Locust Grove Nature Center

Locust Grove Nature Center provides a natural sanctuary from the surrounding urban bustle in Bethesda, Maryland and offers many things to do, including environmental interpretation and education programs for all ages. 

Locust Grove Nature Center is open from 10am to 4pm, from Wednesday to Sunday.

Thank you for your responses to the Nature Center Community Input Survey that helped us make this adjustment.

Locust Grove Nature Center’s specialties include Native Plant Education, Nature on Wheels travelling programs, campfire nature walks, and special events to name a few. You’re also welcome to come and wander our trails, enjoy our observation deck, explore our exhibits indoors and out, or discover the wonder of the self-guided theme month activities.

Directions

Go Green & Take Transit: We have a stop on the Bus Route 42 and 47 for Montgomery County DOT and transfer or walk from Westfield Mall from Metrobus J2.

The entrance to Locust Grove Nature Center’s parking lot is on Democracy Blvd. We share the same parking lot as the Pauline Addie Betz Tennis Center (it’s a big blue building that looks like a warehouse). As soon as you pull into the parking lot, you’ll see a pedestrian bridge over the creek on the right side. Park in any space and then walk over the bridge. The Nature Center is the building right in front of you.

The bus stop drops you off on Democracy, less than a quarter-mile walk from the Tennis Center / Nature Center entrance.

Rent a Campfire Ring

• Campfire Ring available 7 days a week, 3 hours/permit fee. Firewood and fire starter materials are included.

• Reserve via Active Montgomery or Call Locust Grove Nature Center 301-765-8660

Locust Grove Nature Center’s Marianne talks about lepidoptera, the insect order for butterflies, skippers, and moths. And, she explains about host and super host plants and their importance to the insects and their larvae.