Black Hill Visitor Center Programs & Events

Black Hill Visitor Center

20926 Lake Ridge Dr. • Boyds, MD 20841 • 301-528-3492 • BlackHillNature.org Please check our website for Visitor Center hours. Trails open daily, dawn to dusk.

Programs are subject to change. For the most up-to-date listings visit: BlackHillNature.org

Recurring Programs

Someofourprogramsaresopopularthatweoffer themanumberoftimesthroughouttheseason.

Lake Tour by Kayak

Want to watch wildlife or just enjoy a peaceful paddle? Then join us for a leisurely tour of Little Seneca Lake. We could see beaver, herons, maybe even a bald eagle. Basic paddling experience is necessary (this is not a lesson), and you can expect to get a bit damp. We'll supply boats, paddles, and PFD's, though we recommend you bring your own PFD if you have one. And don't forget to bring water, sunscreen, and extra shoes to change into after. Meet in front of the gazebo by the pontoon boat dock and boat rental area. FOBH $19 Ages: 12 & Up Fee: $20 Course: #115378 • Sun, Jun. 13 • 8:30-10:30 am Course: #115379 • Sat, Jun. 19 • 5-7 pm Course: #115380 • Sat, Jul. 24 • 8:30-10:30 am Course: #115381 • Sat, Jul. 31 • 6-8 pm Course: #115382 • Sat, Aug. 14 • 8:30-10:30 am Course: #115383 • Sun, Aug. 29 • 9-11 am

JUNE 2021

6/2 Fishing with the Li'l Ones

Let's go fishin'! We'll provide poles and bait, then see what we can catch off of the dock at Little Seneca Lake. Meet at the pontoon boat dock by the boat rentals. Ages: 3 - 6yrs Fee: $7 FOBH $6 Course: #115366 • Wed, Jun. 2 • 9-10:30 am

6/7 Nature Girls Club

Girls belong in nature, enjoying outdoor adventures! Join us for a girl-centered virtual Nature Girls Club. There are six Microsoft Teams virtual sessions with a Park Naturalist, a once a month in-person family adventure, and a box of take-home supplies to pick up that will help you learn. Meetings are bimonthly through June and July, beginning on June 7. Ages: 7 - 12yrs Fee: $40 Course: #115368 • Mon, Jun. 7 • 4:30-5:30 pm

6/10 Nature Time with the Grands

Join us for a virtual Microsoft Teams nature time session designed for grandparents and grandchildren to enjoy nature together. No matter where in the world they are, grandparents and grandchildren can log on together to explore a nature topic with a naturalist and do some nature inspired activities with each other. Please register one person for each device (computer) that will be logging into the virtual session. Ages: 1 & Up Fee: $3/device Course: #115369 • Thu, Jun. 10 • 2-3 pm

6/12 Family Fishing Fun!

Fishing is fun for the whole family and for all abilities! We'll show you how to set up a simple bobber rig, bait your hook, and give you some tips on casting. We'll provide the bait and rigging supplies - you just need to catch the fish! We have fishing poles you can borrow, but if you have your own please bring it along so you can practice with your own gear. Fisher-people of all abilities are welcome. Please register only those planning to fish. All registrants 16 and over must have a current Maryland fishing license. Meet at the pontoon boat dock by the boat rentals. Ages: 3 & Up Fee: $12 FOBH $11 Course: #115372 • Sat, Jun. 12 • 8:30-10:30 am

Monarch Fiesta Month

All September long, look for monarch themed programs!

BlackHillNature.org

6/12 Nature Hunt

Let's take "I Spy" to the next level in the great outdoors. Drop by the visitor center to pick up a scavenger hunt sheet, get some helpful hints, and then head out on your hunt for natural treasures! When you've finished, come back to the visitor center to get a prize. You can come by anytime during program hours! Registration is required for all attending. Ages: 1 & Up Fee: Free Course: #115375 • Sat, Jun. 12 • 1-4 pm

6/13 Take & Make It: Fabulous Flowers

A new twist on an old favorite! Come by the Visitor Center to pick up a craft kit to work on at home. Today's craft is all about flowers! Kits will have most of the supplies needed and instructions to make a craft at home. Stop by anytime during program hours to pick up your craft kit. Registration required. Ages: All Ages Fee: $2 Course: #115384 • Sun, Jun. 13 • 1-4 pm

6/16 Virtual Storytime: "Diary of a Worm"

Join us for a seasonal nature story from the comfort of your own home. Sign up for a Microsoft Teams session where we will share a nature story, have a nature show-and-tell, and show you a craft you can make with supplies at home. Today's story is "Diary of a Worm" by Doreen Cronin. Ages: 2 - 5yrs Fee: $2 Course: #115388 • Wed, Jun. 16 • 10-10:30 am

6/18 Play Day in the Park

Toddlers of all abilities are invited to explore the exciting natural world around the visitor center. Families will explore at their own pace using nature play prompts that will remain out for the duration of the program. Visit the front entrance of the visitor center to being your journey through our most accessible areas of the park which are stroller friendly, with shaded areas and locations to rest. All ages are welcome, but the prompts and materials will be geared towards kids aged one to three. Registration required. Ages: 6m - 3yrs Fee: Free Course: #115391 • Fri, Jun. 18 • 10 am-2 pm

6/19 Take & Make It: Firefies

A new twist on an old favorite! Come by the Visitor Center to pick up a craft kit to work on at home. Today's craft is all about fireflies! Kits will have most of the supplies needed and instructions to make a craft at home. Stop by anytime during program hours to pick up your craft kit. Registration required. Ages: All Ages Fee: $2 Course: #115385 • Sat, Jun. 19 • 1-4 pm

6/19 Campfres at Black Hill

There's nothing like sitting around a campfire under the stars! Join a naturalist for themed songs, stories, games, and of course, s'mores around the fire. Meet at the campfire area by Shelter F on Parking Lot 3 in Black Hill Regional Park. Bring a blanket if it's chilly. Ages: 1 & Up Fee: $6 FOBH $5 Course: #115394 • Sat, Jun. 19 • 8-9 pm

6/20 Take & Make It: Hummingbirds

A new twist on an old favorite! Come by the Visitor Center to pick up a craft kit to work on at home. Today's craft is all about our jeweled garden visitors, hummingbirds! Kits will have most of the supplies needed and instructions to make a craft at home. Stop by anytime during program hours to pick up your craft kit. Registration required. Ages: All Ages Fee: $2 Course: #115386 • Sun, Jun. 20 • 1-4 pm

6/22 Babes in a Backpack

Let's go outside and hike together to improve fitness, play in nature, and experience the great outdoors as a family. You will meet a naturalist at the meet-up spot and set out on a trail that will have nature play and fun learning prompts along the way. These hikes are designed for adults with young children. Most trails are not stroller accessible, so you'll need a backpack or carrier for younger kids and non-walkers. Please register no later than 24 hours before the hike so we can contact you with the hike's location and other important information. Please register everyone; only adults pay. Ages: All Ages Fee: $2/adult Course: #115397 • Tue, Jun. 22 • 10 am-12 pm

6/26 Outdoor Kids Yoga

Nature and yoga provide essential therapeutic benefits to children of all ages. Join a certified Child Light yoga instructor and explore varying themes in nature that will help children become more at ease in their world. Class takes place outside next to the visitor center; accompanying adult is free. Ages: 2 - 6yrs Fee: $6 FOBH $5 Course: #115400 • Sat, Jun. 26 • 9:30-10:30 am

6/27 Take & Make It: Sun Art

A new twist on an old favorite! Come by the Visitor Center to pick up a craft kit to work on at home. Today's craft is all about harnessing the power of the sun to make art! Kits will have most of the supplies needed and instructions to make a craft at home. Stop by anytime during program hours to pick up your craft kit. Registration required. Ages: All Ages Fee: $2 Course: #115387 • Sun, Jun. 27 • 1-4 pm

JULY 2021

7/7 Nature Time with the Grands

Join us for a virtual Microsoft Teams nature time session designed for grandparents and grandchildren to enjoy nature together. No matter where in the world they are, grandparents and grandchildren can log on together to explore a nature topic with a naturalist and do some nature inspired activities with each other. Please register one person for each device (computer) that will be logging into the virtual session. Ages: 1 & Up Fee: $3/device Course: #115370 • Wed, Jul. 7 • 2-3 pm

7/10 Play Day in the Park

Toddlers of all abilities are invited to explore the exciting natural world around the visitor center. Families will explore at their own pace using nature play prompts that will remain out for the duration of the program. Visit the front entrance of the visitor center to being your journey through our most accessible areas of the park which are stroller friendly, with shaded areas and locations to rest. All ages are welcome, but the prompts and materials will be geared towards kids aged one to three. Ages: 6m - 3yrs Fee: Free Course: #115392 • Sat, Jul. 10 • 10 am-2 pm

7/11 Letterboxing Hike

Come on a treasure hunt hike with us. Letterboxes are hidden all over our parks and we will guide you on a hike to find them using clues provided. Please register no later than 24 hours before the hike so we can contact you with the hike's location and other important information. You will meet up with a naturalist who will provide you with the clues and send you on your way down the trail. Registration required for all attending. Ages: 5 & Up Fee: $2 Course: #115423 • Sun, Jul. 11 • 9-11 am

7/14 Virtual Storytime: "A Log's Life"

Join us for a seasonal nature story from the comfort of your own home. Sign up for a Microsoft Teams session where we will share a nature story, have a nature show-and-tell, and show you a craft you can make with supplies at home. Today's story is "A Log's Life" by Wendy Pfeffer. Ages: 2 - 5yrs Fee: $2 Course: #115389 • Wed, Jul. 14 • 10-10:30 am

7/15 Babes in a Backpack

Let's go outside and hike together to improve fitness, play in nature, and experience the great outdoors as a family. You will meet a naturalist at the meet-up spot and set out on a trail that will have nature play and fun learning prompts along the way. These hikes are designed for adults with young children. Most trails are not stroller accessible, so you'll need a backpack or carrier for younger kids and non-walkers. Please register no later than 24 hours before the hike so we can contact you with the hike's location and other important information. Please register everyone; only adults pay. Ages: All Ages Fee: $2/adult Course: #115398 • Thu, Jul. 15 • 10 am-12 pm

7/17 Stream Adventures

What lives in a stream? Wade into the water and use nets to see what insects, fish, frogs, and other animals we can find. Please wear boots or closed-toe shoes that you don't mind getting wet (no flip-flops, please!). Please, each child must be accompanied by one adult only. Meet at the gravel Boat Launch parking lot on Black Hill Road. Ages: 2 - 12yrs Fee: $7 FOBH $6 Course: #115424 • Sat, Jul. 17 • 10-11:30 am

7/17 Campfres at Black Hill

There's nothing like sitting around a campfire under the stars! Join a naturalist for themed songs, stories, games, and of course, s'mores around the fire. Meet at the campfire area by Shelter F on Parking Lot 3 in Black Hill Regional Park. Bring a blanket if it's chilly. Ages: 1 & Up Fee: $6 FOBH $5 Course: #115395 • Sat, Jul. 17 • 8-9 pm

7/18 Meadow Hunt

Let's take "I Spy" to the next level in the great outdoors. Drop by the visitor center to pick up a scavenger hunt sheet, get some helpful hints, and then head off to the meadow to hunt for natural treasures! When you've finished, come back to the visitor center to get a prize. You can come by anytime during program hours! Registration is required for all attending. Ages: 1 & Up Fee: Free Course: #115427 • Sun, Jul. 18 • 1-4 pm

7/24 Nature Mobiles

Make a fun and whimsical nature mobile! Drop by the visitor center to get instructions and find a trail suitable for your family. Then head our for a hike to search for items to create your very own nature mobile. Stop by anytime during program hours! Registration required for all participants. Ages: 1 & Up Fee: Free Course: #115428 • Sat, Jul. 24 • 1-4 pm

7/25 Family Fishing Fun!

Fishing is fun for the whole family and for all abilities! We'll show you how to set up a simple bobber rig, bait your hook, and give you some tips on casting. We'll provide the bait and rigging supplies - you just need to catch the fish! We have fishing poles you can borrow, but if you have your own please bring it along so you can practice with your own gear. Fisher-people of all abilities are welcome. Please register only those planning to fish. All registrants 16 and over must have a current Maryland fishing license. Meet at the pontoon boat dock by the boat rentals. Ages: 3 & Up Fee: $12 FOBH $11 Course: #115373 • Sun, Jul. 25 • 8:30-10:30 am

7/25 Nature Hunt

Let's take "I Spy" to the next level in the great outdoors. Drop by the visitor center to pick up a scavenger hunt sheet, get some helpful hints, and then head out on your hunt for natural treasures! When you've finished, come back to the visitor center to get a prize. You can come by anytime during program hours! Registration is required for all attending. Ages: 1 & Up Fee: Free Course: #115376 • Sun, Jul. 25 • 1-4 pm

AUGUST 2021

8/1 Stream Adventures

What lives in a stream? Wade into the water and use nets to see what insects, fish, frogs, and other animals we can find. Please wear boots or closed-toe shoes that you don't mind getting wet (no flip-flops, please!). Please, each child must be accompanied by one adult only. Meet at the gravel Boat Launch parking lot on Black Hill Road. Ages: 2 - 12yrs Fee: $7 FOBH $6 Course: #115425 • Sun, Aug. 1 • 10-11:30 am

8/8 Babes in a Backpack

Let's go outside and hike together to improve fitness, play in nature, and experience the great outdoors as a family. You will meet a naturalist at the meet-up spot and set out on a trail that will have nature play and fun learning prompts along the way. These hikes are designed for adults with young children. Most trails are not stroller accessible, so you'll need a backpack or carrier for younger kids and non-walkers. Please register no later than 24 hours before the hike so we can contact you with the hike's location and other important information. Please register everyone; only adults pay. Ages: All Ages Fee: $2/adult Course: #115399 • Sun, Aug. 8 • 10 am-12 pm

8/11 Stargazing for Starters

Are you curious about stargazing but unsure how to get started? We get it! There's so much to see in the night sky, but don't worry, we'll begin with the basic tools to start discovering the night sky. August is a good month to look for shooting stars since the Perseid meteor shower peaks from August 11-12. So join us outside the visitor center after sunset and let's observe the night sky! Bring your own binoculars and chairs or blankets, we'll provide the star maps. Rain date is August 12. Ages: 10 & Up Fee: $2 Course: #115431 • Wed, Aug. 11 • 8:30-9:30 pm

8/14 Nature Hunt

Let's take "I Spy" to the next level in the great outdoors. Drop by the visitor center to pick up a scavenger hunt sheet, get some helpful hints, and then head out on your hunt for natural treasures! When you've finished, come back to the visitor center to get a prize. You can come by anytime during program hours! Registration is required for all attending. Ages: 1 & Up Fee: Free Course: #115377 • Sat, Aug. 14 • 1-4 pm

8/15 Family Fishing Fun!

Fishing is fun for the whole family and for all abilities! We'll show you how to set up a simple bobber rig, bait your hook, and give you some tips on casting. We'll provide the bait and rigging supplies - you just need to catch the fish! We have fishing poles you can borrow, but if you have your own please bring it along so you can practice with your own gear. Fisher-people of all abilities are welcome. Please register only those planning to fish. All registrants 16 and over must have a current Maryland fishing license. Meet at the pontoon boat dock by the boat rentals. Ages: 3 & Up Fee: $12 FOBH $11 Course: #115374 • Sun, Aug. 15 • 8:30-10:30 am

8/19 Virtual Storytime: "A Butterfy is Patient"

Join us for a seasonal nature story from the comfort of your own home. Sign up for a Microsoft Teams session where we will share a nature story, have a nature show-and-tell, and show you a craft you can make with supplies at home. Today's story is "A Butterfly is Patient" by Diana Hutts Aston. Ages: 2 - 5yrs Fee: $2 Course: #115390 • Thu, Aug. 19 • 10-10:30 am

8/21 Outdoor Kids Yoga

Nature and yoga provide essential therapeutic benefits to children of all ages. Join a certified Child Light yoga instructor and explore varying themes in nature that will help children become more at ease in their world. Class takes place outside next to the visitor center; accompanying adult is free. Ages: 2 - 6yrs Fee: $6 FOBH $5 Course: #115401 • Sat, Aug. 21 • 9:30-10:30 am

8/21 Campfres at Black Hill

There's nothing like sitting around a campfire under the stars! Join a naturalist for themed songs, stories, games, and of course, s'mores around the fire. Meet at the campfire area by Shelter F on Parking Lot 3 in Black Hill Regional Park. Bring a blanket if it's chilly. Ages: 1 & Up Fee: $6 FOBH $5 Course: #115396 • Sat, Aug. 21 • 7:30-8:30 pm

8/22 Hike Club

The first rule of Hike Club - have fun! Improve your fitness, make new friends, and experience trails and scenery we don't often make time to immerse ourselves in. We welcome all ages, though young children must be able to walk at least 3 miles or be carried. Most trails are not stroller accessible and are easy to moderate in difficulty. Please register no later than 24 hours before the hike so we can contact you with the hike's location and other important information. Ages: All Ages Fee: $2 Course: #115433 • Sun, Aug. 22 • 8:30-10:30 pm

8/25 Nature Time with the Grands

Join us for a virtual Microsoft Teams nature time session designed for grandparents and grandchildren to enjoy nature together. No matter where in the world they are, grandparents and grandchildren can log on together to explore a nature topic with a naturalist and do some nature inspired activities with each other. Please register one person for each device (computer) that will be logging into the virtual session. Ages: 1 & Up Fee: $3/device Course: #115371 • Wed, Aug. 25 • 2-3 pm

8/27 Play Day in the Park

Toddlers of all abilities are invited to explore the exciting natural world around the visitor center. Families will explore at their own pace using nature play prompts that will remain out for the duration of the program. Visit the front entrance of the visitor center to being your journey through our most accessible areas of the park which are stroller friendly, with shaded areas and locations to rest. All ages are welcome, but the prompts and materials will be geared towards kids aged one to three. Registration required. Ages: 6m - 3yrs Fee: Free Course: #115393 • Fri, Aug. 27 • 10 am-2 pm

8/28 Stream Adventures

What lives in a stream? Wade into the water and use nets to see what insects, fish, frogs, and other animals we can find. Please wear boots or closed-toe shoes that you don't mind getting wet (no flip-flops, please!). Please, each child must be accompanied by one adult only. Meet at the gravel Boat Launch parking lot on Black Hill Road. Ages: 2 - 12yrs Fee: $7 FOBH $6 Course: #115426 • Sat, Aug. 28 • 10-11:30 am