WHEATON, Md. – Montgomery Parks is gearing up for autumn. Take advantage of our fall native plant sales, learn how to forage, or make a fire, or create a pint glass and enjoy a cold one, and more. It’s a super September at our nature centers.
Native plant sales
Maydale Nature Classroom: Online Native Plant Sale | September 1–9
Virtual
Native plants encourage beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife. Online sales run through Saturday, September 9, with plant pickup at Maydale Nature Classroom (1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville) on Saturday, September 14. Sales benefit Maydale Nature Classroom. To learn more or purchase plants, please visit MaydaleNature.org.
Locust Grove Nature Center’s Fall Native Plant Sale | September 21–22 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Pope Farm Nursery, 7400 Airpark Road, Gaithersburg
Beautify your space with our native plant sale. Experts will be available to answer questions. Free admission. This in-person sale will take place at Pope Farm Nursery and sales will support educational programs at Locust Grove Nature Center.
September nature center programs include:
Nature Matters–Alien Invaders: Non-Native Invasive Plants and How You Can Help | September 5 | 6:45–8 p.m.
Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville
Our local ecosystems are being invaded by non-native invasive plants. Learn what Montgomery Parks is doing to control the spread and how you can help at home. Register for Nature Matters – Alien Invaders. Ages 18 and older. Free.
Adaptive Recreation–Gardening 101 | September 5–October 10 | 4–5 p.m.
Black Hill Discovery Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds
Gardening improves physical health, mental wellness, and cognitive ability. This program is designed to support aspiring gardeners with disabilities. Ages 18 and older. Register for Adaptive Recreation– Gardening 101. $30 per person.
Fall Foraging for Women and Non-Binary Individuals| September 7 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Black Hill Discovery Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds
Workshop is designed to empower beginners in learning fun and practical outdoor skills. No experience required. Ages 18 and older. Register for Fall Foraging for Women and Non-Binary Individuals. $15 per person.
Women’s Fire Making Class | September 7 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville
Join a naturalist and learn how to use a ferro rod, magnesium, and magnifying glass to make a spark and three different ways to structure firewood to encourage a lasting flame. Register for Women’s Fire Making Class. Ages 16 and older. $25 per person.
Nativescaping | September 8–18 (Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday) | Various times
Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda
Learn how to incorporate native plants into your landscape. Join for the whole series and get one class free. Beginner to intermediate level. Register for Nativescaping. Ages 18 and older. $80 per person (five class series) or $20 per person per class.
Vulture Awareness Day Celebration | September 9 | 4–5 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville
Celebrate nature’s cleanup crew! Meet our vulture ambassador from the Nature Playspace. Go on a self-guided scavenger hunt and find the hidden vultures. Answer trivia, solve puzzles, enjoy vulture jokes, and try a tasty vulture treat. Register for Vulture Awareness Day Celebration. All ages. $7 per person.
Beginning Recreational Kayaking for Older Adults | September 11 | 3–5 p.m.
Black Hill Discovery Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds
Learn basic strokes, entries and exits, boat control, and more in sessions taught by certified American Canoe Association instructors. Ages 55 and older. Register for Beginning Recreational Kayaking for Older Adults. $55 per person.
Gardening for Wildlife | September 13 | 5–6 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville
Make your outdoor space a sanctuary for Maryland wildlife. Discover why gardening with intention is one of the most impactful methods for climate resilience and how to be a climate hero in your own backyard. Each participant will get a coupon for a free plant at Locust Grove Nature Center Plant Sale. Register for Gardening for Wildlife. Ages 16 and older. $10 per person.
Escapados de Tortugas | September 14 | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton
Celebrate Latino Conservation Week by helping us find our box turtle. He’s left clues and we are sure to find him and bring him back safely. Enjoy a fun scavenger hunt on the grounds of Brookside Nature Center. This program is in Spanish. Ages 8 and older. Register for Escapados de Tortugas. $5 per person.
Pints for Plants: Native Plant Beer Hike | September 14 | 3–4 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville
Hike and enjoy different local beers along Meadowside’s beautiful trails while learning the science behind how native trees support our favorite drinks and the life of the forest. Ages 21 and older. Register for Pints for Plants: Native Plant Beer HIke. $15 per person.
Fall Wildflower Walk | September 15 | 10–11:30 a.m.
Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda
Take a leisurely stroll through the park with our master naturalists who will interpret this last spectacular show of color before the changing of the seasons. Ages 16 and older. Register for Fall Wildflower Walk. $7 per person.
SEED Classroom Open House | September 28 | 1–4 p.m.
Black Hill Discovery Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds
Come check out the new SEED (Sustainable Education Every Day) Classroom at Black Hill. Find out what makes this building sustainable and get inspired to learn what sustainable actions you may be able to accomplish in your own home. Drop in anytime during program hours. All ages. Register for SEED Classroom Open House. Free.
Etch and Sip: Craft Brews | September 28 | 3–5 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville
Create a personalized pint glass using the process of chemical glass etching and then enjoy a brew and learn about Maryland’s fascinating beer brewing history. Ages 21 and older. Register for Etch and Sip: Craft Brews. $20 per person.
Go to Montgomery Parks event calendar for a complete list of special events and programming 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.
Accessibility at 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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