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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

  • Owl Night Hike

    • 01/25/2019
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Battle Creek Cypress Swamp
    • 4
    Register

    All Ages

    After a short presentation about Maryland's owls and their calls, the naturalist will lead you on a hike around the boardwalk where we will attempt to call one closer. 

    Location: Battle Creek Cypress Swamp

    Naturalist in Charge: Shannon Steele

    Program Fee Free for members
    $8 per family for nonmembers

    Reservations are required by Wednesday, January 23

    Show details

  • Barn Owls of the Patuxent River

    • 02/01/2019
    • 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Nature Center
    • Nobody
    Register

    When you imagine the bird life of the Patuxent River, you don't usually think of owls. However, the marshes of the Patuxent are important habitats for one of Maryland's most endangered owls. Come learn about Barn Owls along the Patuxent. We will discuss how the nest box project is working to bring back to the area and ways that you can help with our conservation efforts. 

    Location: Battle Creek Cypress Swamp

    This is a free program.


    Show details

  • Calvert Stewards: Great Backyard Bird Count

    • 02/15/2019
    • 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Flag Ponds Nature Park
    • 10
    • Nobody
    Register

    All ages.

    The 22nd Annual Great Backyard Bird Count is this weekend. Whether you are a novice or an expert birder, volunteers of all ages are welcome to help identify and count birds. Researchers at Cornell and the National Audubon Society will use the data we collect.

    Location: Flag Ponds Nature Park

    Naturalist in charge: Shannon Steele

    This program is free.

    Reservations are required by: Wednesday, February 13.

    What are Calvert Stewards? They are the volunteer corps of the Calvert Nature Society and the Calvert County Natural Resources Division. More information can be found on the Calvert Stewards Volunteer Page.


    Show details

  • Life of a Dead Tree: Session A

    • 02/16/2019
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, Prince Frederick MD
    • 1
    • 8 registrants
    Register
    For families of all ages.

    A dead tree is full of life! Discover the many different animals that call dead trees home. A game, scavenger hunt hike, and craft will help us learn.  

    Location: Battle Creek Cypress Swamp

    Naturalist in Charge: Lindsay Hollister

    Reservations are required. Registration Deadline: Wednesday, February 13

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

    Show details

  • Life of a Dead Tree: Session B

    • 02/16/2019
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, Prince Frederick MD
    • 2
    • 7 registrants
    Register

    For families of all ages.

    A dead tree is full of life! Discover the many different animals that call dead trees home. A game, scavenger hunt hike, and craft will help us learn.  

    Location: Battle Creek Cypress Swamp

    Naturalist in Charge: Lindsay Hollister

    Reservations are required. Registration Deadline: Wednesday, February 13

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

    Show details

  • Calvert Stewards: Flag Ponds Nest Box Monitoring

    • 03/15/2019
    • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Flag Ponds Nature Park
    • 5
    • Nobody

    All Ages, under 18 with adult 

    Volunteer Program

    After a short presentation about our nest box project, volunteers will trek around the park to learn the nest box locations and prepare them for the season.    Be ready for a 1.5 mile hike over moderate terrain. Interested volunteers can monitor them as little as once or as many as 12 times between April and July.

    Location: Flag Ponds Nature Park

    Naturalist in charge:  Shannon Steele

    Reservations are required by Wednesday, March 13.

    Program Fee:  
    Free for volunteers

    What are Calvert Stewards? They are the volunteer corps of the Calvert Nature Society and the Calvert County Natural Resources Division. More information can be found on the Calvert Stewards Volunteer Page.

    Show details

  • Calvert Stewards: Ward Farm Nest Box Monitoring

    • 03/29/2019
    • 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Ward Farm Recreation and Nature Park
    • 4
    • 1 registrant
    Register

    All ages, under 18 with adult 

    Accompany the naturalist as she checks the lowland nest boxes and does a little trail trimming.  Come lend a hand and learn how you can help with this project. Be prepared for a 1.5 mile hike over moderate terrain.

    Location: Ward Farm Recreation and Nature Park

    Naturalist in charge:  Shannon Steele

    Reservations are required by Wednesday, March 27.

    Program Fee:  
    Free for volunteers

    What are Calvert Stewards? They are the volunteer corps of the Calvert Nature Society and the Calvert County Natural Resources Division. More information can be found on the Calvert Stewards Volunteer Page.

    Show details

  • Calvert Stewards: Flag Ponds Nest Box Monitoring

    • 03/30/2019
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Flag Ponds Nature Park
    • 5
    • Nobody

    All Ages, under 18 with adult

    After a short presentation about our nest box project, volunteers will trek around the park to learn the nest box locations and prepare them for the season.    Be ready for a 1.5 mile hike over moderate terrain. Interested volunteers can monitor them as little as once or as many as 12 times between April and July.

    Location: Flag Ponds Nature Park

    Naturalist in charge:  Shannon Steele

    Reservations are required by Thursday, March 28.

    Program Fee:  
    Free for volunteers

    What are Calvert Stewards? They are the volunteer corps of the Calvert Nature Society and the Calvert County Natural Resources Division. More information can be found on the Calvert Stewards Volunteer Page.

    Show details

Past events

12/08/2018 Everlasting Evergreens
11/16/2018 Beyond S’mores - Family Campfire Cooking
11/10/2018 (new date) Owls of Maryland
10/28/2018 Calvert Stewards Appreciation: Fall Festival
10/13/2018 Fall Hike
10/06/2018 Lower Marlboro Freedom Day
09/22/2018 Monarch Day
09/21/2018 Members Only - Campfire on the Beach
09/08/2018 Paw Paw Party
08/25/2018 Community Service Project: Monarch Larva Monitoring
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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