Locust Grove Nature Center is open from 10am to 4pm on Wednesdays to Sundays from February to May.
Locust Grove Nature Center’s specialties include Native Plant Education, Nature on Wheels traveling 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 activities in the park.
Directions
By public transit: If using metro, take the Red Line to Bethesda or North Bethesda Station and take the bus. Rideon bus routes 42 and 47 stop on Democracy Blvd at the entrance to the Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center parking lot (stop ID 21742). The Nature Center is located 0.1 miles from the bus stop.
By bike/foot: The Nature Center is accessible from the Cabin John trail system in Cabin John Regional Park. From Tuckerman Ln, follow the trail south approximately 1.6 miles. Take the Upload Meadow trail (includes stairs) uphill to the nature center. The nature center has an entrance on the deck as well as around the front. The Tulip Tree trail is also located off of the Cabin John trail at the other side of the meadow and offers a stair-free option.
Locust Grove Nature Center shares a parking lot with the Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center (it’s a big blue building that looks like a warehouse). As soon as you enter the parking lot, you’ll see a pedestrian bridge on the right. Walk over the bridge to get to the Nature Center. Parking is free. Bike parking is available by the Armstrong Cabin located immediately to the right of the tennis center.
Locust Grove Nature Center’s Marianne talks about lepidoptera, the insect order that includes butterflies, skippers, and moths. She explains what host and super host plants are and why they are important for keeping insects alive.