Tag Us! #natureathome #calvertnaturally #calvertnaturesociety
For students ages 12-16 years old. No parent needed.
In this 3-part series teens will discover the incredible diversity of the plant kingdom. We will explore different plant species, their unique adaptations, and how they survive in various environments, from the beach to the forest.
We expect teens to attend all 3 sessions.
Location: Flag Ponds Nature Park
Program Fee per teen
Members: $10
Nonmembers: $20
Naturalist in Charge: Tania Gale
Please consider the safety, health, and well-being of all participants in our programs and stay home if the participant(s) are ill. Full refunds will be given for cancellations due to health concerns.
Please read our full policy statement and waiver.
For Children 12-16 years old. Adults not required.
As part of our raptor research, staff are conducting surveys of wintering hawks and falcons to better understand their survivability. Join us as we conduct roadside raptor banding surveys throughout Calvert County to collect more data for this study. We will meet at Battle Creek and travel in the county van to various areas.
*When signing up multiple children under the same account please use the Add Guest option to register the additional child*
For more information on the research project: Winter Raptor Research
Naturalist in charge: Gene Groshon
Location: Battle Creek Cypress Swamp
Program Fee is per child:
Please register by: Thursday, January, 16 2025
Advanced Reservations are required - Please register each teen separately
DUE TO THE EXPECTATION OF EXTREME WEATHER, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED
Join park staff and volunteers on this National Day of Service to help us install the seasonal Sugar Bush Trail, an interpretive trail that teaches visitors about the history and process of maple syrup making. Volunteers will assist with cleaning equipment, clearing and marking the trail, installing temporary signs, and placing maple taps. This event is outdoors and will involve physical lifting, walking up to 1 mile or more and standing on steep and uneven terrain and possible cold or damp weather. Volunteers should come prepared to be outside for the entire duration of the event. This volunteer opportunity is appropriate for youth ages 12 and up, adults. Youth under age 18 must have adult supervision.
For more information contact Jessy Oberright, Volunteer Coordinator at jessy.oberright@calvertcountymd.gov
Calvert Stewards volunteers may register for this opportunity at https://calvertstewards.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1026939
Location: Kings Landing Park
Program Fee: No charge
Staff in charge: Jessy Oberright, Volunteer Coordinator
The Calvert Nature Society has developed policies and procedures for public program operations based on state and CDC guidelines.
Prior to participation in any Society sponsored program, we will ask each individual, if under 18 a parent, to agree to the participant waiver. The waiver agreement needs to be completed for each in-person program.
Welcome to Camp letter and packing list now available:
Winter.Adventurers.2025.letter.pdf
for students grades 3-5
Winter is a great time for outdoor adventures. During the day we will explore the woods and beach by playing games, building forts, an following our sense fo adventure. After sunset we will head out into the quiet winter woods for a night walk followed by a campfire and smores. Don't worry about getting too cold - this camp will include both indoor and outdoor activities, along with plenty of hot chocolate to keep campers warm. Dinner, breakfast, and snacks are provided.
Naturalist in charge: Tania Gale
Fee per person:
$50 for members
$80 for non-members
Learn to identify some of our evergreen plants. We’ll explore the forests in search of the ferns, herbaceous plants, and trees that are green in the winter.
Wear warm clothes for standing around outside (we won't be moving very fast). Bring a snack or lunch if you think you'll get hungry.
Optional but useful to bring 10x hand lens, binoculars, field guides.
Co-sponsored by the Maryland Native Plant Society and Wild Ones Chesapeake Chapter
Location: Gatewood Preserve (directions to be provided to those who register)
Naturalist in charge: Karyn Molines
This is a free program.
3-5 years old, Adults are required
This interactive class will delve into the wonders of animal noses. Children will learn how different animals use their noses to smell, find food, and navigate their environment through games, experiments, and crafts.
Advanced Reservations are required - Please register by 1/24
Fee is per family
Program Fee
Free for Society members $8 per family for nonmembers
Please register by: Monday, January, 27 2025
For adults, although teens 16 years and older may attend.
All trees do not look alike in winter! We'll learn the basics of plant identification using winter keys and field guides, then take a hike to use our knowledge (so make sure you bring outdoor weather clothes). This program is designed for those with little or no experience and will focus on twigs, buds, and bark. Geared for adults, but teens 16 or older may attend.
Optional: field guides, hand lens
Bring: Hand lens, binoculars, camera
Wear comfortable walking shoes & dress for the weather.
Rain or shine.
Fee: $5 per person
For all ages
Enjoy an evening filled with fascinating herps and delicious pizza!
Start the evening with a pizza dinner then learn about the unique behaviors, habitats, and vital roles of reptiles and amphibians (a.k.a. "herps") in our ecosystems. Learn about the importance of protecting herp habitats and how you can help.
Advanced Reservations are required - Please register by: 1/24/25
Program Fee Per Family: $30 for members, $45 for nonmembers
Additional Details will be posted here and on http://www.paxcon.org
Location: Patuxent Research Refuge (National Wildlife Visitor Center) Address: 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD 20708 There is limited parking, we encourage carpooling. Please park in the far right of the Visitor Center parking lot. There is no Wifi or Internet access at the facility. Cell service is limited.
Watch the recordings from the 2020 Pax Con
The Patuxent River, considered “Maryland’s River”, is the longest river entirely in the state of Maryland. Home to over 100 species of fish and a staggering variety of resident and migratory birds, the Patuxent River is a jewel of the Maryland natural world. Archaeological artifacts dating back to 7,200 B.C.E. suggests the River has been an essential lifeline for humans for thousands of years.
The Patuxent River Conference (PAXCON) is the premier forum uniting scientists, environmental educators, natural resource managers, and anyone passionate about the health and future of the Patuxent River. To know and understand the Patuxent River is to take one more step towards its protection.
Join us for a lively and intellectually stimulating day and to network with new and old colleagues!
Consider being a Sponsor of the Conference: With a sponsorship of $100 your organization will receive one complimentary conference registration, your logo on the conference website and materials, as well as being able to share materials with conference attendees.
Registration Fee: (includes lunch)
Thank you to EQR for their generous sponsorship by EQR to cover the registration fees for Presenters.
Contact Karyn Molines for the registration code for the following Registration Types.
To meet our catering deadlines, registration closes on January 29 (11:59 pm). No walk-ins or late registrations will be accepted.
For agencies that require a W-9 for processing payments: Calvert Nature Society is the Payee: Download the W-9 form for your records.
Please register by: Friday, February 7, 2025
Ages 4-12, with adult
This homeschool series will be a study of the plants around us with each month focusing on something different.
February’s class will focus on the evergreens – those plants that keep their leaves through the winter and their importance to the local animal community during this challenging time of year.
Advanced registration required.
Program fees are per family. Please register all your children on one entry.
Homeschool Fridays is a series of environmental education programs developed especially for homeschoolers ages 4 to 12. These classes are a great way to get hands-on science and nature lessons and network with other homeschooling families. Each two-hour program will consist of indoor and outdoor hands-on learning
There is no charge for parents since they are expected to participate as mentors and teachers. Staff will provide guidance for parents on how to assist.
Siblings younger than 4 are welcome, but must be under the care of a parent/guardian at all times and should not distract the program participants.
Older and younger students will be grouped by age to allow for age-appropriate topic exploration (parents will stay with the younger group).
Ages 3-5
How do animals show love? This Valentines Day learn about animals, their loved ones and leave with a handmade Valentine's Day card.
Advanced Reservations are required - Please register by: February 6, 2025
Program Fee:
Naturalist in charge: Paige Stevens
For adults and families with children ages 8 & up. Adults are required to attend with children under the age of 16.
You can learn a lot about an animal by what it eats. Join us as we dissect and identify the contents of Barn Owl pellets. We will learn about owl pellets and the many things they can teach us, and we will identify the different prey items the owls ate.
Naturalist in charge: Kim Curren
Advanced Reservations are required - Please register by: October 18
Program Fee: Free for members, $8 per family for nonmembers
Please register by: Thursday, February 13, 2025
For ages 18 months - 3 years
Hiking with toddlers is always an adventure! Join us as we flip over rocks, pick up sticks, and hike through the woods at a toddler's pace.
Advanced Reservations are required - Please register by: February 7, 2025.
Naturalist in charge: Amy Werking
For ages 12 and up
Think you are a nature expert? Gather with your family and friends and come test your skills at Nature Trivia while helping benefit your local nature programs.
There is a prize for the team finishing in first as well as door prizes.
When you register you can opt to purchase dinner including pizza, drink and snacks for the evening. You are welcome to bring your own dinner and snacks too!
Check-in will start at 4:30 p.m. and Pizza dinner and Trivia will start promptly at 5:00 p.m.
Advanced registration required. Please register by February 13, 2023
Program Fee: $20 per team (Fee must be paid to be considered registered).
The registration fee supports all of our education programs.
Don't know who will be on your team? Not a problem. Register anyway, and we can add team members later.
Max team size: 6
Rules
Discover the fascinating world of animal eyes. Explore how different animals see, their unique eye shapes, and colors in this fun, interactive preschool class.
Advanced Reservations are required - Please register by
Ages 6 and up with adults
Grab your family and come on down for our woodsy family walk. Explore nature trails, learn about local plants and wildlife, and enjoy quality family time in the great outdoors.
This will be a moderately strenuous hike on uneven surfaces. Not suitable for strollers and children younger than 6.
Location: Ward Farm Recreation and Nature Park
This homeschool series will be a study of the plants around us with each month focusing on something different. March’s class will focus on the giants of the plant world - trees! Discover tree anatomy, their ecological importance, and how they grow.
For children ages 3-5, Adult participation is required.
Did you know that green is the easiest color for our eyes to see? Get ready for St. Patrick's Day by learning all about why green is so common in nature, and take a short hike to see all the green that nature has to offer us this time of year!
Naturalist in Charge: Kim Curren
Program Fee per family:
Free for Society members
$8 per family for nonmembers
Reservations are required
For all ages. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Advanced Reservations are required - Please register by: March 15
Celebrate the first day of spring by learning what changes will come as the weather gets warmer. Explore the park to find clues of spring and complete a spring inspired craft.
Advanced Reservations are required - Please register by: March 15, 2024
Appropriate for all ages
There is no better way to welcome the Spring than to get rid of your old winter socks and take a barefoot walk on the beach. Join us for this quirky Maryland tradition where we will gather around the campfire to celebrate the coming Spring by burning our socks.
Tune in to explore world of animal ears. Children will play games and do experiments to help them discover how various animals use their ears to hear, communicate, and navigate.
This program is for adults as well as children 10 years and older (adult required for those under 18)
Flag Ponds Nature Park is one of the best areas in Calvert to view nesting Bald Eagles. We will hike to a viewing point from one of our trails to get an up close view of the nestlings through our spotting scope. Along the way we will discuss these amazing birds.
We will be hiking about 2-3 miles so be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and dress for the weather.
Advanced Reservations are required - Please register by: Wednesday March 26
Free for Society members $8 per person for nonmembers
This homeschool series will be a study of the plants around us with each month focusing on something different. This month is a continuation of our winter/spring “botany” theme. April’s class will focus on the plants of early spring – the “spring ephemerals” including wildflowers and ferns.
For adults and children ages 8 & up. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Take a night hike through the swamps and around the ponds of Flag Ponds to look and listen for frogs and other nighttime animals. We will learn some frog calls before we set out to see who we can hear and possibly see along the trail. The hike is approximately 1.5 to 2 miles over uneven terrain.
Advanced Reservations are required - Please register by: April 10
For Children in Grades 3-5
Please register each child separately.
Feel like you've been stuck inside all winter? Get outdoors and enjoy the spring! Each day will be full of adventures -- we will wade into the swamp, use nets to look for amphibians, and, of course, play in the mud.
Welcome letter and packing list will be posted here in mid- March and emailed to participants.
Available as a 2-day session only.
Registration deadline: April 4
Fee per child: Society members pay : $45 Nonmembers pay : $75
Every spring many species of birds will be migrating to their breeding grounds and pass through our parks. We will go on a hike to see what warbler species are stopping by along their journey. Birders of all ages and experience are welcome!
Walk ins allowed but registration preferred by 4/14/2025
For children in grades 6-8
Wrap up spring break with an epic overnight nature adventure. Grab your friends and explore the woods and swamps in search of all kinds of critters, including at night. For thrill-seekers who don’t mind a bit of mud, this is your chance to uncover nature's spring-time secrets.
With a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, we’ve got an unforgettable adventure lined up – including a night-time swamp wade in to look for spring peepers and salamanders. Campfire dinner, Thursday snack, s'mores, and breakfast are included. We will be sleeping indoors.
Program Fee is per teen: $25 for members; $55 for nonmembers
Reservations are required.
Welcome Letter and packing list can be found here in mid-March.
