Explore the Outdoors with the Experts!

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Map of Field Trip Destinations

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

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

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

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

ANS COVID Policy for Outdoor Adult Programs
Continuing this fall, both leaders and participants are asked to observe social distancing throughout our outdoor field trips. We request that any participant or leader who has not been vaccinated for Covid-19 wear a mask. Of course, participants are always welcome to wear a mask if they are more comfortable doing so. At this time, masks are required indoors at Woodend for everyone. Maximum enrollment will remain at 10 for most programs. This policy is subject to change.

SEPTEMBER

Notable Trees of Woodend
Friday, September 3 (2-3 pm)
Members $12; nonmembers $16
Learn about the notable trees Woodend has to offer with Restoration Manager, Bradley Simpson. We will learn how to identify these trees and where you might find them in the wild. We will explore what wildlife uses these trees and how they benefit our native ecosystems. REGISTER HERE.

Midweek Meanders Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
A: September 8 – Widewater
B. September 15 – Widewater
C. September 22 – Carderock
D. September 29 – Carderock
E. October 6 – Violettes Lock
F. October 13 – Violettes Lock
G. October 20 – Pennyfield Lock
H. October 27 – Pennyfield Lock
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk: members $30; nonmembers $42
Enjoy one or more of these leisurely autumn walks along portions of the C&O Canal which see less foot and bicycle traffic during the week than on weekends. The focus of our walks will be the general natural history of the varied habitats along the Potomac River and the Canal. We’ll proceed at a “naturalist’s shuffle” pace, stopping often to observe birds, fall wildflowers and foliage, butterflies, snakes, turtles—whatever we might find. November Meanders will be added to this schedule in early October. Thanks for registering for only one walk per field site. REGISTER

Fall Birding Series
A. Saturday, September 11: Blue Mash Nature Trail, MD (Len Bisson) (7:30-10:00 am)
B. Wednesday, September 15: Little Bennett, MD (Mark England) (7:30-10:00 am) WAITLIST OPEN
C. Saturday, September 25: Dyke Marsh, VA (Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton) (7:30-10 am)
D. Tuesday, September 28: RedGate Park, MD (Mike Bowen and Anne Cianni) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
E. Wednesday, October 6: National Arboretum, DC (Paul Pisano) (8-10:30 am)
F. Sunday, October 10: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC (Mike Bowen and Anne Cianni) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
G. Sunday, October 17: Hughes Hollow, MD (Pam and Chris Oves) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
H. Tuesday, October 19: Lois Green Conservation Park, MD (Mark England) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
I. Sunday, October 24: Patuxent Research Refuge/Main Tract, MD (Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
J. Saturday, October 30: Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, VA (Paul Pisano) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
Each walk: members $30; nonmembers $42
Our fall birding series visits natural areas 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 ID 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, both resident and overwintering in the region. These teaching walks are aimed at beginning to mid-level birders, but all are welcome. Our explorations will be on mostly level, natural surface trails that may be uneven, muddy, and/or somewhat slippery. November trips will be added to the schedule in early October. REGISTER

Saturday Morning Bird Walk at Woodend
Saturday, September 11 (8-9 am)
Members $12; nonmembers $16. Second person FREE.
Join enthusiastic birders at Woodend to learn birding basics. One will learn binocular basics and how to identify common birds as well as explore the wonders of migration. REGISTER HERE.

Fall in the Parks
9 am-1 pm
A. Sunday, September 12 – Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, VA
B. Sunday, October 3 – Patuxent Research Refuge/North Tract, MD
C. Saturday, October 23 – Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC
D. Sunday, October 31 – Monocacy Aqueduct, C&O Canal, MD WAITLIST OPEN
Each walk: members $32; nonmembers $44
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Join our Senior Naturalist for these seasonal, broad-based nature explorations of nearby parks rich in natural history. We’ll walk between 2-4 miles, on natural surface and possibly muddy trails, as we enjoy the development of fall color, late season blooms and insects, resident and migrating birds–and all manner of animal and plant life. Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge near Woodbridge, VA protects open grasslands as well as bottomlands along Belmont and Occoquan Bays. At the Patuxent Research Refuge/North Tract near Laurel, MD we’ll explore Coastal Plain woodlands and wetlands. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, on the banks of the Anacostia River, features swamp, marsh and woodland habitats within sight of DC’s urban sprawl. The C&0 Canal Towpath will be our walking trail along the Potomac River as we hike upriver from the Monocacy Aqueduct near Dickerson. MD. Several November walks in this series will be posted on our website in early October. REGISTER

Fall Birding Series
B. Wednesday, September 15: Little Bennett, MD (Mark England) (7:30-10:00 am) WAITLIST OPEN
C. Saturday, September 25: Dyke Marsh, VA (Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton) (7:30-10 am)
D. Tuesday, September 28: RedGate Park, MD (Mike Bowen and Anne Cianni) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
E. Wednesday, October 6: National Arboretum, DC (Paul Pisano) (8-10:30 am)
F. Sunday, October 10: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC (Mike Bowen and Anne Cianni) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
G. Sunday, October 17: Hughes Hollow, MD (Pam and Chris Oves) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
H. Tuesday, October 19: Lois Green Conservation Park, MD (Mark England) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
I. Sunday, October 24: Patuxent Research Refuge/Main Tract, MD (Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
J. Saturday, October 30: Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, VA (Paul Pisano) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
Each walk: members $30; nonmembers $42
Our fall birding series visits natural areas 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 ID 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, both resident and overwintering in the region. These teaching walks are aimed at beginning to mid-level birders, but all are welcome. Our explorations will be on mostly level, natural surface trails that may be uneven, muddy, and/or somewhat slippery. November trips will be added to the schedule in early October. REGISTER

Midweek Meanders Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
B. September 15 – Widewater
C. September 22 – Carderock
D. September 29 – Carderock
E. October 6 – Violettes Lock
F. October 13 – Violettes Lock
G. October 20 – Pennyfield Lock
H. October 27 – Pennyfield Lock
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk: members $30; nonmembers $42
Enjoy one or more of these leisurely autumn walks along portions of the C&O Canal which see less foot and bicycle traffic during the week than on weekends. The focus of our walks will be the general natural history of the varied habitats along the Potomac River and the Canal. We’ll proceed at a “naturalist’s shuffle” pace, stopping often to observe birds, fall wildflowers and foliage, butterflies, snakes, turtles—whatever we might find. November Meanders will be added to this schedule in early October. Thanks for registering for only one walk per field site. REGISTER

Botany Hike in the Gold Mine Tract
Friday, September 17 (10 am-1 pm)
Leader: Marney Bruce
Members $32; nonmembers $44
Fall is a great season to explore the plant life of the Gold Mine Tract, a large block of forest above the C&O Canal at Great Falls Park, MD. While not a true old-growth woodland, there are towering hardwood species to study and enjoy, and it is a fine example of Piedmont forest. Our hike of up to 3 miles will explore this area as we search for lingering blooms, developing fruits, and changing color. Terrain underfoot will be natural surface trails, which could be muddy and slippery, over gently rolling hills. Expect some uphill/downhill sections on this hike. REGISTER

Native Habitats of Woodend
Friday, September 17 (2-3:30 pm)
Members $12; nonmembers $16
Join ANS staff, Mitch Greene, to explore the meadows, forests and stream at Woodend. Learn about the work we do to improve our native habitats for our local wildlife. REGISTER HERE.

Late Summer Wings and Wildflowers WAITLIST OPEN
Saturday, September 18 (9 am-1 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $32; nonmembers $44
In Prince George’s County, the Jug Bay Natural Area on the western shore of the Patuxent River offers old field, forest, and freshwater tidal habitats that are ideal for broad-based nature exploration. We’ll look for still active butterflies and other insects, migrant and resident birds, and other wildlife against the backdrop of late summer blooms plus fruiting trees and shrubs. Expect a walk of around 2-3 miles with a small amount of uphill and downhill, some of it under open and sunny conditions. REGISTER

Sleuthing for Spiders
Saturday, September 18 (1-4 pm)
Leader: Cathy Stragar
Members $32; nonmembers $44
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. REGISTER

Native Plant Gardens of Woodend
Saturday, September 18 (9-10 am)
Members $12; nonmembers $16
Join Garden Manager, Jenny Brown, in the exploration of the many native plant gardens Woodend has to offer. Learn what native herbs do well in certain conditions and gather ideas for your own home garden! REGISTER HERE.

Evening on the Canal  WAITLIST OPEN
Sunday, September 19 (6:30-8:30 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $30; nonmembers $42
Join us for a walk through the woodland and wetland habitats 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

Fall Fungus Walk
Wednesday, September 22 (9:30-11:30 am) DATE CHANGED TO SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Members $30; nonmembers $42
Leader: Serenella Linares
Fall is the ideal season to be introduced to the most common families of fungi in our area while finding out more about their natural history and ecological functions. The outdoor classroom will be our own Woodend Sanctuary, where trails will be natural surface and possibly muddy. The expert leader is one of our own staff, whose knowledge about any and all mushrooms that may pop up in your yard has earned her the apt and affectionate nickname Mushie. Note: the focus of these field outings will be fungi’s important and under-appreciated role in forest ecology, not the edibility of particular species of mushrooms. REGISTER

Midweek Meanders Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
C. September 22 – Carderock
D. September 29 – Carderock
E. October 6 – Violettes Lock
F. October 13 – Violettes Lock
G. October 20 – Pennyfield Lock
H. October 27 – Pennyfield Lock
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk: members $30; nonmembers $42
Enjoy one or more of these leisurely autumn walks along portions of the C&O Canal which see less foot and bicycle traffic during the week than on weekends. The focus of our walks will be the general natural history of the varied habitats along the Potomac River and the Canal. We’ll proceed at a “naturalist’s shuffle” pace, stopping often to observe birds, fall wildflowers and foliage, butterflies, snakes, turtles—whatever we might find. November Meanders will be added to this schedule in early October. Thanks for registering for only one walk per field site. REGISTER

Forest Bathing Walk at Woodend
Thursday, September 23 (10-11:30 am)
Members $20; nonmembers $30
Welcome the fall and cooler weather with monthly forest bathing walks at Woodend! Join tour leader, Adria Zeldin, in a soothing exploration and mindfulness walk through the forests at Woodend. Relax and take in the fresh air and cool shade these trees have to offer. Learn about the mindfulness practice of forest bathing and experience its wonders with Certified Forest Therapy Guides. REGISTER HERE.

Fall Flora Fridays
Fridays (10 am-1 pm)
A: September 24 – Rock Creek Park, DC
B: October 22 – Blockhouse Point, MD
C: November 12 – Huntley Meadows, VA
Leaders: Stephanie Mason (A, C) and Marney Bruce (B)
Each walk members $32; nonmembers $44
These walks of up to 2 miles will celebrate the transition from lingering summer blooms to ripening seeds and fruits to the grand show of peak color and leaf fall. Although aimed at beginning to mid-level plant lovers, all are welcome. Expect a stop-and-go pace on natural surface trails in three local parks, with uphill/downhill stretches on walks A and B. REGISTER

Fall Birding Series
C. Saturday, September 25: Dyke Marsh, VA (Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton) (7:30-10 am)
D. Tuesday, September 28: RedGate Park, MD (Mike Bowen and Anne Cianni) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
E. Wednesday, October 6: National Arboretum, DC (Paul Pisano) (8-10:30 am)
F. Sunday, October 10: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC (Mike Bowen and Anne Cianni) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
G. Sunday, October 17: Hughes Hollow, MD (Pam and Chris Oves) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
H. Tuesday, October 19: Lois Green Conservation Park, MD (Mark England) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
I. Sunday, October 24: Patuxent Research Refuge/Main Tract, MD (Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
J. Saturday, October 30: Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, VA (Paul Pisano) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
Each walk: members $30; nonmembers $42
Our fall birding series visits natural areas 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 ID 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, both resident and overwintering in the region. These teaching walks are aimed at beginning to mid-level birders, but all are welcome. Our explorations will be on mostly level, natural surface trails that may be uneven, muddy, and/or somewhat slippery. November trips will be added to the schedule in early October. REGISTER

Fall Along the Appalachian Trail WAITLIST OPEN
Sunday, September 26 (9 am-4 pm)
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $36; nonmembers $50
One of the best ways to experience the seasonal richness of our region is to take a hike along the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park, VA. On this moderately-strenuous trek in the northern section of the Park, we’ll begin high in the saddle between North and South Marshall Mountains, before ascending South Marshall and then descending to the Browntown Trail. We’ll retrace our steps back to the starting point for a total of around 4 miles–depending on the group’s pace–with fairly significant uphill and downhill hiking along the way. We’ll keep our eyes open and alert for all manner of early fall wildlife and plant sightings. Participants should be in adequate physical condition for both uphill/downhill hiking on trails that will be rocky, uneven, and possibly muddy/slippery. REGISTER

Fall Birding Series
D. Tuesday, September 28: RedGate Park, MD (Mike Bowen and Anne Cianni) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
E. Wednesday, October 6: National Arboretum, DC (Paul Pisano) (8-10:30 am)
F. Sunday, October 10: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC (Mike Bowen and Anne Cianni) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
G. Sunday, October 17: Hughes Hollow, MD (Pam and Chris Oves) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
H. Tuesday, October 19: Lois Green Conservation Park, MD (Mark England) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
I. Sunday, October 24: Patuxent Research Refuge/Main Tract, MD (Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
J. Saturday, October 30: Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, VA (Paul Pisano) (8-10:30 am) WAITLIST OPEN
Each walk: members $30; nonmembers $42
Our fall birding series visits natural areas 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 ID 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, both resident and overwintering in the region. These teaching walks are aimed at beginning to mid-level birders, but all are welcome. Our explorations will be on mostly level, natural surface trails that may be uneven, muddy, and/or somewhat slippery. November trips will be added to the schedule in early October. REGISTER

Midweek Meanders Along the Canal
Wednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm)
D. September 29 – Carderock
E. October 6 – Violettes Lock
F. October 13 – Violettes Lock
G. October 20 – Pennyfield Lock
H. October 27 – Pennyfield Lock
Leader: Stephanie Mason
Each walk: members $30; nonmembers $42
Enjoy one or more of these leisurely autumn walks along portions of the C&O Canal which see less foot and bicycle traffic during the week than on weekends. The focus of our walks will be the general natural history of the varied habitats along the Potomac River and the Canal. We’ll proceed at a “naturalist’s shuffle” pace, stopping often to observe birds, fall wildflowers and foliage, butterflies, snakes, turtles—whatever we might find. November Meanders will be added to this schedule in early October. Thanks for registering for only one walk per field site. REGISTER

Botanical Gems of Little Bennett Park
A. Thursday, September 30 (10 am-2 pm)
B. Tuesday, October 5 (10 am-2 pm)
Leader: Carole Bergmann
Each walk members $32; nonmembers $44
At 3,700 acres, Little Bennett Regional Park near Clarksburg, MD is a protected area where you can still get lost. But don’t worry: our leader–former forest ecologist for Montgomery County–knows this park well and she can’t wait to share its gorgeous autumn display with you. Expect hiking through a variety of plant communities, including both wet and dry meadows, high quality upland woods, and riparian bottomlands. Explorations of at least a couple of miles will use park trails, but expect uphill and downhill, including some rocky stretches. Each hike will head off from the Wilson Mill parking area, but each will cover different terrain/parts of the Park. REGISTER