18 minute read
Monarch Fiesta Month
SEPTEMBER 2020
9/5 Monarch Scavenger Hunt
The monarchs are on the move! Bring the family to Black Hill Visitor Center to hunt for all things monarch! Drop by to pick up a scavenger hunt sheet, get some helpful hints, and then head out on your hunt. 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 • Free Course #88244 • Saturday, Sep. 5 • 1:30-3:30pm
9/6 Take & Make It: Monarchs
A new twist on an old favorite! Come by the Visitor Center to pick up a craft kit to work on at home. This month is all about monarchs! Kits will have most of the supplies needed and instructions to make a butterfly or sugar skull mask at home. Stop by anytime during program hours to pick up your craft kit. All Ages • $2 Course #88247 • Sunday, Sep. 6 • 1-3pm
9/12 Take & Make It: Monarchs
A new twist on an old favorite! Come by the Visitor Center to pick up a craft kit to work on at home. This month is all about monarchs! Kits will have most of the supplies needed and instructions to make a butterfly or sugar skull mask at home. Stop by anytime during program hours to pick up your craft kit. All Ages • $2 Course #88248 • Saturday, Sep. 12 • 12-1:30pm
9/14 Preschool in the Park, Virtual
We’re going virtual this fall for Preschool in the Park! Due to the evolving nature of the Covid-19 crisis, we’re still working out the details and the fees for the Fall season’s classes. Please check out our Facebook page and ActiveMONTGOMERY for announcements and details. Ages: 3y3m-6 yrs Course #88265
We’re going virtual this fall for Preschool in the Park, Afternoons for 4’s & 5’s! Due to the evolving nature of the Covid-19 crisis, we’re still working out the details and the fees for the Fall season’s classes. Please check out our Facebook page and ActiveMONTGOMERY for announcements and details. Ages: 4-6 yrs Course #88266
9/17 Fishing with 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: 3-6 yrs • $7 • FOBH $6 Course #88268 • Thursday, Sep. 17 • 10-11:30am
9/18 Play Day in the Park
We’ll have nature play prompts spread out around the visitor center to help you explore the exciting natural world with your toddler. Materials will be out during the entire time so you can come enjoy on your time schedule. Stop at the front entrance of the visitor center to begin your journey. All ages are welcome, but the prompts and materials will be geared towards kids aged one to three. Ages: 6m-3 yrs • Free Course #88270 • Friday, Sep. 18 • 10am-3pm
9/19 Campfires 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 • $6 • FOBH $5 Course #88277 • Saturday, Sep. 19 • 6-7pm
9/20 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. Ages: 5 & up • $2 Course #88280 • Sunday, Sep. 20 • 10am-12pm
9/22 Virtual Storytime: “Possum’s Harvest Moon”
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 “Possum’s Harvest Moon” by Anne Hunter. Ages: 2-5 yrs • $2 Course #88283 • Tuesday, Sep. 22 • 10-10:30am
9/24 Homeschool Hike
Come join us for a woodland family adventure. We will have prompts and learning materials along a trail to encourage you to stop and explore the natural world together. Each month we will try a new trail. Please be sure you register no later than 24 hours before the hike so we can send you the meeting-up location. You may show up anytime during the program hours. After meeting with a naturalist, families will be sent down the trail at staggered times. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fee is per family; please register only one person per family. Ages: 5-15 yrs • $6 / Family Course #88286 • Thursday, Sep. 24 • 1-4pm
9/30 Homeschool Virtual Junior Naturalist Club
Join us for a 3-session Virtual Nature Club. We will have three Microsoft Teams virtual sessions with a park naturalist and a box of take-home supplies for you to pick up so that you can learn and challenge yourself to adventures. Ages: 6-12 yrs • $40 Course #88289 • Wednesdays, Sep. 30, Oct. 28, Nov. 18 • 1-2pm
9/30 Night Hike
We’ll look and listen for creatures that are most active at night. Hikes are approximately 1 mile or less. Dress warmly and please, no flashlights. Meet at the gravel parking lot across from the Boat Launch on Black Hill Road. Ages: 8 & up • $6 • FOBH $5 Course #88298 • Wednesday, Sep. 30 • 7-8pm
OCTOBER 2020
10/3 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: 2-6 yrs • $6 • FOBH $5 Course #88377 • Saturday, Oct. 3 • 10-11am
10/3 Take & Make It: Monarchs
A new twist on an old favorite! Come by the Visitor Center to pick up a craft kit to work on at home. This month is all about monarchs! Kits will have most of the supplies needed and instructions to make a butterfly or sugar skull mask at home. Stop by anytime during program hours to pick up your craft kit. All Ages • $2 Course #88249 • Saturday, Oct. 3 • 1-2pm
10/4 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. All Ages • $2 Course #88378 • Sunday, Oct. 4 • 10-11:30am
10/11 Take & Make It: Autumn Leaves
A new twist on an old favorite! Come by the Visitor Center to pick up a craft kit to work on at home. Today is all about Autumn leaves! 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. All Ages • $2 Course #88250 • Sunday, Oct. 11 • 12-1:30pm
10/14 Virtual Storytime: “Are You a Spider?”
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 “Are You a Spider?” by Judy Allen and Tudor Humphries. Ages: 2-5 yrs • $2 Course #88284 • Wednesday, Oct. 14 • 10-10:30am
10/17 Family Fishing Fun!
Fishing is fun for the whole family! 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. 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 • $12 • FOBH $11 Course #88269 • Saturday, Oct. 17 • 9-11am
10/17 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: 4-12 yrs • $6 • FOBH $5 Course #88380 • Saturday, Oct. 17 • 1:30-2:30pm
10/17 Campfires 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 • $6 • FOBH $5 Course #88278 • Saturday, Oct. 17 • 5:30-6:30 pm
10/18 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 • Free Course #88245 • Sunday, Oct. 18 • 1:30-3:30pm
10/21 Volunteer Days–Mystery Project
Since we missed celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day this spring, join us for the 50 1/2 Anniversary instead! Join us for a variety of projects which can earn Student Service Learning hours or come out to help because it just feels good to volunteer. As the work day draws closer, check out our Facebook page for detailed information on today’s project. Groups are welcome too! Parents must accompany children 13 and under. Ages: 3 & up • Free Course #88382 • Wednesday, Oct. 21 • 3:30-5:30pm
10/23 Play Day in the Park
We’ll have nature play prompts spread out around the visitor center to help you explore the exciting natural world with your toddler. Materials will be out during the entire time so you can come enjoy on your time schedule. Stop at the front entrance of the visitor center to begin your journey. All ages are welcome, but the prompts and materials will be geared towards kids aged one to three. Ages: 6m-3 yrs • Free Course #88271 • Friday, Oct. 23 • 10 am-3pm
10/25 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. Ages: 5 & up • $2 Course #88281 • Sunday, Oct. 25 • 2-4pm
10/29 Rachel Carson Hike
Meet a naturalist at Rachel Carson Conservation Park for a hike through meadow and forest in search of autumn’s beauty. Bring binoculars, water, and dress for the weather. Meet at the parking area, 22201 Zion Road, Brookeville, MD. Ages: 18 & up • $12 • FOBH $11 Course #88393 • Thursday, Oct. 29 • 10 am-12pm
10/29 Homeschool Hike
Come join us for a woodland family adventure. We will have prompts and learning materials along a trail to encourage you to stop and explore the natural world and learn together. Each month we will try a new trail. Please be sure you register no later than 24 hours before the hike so we can send you the meeting-up location. You may show up anytime during the program hours. After meeting with a naturalist, families will be sent down the trail at staggered times. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fee is per family; please register only one person per family. Ages: 5-15 yrs • $6 / Family Course #88287 • Thursday, Oct. 29 • 1-4pm
NOVEMBER 2020
11/7 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: 4-12 yrs • $6 • FOBH $5 Course #88381 • Saturday, Nov. 7 • 9:30-10:30am
11/7 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 • Free Course #88246 • Saturday, Nov. 7 • 1:30-3:30pm
11/8 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. All Ages • $2 Course #88379 • Sunday, Nov. 8 • 9-11am
11/8 Take & Make It: Turkeys
A new twist on an old favorite! Come by the Visitor Center to pick up a craft kit to work on at home. Today is all about Turkeys! 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. All Ages • $2 Course #88251 • Sunday, Nov. 8 • 2-4pm
11/15 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. Ages: 5 & up • $2 Course #88282 • Sunday, Nov. 15 • 2-4pm
11/15 Storytelling by the Lake, or at Home
Come cozy up in the Visitor Center, or join us from the comfort of your own home, for an artsy evening of storytelling. Join award winning storyteller Adam Booth as he tells original stories that blend traditional mountain folklore, music, and an awareness of contemporary Appalachia. Pre-registration is required as seating will be limited in the visitor center and a Microsoft Teams link is needed to view the event from home. Ages: 1 & up • Free ONSITE • Course #88427 • Sunday, Nov. 15 • 5:30-6:30pm VIRTUAL • Course #88428 • Sunday, Nov. 15 • 5:30-6:30pm
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 Turkey for Thanksgiving” by Eve Bunting. Ages: 2-5 yrs • $2 Course #88285 • Wednesday, Nov. 18 • 10-10:30am
11/19 Homeschool Hike
Come join us for a woodland family adventure. We will have prompts and learning materials along a trail to encourage you to stop and explore the natural world and learn together. Each month we will try a new trail. Please be sure you register no later than 24 hours before the hike so we can send you the meeting-up location. You may show up anytime during the program hours. After meeting with a naturalist, families will be sent down the trail at staggered times. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fee is per family; please register only one person per family. Ages: 5-15 yrs • $6 /Family Course #88288 • Thursday, Nov. 19 • 1-4pm
11/20 Play Day in the Park
We’ll have nature play prompts spread out around the visitor center to help you explore the exciting natural world with your toddler. Materials will be out during the entire time so you can come enjoy on your time schedule. Stop at the front entrance of the visitor center to begin your journey. All ages are welcome, but the prompts and materials will be geared towards kids aged one to three. Ages: 6m-3 yrs • Free Course #88272 • Friday, Nov. 20 • 10am-3pm
11/21 Campfires 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 • $6 • FOBH $5 Course #88279 • Saturday, Nov. 21 • 4-5pm
11/22 Waterfowl Hike to Ten Mile
Join a naturalist for a hike to see the migratory ducks, geese, and swans that have arrived at Little Seneca Lake this fall. We will hike on the Cool Spring Run Trail to observe the birds visiting this quiet part of the lake. Bring your binoculars, wear good hiking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring water. We will meet off Rt. 121 and Chrisman Hill Drive (21040 Clarksburg Rd., Boyds, MD 20841). Ages: 18 & up • $12 • FOBH $11 Course #88405 • Sunday, Nov. 22 • 9-11am
Brookside Nature Center
1400 Glenallan Avenue • Wheaton, MD 20902 • 301-962-1480 Park grounds and trails open dawn to dusk daily.
Montgomery Parks’ facilities and programs are taking precautionary measures, which are in accordance with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention as well as state and county guidelines. For more information visit: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19.
Visit our website for updates: BrooksideNature.org
Recurring Programs
participants. Please sign up early!
Programs willbe heldoutdoors with limitedcapacity. Registration is required, sign up atActiveMontgomery.com. Face coverings are requiredforallguests andstaffinside the buildings andoutside when nearotherpeople.
Flying Squirrels
Maryland Flying Squirrels are abundant and active year-round, but rarely seen in the wild because they are nocturnal. Join a naturalist for a viewing program on the Nature Center deck at our squirrel feeding station. Rain cancels the program. Registration is required for this program and limited to 8 people. All Ages • Free Course #88291 • Friday, Sep. 4 • 8-8:30pm Course #88297 • Friday, Sep. 11 • 8-8:30pm Course #88299 • Friday, Sep. 18 • 7:30-8pm Course #90173 • Friday, Sep. 25 • 7:30-8pm Course#90174 • Friday, Oct. 2 • 7:30-8pm Course #88300 • Friday, Oct. 9 • 7-7:30pm Course#90175 • Friday, Oct. 16 • 7-7:30pm Course#90177 • Friday, Oct. 23 • 7-7:30pm Course #88301 • Friday, Oct. 30 • 6:30-7pm Course #88302 • Friday, Nov. 6 • 5:30-6pm Course#90178 • Friday, Nov. 13 • 5:30-6pm Course#90179 • Friday, Nov. 20 • 5:30-6pm Course#90180 • Friday, Nov. 27 • 5:30-6pm
Friday Forays
With physical distancing protocol in place, we’re ready to hike safely and enthusiastically! Each month our hike features two visits to a Montgomery Park noted for its unique features and beauty. Befitting the season, we’ll be on the lookout for migrating birds, late flowering plants, spiders, colorful leaves and nature’s early preparations for winter. Our hikes welcome all intrepid explorers especially those with keen eyes! Come, bring your curiosity and sense of discovery to share the excitement and peace of nature with others. Hike length averages 2-3 miles on natural surfaces, To keep the group size small, but accommodate as many explorers as possible, we will visit the same location twice each month. Directions to the trailhead will be emailed two days ahead to all registered
with some ups and downs. Rain cancels the event.
Friday Foray: Oak Ridge Conservation Area Group I
Ages: 18 & up • Free Course #88324 • Friday, Sep. 18 • 10am-12pm
Ages: 18 & up • Free Course #88328 • Friday, Sep. 25 • 10am-12pm
Ages: 18 & up • Free Course #88332 • Friday, Oct. 23 • 10am-12pm
Ages: 18 & up • Free Course #88333 • Friday, Oct. 30 • 10am-12pm
Ages: 18 & up • Free Course #88307 • Friday, Nov. 13 • 10am-12pm
Ages: 18 & up • Free Course #88308 • Friday, Nov. 20 • 10am-12pm
