REGISTRATION
Programs are free, however, donations to The Friends of Patuxent are greatly appreciated! Some programs require advance registration by calling 301-497-5887. Programs are subject to changes or cancellation due to weather or low participation. Please notify the refuge of any special needs so that you may be accommodated.
+++Photo-Adventure Scavenger Hunts+++
Saturday Apr. 7th, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Saturday Apr. 21st, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
All ages, no registration
Using clues, individuals and/or groups can hunt on trails for sculptured stones, mystery objects, plants, and animals while learning about the history and features of the refuge. A camera or cell phone is needed. This is a drop-in program. Come when you wish and leave when you’re are ready.
Beginner’s Hunt (0.75 mile)
This scavenger hunt will be on the Little Patuxent River Trail.
Advanced Hunt (1.2 mile)
This scavenger hunt will be on the Merganser Pond Trail and Wildlife Viewing Area.
Amazing Race Scavenger Hunt
A photo-scavenger hunt that involves driving around the “Wildlife Loop” to find mystery objects and also solve a “Biology Puzzle.”
+++ Nature Photography +++
Sunday, Apr. 8th, 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Sunday, Apr. 15th, 8:00 – 11:00 am
Ages 14+, registration required
Come join Mark Seaver for a two day photography workshop designed to improve the quality of your nature photography. The first day, April 1st
(2-5 pm), will include a one hour classroom session learning about composition through examples and two hours of field photography with individualized attention. The second session, April 8th (8-11 am), will start in the field taking advantage of morning light. The workshop will conclude with a discussion and review of participant taken images. Space is limited. Mark’s work can be seen at http://seaverphotos.zenfolio.com/
+++ Star Watch & Stories+++
Saturday, Apr. 14th, 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm
All ages, registration required
Can you find a snake, bear, or horse in the sky? Join us as we discover the constellations, learn how animals use stars, and even find some ways we can protect animals at night. Several powerful telescopes will be on hand to reveal distant galaxies and stars.
+++Early Spring Wildflowers+++
Saturday, Apr. 21, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages 5+, registration required
Discover spring ephemerals along the Patuxent River and the North Tract.
Field guides are helpful, but not necessary.
+++Owl Prowl+++
Saturday, Apr. 21st, 7:30 – 9:00 pm
All ages, registration required
Look and listen for the owls of the refuge on an evening walk at the North Tract.
+++ Riding Bicycles to Experience Patuxent Research Refuge’s North Tract
+++ +++
Sunday, Apr. 22nd, 1:00 – 3:30 pm
Ages 10+, registration required
Enjoy a spring bicycle outing as you learn about the refuge. Experience the beauty of this natural area on two wheels while discovering local wildlife, plants and historical sites. Learn the importance of reducing your footprint and leaving no trace on this 12-mile guided bicycle ride.
Bring your own bike, energy bar/snack, water bottle and helmet. Ride is weather dependent.
+++ Special Weekday Opening of Lake Allen+++
Friday, Apr. 27th, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
All ages, no registration
Enjoy wildlife dependent recreation at North Tract’s Lake Allen on a weekday. The lake will be open for fishing, hiking, and nature observation all day long. Normal state and refuge regulations apply.
+++Bird Walk+++
Saturday, Apr. 28th. 8:00 – 11:00 am
All ages, registration required
Look and listen for birds around the North Tract. Early migrants are possible.
+++Herpetology Hike+++
Saturday, Apr. 28th, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm All ages, registration required Search for the amphibians & reptiles of the refuge while on a hike at the North Tract.
+++ Woodcock & Whip-poor-will Wander+++
Saturday, Apr. 28th, 7:30 – 9:00 pm
All ages, registration required
Search the evening skies at North Tract for these common but rarely seen birds.
NATIONAL WILDLIFE VISITOR CENTER PROGRAMS
10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop
Laurel, MD 20708
+++Dusk Hike+++
Friday, Apr. 6th, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Friday, Apr. 27th, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
All ages, registration required
Experience the wonders of the forest at dusk on this guided hike. As the sun sets the refuge comes alive with chirping frogs and the first flight of bats.
+++Screech & Kestrel+++
Saturday, Apr. 7th, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Saturday, Apr. 14th, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Saturday, Apr. 21st, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
All ages, no registration
Meet two of North America’s smallest birds of prey: the American kestrel and eastern screech owl. Both expert hunters, the American kestrel uses its acrobatic prowess, while the eastern screech owl is a stealthy silent hunter.
+++Bilingual Hike+++
Saturday, Apr. 7th, 10:00-11:00 am
Saturday, Apr. 28th, 10:00-11:00 am
All ages, registration required
Spring time is here so come for a beautiful hike around Cash Lake and learn some Spanish at the same time!
+++Bird Walk+++
Wednesday, Apr. 11th, 8:00 – 10:00 am
Wednesday, Apr. 25th, 8:00 – 10:00 am
Ages 16+, registration required
Search for fall migrants in various refuge habitats on this guided hike; binoculars are highly recommended. Walk begins at the visitor center.
+++Bird Walk+++
Saturday, Apr. 14th, 8:00 – 10:00 am
Ages 6+, registration required
Please join us at South Tract for a leisurely bird walk around Cash Lake searching for and identifying multiple species of birds. Walk is weather dependent and begins at the visitor center. Water bottle and binoculars are recommended.
+++Nature Tots: An Otter’s Tale+++
Wednesday, Apr. 18th, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Ages 3-4, registration required
Learn about the differences between sea otters and river otters in this interactive class with crafts and stories.
+++Tiny Tots: Nature and Music+++
Sunday, Apr. 22nd, 10:30 – 11:15 am
Monday, Apr. 23rd, 10:30 – 11:15 am
Ages 18-48 mos., parent participation & registration required Learn about wildlife at the refuge through fun and interactive songs, stories and activities.
+++Family Fun: Let’s Recycle!+++
Friday, Apr. 27th, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Saturday, Apr. 28th, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
All ages, no registration
Learn how paper is recycled by doing it yourself. Turn shredded paper into a handmade card, and make a colorful envelope to go with it. Enjoy other games and activities related to recycling. This is a drop-in program: come when you wish and leave when you’re ready.
+++Raptors Reign+++
Saturday, Apr. 28th, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
All ages, no registration
Join special guest and licensed falconer, Rodney Stotts, as he shares the power of nature through discussions and up close encounters with birds of prey.
+++Nature Songs with Stina+++
Saturday, Apr. 28th, 2:45 – 3:30 pm
All ages, no registration
Parent participation required
Join nature troubadour Stina for an afternoon indoor campfire sing along in our auditorium. Get your groove on with fun and silly nature songs!
+++Fly Away Home +++
Monday, Apr. 30th, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Ages 5-7,registration required
Learn why certain animals migrate and how we can help protect their habitat.
HOLLINGSWORTH GALLERY
March Display- Lynne Parks, Avian Collisions with Glass
Did you know that almost 1 BILLION birds collide with glass EVERY year in the United States? Come see for yourself and ask us about solutions to solve this tragedy.
Tim Parker
Education Program Coordinator
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
National Wildlife Visitor Center
10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop
Laurel, MD 20708-4027
o-301-497-5776
c-240-882-0363
(Days off are Sunday & Monday)