Ages 12 and up, under 18 with adult
Volunteers are needed to help our staff with the maintenance and upkeep of the trails and gardens around Battle Creek Nature Center. From invasive plant removal, to routine garden care, to maintaining the nature play space and trails - there is always something to be done. Volunteers must be able to perform moderately strenuous physical tasks.
Please register through our new Galaxy Digital volunteer portal https://calvertstewards.galaxydigital.com . If you are new to the system, you will need to create an account.
Location: Battle Creek Cypress Swamp
Naturalist in Charge: Tania Gale
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.
All ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Ever wonder what the parks look like once the sun goes down? Come and find out through our guided night hike!
Location: Flag Ponds Nature Park
Advanced registration required. Please register by March 18, 2023.
Program Fee
Free for Society members $8 per family for nonmembers
Naturalist in charge: Paige Stevens
COVID Policies and Procedures
The Calvert Nature Society has developed policies and procedures for public program operations based on state and CDC guidelines.
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.
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.
Please read our full policy statement and waiver.
This program is for adults as well as children 12 years and older (under 18 adult required)
Flag Ponds Nature Park is one of the best areas in Calvert to view nesting Bald Eagles. We will learn about Bald Eagles as we hike along the trails to try and get a view of the nest.
Fee is per person. Free for members
$8 for nonmembers
Registration Deadline: Thursday, March 30
Naturalist in Charge: Gene Groshon
NEW DATE: moved to April 3 and 4
For Children in Grades 3-5
Please register each child separately.
Feel like you've been stuck inside all winter? This camp will be full of adventures -- we will wade into the swamp, use nets to look for amphibians, and, of course, play in the mud.
Naturalist in charge: Tania Gale
Bring a snack, lunch, and dress for the weather each day.
Welcome to Camp letter and packing list for camp will be posted here in mid- March and emailed to participants.
Available as a 2-day session only.
Fee per child: Society members pay : $25 Nonmembers pay : $40
Please register before March 24
Each child must be registered separately
DATE CHANGE - moved to April 6 and 7
For ages 12-16
Spend part of spring break with friends searching the woods, ponds, and swamps for animals big and small. If you like to search for animals, and you don’t mind getting dirty in the process, come on down.
Includes:
*We will be sleeping in the building*
Program Fee is per teen: $10 for members; $20 for nonmembers
Please register by March 31.
Reservations are required.
Welcome to Camp Letter and packing list can be found here in mid-March.
Ages 3-5, Adult participation required.
Come learn about a snake's place in our environment! Meet two of our local snake residents and enjoy a craft afterwards!
Location:Flag Ponds Nature Park
Program Fee:
Ages 4-12, with adult
This homeschool series is centered around the Chesapeake Bay with each month focusing on a different topic related to the Bay. There will be some indoor activities, but most of this class will take place outside so please come prepared to be outside (adults too).
Advanced registration required. Please register by April 5, 2023.
*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).
This homeschool series is centered around the Chesapeake Bay - with each month focusing on a different topic related to the Bay. There will be some indoor activities, but most of this class will take place outside so please come prepared to be outside.
Ages 8 years and older. Adults required for this program.
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. Please bring flashlights/ headlamp and wear sturdy shoes that could get muddy on the spring trails. This program is rain or shine, unless weather conditions become severe or hazardous.
Program Fee: Free to Society members $8 per family for nonmembers
Naturalist in Charge : Jessy Oberright
For children 12 - 18 years old
Adults not required.
Join us for an early morning birding hike through the park. Members of the Southern Maryland Youth Birders Group will be in attendance so it's a great way to meet other birders your age.
Registration Deadline: Wednesday April 26
For students ages 12-16 years old
Our spring Teen Homeschool classes will be a 3-part series on kayaking and the ecology of the Patuxent River and its tributaries. Each month we will go out in kayaks to explore the river and the areas around it. We will use nets, water quality equipment, and our own senses to learn more about the river and the plants and animals that call it home.
We expect the teen to attend all three sessions.
No parent needed, participants must be AT LEAST 12 years old
During registration, you will be asked to agree to our kayak waiver. https://www.calvertparks.org/waiver.html/
Location: Lower Marlboro
Program Fee are per teen: Please register each teen separately.
$10 for Society members $20 for nonmembers
Ages 18 months - 3 with an adult
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.
Naturalist in charge: Amy Werking
Location: Kings Landing Park
Program Fees: Free for Society members
$8 per family for nonmembers
Having been around for some 250 million years dragonflies and damselflies, collectively called odonates, are some of the first winged insects on earth to fly. The ancient Celts called them 'big needle of wings', across the pond they are often referred to as 'water dippers' and the Danes affectionately termed them 'goldsmiths'. No matter what you call them, 'odes', with their impressive aerial displays, charismatic behavior and natural beauty have stolen our hearts.
While odonates can be found all over the world, this presentation will primarily focus on the dragonflies and damselflies that call Calvert County home. Join Jason Avery, Program Manager for the Calvert Stewards Dragonfly Survey, for this highly visual exploration into the wonderful world of Odonata. Dive in and learn how to distinguish between dragonflies and damselflies and discuss what makes them so important to the ecosystem, life cycles, species diversity, habitat and conservation. Geared for beginners to advanced enthusiasts, this program has something for everyone. Additional topics such as photography, data collection, research findings and project participation will round out the evening with a "Q and A" session following the presentation.
Location: Flag Ponds Nature Park, Education Building
Free for members and current volunteers; $8 per person for nonmembers
Naturalist in charge: Lydia Wells and Jason Avery
Adult program
Registration now open!
Visit this unique swampland where one of Southern Maryland's most eye-popping warblers makes its home. The Prothonotary Warbler will be in full song, setting up its breeding territories. Our leader, Gene Groshon has been banding Prothonotaries in this location for several years. Our goal will be to identify individual warblers that have just returned from Venezuela, Colombia or Mexico to the Cypress Swamp to nest again. The Sanctuary includes a boardwalk through the swamp, so the birding should be excellent at the height of spring migration.
DIRECTIONS: About 2 mi south of Prince Frederick, MD on Rt 4, turn south on Sixes Road (Rt 506). in 2 miles turn left on Grays Road. Proceed for about a quarter mile to Sanctuary entrance on the right.
Fee is per person. Free
Registration Deadline: Thursday April 27
This homeschool series is centered around the Chesapeake Bay - with each month focusing on a different topic related to the Bay. There will be some indoor activities, but most of this class will take place outside so please come prepared to be outside (adults too).
Advanced registration required. Please register by April 28, 2023.
3-5 years old, Adults are required
You can’t eat them, but it sure is fun to make them! Join in the muddy fun as we explore the mud –how it feels, how it smells - what animals live in the mud? Come prepared to get wet and dirty (adults and kids both) and bring an old towel and a change of clothes for the way home.
NEW Location: Flag Ponds Nature Park
Advanced Reservations are required - Please register by May 24
Fee is per family
Advanced registration required. Please register by May 26, 2023.
Members Only
Paddle through history on this heritage themed kayak tours along the Patuxent River. Tours will be guided by local archaeologist and historic preservationist Chris Sperling and will explore how the dynamic environment molded how people utilized and interacted with the landscape and how they change the landscape to suit their needs.
Will include a quick lesson on basic kayak skills.
If bringing your own kayak, you will need to arrive 30min early to off-load your boat and park. Parking space is limited.
Ages 9 years to adult - Participants must be at least 9 years old to accompany an adult in a double kayak, and at least 12 years old to paddle themselves in a single kayak. Those under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Reservations and payment are required in advance - by May 26
Program Fee (per person)
$15 for Society members
If you bring your own kayak $5 per person
Due to the limited number of kayaks, we may not be able to accommodate your kayak preference. There is a chance that the demand for kayaks exceeds our capacity. If we are unable to fit you into the trip, you will receive a full refund.
Naturalist in charge: Tania Gale Co-leader: Chris Sperling
For hikers ages 10 and up. Attendees under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Advanced registration required. Please register by June 2, 2023.
Free for Society members.
Nonmembers pay $8 per person
Naturalist in Charge: Amy Werking
Ages 3-5, adult participation required
Come learn about how rocks are made and why we need them! Afterwards, pick your own rock for a fun craft!
Advanced Reservations are required - Please register by June, 1.
For families with children ages 6 & up. All participants under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Join us for a chance to see horseshoe crabs on the beach at their peak spawning time! This program will include a beach walk starting around 8 p.m. followed by a campfire with s'mores. The evening will culminate with participants tent camping at Flag Ponds Nature Park.
**Registration space for these events are limited so please do not register for both the family event and the adults-only event.
Due to space constraints, any tent you bring should be no larger than 10 feet x 10 feet in size- smaller is better! We have a limited number of small tents that can be borrowed. Please be sure when you register to note whether you will be bringing your own tent.
Friday, June 9th at 7:00 p.m. (eat dinner before you come) until Saturday, June 10th at 9:00 a.m. A light breakfast will be provided on Saturday.
Advanced Reservations are required - Please register by May 26
Naturalist in charge: Kim Curren
For ages 10 years old and up, children under 18 require adult
Many birds call the swamp home during the summer. We will hike along the boardwalk talking about the various species including Prothonotary Warblers. We will also look for banded Prothonotary's that are part of an ongoing research project at the park.
Registration Deadline: Wednesday June 7, 2023
For participants age 18 and older.
*Registration space for these events are limited so please do not register for both the family event and the adults only event.
Saturday, June 10th at 7:00 p.m. (eat dinner before you come) until Sunday, June 11th at 9:00 a.m. A light breakfast will be provided on Sunday.
All Ages, Adult participation required
Come celebrate and learn about frogs! After a brief overview about why frogs are important to the environment, meet our resident frog and then set out to find them in the wild!
Advanced Reservations are required. Please register by: June 10, 2022
Program Fee, per family
For children entering grades 3-5 in fall 2023
At the end of a summer day, if a child isn’t dirty, there is something missing. In this camp we will wade into the muddiest habitats in the park with nets, magnifying glasses, and all our senses. We will investigate how different types of mud are created, what lives in the mud, and, of course, play in the mud! Come prepared to get down and dirty... really dirty.
Fee per camper: Society members: $165; Nonmembers: $195
Daily Schedule:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday - 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thursday-Friday - camp begins at 6:00 p.m. Thursday and goes overnight to 9:00a.m. Friday. No camp after 9:00 a.m. Friday or before 6:00 p.m. on Thursday.
NOTE: Campers will be sleeping in tents outside, 2 to a tent.
*If changes in COVID safety protocol do not allow for an overnight, we will have camp 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. both Thursday and Friday
Marvelous Mud "Welcome to Camp!" letter and packing list can be found here in June and will be emailed to registered participants.
For children entering grades 6-8 grade in fall 2023 Take your interest in birds to the next level with this camp. From the forest to the shore we will be learning about the many species of birds that call our area home. We will teach you how to identify birds by their song and appearance. This year we will also be collecting data for the breeding bird survey, visiting a bird banding station, and going on a cruise in search of birds near the mouth of the Patuxent River! Bring your binoculars and your camera for a fun adventure. Calvert Nature Society reserves the right to modify and/or change camp program activities and structure based on health, safety, and other variable factors.
Advanced Reservations are required - Please register by: Thursday June 1
Free for Society members: $210 $8 per family for nonmembers: $240
Naturalist In Charge: Gene Groshon Location varies by day. The schedule below is tentative and could be subject to change. Daily schedule Monday: Flag Ponds Nature Park 9:00am-3:00pm
Special activity: Beach Hike
Tuesday: Battle Creek Cypress Swamp 9:00am-3:00pm
Special Activity: Prothonotary Warbler Surveys
Wednesday: Ward Farm Recreation and Nature Park 5:30am-11:40am
Special Activity: Field research bird banding project
Thursday: Kings Landing Park 9:00am-3:00pm
Special Activity: Visits to marsh areas
Friday: Flag Ponds Nature Park 9:00am-3:00pm
Special Activity: Boat cruise and Calvert Marine Museum visit
For ages 3-5 years. All participants must be accompanied by an adult.
Nature is full of colorful berries in the summer. We'll explore the berries in season at the park and sample the edible ones.
Location: Ward Farm and Nature Park
Advanced registration required. Please register by June 26, 2023.
Nonmembers pay $8 per family
For children entering grades 4 & 5 in Fall 2023
If you love everything the water has to offer in the hot summer months then this camp is for you! We will splash and play the week away, exploring a different natural body of water every day and learning what makes each place special. Campers should be comfortable entering water up to their waist. We will be wading into local creeks, rivers, ponds, and the Chesapeake Bay.
Naturalist In Charge: Kim Curren
Fee per camper: Society members: $120; Nonmembers: $150
Location: varies, see below
Daily schedule: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Kings Landing Park; Huntingtown, MD
Thursday: Gatewood Preserve; Prince Frederick, MD
Friday: Flag Ponds Nature Park; Lusby, MD
"Welcome to Camp" letter and packing list can be found here in June
Advanced registration required. Please register by July 1, 2023.
Summer nights can be magical - with frogs and crickets singing and fireflies glowing in the trees. This camp will get us outdoors to experience the mysteries of the night. Campers will have fun together exploring the beach, swamp, and forest while learning what makes night animals special. We will also play games, make a campfire, and enjoy campfire snacks!
Naturalist In Charge: Tania Gale
Fee per camper: Society members: $60; Nonmembers: $90
This camp meets Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights - 6:00p.m.-10:00p.m.
No camp on Monday or Friday
For children entering grades 6-8 in Fall 2023
Not all who wander are lost! This camp will have ambitious hikers exploring Calvert County nature parks on foot. Walking an average of 2-4 miles per day, campers will learn basic hiking safety and play trail games while enjoying the sights along the way. Throughout the week we will explore the trails of Flag Ponds Nature Park, Kings Landing Park, and Ward Farm Recreation and Nature Park. We will end the week with an overnight camping trip to western Maryland where we will hike the rock maze at Garrett State Forest, see the beauty of Swallow Falls State Park and conquer Hoye-Crest, Maryland's highest peak!
Fee per camper: Society members: $280; Nonmembers: $310
Monday - Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Daily Thursday: Drop off at 9:30 a.m. (overnight trip to Potomac-Garrett State Forest campground) Friday: Pick up at 3:30 p.m.
Location: Daily drop off and pick up at at Flag Ponds Nature Park in Lusby, MD. Campers will be driven to a variety of locations throughout the week in a county vehicle.
For children entering grades 1-2 in Fall 2023
Naturalist In Charge: Paige Stevens
Fee per camper: Karyn to adjust as necessary
Society members: $100
Nonmembers: $130
Daily schedule
Monday: 9:30 a.m - 2:30 p.m Battle Creek Cypress Swamp
Tuesday: 9:30 a.m - 2:30 p.m Battle Creek Cypress Swamp
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m - 2:30 p.m Flag Ponds Nature Park
Thursday: 9:30 a.m - 2:30 p.m Flag Ponds Nature Park
For children ages 4-5 years old by time of camp - All children must be bathroom independent.
Send your little campers for this fun close-up look at the plants and animals that live at Flag Ponds Nature Park. Each day we will go on mini adventures throughout the park to explore our natural world. We’ll use our senses and scientific tools like hand lenses and nets to explore. Nature-related games and crafts round out our days.
Is your camper nervous about being on their own at camp? Come for our optional "meet the staff" day at Flag Ponds on July 18 at 10am or 2pm. More information will be sent to registered participants.
Naturalist in Charge: Tania Gale and Summer Interns
Tuesday - Friday (no camp on Monday)
Fee per camper: Members: $150; Nonmembers: $180
Fee per camper: Society members: $150; Nonmembers: $180
Welcome to camp letter and packing list can be found here in June
