WHEATON, Md. – As we approach the season of gratitude, Montgomery Parks’ invites you to celebrate nature and its wonders with a vibrant lineup of programs throughout November. From birdwatching adventures to exhilarating hikes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate in the natural world.
November nature center programs include:
Project Feederwatch | Thursdays and Fridays in November | 11 a.m.– 12 p.m.
Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda
Become a citizen scientist and count the different species of birds visiting our feeders. All skill levels welcome—bring your binoculars and your love for nature. Ages 5 and older. Registration required. Free.
Ready, Set, Go! | November 1 | 7 – 9 p.m.
Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton
Our adults-only scavenger hunt is back with all new missions! Grab friends for a nature-themed adventure using the GooseChase app and unleash your inner explorer. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. $15 per person.
Maydale Community Celebration | November 2 | 1 – 4 p.m.
Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville
Join us for an afternoon of fun and festivities! Enjoy live music, cozy campfires with s’mores, hands-on apple cider making, and crafts for all ages. Don’t miss a special visit from Smokey Bear. All ages. Free.
Afternoon on the Pontoon | November 2 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Black Hill Boats, 20920 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds
Enjoy a leisurely cruise on our pontoon boat along Little Seneca Lake and keep an eye out for local wildlife. Ages 6 and older. Registration required. $7 per person ($6, Friends of Black Hill).
Teen High Adventure Excursions: Hiking at Great Falls | November 4 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville
School’s out! Join us for a hike along the cliffs of Great Falls along Section A of the Billy Goat Trail and take in exquisite views of the Potomac River and local flora and fauna. Registration required. Ages 12–15. $50 per person.
Nature Explorers | November 7 and 12 | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville
Little adventurers will dive into the wonders of wildlife. Join us for fun activities exploring “Super Seeds” on November 7, and “Turkey Talk” on November 12, just in time for Thanksgiving. Registration required. Ages 3–5. $6 per person.
Black Hill Van Trips: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge | November 14 | 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Black Hill Discovery Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds
Embark on a journey to Delaware’s Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge Center for outstanding views of snow geese, dabbling ducks, and eagles. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. $60 per person ($58, Friends of Black Hill).
Treasure Hunting in Wheaton Regional Park | November 23 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton
Join us for an exciting geocaching adventure led by a park naturalist seeking hidden caches. Ages 8 and older. Registration required. $7 per person.
Programs for 55+:
- Hike to Parks Unknown: Seniors 55+ | November 8 (intermediate) and 10 (beginner) | 1 – 2:30 p.m. and 9:30–11 a.m.
Bucklodge Conservation Park, Slidell Road, Boyds
Ken-Gar Palisades Local Park, 4140 Wexford Drive, Kensington
Registration required. $10 per person.
Go to Montgomery Parks event calendar for a complete list of nature center programs and to learn how to sign up using ActiveMontgomery. Visit the Fall 2024 Montgomery Parks Program Guide.
About Montgomery Parks Nature Centers
Montgomery Parks operates five nature program sites, Black Hill Discovery Center, Brookside Nature Center, Locust Grove Nature Center, Maydale Nature Classroom and Meadowside Nature Center. The nature centers provide learning opportunities for youths and adults in a variety of ways including school, scout and public programs for all ages; special events, summer camps, birthday parties, volunteer opportunities, internships, engaging interpretive exhibits, live animal exhibits, native plant gardens, trails and nature play areas. For more information, visit Montgomery Parks Nature Centers website.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 419 parks. Montgomery Parks is focused on promoting physical activity, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, especially in diverse and urbanizing areas, with an emphasis on teens, working-age adults, and seniors. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems. MontgomeryParks.org
Accessibility at Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Program Access for more information.
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