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Family Programs

Families can experience the fascinating natural world in our area. These programs incorporate activities to entertain learners of all ages.

Only a sampling of programs are listed. Check the Calendar of Events page for the full schedule.

Program Fees Unless noted programs are free for Society members; $8 per family for nonmember

Some programs charge slightly more due to materials and supplies.

Reservations are required in advance. 

Upcoming events

  • Community Service Project: Monarch Larva Monitoring

    • 08/25/2018
    • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Battle Creek Cypress Swamp
    • 0
    Join waitlist
    All ages, adult participation required

    Help the naturalist search for monarch caterpillars in the meadow and gardens for the 2018 Monarch Larva Monitoring Project.  This volunteer opportunity is one of many that will be offered throughout the summer and fall to help improve conservation efforts for monarch butterflies.

    Naturalist in charge: Shannon Steele

    Location: Battle Creek Cypress Swamp

    Reservations are required by Thursday, August 23.

    Program Fee:  
    Free.

    This project is part of our Calvert Stewards volunteer program, providing families an opportunity to contribute to our efforts to improve habitat and help with various park projects.

    Show details

  • Paw Paw Party

    • 09/08/2018
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Flag Ponds Nature Park
    • 0
    • 8 registrants
    Join waitlist

    Open to individuals and families.

    Did you know the Paw Paw tree's extended family lives in the tropics? Come learn all about these special trees--and even get to taste the fruit!

    Location: Flag Ponds Nature Park

    Naturalist in charge: Lindsay Hollister

    Reservations are required, deadline: Tuesday, September 4

    Program Fee per person:
    Free for Society members
    $8 per person for nonmembers

     

    Show details

  • Members Only - Campfire on the Beach

    • 09/21/2018
    • 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Flag Ponds Nature Park
    • 0
    • 15 registrants
    Join waitlist

    For Calvert Nature Society Members, Volunteers and Their Families

    Have a relaxing evening with your family at Flag Ponds Park after hours. Go seining with a naturalist, look for shark's teeth, or simply relax and enjoy the view as the sky changes colors over the bay. Bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic supper, if you'd like. We will provide the s'mores.

    Only registered participants will be provided with information about entry into the park.

    Location: Flag Ponds Nature Park

    Naturalist in Charge: Shannon Steele

    Current Members and Volunteers Only
    Free event. 

    We have the right to cancel registrations if it is determined that those registered are neither members nor volunteers.

    Reservations are required by Wednesday, September 19. 

    Show details

  • Monarch Day

    • 09/22/2018
    • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    • Battle Creek Cypress Swamp
    • 9
    • 11 registrants
    Register

    All ages, adult participation required

    Learn how your family can help monarch butterflies. After a short presentation and hands-on activities, you will venture outside to practice netting and tagging techniques.  If you are interested in watching the 40-minute film Flight of the Monarchs,  it will be shown from 2:30-3:10 pm. 

    Location: Battle Creek Cypress Swamp

    Naturalists in charge: Shannon Steele

    Reservations are required by Thursday, September 20. 

    Program Fee :  
    Free for Society members
    $8 per family for nonmembers

     

    Show details

  • Fall Hike

    • 10/13/2018
    • 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Ward Farm Nature Park
    • 0
    • 5 registrants
    Join waitlist

    Ages 5 and up. Adult participation is required

    Don’t miss this great opportunity to explore one of the lesser known areas – Ward Farm Recreation and Nature Park. We’ll hike through the woods to see what the season has to offer.

    This hike is not be suitable for children under the age of five.

    Please register by 10/10/18

    Naturalist in Charge: Tania Gale

    Location: Ward Farm Recreation and Nature Park

    Program Fee per family:

    • Members: Free
    • Nonmembers $8
    Space is limited to 5 families.
    Show details

  • Owls of Maryland

    • 10/27/2018
    • 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
    • Flag Ponds Nature Park, Lusby
    • 18
    Register

    10 years old and up adult participation required

    Ever wondered what owls live in Maryland? Come to our owl banding station and learn about what owls could be living in your backyard as well as the migratory Saw-Whet Owls we are studying. We will have a live owl to see and maybe a chance to see a wild Saw Whet Owl.

    Location:Flag Ponds Nature Park

    Naturalist in charge: Gene Groshon and Andy Brown

    Fee is per person. Free for members
    $8 for nonmembers

    Registration deadline: Wednesday, Oct 24

    Show details

  • Calvert Stewards Appreciation: Fall Festival

    • 10/28/2018
    • 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Kings Landing Park
    • 11 registrants
    Register

    For Current Calvert Stewards Volunteers and Their Immediate Family 

    Enjoy a crisp fall evening with your family and other Calvert Stewards.

    We will have a fire going for marshmallows and smores. A variety of fun activities are planned: making apple cider with an old-fashioned cider press, bobbing for apples, carnival games, or you can simply relax and enjoy the view as the sky changes colors over the meadow. Bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic supper, if you wish. We will provide the s'mores.

    We'll end the evening with a night hike (and for teens and adults an ghost tour option).

    Everyone who registers will be entered into door prize drawings held throughout the event. Need not be present to win (but you must be a current volunteer!)

    Location: Kings Landing Park

    Naturalist in Charge: Karyn Molines

    Free event. 

    We have the right to cancel registrations if it is determined that those registered are not volunteers.


    Show details

  • Beyond S’mores - Family Campfire Cooking

    • 11/16/2018
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Battle Creek Cypress Swamp
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    For ages 8 and up, with adult participation

    Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and flashlights

    Most everyone knows how to make s’mores over a fire, but campfire cooking can be so much more. Come discover some new campfire cooking methods and recipes. Dress for the weather - and bring your appetite.

    Location: Battle Creek Cypress Swamp

    Fee is per family. Free for members
    $8  for nonmembers

    Naturalist in Charge: Tania Gale 

    Please register by: 11/9/18

    Show details

  • Everlasting Evergreens

    • 12/08/2018
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Battle Creek Cypress Swamp
    • 0
    • 10 registrants
    Join waitlist
    For families, all ages welcome.

    Let's go for an evergreen scavenger hunt together! We will explore the different types of evergreens that live in our area, then make a holiday decoration together using some evergreens. All materials will be provided.

    Location: Battle Creek Cypress Swamp

    Naturalist in Charge: Lindsay Hollister

    Program Fee:
    Free for Society members
    $8 per family for nonmembers

    Advanced Reservations are required. Please register by December 5.  
    Show details

Past events

07/06/2018 Community Service Project: Monarch Larva Monitoring
06/29/2018 Calvert Stewards: Prothonotary Warbler Nest Box Monitoring
06/27/2018 Calvert Stewards Meet and Greet
06/15/2018 Horseshoe Crab Survey
06/08/2018 Community Service Project: Monarch Larva Monitoring
06/02/2018 Sniffin in the Woods
05/22/2018 Calvert Stewards: Prothonotary Warbler Nest Box Monitoring
05/15/2018 Calvert Stewards: MAPS net lane clearing
05/15/2018 Calvert Stewards: Prothonotary Warbler Nest Box Monitoring
05/11/2018 Campfire: Twilight on the Beach
05/06/2018 Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm Day
04/25/2018 Barn Owls in Calvert County
04/24/2018 Rescheduled: Prothonotary Warbler Nest Box Monitoring
04/22/2018 Earth Day Crafts
04/21/2018 Secrets of Wildlife Photography with Irene Hinke-Sacilotto
04/13/2018 Calvert Stewards: Prothonotary Warbler Nest Box Monitoring
03/10/2018 Signs of Spring
03/09/2018 Homeschool First Friday - Finding Your Way- PM session
03/03/2018 Salamander Soiree
02/24/2018 Calvert Stewards Orientation
02/17/2018 Calvert Stewards: Great Backyard Bird Count
02/11/2018 Owl Pellet Skull Picking Party
02/10/2018 Build A Box
01/27/2018 Calvert Stewards Orientation
01/24/2018 Owl Night Hike
12/16/2017 Everlasting Evergreens
11/17/2017 Beyond S’mores - Family Campfire Cooking
11/03/2017 Owls of Maryland
09/30/2017 Monarch Day
09/23/2017 Sunset Hike
09/22/2017 Members Only - Campfire on the Beach
09/01/2017 Friday Homeschool Day - Animal Classification, Insects - PM session
09/01/2017 Friday Homeschool Day - Animal Classification, Insects - AM session
08/21/2017 #Eclipse2017: Solar Eclipse Picnic
06/08/2017 Calvert Stewards: Prothonotary Warbler Nest Box Monitoring
06/02/2017 Friday Homeschool Day - Down by the Bay - PM session
06/02/2017 Friday Homeschool Day - Down by the Bay - AM session
05/23/2017 Calvert Stewards: Prothonotary Warbler Nest Box Monitoring
05/19/2017 Horseshoe Crab Survey
05/14/2017 Mother's Day at the Park
05/12/2017 **Canceled **Campfire: Twilight on the Beach
05/07/2017 Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm Day
05/06/2017 Beginners Bilingual Family Hike- Spring CANCELLED
05/05/2017 Friday Homeschool Day - The Birds and the Bees - PM session
05/05/2017 Friday Homeschool Day - The Birds and the Bees - AM session
04/22/2017 Spring Ephemeral Hike- Cancelled
04/19/2017 Calvert Stewards: Prothonotary Warbler Nest Box Monitoring
04/07/2017 Friday Homeschool Day - Early Risers - PM session
04/07/2017 Friday Homeschool Day - Early Risers - AM session
03/18/2017 Welcome Back Ospreys!
03/03/2017 Friday Homeschool Day - Habitats, The Super Swamp - PM session
03/03/2017 Friday Homeschool Day - Habitats, The Super Swamp - AM session
02/18/2017 Family Birding Hike
02/17/2017 Volunteer Program: Great Backyard Bird Count
02/10/2017 Friday Homeschool Day - Habitats, The Beautiful Beach - PM session
02/10/2017 Friday Homeschool Day - Habitats, The Beautiful Beach - AM session
01/27/2017 Hike to the Big Cypress for Volunteers
01/14/2017 Creating the Money Crop Trail
01/06/2017 Friday Homeschool Day - Habitats, the Friendly Forest - PM session
01/06/2017 Friday Homeschool Day - Habitats, the Friendly Forest - AM session
12/03/2016 Bountiful Harvest - Family Campfire Cooking
11/12/2016 Beginners Bilingual Family Hike
11/05/2016 Calvert Stewards Nature Center Work Day
10/30/2016 Owl Pellet Skull Picking Party
10/21/2016 **canceled** Fall Campfire
10/18/2016 Calvert Stewards: Native Seed Planting
10/01/2016 Monarch Day
09/23/2016 Members-Only Campfire on the Beach
08/20/2016 After Dark in the Park
08/05/2016 All About Animals Campfire
07/23/2016 Meadow, Forest, and Creek Hike
07/07/2016 Meadow Maze Volunteer Project
06/04/2016 Eat the Weeds
05/28/2016 Horseshoe Crab Survey
05/13/2016 NOT CANCELED-Campfire: Twilight on the Beach
05/01/2016 Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm Day
04/23/2016 Salamanders and Singing Frogs
04/23/2016 Flowers and Phenology
03/19/2016 Barking at the Moon: Coyotes in Calvert
03/11/2016 Salamander Study Work Day
03/05/2016 Hike to the Big Cypress
03/05/2016 Insect Hotels
02/14/2016 Volunteer Program: Great Backyard Bird Count
02/12/2016 Volunteer Program: Great Backyard Bird Count
01/22/2016 Frosty Winter Night Hike
12/12/2015 Geminid Meteor Shower
11/15/2015 Fall Nature Hike
11/14/2015 Dog Hike
11/08/2015 Calvert Stewards (All Ages) Holly Planting
10/02/2015 Owl Eyes and Raccoon Paws
10/01/2015 Bluebird Monitoring Project
09/05/2015 Calvert County's Favorite Falcon
06/13/2015 Birding Ward Farm Nature Park
05/29/2015 Horseshoe Crab Survey
05/09/2015 Meadow Maze Volunteer Project
05/03/2015 Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm Day
04/25/2015 Barn Swallows
04/25/2015 Birding Ward Farm Nature Park
03/28/2015 The Great Marshmallow Mystery
03/27/2015 Barn Owls in Calvert County
03/20/2015 Froggy Night Hike
03/14/2015 Birding Ward Farm Nature Park
03/04/2015 Salamander Study Orientation
02/28/2015 Marvelous Mammals
02/16/2015 Barn Owl Box Installation
02/13/2015 Great Backyard Bird Count
02/07/2015 Birding Ward Farm Nature Park
01/24/2015 Build A Box
12/28/2014 Christmas Bird Count
12/20/2014 Winter Wanders
12/05/2014 Beyond S’mores - Family Campfire Cooking
12/05/2014 Barn Owl Box Work Day
11/07/2014 Barn Owl Box Work Day
11/01/2014 Dog Hike
11/01/2014 Calvert Stewards (All Ages)
10/24/2014 Barn Owl Box Work Day
10/03/2014 Barn Owl Box Work Day
09/19/2014 Moth Party
08/16/2014 Paddling the Patuxent Kayak Trip
07/05/2014 Campfire: Night Sounds
07/04/2014 American Flag Retiring Ceremony CANCELLED
06/28/2014 Kayak Trip
06/06/2014 Horseshoe Crab Survey
05/31/2014 Calvert Stewards (All Ages)
05/23/2014 Campfire: Twilight on the Beach
05/10/2014 Camping 101
04/15/2014 Lunar Eclipse
04/12/2014 Nocturnal Nature Campfire
04/11/2014 Herp Atlas Countdown (all ages)
03/29/2014 Something On a Stick Day (All Ages)
02/22/2014 Frost and Fire (All Ages)
11/27/2013 Campfire Brunch
11/24/2013 Fur, feathers, and feasting
10/07/2013 Furlough Field Trip
09/14/2013 Dog Hike
09/07/2013 Introduction to Letterboxing
08/17/2013 Soil Surveyers
08/10/2013 CANCELLED-Perseid Meteor Shower (Family Program)
08/02/2013 Celebrate the Beauty of Calvert County
07/28/2013 Animal feeding time
07/19/2013 Nature's Night Sounds - campfire
06/22/2013 Fireflies (Family Program)
06/14/2013 Horseshoe Crab Campout
05/18/2013 Tree Tour (Adults and Teens)
05/17/2013 Magic Cicada (Family Program)
05/10/2013 Campfire: Twilight on the Beach
05/04/2013 Natural Playground at Battle Creek (Families)
04/27/2013 Mother Daughter Getaway (Family Program)
04/20/2013 Spring Edibles Walk (Family Program)
04/12/2013 Planet Party (Family Program)
03/15/2013 Family Program: Owl Night Hike (all ages)
03/02/2013 Family Program: Salamander Soiree
02/22/2013 **Rescheduled for March 15** Family Program: Owl Night Hike (12 years and up)
02/22/2013 **Rescheduled for March 15** Program: Owl Night Hike (all ages)
02/15/2013 The Green Invasion
01/05/2013 Family Program: Maple Syrup Campfire
09/07/2012 Family Program: Evening Wild Edible Walk

Join BCNES today most programs are free!

Calvert Nature Society is dedicated to the protection and preservation of Calvert County’s natural heritage and the creation of an environmentally literate and aware community. We provide opportunities for appreciation and understanding of our natural world through our outreach initiatives and in support of the mission of the Calvert County Natural Resources Division.  The Society is a 501(c)3 organization.

Copyright Calvert Nature Society.
Mailing address: PO Box 122, Port Republic, MD 20676. info@calvertparks.org
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