFS classes: ANS will provide you with a refund (minus a $25 administration fee) if you cancel your enrollment no later than the day following the first class lecture. After this date, no refunds will be provided. In the event of a course cancellation due to insufficient enrollment or other events beyond our control, we will notify you as soon as possible and provide you with a full refund.
- Students are responsible for keeping track of their courses. If you believe you are finished with the course requirements for the Certificate of Accomplishment, please send an email to pam.oves@anshome.org to confirm completion of the program.
SUMMARY OF REQUIRED COURSES
Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, classes are currently being offered via online Zoom sessions with optional in-person field trips. These locally-based outings will be limited to groups of 8 participants, with social distancing required. Registrants can elect to enroll in online classes only or choose to participate in field trips as well, space allowing.
Time
Year Around Event (2021)
Nature Travel
june
Event Details
February, 2022--The Tropical Wonderland of Costa Rica, led by ANS Senior Naturalist Stephanie Mason and local guides. Please email Carol at carol.hayes@anshome.org with any questions about
Event Details
- February, 2022–The Tropical Wonderland of Costa Rica, led by ANS Senior Naturalist Stephanie Mason and local guides.
- Please email Carol at carol.hayes@anshome.org with any questions about our Nature Travel program and upcoming trips.
Time
Year Around Event (2021)
Water Quality Monitoring
june
Event Details
Stream Science at ANS For 25 years, ANS has been teaching the natural history of aquatic ecology and training volunteer stream monitors who track the health of our region’s streams. Learn from
Event Details
Stream Science at ANS
For 25 years, ANS has been teaching the natural history of aquatic ecology and training volunteer stream monitors who track the health of our region’s streams. Learn from the experts: study stream science in our introductory classes, and you just might be inspired to become a stream monitor yourself! Our advanced classes are perfect for those interested in deepening their knowledge about biological stream monitoring and are taught by instructor Cathy Wiss. Each class runs 45 – 70 minutes and includes extensive photos and videos collected by our own monitoring volunteers and staff, plus several carefully curated recommended videos from other sources.
SELF-PACED ONLINE CLASSES AVAILABLE ANY TIME
Stream Science Introduction:
- Healthy Stream Biology. An introduction to monitoring and non-insect macroinvertebrates
Advanced Macroinvertebrate Identification Series:
- Caddisflies
- Beetles
- Megaloptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera
- True Flies
- Damselflies and Dragonflies
- Mayflies
- Stoneflies
- Bonus review session included if you sign up for the full series
REGISTRATION & FEE INFORMATION
Registration required: click here to register online for self-paced classes.
Cost: each class $25 non-members / $15 ANS members / Free for anyone who has monitored with the ANS program in the last two years. 15% discount for entire class series ($170 non-members / $102 members, includes a bonus review session).
Contact cleanstreams@anshome.org for more information.
See the full list of classes on our Water Quality Monitoring Page.
Time
Year Around Event (2021)
Conservation Café
Master Naturalist
Free Birding Trips
june
Event Details
Directions Given the uncertainty of the Covid-19 situation this fall, we have made the difficult decision to cancel Free Birding Trips through at least the
Event Details
Directions
Given the uncertainty of the Covid-19 situation this fall, we have made the difficult decision to cancel Free Birding Trips through at least the end of the year. Keep an eye on anshome.org/covid-19-updates, emails, and our Facebook page for updates.
Did you know that we are offering a number of great Naturalist Hour Zoom presentations this month? Visit www.anshome.org/naturalist-hour for an overview of dates and topics being offered—as well as to register for these nature learning opportunities.
Time
Year Around Event (2021)
Beginner Bird Walks
june
Beginner Bird Walks at Woodend
Event Details
Walks currently on hold due to CDC/state/county regulations. Please watch this space for when we can reopen these walks. Have you ever wanted to learn about the birds you
Event Details
Walks currently on hold due to CDC/state/county regulations. Please watch this space for when we can reopen these walks.
Have you ever wanted to learn about the birds you see regularly around Washington? Did you know that about 250 birds either pass through or make this area their home?
Join us every Saturday morning at Woodend for our Beginner Bird Walks. An excellent place to come for those just starting out or for those who want to learn more about our area’s birds. From 9-10 am a volunteer leader will guide you through the important how tos: from how to use binoculars to how to identify our most prevalent resident birds.
Meet at the Audubon Naturalist Shop parking lot. Bring binoculars or use ours. Register here.
These gentle walks happen every Saturday morning from March through June, and September through November. Walks take place only on the first Saturday of December through February. There are no walks in July and August.
Be sure to visit the Audubon Naturalist Shop after the bird walk. The shop opens at 9 am on Saturdays and if you let the cashier know you attended that morning’s bird walk they will provide you with a coupon for a discount in the shop.
Time
Year Around Event (2021)
Location
Woodend Nature Sanctuary
8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA