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

OCTOBER

Late Season Wildflowers
Saturday, October 6 (8:30 am-Noon)
Leader: Sujata Roy
Members $24; nonmembers $34
Join our outing to the wetlands of Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, VA, to search for the last blooms of the season in the rich marsh habitats there. Plants will be our primary focus, we’ll also keep our eyes and ears open for wildlife, including still-active turtles, frogs, butterflies, and other wildlife. Flat walking conditions predominate, but forest trails may be muddy. Image credit: Fritz Flohr Reynolds  REGISTER ONLINE.

Fall Birding Series
C. Sunday, October 7: Paint Branch Trail, MD (Mark England) (7:30-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
D. Saturday, October 13: Dyke Marsh, VA (Mike Bowen) (8-11 am) WAITLIST OPEN
E. Saturday, October 20: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC (John Mike Bowen) (8-11 am)
F. Sunday, October 28: Hughes Hollow, MD (Lisa Shannon & Rob Hilton) (8-11 am) WAITLIST OPEN
G. Saturday, November 3: U.S. National Arboretum, DC (Paul Pisano) (8-11 am)
H. Sunday, November 11: Pennyfield Lock, MD (Lisa Norwalk & Len Bisson) (8-11 am) WAITLIST OPEN
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.

Midweek Meanders Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
C: October 10 – Violettes Lock WAITLIST OPEN
D: October 24 – Pennyfield Lock WAITLIST OPEN
E: November 14 – Widewater WAITLIST OPEN
F: November 28 – Swain’s Lock WAITLIST OPEN
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 12 (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 13: Dyke Marsh, VA (Mike Bowen) (8-11 am) WAITLIST OPEN
E. Saturday, October 20: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC (Mike Bowen) (8-11 am)
F. Sunday, October 28: Hughes Hollow, MD (Lisa Shannon & Rob Hilton) (8-11 am) WAITLIST OPEN
G. Saturday, November 3: U.S. National Arboretum, DC (Paul Pisano) (8-11 am)
H. Sunday, November 11: Pennyfield Lock, MD (Lisa Norwalk & Len Bisson) (8-11 am) WAITLIST OPEN
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 Along the Water
B. Sunday, October 14 (9 am-3 pm): Occoquan Bay NWR, VA
C. Saturday, November 10 (9 am-3 pm): White’s Ferry, MD
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $34; nonmembers $48
Join our Senior Naturalist for this series of field trips tracking the unfolding of fall along local waterways rich in natural history. We’ll enjoy the changing fall colors as we search for late-season blooms and fruits; migrant birds, butterflies, and dragonflies; and other still-active wildlife. On our first walk, we head to the shores of the Patuxent River in PG County to visit Jug Bay Natural Area. Next we explore the open, grassland habitats along Belmont and Occoquan Bays near Woodbridge, VA. Finally, we’ll head up the Potomac to White’s Ferry and stroll along the C&O Canal on our final walk, enjoying the peak of fall color. We’ll cover between 2-4 miles on each outing. REGISTER ONLINE.

Natural Heritage Weekend: Cape May
Monday, October 15 (8 am) to Tuesday, October 16 (4 pm)
Leader: Mark Garland
Members $120; nonmembers $168
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 over 100,000 monarch butterflies onto the southern tip of New Jersey. Waterfowl, herons, egrets, dragonflies, and even bats travel through Cape May in October. We’ll visit many of the diverse natural areas around Cape May and celebrate the rich spectacle of migration. Overnight options include motels, B&Bs, and campgrounds in and around Cape May, which are booked by participants themselves. Image credit: Derek Ramsey  REGISTER ONLINE.

Fall Flora Fridays
Fridays (10 am-12:30 pm)
B: October 19: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC
C. November 9: Widewater/C&O Canal, MD
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $25; nonmembers $35
On our Fall Flora Fridays, we’ll enjoy the area’s rich diversity of plant life during this season of lingering blooms, ripening fruits, and changing color. Although aimed at beginning to mid-level plant enthusiasts, all are welcome. On each field trip, we may walk up to 2 miles at a stop-and-go pace on natural surface trails. Trip A will include some uphill/downhill walking. REGISTER ONLINE.

Geology of Cabin John Hike
Saturday, October 20 (1-5 pm)
Leader: Joe Marx
Members $26; nonmembers $36
Montgomery County’s Cabin John Creek flows about 11 miles from Rockville south to the Potomac. A fine example of a Fall Zone stream, it drops about 350 feet from its headwaters in the Piedmont upland to its mouth within the Potomac Gorge. Beginning our trip at C&O Canal Lock 8, off the Clara Barton Parkway, we’ll hike about a mile down the Towpath to the mouth of the creek, then a mile or so up the Cabin John Trail. This stretch of the creek provides excellent access to bedrock exposures and stream features. Along the way, we will cross the Union Arch Bridge, which carries MacArthur Boulevard and the Washington Aqueduct across the creek. Trails will be unpaved but relatively-well maintained, with a fairly gentle grade except for a notably steep hill near the Potomac. Here, you must be able to hike up and down a rocky slope of about 100 feet. Our out-and-back hike will total about 4 miles. Note: The pace set and distance covered on this hike will be faster and farther than our usual “naturalist’s shuffle” field trips. REGISTER ONLINE.

Fall Birding Series
E. Saturday, October 20: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC (Mike Bowen) (8-11 am)
F. Sunday, October 28: Hughes Hollow, MD (Lisa Shannon & Rob Hilton) (8-11 am) WAITLIST OPEN
G. Saturday, November 3: U.S. National Arboretum, DC (Paul Pisano) (8-11 am)
H. Sunday, November 11: Pennyfield Lock, MD (Lisa Norwalk & Len Bisson) (8-11 am) WAITLIST OPEN
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 Fungus Walk
Sunday, October 21 (2-4:30 pm)
Leader: Tovi Lehmann
Members $24; nonmembers $34
Fall is a great time to learn to ID some of the most common families of fungi and their role in the ecosystem. At a local natural area, we’ll explore the natural history of our fungal neighbors. Our leader will choose a field trip site, most likely based on his scouting closer to the date of the program. Note: this outing will focus on natural history of fungi species, not their edibility. Image credit: Jonathan Sadlowe  REGISTER ONLINE.

Botanical Gems in Montgomery County: Black Hill Regional Park
Sunday, October 21 (9 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Carole Bergmann
Members $26; nonmembers $36
Designated one of Montgomery Parks Best Natural Areas, Black Hill Regional Park near Boyds offers plant enthusiasts a number of special habitats to explore. The county’s forest ecologist will lead us on a loop hike (between 2-3 miles) to visit some of these, such as: lakeside; early succession meadows; high-quality, chestnut oak-dominated forests; mixed oak forests; and tulip tree-dominated forests. We’ll ID plants along the way, focusing on their seasonal aspects and ecological niches. REGISTER ONLINE.

Midweek Meanders Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
D: October 24 – Pennyfield Lock WAITLIST OPEN
E: November 14 – Widewater WAITLIST OPEN
F: November 28 – Swain’s Lock WAITLIST OPEN
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.

Native Plant Gardening for Homeowners  
Fall Walk: Thursday, October 26 (10 am-Noon)
Winter Walk: Wednesday, January 16 (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 HERE

The Natural and Cultural History of the Ag Reserve
Friday, October 26 (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. We’ll begin and end the tour in some of the beautiful parkland along its borders: Seneca Creek State Park and Dickerson Conservation Park, site of an American sycamore, officially the largest known tree in MD. REGISTER ONLINE.

Morning on a Monadnock
Sunday, October 28 (9 am-1 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $28; nonmembers $38
Join our Senior Naturalist for a seasonal nature hike on Sugarloaf Mountain, our local monadnock. We’ll explore the preserve’s botanical riches while keeping our eyes and ears open for activity of still-active wildlife, including birds and mammals. Fall color should be ideal and the late-flowering witch hazel shrub should be coming into bloom. Our hike will include some uphill and downhill as we cover 2-2.5 miles at a leisurely pace. Note: the mountain’s trails will be rocky, uneven, and possibly muddy/slippery given the time of year. REGISTER ONLINE.

Fall Tree ID for Birders DATE CHANGED TO SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4
Sunday, October 28 (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.

Fall Birding Series
F. Sunday, October 28: Hughes Hollow, MD (Lisa Shannon & Rob Hilton) (8-11 am) WAITLIST OPEN
G. Saturday, November 3: U.S. National Arboretum, DC (Paul Pisano) (8-11 am)
H. Sunday, November 11: Pennyfield Lock, MD (Lisa Norwalk & Len Bisson) (8-11 am) WAITLIST OPEN
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.

0Questions? Call Pam at 301-652-9188 x16 or email pam.oves@anshome.org.

NOVEMBER

Fall on Wheels Along the Canal
Friday, November 2 (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. Image credit:  Peter K Burian  REGISTER ONLINE.

Fall Birding Series
G. Saturday, November 3: U.S. National Arboretum, DC (Paul Pisano) (8-11 am)
H. Sunday, November 11: Pennyfield Lock, MD (Lisa Norwalk & Len Bisson) (8-11 am) WAITLIST OPEN
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.

A Year in Rock Creek Park
D: Fall Nature Hike in Rock Creek Park
Saturday, November 3 (9:30 am-3:30 pm)
Members $34; nonmembers $42
Melanie Choukas-Bradley, author of the award-winning book, A Year in Rock Creek Park and the critically acclaimed, City of Trees, will offer her twelfth year of popular nature walks for ANS in the country’s oldest urban national park, created in 1890.  Autumn will find us hiking the Western Ridge and Valley Trails during peak fall foliage and fruiting season, stopping to study and admire oaks, maples, hickories and many other trees along the route. The Boundary Bridge Walks will cover a 2.5 mile loop on natural surface trails with moderate uphill and downhill. The Fall Hike will traverse 4-6 miles, with uphill and downhill on natural surface trails which may be rocky and uneven. Image credit: Dcrjsr  REGISTER HERE

Fall Tree ID for Birders
Sunday, November 4 (2:30-4 pm) DATE CHANGED FROM 10/28
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.

A Year at Theodore Roosevelt Island
C: Autumn Tree Walk on Theodore Roosevelt Island, Wednesday, November 7 (10 am-2 pm)
D: Late Autumn Tree Walk on Theodore Roosevelt Island, Wednesday, December 5 (10 am-2 pm)
Each walk: members $28; nonmembers $38
Join Melanie Choukas-Bradley, author of A Year in Rock Creek Park and City of Trees, for a year-long exploration of Theodore Roosevelt Island, a 90-acre island in the Potomac that serves as a fitting memorial to our conservationist and naturalist 26th  president—and Audubon Naturalist Society member!  Our fall tree walks will take us deep into the swamp and tidal inlet along the boardwalk where willows, bald-cypresses and cattails frame views of the city behind it. Melanie will share details of the island’s fascinating history during this year-long exploration and we’ll witness the ebb and flow of the Potomac tides along with the changing seasons. Fee for trip B does not include canoe or kayak rental. REGISTER HERE

Fall Flora Fridays
Fridays (10 am-12:30 pm)
C. November 9: Widewater/C&O Canal, MD
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $25; nonmembers $35
On our Fall Flora Fridays, we’ll enjoy the area’s rich diversity of plant life during this season of lingering blooms, ripening fruits, and changing color. Although aimed at beginning to mid-level plant enthusiasts, all are welcome. On each field trip, we may walk up to 2 miles at a stop-and-go pace on natural surface trails. Trip A will include some uphill/downhill walking. REGISTER ONLINE.

Fall Along the Water
C. Saturday, November 10 (9 am-3 pm): White’s Ferry, MD
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $34; nonmembers $48
Join our Senior Naturalist for this series of field trips tracking the unfolding of fall along local waterways rich in natural history. We’ll enjoy the changing fall colors as we search for late-season blooms and fruits; migrant birds, butterflies, and dragonflies; and other still-active wildlife. On our first walk, we head to the shores of the Patuxent River in PG County to visit Jug Bay Natural Area. Next we explore the open, grassland habitats along Belmont and Occoquan Bays near Woodbridge, VA. Finally, we’ll head up the Potomac to White’s Ferry and stroll along the C&O Canal on our final walk, enjoying the peak of fall color. We’ll cover between 2-4 miles on each outing. Image credit: Image credit: Ken Thomas  REGISTER ONLINE.

Fall Birding Series
H. Sunday, November 11: Pennyfield Lock, MD (8-11 am) WAITLIST OPEN
Leaders: Lisa Norwalk & Len Bisson
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 Leaf Drawing Workshop
Monday, November 12 (10 am-3 pm)
Leader: Tina Thieme Brown
Members $32; nonmembers $44
There is a long tradition of naturalists keeping field notes. Often their written notes are accompanied by drawings. If you want to learn how to add sketches to your field observations, we invite you to join an artist/illustrator, whose sketchbooks are filled with drawings of plant life, for a workshop at our Woodend Sanctuary. Tina will lead you on a walk in the woods, where you will carry along your sketchbook and reflect on the changing season. Returning to an indoor classroom, she will guide you through the steps to create a drawing of fall leaves and acorns. The only experience required is a love of nature, and a desire to look closely at the seasonal changes in our native trees. A suggested art supply list will be provided with confirmation letter. REGISTER ONLINE.

Midweek Meanders Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
E: November 14 – Widewater WAITLIST OPEN
F: November 28 – Swain’s Lock WAITLIST OPEN
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. Image credit: Mark A. Wilson  REGISTER ONLINE.

Knock, Knock
Saturday, November 17 (9 am-12 pm)
Leaders: Pam and Chris Oves
Free, but registration required.
On this approximately 4-mile roundtrip bird walk along the Canal’s towpath at Riley’s Lock, we’ll work to see or at least hear all 7 species of woodpeckers (a grand-slam!) that frequent our woods this time of year. Our walk is aimed at beginning birders. This walk will go faster and farther than our usual “naturalist’s shuffle.” Limited to 12 participants. REGISTER ONLINE.

Chesapeake Wetlands
Sunday, November 18 (9:30 am-5:30 pm)
Leaders: Hal Wierenga and Lynn Davidson
Members $36; nonmembers $50
Discover the richness of autumn birding in the wetlands that line the Chesapeake Bay’s Eastern Shore with birders who know the area well. We’ll meet at the Blackwater Natural Wildlife Refuge, south of Cambridge, MD, about a 2-hour drive from Washington. After a leisurely visit to Blackwater, we’ll visit other wetlands in Dorchester and Talbot counties searching for migrant waterfowl, raptors, sparrows, and other seasonal birds. REGISTER ONLINE.

Midweek Meanders Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
F: November 28 – Swain’s Lock WAITLIST OPEN
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.

Bird ID Series: Waterfowl
Thursday, November 29 (7:30-9:30 pm)
Sunday, December 2 (3/4 day field trip)
Leader: Mike Bowen
Members $48; nonmembers $68
Lecture only $24/$32
Late fall signals the arrival of thousands of ducks and geese into the mid-Atlantic region. On Thursday evening, our leader will use an illustrated presentation to cover size, shape, plumages, habitat, and behaviors of the most common species in our area. On our field trip, we’ll visit several prime waterfowl areas, which will be chosen closer to the date of the workshop based on the pace of migration. This workshop is aimed at beginning and mid-level birders, but all are welcome. REGISTER ONLINE.

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

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

DECEMBER

Geology at Long Branch
Saturday, December 1 (1- 4 pm)
Inclement weather date: Sunday, December 9
Leader: Joe Marx
Members $26; nonmembers $36
Arlington’s Long Branch Nature Center occupies a picturesque spot overlooking a short, misnamed tributary of Four Mile Run, itself a tributary of the Potomac. We will hike a mile or so out–and a mile back–down Long Branch and Four Mile Run, returning by the same route. A variety of rock units are exposed along the trail, including an undersea landslide frozen in time, long-vanished seaside flats, and the bottommost layer of the coastal plain. To add botanical icing to our geological cake, we will traverse an old-growth upland forest and a quicker-changing floodplain forest. The paved route is entirely on level to gently-inclined park trails. Note: Our geology hikes move faster than our usual “naturalist’s shuffle”. Image credit: Mrs. Gemstone. REGISTER HERE.

Birding the Shenandoah Valley
Saturday, December 1 (9 am-4 pm)
Leaders: Joe Coleman and Laura McGranaghan
Members (ANS & LWC) $36; nonmembers $50
Clarke County in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is rich with excellent birding areas. Join two seasoned birders on a daylong search for hawks, sparrows, waterfowl, and other seasonal birds in the northeastern section of the Valley. We’ll meet at the Snicker’s Gap Hawkwatch in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Loudoun/Clarke County border. From here we’ll move along the Shenandoah River, and visit the Virginia State Arboretum and Blandy Farm. We’ll wrap up the day with a return to Snicker’s Gap Hawkwatch to see what’s moving overhead. All levels of birders are welcome, and we will carpool/caravan from our meeting point to the return. Our field trip is cosponsored with Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy (LWC). REGISTER HERE.

A Year at Theodore Roosevelt Island
D: Late Autumn Tree Walk on Theodore Roosevelt Island, Wednesday, December 5 (10 am-2 pm)
Each walk: members $28; nonmembers $38
Join Melanie Choukas-Bradley, author of A Year in Rock Creek Park and City of Trees, for a year-long exploration of Theodore Roosevelt Island, a 90-acre island in the Potomac that serves as a fitting memorial to our conservationist and naturalist 26th  president—and Audubon Naturalist Society member!  Melanie will share details of the island’s fascinating history during this year-long exploration and we’ll witness the ebb and flow of the Potomac tides along with the changing seasons. REGISTER HERE

Natural History of Owls
Thursday, December 6 (7-9:30 pm)
Leader: Scott Baron
Free, but registration required.
Local owl populations swell during the winter as resident species are joined by northern migrants. Looking for owls and understanding their specialized adaptations is an exciting winter activity. This illustrated slide lecture at our Woodend Sanctuary, presented by a local birder and owl enthusiast, will cover field identification techniques, basic adaptations and natural history of owls. REGISTER HERE.

Winter Birding at Black Hill
Section A: Saturday, December 8 (8:30-11 am)
Section B: Saturday, January 5 (8:30-11 am)
Section C: Sunday, February 3 (8:30-11 am)
Section D: Saturday, March 2 (8:30-11 am)
Leader: Mark England
Each walk: members $24; nonmembers $32
Entire series $88/$120
The winter months can be an ideal time to learn more about birds and birding, and Black Hill Regional Park, in upper Montgomery County, is an ideal outdoor classroom for this study. Each walk in our series, intended for beginning to mid-level birders, will visit one or more sites in the Park in a search for waterfowl, sparrows, raptors, and other both resident and overwintering species. The Park’s habitats are varied and include wetlands and Little Seneca Lake, as well as forest and field. Join us for the entire series and observe the seasonal changes in numbers and species, or just sign up for individual walks. REGISTER HERE.

Winter Weeds
Friday, December 14 (10 am-2:30 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $28; nonmembers $38
Not all herbaceous plants disappear in the winter. Many persist as dried stalks and seed clusters, with a beauty to match the season. Join ANS Senior Naturalist Stephanie Mason for an indoor/outdoor introduction to winter weed and wildflower identification at our Woodend Sanctuary. We’ll also investigate seed dispersal strategies and examine plant skeletons for signs of summer insect activity, such as insect galls, chrysalids, cocoons, and egg cases. REGISTER HERE.

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

JANUARY

Winter Birding at Black Hill
Section B: Saturday, January 5 (8:30-11 am)
Section C: Sunday, February 3 (8:30-11 am)
Section D: Saturday, March 2 (8:30-11 am)
Leader: Mark England
Each walk: members $24; nonmembers $32
Entire series $88/$120
The winter months can be an ideal time to learn more about birds and birding, and Black Hill Regional Park, in upper Montgomery County, is an ideal outdoor classroom for this study. Each walk in our series, intended for beginning to mid-level birders, will visit one or more sites in the Park in a search for waterfowl, sparrows, raptors, and other both resident and overwintering species. The Park’s habitats are varied and include wetlands and Little Seneca Lake, as well as forest and field. Join us for the entire series and observe the seasonal changes in numbers and species, or just sign up for individual walks. Image credit: Connormah REGISTER HERE.

Winter Walks Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
Section A: January 9 – Carderock
Section B: January 23 – Widewater
Section C: February 6 – Swain’s Lock
Section D: February 20 – Violettes Lock
Sestion E: March 6 – Pennyfield Lock
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk: members $25; nonmembers $35
Entire series 115/$160
Join our Senior Naturalist for one or all of these walks along the C&O Canal as we look for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, practice winter botany skills, and enjoy the expansive views along the Potomac River that this season provides. Carpooling will be available from Woodend. REGISTER ONLINE.

Introduction to the Winter Night Sky
Thursday, January 10 (7:30-9:30 pm)
Leader: Richard Orr
Members $24; nonmembers $32
Can you spot Orion the hunter rising up just over the treetops? This alone is a sure sign that winter has come once again to the northern hemisphere. Being able to read the sky in winter can give you a unique sense of cosmological wonder since most of the brighter stars are, in fact, winter stars. While our leader is best-known for his expertise in dragonflies, he’ll share his equally strong knowledge of astronomy in an indoor/outdoor presentation at our Woodend Sanctuary. We’ll be introduced to sky guideposts and the dozen or so “winter” constellations. Assuming skies are clear, we’ll bundle up to head outside and look for some of these wondrous celestial sights through a telescope. Image credit: Mouser REGISTER ONLINE.

Winter Hike Series: River and Rocks
A. Saturday, January 12 (3/4 day hike) Catoctin Mountain Park, MD
B. Sunday, January 27 (3/4 day hike)  Riverbend Park, VA
C. Saturday, February 9  (3/4 day hike) C&O Canal, MD
Leaders: Stephanie Mason and Cathy Stragar
Each hike: members $34; nonmembers $48
Take on two of your New Year’s resolutions at once: spend more time outdoors exploring nature AND get more exercise by signing up for one or more of our winter hikes. This season’s series traverses the rocky trails of Catoctin Mountain Park just as the New Year begins. We’ll hike between 3.5-5 miles here, either as one long loop or as a series of shorter hikes. Our next two hikes visit the scenic bottomlands along the Potomac River. Hike B will use the Potomac Heritage Trail, which is mostly flat, but offers a small amount of rocky terrain, for a round trip hike of 3.8 miles. On our last outing, we will hike upriver on the flat C&O Canal towpath from Pennyfield Lock near Potomac, MD to Violettes Lock—and back—for a round trip total of 5 miles. On all three of these hikes, we will search for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, while practicing our winter botany skills.  Hikes may be modified depending on weather and ground conditions, which could be muddy or snow-covered.  These hikes are designed to offer a natural history experience for persons who want to move farther and faster than the pace of most ANS field trips. We will stop to observe and admire nature in it winter season, but will keep a pace necessary to cover the distance stated. REGISTER ONLINE.

Winter Waterfowl Prowl
Sunday, January 13 (8 am-12:30 pm)
Leader: Mike Bowen
Members $26; nonmembers $36
Early in the year is the best time to search for and learn to ID overwintering waterfowl in our area. Basing our search at wetlands and waterways relatively close-in to the metro area, we’ll visit sites in or near the District, Northern Virginia, or Montgomery County.  Our exact locations will be determined closer to the date of the field trip, based on our leader’s scouting expeditions. While our focus will be waterfowl, we’ll keep an eye open for all birdlife. All levels of birders welcome. REGISTER ONLINE.

Native Plant Gardening for Homeowners  
Winter Walk: Wednesday, January 16 (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.

New Year’s Moonwalk
Saturday, January 19 (6:30-8:30 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $25; nonmembers $35
Cross your fingers for clear skies as we celebrate the New Year with a brisk walk under the light of the year’s first full moon. We’ll head upriver on the C&O Canal towpath from Swain’s Lock, enjoying the shadows of arching sycamore trees and listening for the calls of owls and winter-active mammals. Distance covered will depend on the weather and conditions underfoot. REGISTER ONLINE.

Winter in Cape May
Saturday, January 19 (9 am) to Sunday, January 20 (4 pm)
Leader: Mark Garland
Members: $120; nonmembers $168
Visit the varied coastal habitats of Cape May at the heart of winter to search for wildlife during this seaside resort’s quietest season. We’ll start with a walk at Cape May Point State Park on Saturday morning. If it’s a mild winter there can be a good variety of lingering songbirds and waterfowl in the park. In harsh winters ice forms along the beaches, harbor seals rest on the floating ice, and woodcocks feed along the roadsides. After lunch, we’ll travel north to look for shorebirds and waterfowl at one or two inlets along the Atlantic Ocean coast. Big flocks of Dunlins winter here, and there are good chances to see scoters, Long-tailed Ducks, two species of loons, and other water birds. We end the day at Jakes Landing, where sometimes Short-eared Owls are seen patrolling the marsh at dusk. If it’s a calm evening we may try to call a Great Horned Owl or an Eastern Screech-Owl. We will plan to spend all day Sunday around the southern tip of the Cape, taking walks at several natural areas. If the weather is bitterly cold we will mix shorter walks with warming breaks inside. Overnight options include motels, B&Bs, and lodges in and around Cape May, which are booked by participants themselves. REGISTER ONLINE.

Winter Birding at Oaks Landfill
A: Sunday, January 20 (3-5:30 pm)
B: Sunday, February 10 (3:30-6 pm)
Leader: Mark England
Each walk members $24; nonmembers $32
You’ll want to bundle up for these birding treks to the now-closed landfill adjacent to the Blue Mash Nature Trail, a familiar birding spot in upper Montgomery County. As afternoon fades to dusk in the open terrain here, we’ll search for resident and overwintering species, including Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls. Our leader will bring along a scope for distant bird viewing. Our visit to this area which is “closed to the public” is by special permission. Please register for one session only to allow for greater participation. REGISTER ONLINE.

Winter Walks Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
Section B: January 23 – Widewater
Section C: February 6 – Swain’s Lock
Section D: February 20 – Violettes Lock
Sestion E: March 6 – Pennyfield Lock
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk: members $25; nonmembers $35
Entire series 115/$160
Join our Senior Naturalist for one or all of these walks along the C&O Canal as we look for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, practice winter botany skills, and enjoy the expansive views along the Potomac River that this season provides. Carpooling will be available from Woodend. REGISTER ONLINE.

Introduction to the Identification of Gulls
Thursday, January 24 (7:30-9:30 pm)
Saturday, January 26 (3/4 day field trip)
Leader: Paul Pisano
Members $48; nonmembers $68
Lecture only members $24; nonmembers $32
The variable plumages of gulls frustrate many observers, yet their behavior often allows careful and studied observation. This foray, designed for beginning and mid-level birders, will study the gulls that most commonly occur in the mid-Atlantic region. Thursday’s lecture will use slides to teach subadult and adult plumages, while Saturday’s field trip by carpool will take us to locations in DC and Virginia where the birds can be studied at length. Image credit: Richard001, Wikimedia REGISTER ONLINE.

Walk Among the Giants
A. Saturday, January 26 (9 am-1 pm)
B. Saturday, April 13 (8 am-Noon)
C. Sunday, July 21 (8 am-Noon)
D. Sunday, October 27 (8 am-Noon)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk members $28; nonmembers $38
Entire series $112/$156
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.

Winter Hike Series: River and Rocks
B. Sunday, January 27 (3/4 day hike)  Riverbend Park, VA
C. Saturday, February 9 (3/4 day hike) C&O Canal, MD
Leaders: Stephanie Mason and Cathy Stragar
Each hike: members $34; nonmembers $48
Take on two of your New Year’s resolutions at once: spend more time outdoors exploring nature AND get more exercise by signing up for one or more of our winter hikes. Hike B will use the Potomac Heritage Trail, which is mostly flat, but offers a small amount of rocky terrain, for a round trip hike of 3.8 miles. On our last outing, we will hike upriver on the flat C&O Canal towpath from Pennyfield Lock near Potomac, MD to Violettes Lock—and back—for a round trip total of 5 miles. On all three of these hikes, we will search for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, while practicing our winter botany skills.  Hikes may be modified depending on weather and ground conditions, which could be muddy or snow-covered.  These hikes are designed to offer a natural history experience for persons who want to move farther and faster than the pace of most ANS field trips. We will stop to observe and admire nature in it winter season, but will keep a pace necessary to cover the distance stated. Image credit: MONGO REGISTER ONLINE.

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

FEBRUARY

Winter Tree ID for Birders
Saturday, February 2 (2:30-4 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Free, but registration required.
We’re reprising this popular field trip to help birders learn to recognize the field marks of many common trees through binoculars. The outdoor classroom will be Scott’s Run Nature Preserve near McLean, VA, where we’ll ID trees in their winter aspect, all the while keeping our eyes and ears open for birds moving amongst them. Image credit: Famartin REGISTER ONLINE.

Winter Birding at Black Hill
Section C: Sunday, February 3 (8:30-11 am)
Section D: Saturday, March 2 (8:30-11 am)
Leader: Mark England
Each walk: members $24; nonmembers $32
Entire series $88/$120
The winter months can be an ideal time to learn more about birds and birding, and Black Hill Regional Park, in upper Montgomery County, is an ideal outdoor classroom for this study. Each walk in our series, intended for beginning to mid-level birders, will visit one or more sites in the Park in a search for waterfowl, sparrows, raptors, and other both resident and overwintering species. The Park’s habitats are varied and include wetlands and Little Seneca Lake, as well as forest and field. Join us for the entire series and observe the seasonal changes in numbers and species, or just sign up for individual walks. REGISTER HERE.

Winter Walks Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
Section C: February 6 – Swain’s Lock
Section D: February 20 – Violettes Lock
Sestion E: March 6 – Pennyfield Lock
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk: members $25; nonmembers $35
Entire series 115/$160
Join our Senior Naturalist for one or all of these walks along the C&O Canal as we look for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, practice winter botany skills, and enjoy the expansive views along the Potomac River that this season provides. Carpooling will be available from Woodend. Image credit: Mark Harkin REGISTER ONLINE.

Winter Hike Series: River and Rocks
C. Saturday, February 9 (3/4 day hike) C&O Canal, MD
Leaders: Stephanie Mason and Cathy Stragar
Each hike: members $34; nonmembers $48
Take on two of your New Year’s resolutions at once: spend more time outdoors exploring nature AND get more exercise by signing up for one or more of our winter hikes. This season’s series traverses the rocky trails of Catoctin Mountain Park just as the New Year begins. We’ll hike between 3.5-5 miles here, either as one long loop or as a series of shorter hikes. Our next two hikes visit the scenic bottomlands along the Potomac River. On our last outing, we will hike upriver on the flat C&O Canal towpath from Pennyfield Lock near Potomac, MD to Violettes Lock—and back—for a round trip total of 5 miles. On all three of these hikes, we will search for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, while practicing our winter botany skills.  Hikes may be modified depending on weather and ground conditions, which could be muddy or snow-covered.  These hikes are designed to offer a natural history experience for persons who want to move farther and faster than the pace of most ANS field trips. We will stop to observe and admire nature in it winter season, but will keep a pace necessary to cover the distance stated. REGISTER ONLINE.

Winter Birding at Oaks Landfill
B: Sunday, February 10 (3:30-6 pm)
Leader: Mark England
Each walk members $24; nonmembers $32
You’ll want to bundle up for these birding treks to the now-closed landfill adjacent to the Blue Mash Nature Trail, a familiar birding spot in upper Montgomery County. As afternoon fades to dusk in the open terrain here, we’ll search for resident and overwintering species, including Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls. Our leader will bring along a scope for distant bird viewing. Our visit to this area which is “closed to the public” is by special permission. Please register for one session only to allow for greater participation. Image credit: Dan Pancamo  REGISTER ONLINE.

Winter Walks Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
Section D: February 20 – Violettes Lock
Sestion E: March 6 – Pennyfield Lock
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk: members $25; nonmembers $35
Entire series 115/$160
Join our Senior Naturalist for one or all of these walks along the C&O Canal as we look for over-wintering birds and other wildlife, practice winter botany skills, and enjoy the expansive views along the Potomac River that this season provides. Carpooling will be available from Woodend. REGISTER ONLINE.