Black Hill Therapeutic Nature Programs

6'+ 3/24 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 Course: #104968 • Wednesday, Mar. 24 • 2 - 3 pm

3/25 Maryland Champion Tree Hike

Meet at Dickerson Conservation Park for a hike along the Potomac River and the C & O Canal. We will seek out Maryland’s State Champion Sycamore tree and hopefully glimpse the first spring ephemerals like Virginia Bluebells. Pack a lunch, snacks, and water. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear hiking shoes, the area can be muddy. Please meet at 20700 Martinsburg Road, Dickerson, MD 20842. Ages: 18 & Up Fee: $12 FOBH $11 Course: #104984 • Thursday, Mar. 25 • 10 am-1 pm

3/26 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: #104995 • Friday, Mar. 26 • 10 am-2 pm

3/27 Hike Club: Night-time Edition

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. Meet us in the gravel parking area across from the boat ramp on Black Hill Road inside the park. We will not be using flashlights so that we can better view the night sky. Ages: All Ages Fee: $2 Course: #104998 • Saturday, Mar. 27 • 8 - 9 pm

3/28 Terapeutic Recreation: Creative by Nature

This hands-on program is designed for children with disabilities. The program will begin with a self-guided nature walk with sensory stations that can be done at any pace. Participants will then work with a naturalist to create nature masterpieces intended to engage the senses. Projects may include watercolor leaves, mirror nature painting, or nature impressions in clay, and more! Specific details will be sent prior to the class. Participants will be asked to complete a Modification Intake Form upon registration to ensure appropriate support from Program Access. Accompanying adult is free. Ages: 5 - 11yrs Fee: $6 FOBH $5 Course: #104999 • Sunday, Mar. 28 • 11 am-12 pm

3/31 Herp Hike

Spring is such an exciting time of year, with plants and animals all waking up from their winter slumber. And it’s one of the best times to looking for herps (reptiles and amphibians). We’ll trek through the woods of Black Hill Regional Park to a vernal pool looking for tadpoles, frogs, and salamanders. Maybe we’ll even get to see some snakes too! Meet and park where Lake Ridge Drive divides around the median. Ages: 6 - 12yrs Fee: $7 FOBH $6 Course: #105001 • Wednesday, Mar. 31 • 2 - 3:30 pm

APRIL 2021

4/1 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: #105002 • Thursday, Apr. 1 • 2 - 4 pm

4/8 Chirp and Herp Hike

It’s spring! Amphibians are waking up and looking for mates while the first of the spring migratory birds are making their way into the area. We’ll hike the trails of Rachel Carson Conservation Park searching for both spring herps and birds. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and wear good hiking shoes. Meet at Rachel Carson Conservation Park, 22201 Zion Road, Brookeville, MD. Ages: 18 & Up Fee: $12 FOBH $11 Course: #105049 • Thursday, Apr. 8 • 10 am-12 pm

4/9 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 Course: #104540 • Friday, Apr. 9 • 10 am-12 pm

4/10 DIY Nature

Stop by the Visitor Center information desk to pick up materials for a self-led activity. Let your imagination and curiosity lead you! Supplies are limited, and available on a first come, first served basis. Please return all supplies by 1:30 pm. Registration required. Ages: All Ages Fee: Free Course: #104553 • Saturday, Apr. 10 • 12 - 1 pm

4/11 Terapeutic Recreation: Creative by Nature

This hands-on program is designed for children with disabilities. The program will begin with a self-guided nature walk with sensory stations that can be done at any pace. Participants will then work with a naturalist to create nature masterpieces intended to engage the senses. Projects may include watercolor leaves, mirror nature painting, or nature impressions in clay, and more! Specific details will be sent prior to the class. Participants will be asked to complete a Modification Intake Form upon registration to ensure appropriate support from Program Access. Accompanying adult is free. Ages: 5 - 11yrs Fee: $6 FOBH $5 Course: #105000 • Sunday, Apr. 11 • 10 - 11 am

4/11 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: #105050 • Sunday, Apr. 11 • 1 - 2:30 pm

4/16 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: #105051 • Friday, Apr. 16 • 10 - 11:30 am

4/16 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: #105045 • Friday, Apr. 16 • 3 - 5 pm

4/17 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: #105053 • Saturday, Apr. 17 • 10 - 11 am

4/17 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: #104820 • Saturday, Apr. 17 • 6:30 - 7:30 pm

4/21 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 Course: #104973 • Wednesday, Apr. 21 • 2 - 3 pm

6'+

6'+ 4/23 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: #104996 • Friday, Apr. 23 • 10 am-2 pm

4/24 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: #105046 • Saturday, Apr. 24 • 9 - 11 am

4/24 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! Ages: 1 & Up Fee: Free Course: #104506 • Saturday, Apr. 24 • 1 - 3 pm

4/25 Wild Child Hike

This isn’t your average walk in the woods. Scamper like a squirrel, balance like a billy goat, and run like a rabbit through the park. We’ll be on and off the trail as we go on a hiking adventure. Wear shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Be sure to sign up 24 hours ahead so we can contact you with the meeting location. Ages: 4 - 12yrs Fee: $6 FOBH $5 Course: #104517 • Sunday, Apr. 25 • 10 - 11 am

4/25 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 fabulous spring 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. Ages: All Ages Fee: $2 Course: #104525 • Sunday, Apr. 25 • 1:30 - 3 pm

4/29 Native Plant Sale

The native plant sale by the Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs (FOBH) is returning this spring! The plants are all grown by our volunteer gardeners with all proceeds donated to the Black Hill Nature Programs. How to shop and pick up plants will be decided as April gets closer, and will be posted on the FOBH website and our website. Contact Lynette Lenz at 301-528-3484 for additional information. Are you a Friend? If so, you’re in luck - there’s a FOBH Members Only Sale where members get to shop early. Visit the FOBH website to view the plant list and apply to become a Friend of Black Hill Nature Programs. Ages: All Ages Fee: Free Course: #105058 • Thursday, Apr. 29 • 5 - 7 pm

MAY 2021

5/7 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 Course: #104541 • Friday, May. 7 • 10 am-12 pm

5/7 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: #105052 • Friday, May. 7 • 10 - 11:30 am

5/7 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: #105047 • Friday, May. 7 • 3:30 - 5:30 pm

5/8 DIY Nature

Stop by the Visitor Center information desk to pick up materials for a self-led activity. Let your imagination and curiosity lead you! Supplies are limited, and available on a first come, first served basis. Please return all supplies by 1:30 pm. Registration required. Ages: All Ages Fee: Free Course: #104554 • Saturday, May. 8 • 12 - 1 pm

5/12 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 Course: #104976 • Wednesday, May. 12 • 2 - 3 pm

5/13 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: #105048 • Thursday, May. 13 • 4 - 6 pm

5/16 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: #105054 • Sunday, May. 16 • 10 - 11 am

Native Plant Sale

Thursday, April 29,FOBH members only

Friday, April 30 Saturday, May 1 Sunday, May 2

The native plant sale by the Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs (FOBH) is returning this spring!

The plants are all grown by our volunteer gardeners with all proceeds donated to the Black Hill Nature Programs. How to shop and pick up plants will be decided as April gets closer, and will be posted on the FOBH website and our website. Contact Lynette Lenz at 301-528-3484 for additional information. Are you a Friend? If so, you’re in luck—there’s a FOBH Members Only Sale where members get to shop early. Visit the FOBH website to view the plant list and apply to become a Friend of Black Hill Nature Programs.

BLACK HILL NATURE PROGRAMS