Annapolis, MD - Patuxent River State Park is offering many opportunities to get outdoors and become educated in nature with the below September 2021 events at the Nature Center. Located in Howard and Montgomery counties, along the upper 12 miles of the Patuxent River, the park is comprised of 6,700 acres of natural areas and farmlands. Unless otherwise noted, events are held rain or shine, free and fun for all ages; donations are always welcome. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for the weather/activity, wear sunscreen and insect repellent, bring plenty of water and snacks, and remember to check for ticks. Call 443-962-0216 for additional information or to register.
Visitor Center and Nature Center 23222 Georgia Ave, Brookeville, MD, 20833
September 4: Owl Pellet Dissection
10 a.m. at the Nature Center
Owls are the hunters of the night! We'll talk about how owls live and what makes owls special. Come learn about the habits and diets of owls by dissecting the pellets they leave behind. Best for ages 8+ but all ages welcome.
September 5: Let's Talk Poop!
11 a.m. at the Nature Center
Learn how to tell what animal made what poop (called scat) and learn how studying the contents of an animal's scat can help us better understand what the animal ate and what role it plays in the environment.
September 7: Tuesday Tracks
4 p.m. at the Nature Center
Wind up your work or school day with a peaceful walk through the beautiful woods of Patuxent River State Park. Hikes will leave at 4 p.m. every other Tuesday from the parking area. Led by a naturalist, you will get to know the park trails and learn about the plants and animals found in the park, as well as the history of the area. Distances will vary up to 3 miles (1.5 miles each way) and last about an hour. Distances can be adjusted based on the size, age, and ability of the group. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
September 10 and 24: Skulls & Skins
1 - 4 p.m. at the Nature Center
Explore real-life skulls and pelts from animal residents of the park and learn what they can teach us about the life of the animal.
September 11 and 18: Reptile Encounter
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Nature Center
Many reptiles play a vital role in the ecology of our natural world. This presentation will provide an opportunity to learn more about this interesting group of animals and will include the chance to see a live corn snake and how it has adapted to meet the challenges of the environment. This presentation is suitable for all ages.
September 12: EEK! Spiders!
11 a.m. at the Nature Center
Learn all about these awesome but often misunderstood creatures. Did you know spiders consume 400 to 800 million metric tons of insects every year? Spiders serve as both important predators and prey in our landscape.
September 19: Winter Adaptations
11 a.m. at the Nature Center
Winter is coming! From thick fur to camouflage, and low body temperature to hibernation, animals survive the winter in many different ways. Learn about the adaptations that help the animals that live in the park to survive in winter.
September 25: Monarch Madness!
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Nature Center
Learn about monarch butterflies as they leave our area to migrate to Mexico for the winter. Explore their amazing life cycle while playing a Monarch Migration game on the front lawn of the old house - will you survive the challenges faced by these wonderful creatures?
September 26: Stream Study
2 p.m. at the Nature Center
What's in the water? We will look for crayfish, mayfly larvae, and salamanders, and we will do some simple water-quality tests in the Patuxent River located in the park. Close-toed shoes or sturdy sandals that can get wet are recommended (no flip flops); high water cancels this event. Recommended for ages 8+.