First Saturday of Each Month – Weekend Walk in the Woods

Join our Master Naturalists on the first Saturday of each month from 9-10am for a nature hike around Woodend Sanctuary. Each hike will have a unique and engaging natural history theme. Programs are appropriate for members of all ages. Please come prepared to hike in sneakers, and don’t forget your water bottle.

Meet at the gazebo by the main house.

Programs are free but require registration. REGISTER HERE

Every Day: Nature Backpacks

Visit our Naturalist Shop to check out a backpack (ID required) that will have tools and activities you and your family can use to explore nature at Woodend Sanctuary. Backpacks are free for check-out in the shop but must be returned by 4:30pm.

Shop hours are M-F 10-5; Sat 9-5; Sun 12-5.

The Nature Backpacks are made possible thanks to the generous support of REI and the Chesapeake Bay Trust.

Trail Maps

A nature-themed birthday party at Woodend Sanctuary is a perfect way to provide a special memory for your child while also supporting the conservation work of ANS.

Spend an hour with a naturalist exploring nature & enjoying nature-themed activities and games, and bring your own party refreshments to enjoy afterward in our Teale Learning Center classroom.

Party themes include Wiggly Worms, All About Birds, Ponding, Insect Investigations, Reptiles & Amphibians, Animal Clues, and Winter Detectives
Learn More About Party Themes

Choose from the following party times:
Saturdays or Sundays from 10:30am-12:00pm or 1:30-3:00pm
Note: You may arrive 15 minutes before this window to set up and stay 15 minutes afterwards to clean up.

Fees:
For up to 14 children: $230 for members; $265 for nonmembers (includes a one-year membership to ANS).
Additional child: $15 per child up to a maximum of 18 children.
Additional half hour: $55.
Maximum number in the party room is 26.

2019 PARTIES REGISTER HERE

2020 PARTIES REGISTER HERE

FAQs

TEALE LEARNING CENTER PHOTOS

Explore nature in your school yard with one of our naturalists! Our afterschool clubs focus on hands-on outdoor nature exploration and play. We cover different seasonal topics and stay active with themed games. Grade-level, dates, and times vary by school.

Fee: 6 weeks – $100 per child; 8 weeks – $120 per child

Contact Nora Kelly for more information – nora.kelly@anshome.org; 301-652-9188 x15.

Fresh Air Kids is a nature-based program for preschoolers ages 5 and younger and their care-givers to learn about and explore the world around them. Kids are naturally curious about their environment and this program allows them to explore outside while learning through science experiments, books, songs and crafts. Each class will have a different theme and include a hike on the beautiful grounds of Rust Manor House. Bring your lunch or snack. Mingle and meet other caregivers!

Reserve your space by registering below, then send a check made payable to ANS and mail to ANS, Attn: Pam Oves, 8940 Jones Mill Rd., Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Image credit Karen Steffel.

Rust Sanctuary in Leesburg: Fridays from 10-11:30 am

Spring Session: April 3-June 5, 2020
No class April 10 or May 29
Cost: $125 per session
Siblings 21 months and older are $115
Siblings under 21 months are free
Registration Coming Soon!

Testimonials

Ages 2-4 with a caregiver
Winter 2020 Session: $80 per child
Tuesdays, January 7-March 17 (10-10:45 am)
No class February 18
Sign up early, we need a minimum of 8 children for class to run
Questions? Email gina.ghertner@anshome.org

This 10-week class invites young children to discover the wonders of nature as we journey through the changing seasons. We’ll tap into children’s deep connection with nature by reading stories, making fun crafts, and singing songs. Make sure to dress for the weather as each class we will explore our Sanctuary trails to see what new surprises we can find.

Feel free to relax and enjoy our trails, picnic areas, and bookstore before or after the program. Register online here: https://anshome.org/tales-trails/.