Education
Adults
Nature Classes and Field Trips
july
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
Time
Year Around Event (2019)
Event Details
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
Event Details
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 FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
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 FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
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.
Dragons of the Air
Saturday, July 13 (9-11:30 am)
Raindate: Sunday, July 14
Leader: Lisa Shannon
Members $24; nonmembers $34 The wetlands around Pine Lake in Wheaton Regional Park, MD, are an ideal spot to start learning how to ID the most common dragonflies in our area. Naturalist Lisa Shannon will help beginning dragonfly enthusiasts focus on identifying characteristics, as well as the life histories, of these aerial insects. Close-focusing binoculars are recommended for optimal dragon-watching. REGISTER ONLINE.
Paddle on the Potomac FULL
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) CANCELLED
Fall Walk: Thursday, October 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.
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 FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
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. REGISTER ONLINE.
Questions? Call Pam at 301-652-9188 x16 or email pam.oves@anshome.org.
Time
Year Around Event (2019)
Event Details
Questions?
Event Details
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.
Crickets Count! Cricket Crawl Listening Walk
Thursday, August 22 (8-10 pm)
Leader: Cathy Stragar
Free, no registration necessary.
This free, outdoor training walk for the August 30 Cricket Crawl (7th Annual) will convene outside our Naturalist Shop. Our leader will help participants learn to recognize the songs of target cricket and katydid species while exploring the grounds of our Woodend Sanctuary.
Natural Heritage Hike: Monocacy National Battlefield
Sunday, August 25 (8 am-Noon)
Leader: David Farner
Members: $26; nonmembers $36
Known as “The Battle That Saved Washington” this 1864 battle (a Union defeat) helped to delay a Confederate attack on Washington, D.C. long enough to allow reinforcements to man the defenses of the Federal capital. Today the battlefield is bisected by Interstate 270, but the 1600-acre park preserves the areas where combat occurred as well as Monocracy River floodplain, grasslands and forests. Our hike of around 3 miles will study the course of the battle while also searching for migrating songbirds, butterflies, and other seasonal wildlife. Our explorations on natural surface trails will include some varied terrain and possibly wet ground. REGISTER HERE.
Crickets Count! Citizen Science Activity
Friday, August 30 (after dark)
Be a part of the seventh annual DC/Baltimore Cricket Crawl. Participants will learn the songs of eight species of crickets and katydids, then spend a few minutes to listen for their songs and send in their observations. For details on this citizen science project, which ANS is cosponsoring, check out this link: http://www.discoverlife.org/ cricket/DC/. Rain date for the Cricket Count is August 31.
Questions? Call Pam at 301-652-9188 x16 or email pam.oves@anshome.org.
Time
Year Around Event (2019)
Event Details
Questions? Call Pam at 301-652-9188 x16 or email pam.oves@anshome.org. SEPTEMBER Confusing Composites Saturday, September 7 (9 am-1 pm) Leader:
Event Details
Questions? Call Pam at 301-652-9188 x16 or email pam.oves@anshome.org.
SEPTEMBER
Confusing Composites
Saturday, September 7 (9 am-1 pm)
Leader: Sujata Roy
Members $26; nonmembers $36
Most of our area’s late summer and fall-blooming wildflowers belong to the composite (Asteraceae) plant family. With many local species of asters, goldenrods, sunflowers, bonesets and more, it can be intimidating even to begin to consider IDing them. In this introductory field class, our leader will use both meadow and woodland at Little Bennett Park in Montgomery County, MD to explain the differences between the main groups of “confusing composites” while offering tips on how to begin identifying them. Image credit: L. Shyamal REGISTER ONLINE.
Fall Birding Series
A. Sunday, September 8: Swain’s Lock, MD (Mike Bowen) (7:30-10:30 am)
B. Saturday, September 21: Huntley Meadows, VA (Jim Nelson) (7:30-10:30 am)
C. Sunday, September 29: Oaks Landfill, MD (Mark England) (7:30-10:30 am) FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
D. Saturday, October 12: Patuxent River Park/Jug Bay Natural Area, MD (Mark England) (8-11am)
E. Sunday, October 20: Blue Mash Nature Trail, MD (Lisa Norwalk & Len Bisson) (8-11 am)
F. Saturday, November 2: Dyke Marsh, VA (Paul Pisano) (8-11 am)
G. Sunday, November 10: Hughes Hollow, MD (Lisa Shannon & Rob Hilton) (8-11 am)
H. Saturday, November 23: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC (Lisa Shannon & Rob Hilton) (8-11 am)
Each walk members $26; nonmembers $36
Entire series $177/$245
Our fall birding series visits eight protected areas, all under an hour’s drive from D.C., where a variety of habitats — including field, forest, and wetland — provide good opportunities for the observation and identification of birds in autumn. On the earliest walks, we’ll hope to catch some southbound migrants. As the season progresses, we’ll watch for sparrows, raptors, waterfowl, and other birds. These teaching walks are aimed at beginning to mid-level birders, but all are welcome. Most of our explorations will be on natural surface trails that may be uneven or muddy, but some destinations include mild uphill and downhill. REGISTER ONLINE.
Midweek Meanders Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
A: September 11 – Riley’s Lock FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
B: September 25 – Carderock FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
C: October 9 – Violettes Lock FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
D: October 23 – Pennyfield Lock FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
E: November 20 – Widewater FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
F: December 4 – Swain’s Lock FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $25; nonmembers $35
Entire series $135/$190
Enjoy one or all of these leisurely autumn walks along portions of the C&O Canal that enjoy less traffic than the towpath stretches close to Washington. 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 C&O Canal. We’ll proceed at a “naturalist’s shuffle” pace, stopping often to observe birds, fall wildflowers and foliage, butterflies, snakes, turtles — and whatever else we might find. Participants interested in carpooling will meet at Woodend. REGISTER ONLINE.
Insects After Dark
Thursday, September 12 (7:30-9:30 pm)
Leader: Cliff Fairweather
Members $24; nonmembers $34
We’ve enlisted a passionate bug-hugger to help us investigate the variety of insects going about their nightly business in the habitats of our Woodend Sanctuary. Using black lights, which are high in the ultraviolet range, we’ll hope to attract moths, beetles, katydids and other nocturnal insects. We’ll use catch-and-release for closer inspections of these creatures, while enjoying the splendid, late-summer chorus of katydids and tree crickets. Image credit: Alan Schmierer REGISTER ONLINE.
Evening on the Canal
Friday, September 13 (6:30-8:30 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $26; nonmembers $36
Join senior naturalist Stephanie Mason on a walk through the woods and along the Potomac River’s C&O Canal beginning at Swain’s Lock near Potomac, MD. As day gives way to dusk — and then to nightfall — we’ll look and listen for owls, foxes, bats, katydids, moths, and other nocturnal and crepuscular animals, discussing the adaptations of creatures whose “day” begins as ours ends. REGISTER ONLINE.
Butterfly Migrants at Glendening Preserve
Saturday, September 14 (10 am-2 pm)
Rain date: Sunday, September 15
Leader: Tom Stock
Members $26; nonmembers $36
The Parris N. Glendening Preserve in Anne Arundel Co.’s Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary maintains a large butterfly garden that is one of the best area locations for late-summer migrant butterflies, including Long-tailed Skippers, Ocola Skippers, Fiery Skippers, Cloudless Skippers and Sleepy Oranges, and, of course, Monarchs. We’ll spend most of our time exploring this active garden, boosting participants’ skills identifying difficult-to-ID skippers, with a short walk into surrounding fields for late summer dragonfly and damselflies as well as other insects. REGISTER ONLINE.
Sleuthing for Spiders
Sunday, September 15 (1-4:30 pm)
Leader: Cathy Stragar
Members $26; nonmembers $36
Spiders are ubiquitous creatures in our basements, meadows, and woodlots. While they inspire feelings of fear among many, they are a source of wonderment and mystery to the nature enthusiast. Join a naturalist for an introduction to the natural history and identification of spiders. On our field trip to McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area, near Poolesville, MD, we’ll search for spiders in a variety of habitats and discuss their life histories, feeding strategies, and adaptations. Image credit: Judy Gallagher REGISTER ONLINE.
Botanical Gems of Monocacy Aqueduct and Dickerson Conservation Park
Sunday, September 15 (9 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Carole Bergmann
Members: $26; nonmembers $36
As summer winds down and the growing season comes to an end, join our forest ecologist leader for an exploration of the floodplain plant communities along the Potomac River at Monocacy Aqueduct (Frederick County) and Dickerson Conservation Park (Montgomery County). We’ll walk amongst towering Cottonwoods, Sycamores, Silver Maples and more, as the ripening and spreading of fruits and seeds tells us that fall is on the way. REGISTER ONLINE.
Geology of Sugarloaf Mountain
Sunday, September 15 (9 am-Noon)
Leader: Joe Marx
Members $26; nonmembers $36
Sugarloaf Mountain, in southernmost Frederick County, MD, has long been something of an enigma to geologists. Where did all the sand originate to make such a heap of quartzite? Recent work on the surrounding terrain has provided answers. To study the mountain’s origin, we’ll drive to two overlooks and then hike to the summit and back on a one-mile loop. We’ll ascend using the steep stone steps of the Green trail and then descend, more gently, on the Red and Blue natural surface trails. Don’t bring a bucket and shovel for a day at the beach—you’re already 500 million years too late. Although the trails are well-marked and maintained, their surfaces include notably rocky and uneven stretches, which may also be muddy. Good balance and sturdy hiking shoes are a must. Our geology hikes typically move at a faster pace than our normal naturalists’ shuffle. REGISTER ONLINE.
Natural Heritage Series: Blue Ridge Beginnings
Friday, September 20 (10 am-4:30 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $34; nonmembers $48
A little more than an hour northwest of Washington lies Catoctin Mountain, the front edge of the Blue Ridge. Here, on a day of the week when visitors are few, we’ll enjoy the first day of fall in Catoctin Mountain Park. We’ll hike around 4 miles, at a leisurely pace, as we look for the plants and animals that inhabit the Park’s woods and waterways. In addition to natural history, we’ll consider the Mountain’s cultural history and past land uses. Our explorations will include some uphill and downhill hiking over rocky ground. REGISTER ONLINE.
Fall Birding Series
B. Saturday, September 21: Huntley Meadows, VA (Jim Nelson) (7:30-10:30 am)
C. Sunday, September 29: Oaks Landfill, MD (Mark England) (7:30-10:30 am) FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
D. Saturday, October 12: Patuxent River Park/Jug Bay Natural Area, MD (Mark England) (8-11am)
E. Sunday, October 20: Blue Mash Nature Trail, MD (Lisa Norwalk & Len Bisson) (8-11 am)
F. Saturday, November 2: Dyke Marsh, VA (Paul Pisano) (8-11 am)
G. Sunday, November 10: Hughes Hollow, MD (Lisa Shannon & Rob Hilton) (8-11 am)
H. Saturday, November 23: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC (Lisa Shannon & Rob Hilton) (8-11 am)
Each walk members $26; nonmembers $36
Our fall birding series visits eight protected areas, all under an hour’s drive from D.C., where a variety of habitats — including field, forest, and wetland — provide good opportunities for the observation and identification of birds in autumn. On the earliest walks, we’ll hope to catch some southbound migrants. As the season progresses, we’ll watch for sparrows, raptors, waterfowl, and other birds. These teaching walks are aimed at beginning to mid-level birders, but all are welcome. Most of our explorations will be on natural surface trails that may be uneven or muddy, but some destinations include mild uphill and downhill. REGISTER ONLINE.
Fall in the Parks
Sundays (8:30 am-1 pm)
A: September 22—Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, VA
B. October 20—Pennyfield Lock, C&O Canal, MD
C. November 17—US National Arboretum, DC
Leaders: Stephanie Mason & Cathy Stragar
Each walk: members $28; nonmembers $38
Entire Series: $76/$103
Sign up for one or all of these seasonal, broad-based nature explorations of nearby parks rich in natural history. We’ll walk between 3-4 miles, on natural surface and possibly muddy trails, as we enjoy the development of fall color, late season blooms and butterflies, resident and migrating birds, and all manner of wildlife. Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge near Woodbridge, VA, protects open grassland habitat as well as bottomlands along Belmont and Occoquan Bays. The C&O Canal Towpath will be our trail along the Potomac as we walk upriver from Pennyfield Lock, MD, near Potomac, MD. Our explorations in the National Arboretum in Southeast DC will visit the Fern Valley area and adjacent woodlands and prairie habitat plantings. REGISTER ONLINE.
Here Comes Fall
Monday, September 23 (10 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Marney Bruce
Members: $24; nonmembers $34
Celebrate autumn’s arrival with a plant-lovers’ walk along the C&O Canal Towpath around Riley’s Lock along the Potomac River. Our leader will focus on identification and natural history of the many local trees with compound leaves (think hickory, locust,
black walnut and more) but there will also be time to enjoy fall wildflowers along the way. REGISTER ONLINE.
Midweek Meanders Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
B: September 25 – Carderock FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
C: October 9 – Violettes Lock FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
D: October 23 – Pennyfield Lock FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
E: November 20 – Widewater FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
F: December 4 – Swain’s Lock FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $25; nonmembers $35
Enjoy one or all of these leisurely autumn walks along portions of the C&O Canal that enjoy less traffic than the towpath stretches close to Washington. 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 C&O Canal. We’ll proceed at a “naturalist’s shuffle” pace, stopping often to observe birds, fall wildflowers and foliage, butterflies, snakes, turtles — and whatever else we might find. Participants interested in carpooling will meet at Woodend. REGISTER ONLINE.
Wings and Wildflowers
Saturday, September 28 (8 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $28; nonmembers $38
A park in upper Montgomery County, the Lois Green Conservation Area offers open meadows, pond and stream, and forested edges as an ideal spot for broad-based nature exploration. We’ll look for butterflies and other insects, migrant and resident birds, and other wildlife against the backdrop of late season, sun-loving wildflowers and fruiting trees. We’ll walk several miles on natural surface trails with some uphill/downhill. REGISTER ONLINE.
Fall Birding Series
C. Sunday, September 29: Oaks Landfill, MD (Mark England) (7:30-10:30 am)
D. Saturday, October 12: Patuxent River Park/Jug Bay Natural Area, MD (Mark England) (8-11am)
E. Sunday, October 20: Blue Mash Nature Trail, MD (Lisa Norwalk & Len Bisson) (8-11 am) FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
F. Saturday, November 2: Dyke Marsh, VA (Paul Pisano) (8-11 am)
G. Sunday, November 10: Hughes Hollow, MD (Lisa Shannon & Rob Hilton) (8-11 am)
H. Saturday, November 23: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC (Lisa Shannon & Rob Hilton) (8-11 am)
Each walk members $26; nonmembers $36
Our fall birding series visits eight protected areas, all under an hour’s drive from D.C., where a variety of habitats — including field, forest, and wetland — provide good opportunities for the observation and identification of birds in autumn. On the earliest walks, we’ll hope to catch some southbound migrants. As the season progresses, we’ll watch for sparrows, raptors, waterfowl, and other birds. These teaching walks are aimed at beginning to mid-level birders, but all are welcome. Most of our explorations will be on natural surface trails that may be uneven or muddy, but some destinations include mild uphill and downhill. REGISTER ONLINE.
Questions? Call Pam at 301-652-9188 x16 or email pam.oves@anshome.org.
Time
Year Around Event (2019)
Event Details
Questions? Call Pam at 301-652-9188 x16 or email pam.oves@anshome.org. OCTOBER For Goodness Snakes Thursday, October 3
Event Details
Questions? Call Pam at 301-652-9188 x16 or email pam.oves@anshome.org.
OCTOBER
For Goodness Snakes
Thursday, October 3 (7-9 pm)
Leader: Kerry Wixted
Free, but registration required.
Snakes are fascinating yet highly misunderstood creatures. Learn the basics about snake biology and why we should care about them, as well as information on several of the species that call Maryland home. From the secretive rainbow snake to the social timber rattlesnake, Maryland’s snake species are highly diverse. Our presenter is Wildlife Education and Outreach Specialist for the MD Dept. of Natural Resources. REGISTER ONLINE.
Fall Fungus Walk
Saturday, October 5 (9 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Serenella Linares
Members $26; nonmembers $36
Fall 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. Our outdoor classroom will be our own Woodend Sanctuary, where the natural surface trails will include some uphill and downhill walking. 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 ONLINE.
On the Move at Cape May
Monday, October 7 (8 am) to Tuesday, October 8 (4 pm)
Optional 3rd day: Wednesday, October 9 (8 am-4 pm)
Leader: Mark Garland
Two-day trip: Members $120; nonmembers $168
Optional 3rd day: $50
Cape May is an astounding place to witness autumn migration. Under the right weather conditions, a single day can bring several thousand southbound hawks, tens of thousands of migrating songbirds, and thousands of Monarch butterflies onto the southern tip of New Jersey. Waterfowl, herons, dragonflies and even bats also travel through Cape May in October. Under the guidance of an expert naturalist and birder who’s a local, we’ll visit many of the diverse natural areas around Cape May and celebrate the rich spectacle of fall migration. Overnight options include hotels, B&B’s, owner rentals, and campgrounds in and around Cape May, which are booked by participants themselves. REGISTER ONLINE.
Midweek Meanders Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
C: October 9 – Violettes Lock FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
D: October 23 – Pennyfield Lock FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
E: November 20 – Widewater FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
F: December 4 – Swain’s Lock FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $25; nonmembers $35
Enjoy one or all of these leisurely autumn walks along portions of the C&O Canal that enjoy less traffic than the towpath stretches close to Washington. 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 C&O Canal. We’ll proceed at a “naturalist’s shuffle” pace, stopping often to observe birds, fall wildflowers and foliage, butterflies, snakes, turtles — and whatever else we might find. Participants interested in carpooling will meet at Woodend. REGISTER ONLINE.
Intro to Tree Identification
Friday, October 11 (10 am-3 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $34; nonmembers $48
Fall is a great time to learn to identify our local trees and shrubs. With brilliant leaves highlighting the twigs, new buds already formed, and many fruits hanging on, there are lots of distinguishing features that help sort out the various species. This program at our Woodend Sanctuary will begin indoors with a look at some techniques of tree identification, coupled with practice using a simple key. We’ll then move outdoors to use our new skills to identify many of the trees growing on the grounds. Both beginners and those who want to brush up on their ID skills are welcome. REGISTER ONLINE.
Fall Birding Series
D. Saturday, October 12: Patuxent River Park/Jug Bay Natural Area, MD (Mark England) (8-11am)
E. Sunday, October 20: Blue Mash Nature Trail, MD (Lisa Norwalk & Len Bisson) (8-11 am)
F. Saturday, November 2: Dyke Marsh, VA (Paul Pisano) (8-11 am)
G. Sunday, November 10: Hughes Hollow, MD (Lisa Shannon & Rob Hilton) (8-11 am)
H. Saturday, November 23: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC (Lisa Shannon & Rob Hilton) (8-11 am)
Each walk members $26; nonmembers $36
Our fall birding series visits eight protected areas, all under an hour’s drive from D.C., where a variety of habitats — including field, forest, and wetland — provide good opportunities for the observation and identification of birds in autumn. On the earliest walks, we’ll hope to catch some southbound migrants. As the season progresses, we’ll watch for sparrows, raptors, waterfowl, and other birds. These teaching walks are aimed at beginning to mid-level birders, but all are welcome. Most of our explorations will be on natural surface trails that may be uneven or muddy, but some destinations include mild uphill and downhill. Image credit: Cephas REGISTER ONLINE.
Natural Heritage Hike: Calvert Cliffs State Park
Sunday, October 13 (10 am-4:30 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $34; nonmembers $48
While most visit Calvert Cliffs State Park for the marine fossils along its Chesapeake Bay Beach, this park in southern Maryland offers rich natural history as well. We’ll hike out to the Bay and back (total of 4 miles) as we explore coastal plain forests, marshland, and stream valley habitats. We’ll look and listen for all manner of fall wildlife activity, as we make stops along the way to study plant communities in their seasonal aspects. The Park charges a per car admission fee. Carpooling will be encouraged and facilitated with a central meeting point not far outside the Beltway. REGISTER ONLINE.
Wonders at Woodend: Forest Bathing through the Seasons
Wednesdays (10 am-Noon)
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.
Native Plant Gardening
Fall Walk: Thursday, October 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.
Fall Birding Series
E. Sunday, October 20: Blue Mash Nature Trail, MD (Lisa Norwalk & Len Bisson) (8-11 am)
F. Saturday, November 2: Dyke Marsh, VA (Paul Pisano) (8-11 am)
G. Sunday, November 10: Hughes Hollow, MD (Lisa Shannon & Rob Hilton) (8-11 am)
H. Saturday, November 23: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC (Lisa Shannon & Rob Hilton) (8-11 am)
Each walk members $26; nonmembers $36
Our fall birding series visits eight protected areas, all under an hour’s drive from D.C., where a variety of habitats — including field, forest, and wetland — provide good opportunities for the observation and identification of birds in autumn. On the earliest walks, we’ll hope to catch some southbound migrants. As the season progresses, we’ll watch for sparrows, raptors, waterfowl, and other birds. These teaching walks are aimed at beginning to mid-level birders, but all are welcome. Most of our explorations will be on natural surface trails that may be uneven or muddy, but some destinations include mild uphill and downhill. REGISTER ONLINE.
Fall in the Parks
Sundays (8:30 am-1 pm)
B. October 20—Pennyfield Lock, C&O Canal, MD
C. November 17—US National Arboretum, DC
Leaders: Stephanie Mason & Cathy Stragar
Each walk: members $28; nonmembers $38
Sign up for one or all of these seasonal, broad-based nature explorations of nearby parks rich in natural history. We’ll walk between 3-4 miles, on natural surface and possibly muddy trails, as we enjoy the development of fall color, late season blooms and butterflies, resident and migrating birds, and all manner of wildlife. The C&O Canal Towpath will be our trail along the Potomac as we walk upriver from Pennyfield Lock, MD, near Potomac, MD. Our explorations in the National Arboretum in Southeast DC will visit the Fern Valley area and adjacent woodlands and prairie habitat plantings. REGISTER ONLINE.
Midweek Meanders Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
D: October 23 – Pennyfield Lock
FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
E: November 20 – Widewater
FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
F: December 4 – Swain’s Lock
FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $25; nonmembers $35
Enjoy one or all of these leisurely autumn walks along portions of the C&O Canal that enjoy less traffic than the towpath stretches close to Washington. 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 C&O Canal. We’ll proceed at a “naturalist’s shuffle” pace, stopping often to observe birds, fall wildflowers and foliage, butterflies, snakes, turtles — and whatever else we might find. Participants interested in carpooling will meet at Woodend. REGISTER ONLINE.
Fall on Wheels Along the Canal
Friday, October 25 (9 am-3 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $34; nonmembers $48
Fall colors are ablaze and the towpath along the Potomac River is one of the finest places in the D.C. Metro area to experience this season’s richness. In order to cover more territory and visit more habitats, we’ll use bikes to explore the stretch from Swain’s Lock to Riley’s Lock, a 12.3 mile round-trip ride. We’ll dismount often to look for fall fruits and admire lingering fall foliage, while keeping an eye and ear open for fall migrants, overwintering birds, and other still-active wildlife. Bring your own bike. REGISTER ONLINE.
Geology of Soapstone Valley
Saturday, October 26 (1-4 pm)
Leader: Joe Marx
Members $26; Nonmembers $36
Soapstone Valley, in the Van Ness section of the District of Columbia, provides a pleasant, surprisingly quiet hike through deep woods. Extending about a mile from Connecticut Avenue to Broad Branch, the valley cuts across no less than four geological formations, all related to the Taconic Orogeny. We will walk about two miles, out-and-back, from the trailhead on Albemarle St. NW, near UDC. Although the trail, an old, unpaved road, is wide and relatively easy, there are seven crossings of the little stream, none with bridges. Ups and downs are gentle, but the trail drops several hundred vertical feet on its way to Broad Branch and, of course, the altitude must be regained on the return. Our geology hikes typically move at a faster pace than our normal naturalists’ shuffle. REGISTER ONLINE.
Walk Among the Giants
D. Sunday, October 27 (8 am-Noon)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
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. REGISTER ONLINE.
Fall Tree ID for Birders
Sunday, October 27 (2:30-4 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Free, but registration required.
With trees ablaze in fall colors and their fruits hanging high, we’ll learn the identifying characteristics visible through binoculars of the most common species of trees and shrubs along the C&O Canal towpath upstream of Carderock. REGISTER ONLINE.
Botanical Gems of Little Bennett Park
Sunday, October 27 (9 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Carole Bergmann
Members $26; Nonmembers: $36
At 3,700 acres, Little Bennett Regional Park near Clarksburg, MD is a park where you can still get lost. But don’t worry: our leader knows this park well. With autumn color nearing peak, she’ll focus on the ID of fall fruits and seeds in the Park’s varied plant communities: mature forest, shrub thicket, riparian wetlands, and open meadows. Expect some uphill and downhill on this hike of 2-3 miles. REGISTER ONLINE.
The Natural and Cultural History of the Ag Reserve
Tuesday, October 29 (9:30 am-4 pm)
Leaders: Melanie Choukas-Bradley & Stephanie Mason
Members $36; nonmembers $54
Thirty-five years ago, with regional farmland rapidly diminishing, Montgomery County had the foresight to set aside more than 90,000 acres of farms and open space in the western and northern third of the county as an “Agricultural Reserve.” Come explore this scenic, biologically diverse area and learn how it contributes to clean air and water, the availability of fresh local produce, and the overall quality of life for residents of the metro area. Our trip will visit a working CSA farm, a fall produce and pumpkin stand, an historical site, and perhaps an artist’s studio, time permitting, to experience the rich diversity of plants and wildlife (and human livelihoods) that thrive in the Reserve’s fields, meadows, wetlands, and rocky woodlands. Image credit: Don Graham REGISTER ONLINE.
Questions? Call Pam at 301-652-9188 x16 or email pam.oves@anshome.org.
Time
Year Around Event (2019)
Event Details
Questions? Call Pam at 301-652-9188 x16 or email pam.oves@anshome.org. NOVEMBER Fall Birding Series F. Saturday, November
Event Details
Questions? Call Pam at 301-652-9188 x16 or email pam.oves@anshome.org.
NOVEMBER
Fall Birding Series
F. Saturday, November 2: Dyke Marsh, VA (Paul Pisano) (8-11 am)
G. Sunday, November 10: Hughes Hollow, MD (Lisa Shannon & Rob Hilton) (8-11 am)
H. Saturday, November 23: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC (Lisa Shannon & Rob Hilton) (8-11 am)
Each walk members $26; nonmembers $36
Our fall birding series visits eight protected areas, all under an hour’s drive from D.C., where a variety of habitats — including field, forest, and wetland — provide good opportunities for the observation and identification of birds in autumn. On the earliest walks, we’ll hope to catch some southbound migrants. As the season progresses, we’ll watch for sparrows, raptors, waterfowl, and other birds. These teaching walks are aimed at beginning to mid-level birders, but all are welcome. Most of our explorations will be on natural surface trails that may be uneven or muddy, but some destinations include mild uphill and downhill. REGISTER ONLINE.
Fall Birding Series
G. Sunday, November 10: Hughes Hollow, MD (Lisa Shannon & Rob Hilton) (8-11 am)
H. Saturday, November 23: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC (Lisa Shannon & Rob Hilton) (8-11 am)
Each walk members $26; nonmembers $36
Our fall birding series visits eight protected areas, all under an hour’s drive from D.C., where a variety of habitats — including field, forest, and wetland — provide good opportunities for the observation and identification of birds in autumn. On the earliest walks, we’ll hope to catch some southbound migrants. As the season progresses, we’ll watch for sparrows, raptors, waterfowl, and other birds. These teaching walks are aimed at beginning to mid-level birders, but all are welcome. Most of our explorations will be on natural surface trails that may be uneven or muddy, but some destinations include mild uphill and downhill. REGISTER ONLINE.
Fall in the Parks
Sundays (8:30 am-1 pm)
C. November 17 – US National Arboretum, DC
Leaders: Stephanie Mason & Cathy Stragar
Each walk: members $28; nonmembers $38
Sign up for one or all of these seasonal, broad-based nature explorations of nearby parks rich in natural history. We’ll walk between 3-4 miles, on natural surface and possibly muddy trails, as we enjoy the development of fall color, late season blooms and butterflies, resident and migrating birds, and all manner of wildlife. Our explorations in the National Arboretum in Southeast DC will visit the Fern Valley area and adjacent woodlands and prairie habitat plantings. Image credit: Megan McCarty REGISTER ONLINE.
Midweek Meanders Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
E: November 20 – Widewater FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
F: December 4 – Swain’s Lock FULL – REGISTER FOR WAITLIST ONLINE
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $25; nonmembers $35
Enjoy one or all of these leisurely autumn walks along portions of the C&O Canal that enjoy less traffic than the towpath stretches close to Washington. 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 C&O Canal. We’ll proceed at a “naturalist’s shuffle” pace, stopping often to observe birds, fall wildflowers and foliage, butterflies, snakes, turtles — and whatever else we might find. Participants interested in carpooling will meet at Woodend. REGISTER ONLINE.
Fall Birding Series
H. Saturday, November 23: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC (Lisa Shannon & Rob Hilton) (8-11 am)
Members $26; nonmembers $36
Our fall birding series visits eight protected areas, all under an hour’s drive from D.C., where a variety of habitats — including field, forest, and wetland — provide good opportunities for the observation and identification of birds in autumn. On the earliest walks, we’ll hope to catch some southbound migrants. As the season progresses, we’ll watch for sparrows, raptors, waterfowl, and other birds. These teaching walks are aimed at beginning to mid-level birders, but all are welcome. Most of our explorations will be on natural surface trails that may be uneven or muddy, but some destinations include mild uphill and downhill. REGISTER ONLINE.
Questions? Call Pam at 301-652-9188 x16 or email pam.oves@anshome.org.
Time
Year Around Event (2019)
Continuing Education / NHFS
july
Event Details
Fulfill your dream of becoming a naturalist! Our Natural History Field Studies courses, offered quarterly on a rotating basis, provide a unique opportunity to learn natural science from experts while exploring
Event Details
Fulfill your dream of becoming a naturalist!
Our Natural History Field Studies courses, offered quarterly on a rotating basis, provide a unique opportunity to learn natural science from experts while exploring the ecosystems of the Central Atlantic region. Intended for the lay person and taught at the college freshman level, these evening courses are open to anyone at least 18 years old. Individual courses are useful to professional and amateurs alike in acquiring knowledge of specific subject matter and enhancing enjoyment of the out-of-doors.
The Natural History Field Studies curriculum has been designed to provide participants with a comprehensive and stimulating overview of the regions natural history and conservation issues with an emphasis on learning in the field. A Certificate of Accomplishment is awarded for completion of a required curriculum of 39 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) taken in five subject areas.
SUMMARY OF REQUIRED COURSES
Classes are offered at the Audubon Naturalist Society’s Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, MD, and the metro-accessible Capital Gallery (L’Enfant Plaza stop) in downtown DC. The Natural History Field Studies program is cosponsored by the Audubon Naturalist Society and the Graduate School USA.
Time
Year Around Event (2019)
Event Details
July 8 – September 16, 2019 Insect Life NATH7130E, 3 CEUs Class day and time: Tuesdays, 6:30–8:30 pm Class duration: July 9-September 10 Field trip dates: July
Event Details
July 8 – September 16, 2019
Insect Life
NATH7130E, 3 CEUs
Class day and time: Tuesdays, 6:30–8:30 pm
Class duration: July 9-September 10
Field trip dates: July 14, July 28, and August 10 (in the evening)
Location: Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD
Tuition: $365
Instructor: Cathy Stragar
REGISTER ONLINE
Learn to identify insects and discover their roles in the balance of nature. Study their life histories, the ecologies of important insect forms, the necessity of insects in biotic communities and principal insect families of the Central Atlantic region. If minimum student enrollment is not reached by one week before the scheduled start date, the course may be canceled.
Required text: National Wildlife Federation’s Field Guide to Insects and Spiders of North America by Art Evans, Sterling Publishing, New York. 2007.
Strongly recommended for field work: Field Guide to the Insects by Eric R. Eaton and Kenn Kaufman. 2006
Summer Wildflower Identification
NATH7149E, 1.5 CEUs
Class day and time: Wednesdays ,7:00–9:00 pm
Class duration: July 17-August 14
Field trip dates: July 27 and August 10
Location: Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD
Tuition: $269
Instructor: Sujata Roy
REGISTER ONLINE
From milkweeds and morning glories to orchids and asters, summer presents a diverse array of wildflowers for study of plant family characteristics and ways to identify different species. Field trips to two scenic locations for summer wildflowers provide an opportunity for practice in the use of identification guides. Previous Spring Flower Identification class or similar course is recommended but not required. If minimum student enrollment is not reached by one week before the scheduled start date, the course may be canceled.
Required text: Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide by Newcomb, Lawrence, and Morrison, Gordon. Little, Brown and Company. ISBN-10: 0316604429, ISBN-13: 978-0316604420 (any edition acceptable)
Wetland Ecosystems
NATH8211E, 3 CEUs
Class day and time: Mondays, 6–8 pm
Class duration: July 8 – September 16
Field trip dates: July 13 , 20 , and 27
Location: Capital Gallery, DC (L’Enfant Metro)
Tuition: $365
Instructor: Terry McTigue
REGISTER ONLINE
The National Capital area harbors a rich variety of wetlands, ranging from bogs to tidal marshes. Become familiar with the landscape and ecological processes that form wetlands and how to identify the plants and animals commonly found in wetlands. Gain an understanding of wetland conservation, including wetland restoration, and policy. If minimum student enrollment is not reached by one week before the scheduled start date, the course may be canceled.
Required text: In Search of Swampland: A Wetland Sourcebook and Field Guide (Paperback) by Ralph W. Tiner, 2009. Rutgers University Press; 2 Rev Exp edition (September 22, 2005).
Time
Year Around Event (2019)
Event Details
September 30 – December 16, 2019 Chesapeake Bay Ecosystems NATH8216E, 3 CEUs Class night and time: Mondays, 6 - 8 pm Class meetings:
Event Details
September 30 – December 16, 2019
Chesapeake Bay Ecosystems
NATH8216E, 3 CEUs
Class night and time: Mondays, 6 – 8 pm
Class meetings: September 30 – December 16, 2019
Field trip dates: October 12 and 19, 2019
Location: Capital Gallery, Washington DC (L’Enfant Metro)
Tuition: $365
Instructor: Terry McTigue
REGISTER ONLINE
Discover the dynamic nature of the estuarine environment through study of the interaction between basic physical, chemical and biological processes in the Chesapeake Bay. Explore biological and geochemical cycles and discuss the interaction between nutrients and overall productivity affecting the health of the Bay. Examine the effects of pollution and resources management and the processes that influence temperature and salinity distributions. (Students split the cost of the day-long boat ride, usually about $50.) Image Credit: Jennifer Schmidt
If minimum student enrollment is not reached by one week before the scheduled start date, the course may be canceled.
Fall Woody Plant Identification
NATH7120E, 1.5 CEUs
Class night and time: Mondays, 7 – 9 pm
Class meetings: October 7 – November 4, 2019
Field trip dates: October 12 and October 26, 2019
Location: Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD
Tuition: $269
Instructor: Elizabeth Rives
REGISTER ONLINE – Coming soon
Autumn’s glory is created by the colorful changing leaves of trees and shrubs, so fall is the ideal time to study woody plant field identification. In this mini-course, participants study the principal techniques for identifying woody plants found in the Central Atlantic’s forest communities. Field trips feature the use of recognition characteristics and botanical keys to identify many local woody plants. Students should have a 10x hand lens. There will be no class October 14. Image Credit: Mariana Sevilla. If minimum student enrollment is not reached by one week before the scheduled start date, the course may be canceled.
Chemistry for Naturalists
NATH7129E, 3 CEUs
Class night and time: Tuesdays, 6 – 9 pm
Class meetings: October 1 – December 3, 2019
Field trip date: November 23, 2019
Location: Capital Gallery, Washington DC (L’Enfant Metro)
Tuition: $365
Instructor: Joe Marx
REGISTER ONLINE
Study the basic chemical principles that operate in natural environments. Learn to recognize the evidence of chemical processes in a landscape. By adding basic chemistry to the study and interpretation of local ecology, learn to form rudimentary but accurate models of the principal chemical processes in the environment. The course is completely descriptive, does not involve mathematics or homework problems, and is suitable for both field studies and horticulture. There will be no class on November 26. If minimum student enrollment is not reached by one week before the scheduled start date, the course may be canceled.
Wildlife Ecology
NATH8265E, 3 CEUs
Class night and time: Tuesdays, 6-8 pm
Class meetings: October 1 – December 3, 2019
Field trip dates: October 19 (Huntley Meadows Park), October 26 (Patuxent Wildlife Research Center), and November 9 (Mason Neck NWR)
Location: Capital Gallery, DC (L’Enfant Metro)
Tuition: $365
Instructor: Sally Valdes
REGISTER ONLINE
Gain an understanding of wildlife techniques and theory, including the basics of life history, identification, population and community ecology, habitat management, and animal behavior. Learn how institutional missions and federal laws influence wildlife and habitat conservation, and how humans affect and are affected by wildlife in rural, suburban, and urban environments of the Mid-Atlantic region. Pressing concerns about invasive species, the effects of climate change on wildlife, and the loss and degradation of habitats will also be discussed. A field trip fee of $10 will be collected in class. Previous courses such as Biology for Naturalists (NATH1110E) and Intro. to Ecology (NATH1160E), or equivalent, are recommended. If minimum student enrollment is not reached by one week before the scheduled start date, the course may be canceled.
Eastern Forest Ecosystems
NATH8215E, 3 CEUs
Class night and time: Wednesdays, 6 – 9 pm
Class meetings: October 2 – December 4, 2019
Field trip dates: October 5, October 19, November 2, 2019
Location: Capital Gallery, Washington DC (L’Enfant Metro)
Tuition: $365
Instructors: Joe Marx and Stephanie Mason
REGISTER ONLINE
The native vegetation in most of the Mid-Atlantic region is temperate deciduous forest. In the lecture portion of this course, we will learn how history, geography, evolution, climate, bedrock and soil determine the nature of our woodlands. We will then look at the various types of organism that populate our forest ecosystems and study how webs of matter and energy bind them together. The final lectures will discuss patterns of short-term and long-term change within the Eastern forest. Three full-day field trips–to Appalachian, Piedmont and Coastal Plain locales–will provide hands-on experience with some of the plant and animal species that characterize the major forest communities of our area. There will be no class on Nov. 27. If minimum student enrollment is not reached by one week before the scheduled start date, the course may be canceled.
Weather and Climate
NATH7140E, 3 CEUs
Class night and time: Thursdays, 6 – 8:30 pm
Class meetings: October 3 – December 5, 2019
Field trip dates: TBA
Location: Capital Gallery, Washington DC (L’Enfant Metro)
Tuition: $365
Instructor: Sean Potter
REGISTER ONLINE
This course explores fundamental concepts related to weather and climate. Students will learn the physical processes that make up Earth’s atmosphere and drive local, regional and global circulation and weather patterns. Topics include weather map analysis and forecasting, weather satellite imagery, clouds and cloud development, and severe storms and hurricanes. Other relevant topics, such as El Niño and global climate change, will also be discussed. If minimum student enrollment is not reached by one week before the scheduled start date, the course may be canceled.
Time
Year Around Event (2019)
Nature Travel
august
16aug - 25All DayOregon: Columbia River Gorge to the Scenic Coast
Event Details
August 16-25, 2019 Leader: Mark Garland and Tom Reed Search for birds and enjoy natural history in a diverse set of habitats on
Event Details
August 16-25, 2019
Leader: Mark Garland and Tom Reed
Search for birds and enjoy natural history in a diverse set of habitats on our new Oregon itinerary. We’ll visit the scenic Columbia River Gorge on our way to Bend, a pleasant town along the Deschutes River at the eastern foot of the Cascades. Here we’ll explore the sagebrush steppe of the high desert, the riparian corridor along the river, and montane forests and meadows of the Cascade Mountains. We then head to Newport along the scenic Oregon coast, searching for birds and marine mammals, A leisurely drive north along the coast takes us back to Portland, where the trip concludes. Please contact Carol Hayes for more information at carol.hayes@ANShome.org or 301-652-9188 x10. Image credit: Tiger 365
Time
august 16 (Friday) - 25 (Sunday)
november
1nov - 11All DayTanzania: East African Wildlands and Wildlife
Event Details
November 1-11, 2019 Optional Extension November 10-14 Leaders: Stephanie Mason and local guides Our Senior Naturalist can't stop talking about the sights
Event Details
November 1-11, 2019
Optional Extension November 10-14
Leaders: Stephanie Mason and local guides
Our Senior Naturalist can’t stop talking about the sights and sounds she experienced on a wildlife safari to Tanzania late last year. From giraffes to bee-eaters, from leopards to hornbills, an amazing assortment of animals were encountered and photographed in their natural environments. Planning is nearly completed for an ANS trip to this stable East African nation with visits to the renowned Ngorongoro Crater and vast Serengeti grasslands. This trip is currently full, but we’re happy to send you a link to the trip information packet– and add you name to a waiting list. Contact carol.hayes@anshome.org.
Time
november 1 (Friday) - 11 (Monday)
february
7feb - 18All DayCosta Rica: A Trove of Tropical Birds—and Much More
Event Details
February 7-18, 2020; optional extension February 18-21 Leaders: Stephanie Mason and Carlos “Charlie” Gomez Our Senior Naturalist is already looking forward to her
Event Details
February 7-18, 2020; optional extension February 18-21
Leaders: Stephanie Mason and Carlos “Charlie” Gomez
Our Senior Naturalist is already looking forward to her 21st year of co-leading an ANS trip with Costa Rican birder and naturalist extraordinaire Charlie Gomez. Considered a top ecotourism destination, the tropical wonderland of Costa Rica harbors a rich diversity of plants and animals. Our 2020 trip explores Caribbean lowland rain forest, cool mountain highlands, southern Pacific foothills and coastline, and other wildlands. Expect toucans, trogons, tanagers, tropical butterflies, monkeys, and more. Contact Carol at carol.hayes@ ANShome.org or 301-652-9188 x10 to receive the registration packet when it is available. Image credit: Mark Garland
Time
february 7 (Friday) - 18 (Tuesday)
29feb - 6marAll DayMexico: Winter Roosts of the Monarch Butterflies
Event Details
February 29-March 6, 2020 Optional pre-trip extension February 26-29 Leaders: Mark Garland & Local Guides Many millions of monarch butterflies migrate each autumn from
Event Details
February 29-March 6, 2020
Optional pre-trip extension February 26-29
Leaders: Mark Garland & Local Guides
Many millions of monarch butterflies migrate each autumn from temperate North America to a handful of mountain forest groves in Mexico’s Transvolcanic Mountain Range, roughly 100 miles west of Mexico City. It’s truly one of the world’s greatest migratory spectacles, and astoundingly, most of these millions of butterflies cluster together all winter in areas of just a couple of acres or less. This new ANS travel program features visits to the three sites that typically have the greatest numbers of wintering monarchs. While our primary goal is to marvel at these astounding concentrations and to learn about monarch biology, there will also be time to explore other elements of natural and human history. The optional extension is designed for those who would like to explore the cultural wonders in and around Mexico City. Please note that this trip is considered strenuous. Image credit: Mark Garland
Itinerary| Cost Sheet| Registration
Time
February 29 (Saturday) - March 6 (Friday)
Water Quality Monitoring
july
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.
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 our Maryland Biological Stream Survey-certified instructor Cathy Wiss.
Registration & Fee Information
Registration required: click here to register online. The classes are open to anyone 10 years and older. Except for Macro ID Review & Quiz, prices for all classes are $15 Members/$25 non-members; waivers are available for existing monitors and students earning SSL credit—email cathy.wiss@anshome.org for details.
Introduction to Stream Science Series*
Classroom Session
Healthy Stream Biology
Section D: Wednesday, September 18 (7-9:30 pm)
Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD
In the classroom, we will explore how “benthic macroinvertebrates” – organisms that live in the bottom of streams – help us assess a stream’s health. We will learn how to identify these organisms to the taxonomic level of order through a PowerPoint presentation and by examining preserved specimens through a hands-on session with microscopes. REGISTER ONLINE.
Field Workshop
Section C: Sunday, September 22 (1:30-4 pm)
Ten Mile Creek, Boyds, MD
In the field workshop, we will visit a healthy stream to practice monitoring techniques and to collect and identify the benthic macroinvertebrates we find. REGISTER ONLINE.
How to Read Your Stream*
Wednesday, October 2 (7-9:30 pm)
Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD
Learn about the influence of land uses on streams, stream character and dynamics, bank erosion, bar formation, substrate composition, different velocity-depth regimes, and the importance of riffles and riparian vegetation. We will practice assessing stream habitat by using photographs of streams and the forms that monitors fill out in the field. This class is recommended for anyone who plans to participate in the ANS water quality monitoring program and is a good refresher on habitat assessment for experienced monitors. REGISTER ONLINE.
Advanced Series: Aquatic Insect Family ID** NONE AT THIS TIME
Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD (7-9:30 pm)
A: Beetles, Megaloptera & Water Bugs
B: Caddisflies & Aquatic Moths
C: Dragonflies, Damselflies & True Flies
D: Mayflies
E: Stoneflies & Review
Learn how to identify aquatic insects to the taxonomic level of family through this series of five classes. Identification to family level greatly enhances our understanding of stream ecology and the power of our monitoring data. These classes are great for fly fishermen, citizen science program or team leaders, aquatic resource biologists, and anyone interested in monitoring and understanding stream health. REGISTER ONLINE.
Aquatic Insect ID Review & Quiz ** NONE AT THIS TIME
Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD (No fee)
Time to separate the mayflies from the stoneflies! Those who wish to be certified to identify macroinvertebrates in the field in ANS’ program must demonstrate their ability annually by taking a quiz using preserved specimens. Those who do not take the quiz may still be assigned to a monitoring team to assist with data collection and other field logistics, but only those who have taken and passed the quiz will identify macroinvertebrates for data recording. REGISTER ONLINE.
Know Your Invasive Plants
Woodend Sanctuary (Teale), Chevy Chase, MD
Saturday, September 14 (9:30 am-noon)
Invasive plants that kill or bring down mature trees can seriously alter stream health and ecosystem function. Volunteer Master Naturalist Diyan Rahaman will help you identify non-native invasive plants at Woodend and in nearby Rock Creek Park. An ANS/Rock Creek
Conservancy Partnership. REGISTER ONLINE.
*Recommended for anyone who plans to participate in the ANS Water Quality Monitoring Program
**Required for ANS Water Quality Monitoring Program team leaders
Time
Year Around Event (2019)
Conservation Café
august
Event Details
Enjoy a fun evening, learn about conservation topics, and support ANS! Join us in the mansion library for coffee and dessert while enjoying inspiring presentations on a variety of nature conservation
Event Details
Enjoy a fun evening, learn about conservation topics, and support ANS!
Join us in the mansion library for coffee and dessert while enjoying inspiring presentations on a variety of nature conservation topics. Click the link for each event below to see more information and register. All spring 2019 events are at Woodend Nature Sanctuary, from 7-8:30 pm.
Your $15 registration fee goes to support our ANS Conservation Program!
Upcoming events:
Thursday, April 25: The Land of Woodend: Movie Premiere. Learn about the surprises and delights of an inherited place that’s on the brink of its most gorgeous days.
Thursday, May 9: Using the Law to Protect Our Environment: A talk with Clean Water Action Maryland Program Coordinator Emily Ranson.
Thursday, June 6: Magic of the Ocean: Join Magician and Biologist Jason Goldberg for a unique celebration of National Ocean Month. This special Conservation Cafe is kid-friendly for ages 10 & up, kids $5 each. Bring the whole family!
Time
Year Around Event (2019)
Location
Woodend Nature Sanctuary
8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
Master Naturalist
july
Event Details
Master Naturalist Training at Woodend The Audubon Naturalist Society is pleased to partner with UMD Extension to offer Maryland Master Naturalist training. This program
Event Details
Master Naturalist Training at Woodend
The Audubon Naturalist Society is pleased to partner with UMD Extension to offer Maryland Master Naturalist training. This program engages citizens as stewards of Maryland’s ecosystems through science-based education and volunteer service. ANS’s top-notch instructors will provide:
- 52 hours of training in the ecology, flora, and fauna of Maryland
- 8 hours of hands-on field work
- A focus on the natural history of Maryland’s Piedmont region
Master Naturalist graduates commit 40 hours of volunteer service annually to support our education programs, stewardship of Woodend habitat, and conservation outreach.
DATES: Mondays and Wednesdays, September 17-November 12, 2018, 10 am-3 pm
To be admitted to a training course, you must be at least 18 years old, submit an application, and be interviewed. There is a $250 fee paid to UMD Extension for the cost of materials.
- Application period will open May 15, 2018 and deadline is July 15, 2018.
- Candidates will be notified of their admissions status by August 15, 2018.
For questions, contact Volunteer Coordinator Mitch Greene at mitch.greene@anshome.org or 301-652-9188 x20.
Current volunteers, update your contact information and track your volunteer service by logging into the ANS Volunteer Information Center:
Time
Year Around Event (2019)
Free Birding Trips
july
Event Details
Directions JULY Saturday, July 6 Pennyfield in the Summer Half day. In addition to resident songbirds, we’ll look for common dragonflies and damselflies and listen for frogs
Event Details
Directions
JULY
Saturday, July 6
Pennyfield in the Summer
Half day. In addition to resident songbirds, we’ll look for common dragonflies and damselflies and listen for frogs calling and other sounds of summer. Meet time/place: 7:30 am at Pennyfield Lock on the C&O Canal. Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton will lead. For more information, contact Lisa at lpshannon@gmail.com (10-person limit). Register online.
Saturday, July 20
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Delaware
Full day at Bombay Hook. Joint trip with Montgomery Bird Club. Shorebirds, marshbirds, and some songbirds. Bring sunscreen, hat, bug repellant, lunch, snacks, and lots of water. Meet time/place: 8:30 am at Bombay Hook Visitor Center parking lot. Paul Pisano and Cyndie Loeper will co-lead. For more information, contact Paul at cheep@allealle.com (15-person limit). Register online.
Wednesday, July 31
Woodbridge/Occoquan Bay NWR, VA
Half day. Songbirds, waterfowl, eagles, and other raptors. Meet time/place: 7:30 am inside the refuge at central parking lot. Register online (6-adult limit). For more info, contact leader Jim Waggener at 703-567-3555.
AUGUST
Sunday, August 25
Huntley Meadows “Hike/Bike” Trail, Fairfax County, VA
Half day. Summer resident songbirds and early migrants. Meet time/ place: 8 am at parking lot at 6901 S. Kings Hwy., Alexandria, VA. Paved path with off-trail options requiring additional precautions. For more information, contact the leader, Ben Jesup, at benbreep@gmail.com (12-person limit). Register online.
Wednesday, August 28
Woodbridge/Occoquan Bay NWR, VA
Half day. Songbirds, waterfowl, eagles, and other raptors. Meet time/place: 7:30 am inside the refuge at central parking lot. Register online (6-adult limit). For more info, contact leader Jim Waggener at 703-567-3555.
SEPTEMBER
Sunday, September 1
Sycamore Landing and Hughes Hollow, MD
Half day. Early migrant songbirds; some raptors, waterfowl, and migrating butterflies. Meet time/place: 8 am at the Sycamore Landing parking lot by the C&O Canal. Easy walking trail. For more information, contact the leader, Tony Futcher, at 301-422-3927 or tonyfutcher1@verizon.net. Register online.
Saturday, September 7
Patuxent River Park, Jug Bay Natural Area, Prince George’s Co., MD
Half day. Joint trip with Montgomery Bird Club. Three-hour pontoon boat trip on the Patuxent followed by trail walk. Search for sora, also migrant and resident songbirds and waterbirds. Meet time/place: 7 am at the park entrance gate. Bring fee of $7 per person for park program; boat trip can be cool and a bit damp. Leaders: Greg Kearns and Karen Fairweather. For more information, contact Marta Wagner at wagmara@yahoo.com (20-person limit). Register online.
Saturday, September 21
Snickers Gap Hawkwatch (between Bluemont & Berryville, VA)
Two-thirds day. Joint trip with Montgomery Bird Club. Peak time for Broad-winged Hawks. Meet time/place: 10 am at the commuter lot at VA 7 and VA 601. Joan Boudreau and Bob Abrams will lead. Bring scopes, tripods, chairs, and packed lunch. For more information, contact the leaders at icepeep@aol.com or 703-282- 9495 (cell). Register online.
Wednesday, September 25
Woodbridge/Occoquan Bay NWR, VA
Half day. Songbirds, waterfowl, eagles, and other raptors. Meet time/place: 7:30 am inside the refuge at central parking lot. Register online (6-adult limit). For more info, contact leader Jim Waggener at 703-567-3555.
Time
Year Around Event (2019)
Beginner Bird Walks
july
Beginner Bird Walks at Woodend
Event Details
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
Event Details
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 8-9 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 (2019)
Location
Woodend Nature Sanctuary
8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA