Welcome! Meadowside Nature Center is located within the 1800-acre Rock Creek Regional Park. It opened February 19, 1972 as the second nature center operated by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Montgomery County Department of Parks.
There are always things to see and do outside Meadowside Nature Center! The nature center offers outdoor and environmental education programming for families, schools, and scouts. Visitors can spend time hiking eight miles of nature trails down to Lake Frank or walk around Muncaster Mill and learn where grains like wheat and corn were ground into flour. Visit our resident owls, hawks, and vulture on the Raptor Deck during a Raptor Caretaker Chat.
Volunteer Animal Care Aide
Now recruiting: Volunteers to serve as Animal Care Aides! Learn how to support the wellbeing of reptile and amphibian Animal Ambassadors at Meadowside Nature Center.
Animal Ambassadors are important members of the team who help us share their stories and those of their species. Volunteer Animal Care Aides help staff provide for the daily wellbeing and care of snakes, turtles, and toad Animal Ambassadors. Learn more and apply here: https://mcp.samaritan.com/custom/1491/opp_details/196741
Introducing our 2024 Annual Accomplishment Report
Our year was exceptional, driven by the vibrant community we serve and the dedicated staff at Meadowside.
With an ‘all hands on deck’ approach, we fostered meaningful connections with nature and each other. In 2024, we expanded our reach, offering 185 educational programs and engaging 4,183 community members across Montgomery County and beyond. For a comprehensive look at our achievements, please see our full accomplishment report.