AUDUBON NATURALIST SOCIETY NATURE ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES Spring and Summer 2007 The Audubon Naturalist Society invites nature lovers of all ages to join us on one of the many walks, hikes, classes, and educational outings we offer this season and throughout the year. Inside... Around our Sanctuaries pages 2 - 3 Children’s Programs page 4 Scout Programs page 5 Family Programs page 6 School Programs pages 7 - 9 Nature Travel page 10 Adult Programs pages 11 - 18 Water Quality Classes page 19 Natural History Field Studies pages 20 - 21 Conservation Forums page 22 Registration Information pages 22 - 23 Photo Courtesy of Mark S. Garland ’’’CONSERVINGOUR REGION S NATURE FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS Headquarters: Woodend Sanctuary 8940 Jones Mill Road Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301-652-9188 Webb Sanctuary 12829 Chestnut Street PO Box 51 Clifton, VA 20124-0051 703-737-0021 Rust Sanctuary 802 Children's Center Road Leesburg, VA 20175 703-669-0000 www.audubonnaturalist.org Around our Sanctuaries . . . Free Beginner Bird Walks Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD ANS offers free weekly beginner bird walks on Saturday mornings at Woodend, September through June. Meet at 8 am outside the Audubon Sanctuary Shop. Bring binoculars or use ours. Walks last approximately 1 hour. Registration is not required. See directions at right. Audubon Naturalist Society Loves Volunteers! For details on these and other opportunities, contact the Volunteer Office at 301-652-9188 x 30 or volunteer@audubonnaturalist.org. Audubon Sanctuary Shop. Volunteers work a half-day shift once a week on weekdays or once a month on . Saturdays. Audubon Nature Fair - Sunday, May 6. Volunteers are needed to help with nature stations, children’s crafts, traffic control, admissions, grounds detail, and more! Opportunities prior to the fair also as we prepare for the big day. FREE admission for volunteers. Summer Nature Camps - June 18 to August 17. Great opportunity for teens who enjoy working with children and spending time outdoors to earn school community service hours. Volunteers work a minimum of 35 hours and must be entering 9th grade or above in the fall. Dirt Master. Demonstration compost bins at Woodend need occasional turning, weeding, and general checking for contents to keep the recycling process in tune. Commitment of just 2 - 3 hours per month in season with flexible scheduling. Grounds Guardians. Help contribute to the important effort to stem the spread of invasive non-native plants and to tackle other grounds maintenance projects at Woodend. Directions Woodend Sanctuary Chevy Chase, MD From DC Beltway, go south on Connecticut Avenue. Turn left onto Manor Road. At the end of Manor Road, turn right onto Jones Bridge Road. At the first light on Jones Bridge Road, turn left onto Jones Mill Road, and continue to the Sanctuary, on the left, a ¼ mile ahead. Rust Sanctuary Leesburg, VA DC Beltway to Dulles Toll Road. Exit and stay on Toll Road, which becomes the Dulles Greenway, until it ends at the Rt. 7 Leesburg Bypass. Go west on Bypass. Pass Rt. 15-Business North and South exits. Caution: do not take Rt. 15-Business, but take the next exit: Leesburg Business-Rt. 7. Turn right onto Rt. 7. Turn right at the first traffic light onto Catoctin Circle; right again at Children’s Center Road (look for the Rust Sanctuary sign and the Monroe Votech Center). Cross the overpass and proceed to Sanctuary driveway, following the signs. Ignore the “No Outlet” sign. Make Woodend the NATURAL choice for your next event! Planning a bar/bat mitzvah, wedding, meeting, or staff retreat? The mansion and grounds at Woodend Sanctuary offer a perfect setting to make your event memorable. Contact Rebecca Robinson at 301-652-9188 x 38 for rental information. 2 Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD ArArArArAround our Sancound our Sancound our Sancound our Sancound our Sanctututututuaries . . .aries . . .aries . . .aries . . .aries . . . Introducing Rust Manor House Rust Nature Sanctuary Leesburg, Virginia The Audubon Naturalist Society cordially invites you to visit our Northern Virginia sanctuary and discover why this splendid gift from Margaret and William Rust, Jr. is the perfect place for your wedding, anniversary, reunion, corporate reception, and other special events. To learn more, please visit us online at www.rustmanorhouse.org or call Rust Manor House Event Rentals at 540-338-1806. ANS Hip Waders Stream Discovery Program ANS’s volunteer stream monitors are available to lead a stream walk in your neighborhood to help kids and/ or adults discover what lives in their neighborhood stream and to discuss how this relates to water quality. To schedule a program with a Hip Wader, call Liz at 301-652-9188 x 30. ANS Citizens Water Quality Workshop Saturday, June 9, 12 noon to 4 pm Meet at the Mo. County Department of Environmental Quality in the Executive Office Building, Rockville, MD. Check out our website at www.audubonnaturalist.org for details and directions. This workshop is appropriate for students (aged middle school and up), teachers, and all citizens concerned about local water quality! GreenKids A New Program In Search Of….. A Few Good MCPS Schools Would your MCPS school benefit from these FREE services? • Environmental activities that meet MCPS Standards • Principals, teachers, and parents interested in having • Visits from Audubon naturalists their schools join GreenKids contact Lisa Alexander, • Materials funds for Schoolyard Projects Project Director, at 301-652-9188 x 14 or • Field trip subsidies to Audubon Nature Sanctuaries email GreenKids@audubonnaturalist.org 3 Children’s Programs Make learning about nature so much fun that kids don’t even know they’re learning! Classes meet at Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, MD. Children should be at least the age specified for the class and dressed appropriately for outdoor activities. Questions? Call the Education Office at 301-652 9188 x 26. After-School Nature and Science Program Offerings Wonders of Woodend (Kindergarten) Thursdays, April 12 - May 17 Drop-off: 3:30 - 4 pm, Class: 4 - 5:30 pm Teacher: Anne Horne (Gosselin) Just like people, all plants and animals need a place to call home. In this popular spring class, we explore the Woodend forest and meadow habitats, complete with native plants and wildlife that call our nature sanctuary home. We will make our very own garden, hike, play games, delve into crafts, and sing songs as we enjoy the natural beauty of spring. (6 weeks) Members: $69; Nonmembers: $94 Space Invaders (First - Second Grade) Tuesdays, April 10 - May 15 Drop-off: 3:30 - 4 pm, Class: 4 - 5:30 pm Teacher: Anne Horne (Gosselin) The sky’s the limit in this brand new program! Distant planets, mysterious creatures, comets and asteroids, and lovely constellations are just the beginning as we delve into the vast solar system. Games, hiking adventures, and crafts will accompany our classes. (6 weeks) Members: $69; Nonmembers: $94 Kitchen Chemists (Third - Fourth Grade) Mondays, April 9 - May 14 Drop-off: 3:30 - 4 pm, Class: 4 - 5:30 pm Teacher: Anne Horne (Gosselin) Turn the ordinary into the extraordinary in this exciting new series. To build our biological, chemical, and physical knowledge we will conduct scientific experiments with common household items and practice our observation skills. Crafts and hikes will accompany many of our scientific explorations. This class is perfect for budding scientists! (6 weeks) Members: $71; Nonmembers: $98 ABC’s of Nature (for children ages 4 - 5) Nurture your young nature explorer’s curiosity by joining us each week as we investigate different themes in nature. Classes are based out of our environmental education classroom, but we always spend time outside exploring! Water, Water Everywhere! Tuesdays, February 27 - March 27, 1 - 2:30 pm Teacher: Anne Horne (Gosselin) Explore the magic of clouds, rainbows, bubbles, and more! In this class, we will explore the importance of water in nature by learning about where water comes from and how plants and animals need water to survive. (5 weeks) Members: $58; Nonmembers: $78 Creepy Crawlies Tuesdays, April 17 - May 15, 1 - 2:30 pm Teacher: Anne Horne (Gosselin) Butterflies, rollypollies, worms, spiders, and water bugs are the focus of this favorite class. We’ll have fun rolling over logs, digging in the soil, netting in the pond and meadow, and creating buggy crafts. (5 weeks) Members: $58; Nonmembers: $78 The Best Birthday Parties Happen NATURALLY! Give your child the gift of nature with a party at our sanctuary in Chevy Chase, Maryland! Spaces fill fast, so call today. To book a party, call 301-652-9188 x 26. Spring Bounce – Spring Break Camp Monday, April 2 - Friday, April 6 (9 am - 3 pm) Teachers: Anne Horne (Gosselin) and Sarah Krizek (Summer Camp Director and Summer Camp Teacher) Take the stress out of finding spring break activities for your kids! Based on our popular summer camp, your child will spend his or her week participating in outdoor play, hands-on activities, crafts, songs, and stories. The topics for the session will focus on nature in spring, including pond exploration, growing plants, butterfly habitat investigation, and more. Fee includes all supplies and a morning snack. Grades 1 - 3. Members: $250; Nonmembers: $310 Scout Programs Blooming flowers, migrating birds, and hatching animals are some of the exciting changes taking place this spring! Bring your troop to one of our sanctuaries to explore the forests, ponds, and meadows up close and to experience this wonderful season. Scouts can participate in a variety of programs designed to help them earn their nature and wildlife-related badges. Custom programs can also be designed for your group. For more information and to register for programs at Woodend (Chevy Chase, MD) call Molly at 301-652-9188 x 42. For programs at Rust (Leesburg, VA) call Sarah at 703-669-0000. Girl Scouts Daisies: •Nature related petal programs Brownie Try-Its: •Eco-explorer •Water Everywhere •Watching Wildlife •Animals •Plants •Earth and Sky •Senses (Rust only) Junior Badges: •Science Discovery • Water Wonders •Your Outdoor Surroundings •Wildlife •Earth Connections •Finding Your Way (Woodend only) •Doing Hobbies (Rust only) Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts: •All About Birds •Wildlife General Patches: •Water Drop Patch Boy and Cub Scouts Tiger Cubs (Woodend Only): •Achievement 5: Let’s Go Outdoors •Elective 32: Feed the Birds Wolf Cubs: •Elective 13: Birds Bear Cubs: •Achievement 5: Sharing your World with Wildlife •Elective 15: Water and Soil Conservation (Woodend Only) Weblos: •Naturalist •Forester Boy Scouts: We can lead nature hikes focused on your area of interest: birds, insects, amphibians, etc. Boy Scouts - Earn your Eagle Badge with us! Many scouts have found that completing a service project at Woodend is a satisfying way of fulfilling the requirements for their Eagle Badge, and something they can be proud of! Recent projects have included building habitats for birds and bats, constructing benches for our campers and school kids, and laying trails on our grounds and flagstones around the mansion. Call Property Manager Raj Sakaria at 301-652-9288 x 27 to learn more about a project at Woodend or at one of our Virginia sanctuaries. children’s & scout programs Dreaming of Summer? Register for ANS Summer Camps featuring day, traveling, and overnight programs for children ages 4 -15. Locations in both Chevy Chase, MD and Leesburg, VA. For detailed camp descriptions, check out our camp catalog at www.audubonnaturalist.org or call 301-652-9188 x 26. 5 Family Programs Give your whole family the chance to explore the wonders of the natural world -together! Unless otherwise noted, each child should be accompanied by at least one adult. Most programs are limited to 10 children, so register early! Children should be at least the age specified. For more information, call 301-652-9188 x 26. Programs are held at our Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, MD. Wiggly Worms Saturday, March 24 (10 - 11 am) Ages 3-6, with an adult Teacher: Anne Horne (Gosselin) Join us for a morning of digging, wiggling, and giggling in this popular class. We’ll explore the natural history of our backyard worms and create a wormery to take home. Please bring a 1 liter plastic container to class. Orienteering for Families Saturday, March 24 (1 - 2:30 pm) Ages 7 & up, with an adult Teacher: Anne Horne (Gosselin) Have you ever been lost in the woods? Learn how to use a map and compass to find your way. No experience necessary. After instruction and practice, you will negotiate an orienteering course at Woodend. Compasses will be provided. Please register early – if there is enough interest, we will offer a second session! Tadpole Tales Saturday, April 14 (3 - 4 pm) Ages 3-5, adult accompaniment optional Teacher: Anne Horne (Gosselin) Come for some frog-hopping fun! Spring is here and the Woodend pond is teeming with new life. Learn how a tadpole turns into a frog and meet some of our young pond residents. Spring Peepers Saturday, April 14 (6:30 - 8:30 pm) Ages 6 & up, with an adult Teacher: Anne Horne (Gosselin) You have to see it to believe it Spring Peepers, while no bigger than your thumb fingernail, make a most amazing spring frog chorus. Don’t miss this special chance to follow the trills and peeps on a hunt to spot these tiny singing fellows. Earth Day Paper Maker Sunday, April 22 (1 - 3 pm) Ages 6-9, adult accompaniment optional Teacher: Sarah Krizek Calling all crafty kids! Celebrate Earth Day with an afternoon of recycled papermaking. We’ll make our own paper from scratch and learn how to turn used paper into beautiful new art forms. Summer Storms Saturday, May 19 (10 - 11:30 am) Ages 5 & up, with an adult Teacher: Sarah Krizek Tornadoes and thunderstorms are some of nature’s most awesome and devastating displays of power. Join us as we study these mystifying natural phenomena and learn why we have such wacky weather in the summertime. Make your own tornado in a bottle to take home with you. Night Flyers Saturday, June 30 (8 - 9:15 pm) Ages 5 & up, with an adult Teacher: Anne Horne (Gosselin) Bring the family out for a relaxing summer night walk at Woodend. As we meander through Woodend Sanctuary, we’ll look and listen for the season’s best - bats, owls, and fireflies! Fees for Family Programs Members: $10 per child; nonmembers $12 per child. $6 for each additional member sibling; $8 for each nonmember sibling. Adults are free. Registration required. Please use the form on page 23 of this catalog, or call 301-652-9188 x 26. Audubon School Programs Bring Nature Into Your School This Spring! Get your class outside to explore the wonders of springtime! Bring your class toWoodend or Rust Sanctuary for a field trip experience they won’t soon forget! Spring programs run mid-March through mid-June. All of our programs are correlated with Montgomery County Science Blueprints and the Virginia Science Standards of Learning (see each program description for details) and are taught by experienced naturalists/teachers. For more information or to register for a program at our Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, MD call (301) 6529188 x17 or e-mail helen@audubonnaturalist.org. For programs at Rust Sanctuary in Leesburg,VA call (703) 669-0000 or e-mail sarah@audubonnaturalist.org. Discovery Hunt (Pre-K - K) Join us on a sensory adventure as we use our eyes, ears, noses, and hands to explore nature. We’ll look for colors and shapes in the forest and meadow, discover surprising smells, listen for wildlife, and examine clues of the season. This very popular program is the perfect way to introduce children to their senses and nature. MCPS Science Blueprints: Pre-K PSW, UNC; K LIT. Virginia Science SOL’s: K.2, K.4, K.8, 1.1 1 hour. Small Creatures for Small Hands (Pre-K - K) Come explore the world of “creepy-crawlies” at Woodend and Rust! We’ll get down and dirty as we dig through the soil to learn about insects, worms, and all the . small creatures living under our feet. Students will get a chance to meet these creatures up-close and learn about the important roles they play in nature. MCPS Science Blueprints: Pre-K PSW, UNC; K LIT. Virginia Science SOL’s: K.6, 1.5. 1 hour. Seasons of Change (Pre-K - K) As the seasons change, so do the plants and animals around us. Together we’ll explore some of nature’s seasonal surprises. Each season we’ll focus on the changes in nature that make the season unique. Spring gives us the chance to look for sprouting plants, baby animals, and intriguing insects. With lots of exploration and hands-on activities, this program is guaranteed to ignite the curiosity of your youngest naturalists! MCPS Science Blueprints: Pre-K PSW, UNC; K LIT. Virginia Science SOL’s: K.8, 1.7. 1 hour. The Producers (1st - 6th grade) From maples to milkweed, and bamboo to blackberry, Woodend and Rust have a wide variety of plant life to discover. Through skits, hunts, and games, we will learn about the important roles plants play in nature and how they get what they need to survive. This general overview of the plant world, covering photosynthesis, adaptations, and the six plant parts, is a great introduction for classes starting their study of plants, or those who want a greater focus on photosynthesis. MCPS Science Blueprints: Grade 3 PGD; Grade 4 ECO. Virginia Science SOL’s: 1.4, 2.8, 4.4, 4.5. 1.5 hours. Tree-mendous Trees (1st - 6th grade; Woodend Only) What can breathe without lungs, has a heart that doesn’t beat, and makes its own sugar? A tree of course! In this program we’ll explore the fascinating world of trees. We’ll go on a leaf hunt, meet a tree up-close, experience the layers of a tree, and learn to identify some local trees around us. Through role-playing, observation, and games students will learn the importance of these gentle giants and gain an appreciation for how they help us every day. MCPS Science Blueprints: Grade 3 PGD; Grade 4 ECO. 1 or 1.5 hours. Growing Green (1st - 6th grade) Just like people, plants go through different stages of their lives and need certain things in order to survive. We’ll examine the life cycle of a plant and search for evidence of plants in different stages around our sanctuary. In the fall, we’ll go for a seed hunt and discover the many ways plants spread their seeds. In the spring, we’ll search for flowers and pollinators. In any season, students will learn about how plants reproduce and the factors influencing their survival. MCPS Science Blueprints: Grade 3 PGD; Grade 4 ECO. Virginia Science SOL’s: 1.4, 2.4, 3.8, 4.4, 4.5. 1.5 hours. family & school programs Birds of a Feather (1st - 6th grade) We’ll explore the life of our feathered friends by learning about their structure, eating habits, behavior, and adaptations. Woodend and Rust are wonderful spots for viewing birds of the forest, meadow, and pond. Through interactive games and activities students will gain an appreciation for birds and the important roles they play in nature. MCPS Science Blueprints: Grade 2 LCB; Grade 4 ECO. Virginia Science SOL’s: 1.5, 1.7, 2.7, 3.4, 4.5. 1 or 1.5 hours. Who Needs a Backbone? (1st - 4th grade) Join our spineless friends as we get a bug’s eye view of the world in this creepy-crawly program. We’ll explore the fascinating world of insects, millipedes, isopods, spiders, and worms. Students will take a “critter hunt” around the meadow and woods and meet these creatures up-close. We will also study the life cycles and adaptations of these small creatures and learn about the important roles that they play in nature. MCPS Science Blueprints: Grade 1 RSS; Grade 2 LCB; Grade 4 ECO. Virginia Science SOL’s: 2.4, 2.7, 3.4, 3.8, 4.5. 1 or 1.5 hours. Animal Habitats (2nd - 6th grade) All plants and animals need a place to call home. Join us as we explore the four things every animal needs and the amazing variety of places they can find them. Food, water, shelter, and space abound at our nature sanctuaries. We’ll play games and take a hike around the sanctuary to look for evidence of animals and discover their habitats. MCPS Science Blueprints: Grade 2 LCB; Grade 4 ECO. Virginia Science SOL’s: 2.5, 3.4, 3.6, 4.5. 1.5 hours. Life Cycles (2nd - 6th grade) From caterpillar to butterfly and tadpole to toad, the plants and animals around us undergo amazing changes as they grow older. In this “life-changing” program we’ll examine the cycles some of our local creatures go through over the seasons, and explore our sanctuaries for signs of insects and animals in different stages of their lives. This program can emphasize insects, amphibians, birds, or mammals. MCPS Science Blueprints: Grade 2 LCB; Grade 3 PGD; Grade 4 ECO. Virginia Science SOL’s: 2.4, 3.8, 4.5. 1.5 hours. Survival! (3rd - 6th grade) From thorns and tendrils to teeth and talons, plants and animals are equipped with an amazing array of structures and behaviors to help them stay alive. We’ll start by identifying some survival adaptations, then search for more in our sanctuaries’ many habitats. A live snake will be used for discussion at the Woodend Sanctuary. MCPS Science Blueprints: Grade 3 PGD; Grade 4 ECO; Grade 6 Diversity and Adaptations. Virginia Science SOL’s: 3.4, 3.5, 4.5. 1.5 hours. Web of Life (3rd - 8th grade) All the plants and animals of the forest, meadow, and pond are connected through the web of life. In this very active program, we’ll experience what it’s like to be part of the food chain, examine how plants and animals are interdependent, and learn how one action can affect an entire ecosystem. Through games and a hike students will come to understand how plants and animals are connected, and the roles humans play in the web of life. MCPS Science Blueprints: Grade 4 ECO, Grade 6 Chesapeake Bay Populations and Ecosystems. Virginia Science SOL’s: 3.5, 4.5, LS.9. 1.5 hours. Pond Exploration (3rd - 8th grade) Tadpoles, turtles, dragonfly nymphs, and ducks are just a few of the creatures that make our ponds their home. Get ready to get muddy as we explore the pond in search of its many inhabitants. We’ll also learn about the food webs that exist in this aquatic environment and the unique adaptations these plants and animals have to help them survive. Getting wet and/or muddy is possible during this program. Please dress appropriately! MCPS Science Blueprints: Grade 4 ECO. Virginia Science SOL’s: 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, 3.10, 4.5, 4.8, 5.5, 6.7, LS.10. 1.5 hours Geology Rocks! (4th - 7th grade, Rust only) What is the rock cycle? What forces change the earth’s surface by building mountains or creating oceans? In this interactive program, students investigate the earth’s interior and plate tectonics; discover the difference between sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks; travel through the rock cycle; and take a hike looking for clues to our area’s geologic past. Virginia Science SOL’s: 4.8, 5.7, ES.6, ES.8, ES.10. 1.5 hours. NEW! Coming to a Stream Near YOU! NEW! Stream Science (Grades 3 - 12) Always wondered about the water quality of your neighborhood stream but didn’t know where to start? An ANS naturalist will come to your stream and get your students involved in learning about environmental impacts in their own backyard. Activities can include using nets to collect and identify benthic macroinvertebrates; measuring pH, dissolved oxygen, and other chemical indicators of stream health; performing habitat assessments; and more. All programs are tailored to your grade level and needs and are generally 2-3 hours in length. Call for more details. In-School Programs - “Naturalists in the Classroom” (Woodend Only) Exploring your Schoolyard (Pre-K - 1st grade) Nature is everywhere - even at school! We will learn what things are part of nature, compare living and non-living things, speculate what “natural” things might be in the schoolyard, and go on a walk to search for nature’s wonders. MCPS Science Blueprints: Pre-K PSW; K LIT; Grade 1 RSS. 1 hour. Feathered Friends (K - 2nd grade) Did you know that hummingbirds can fly backwards and woodpeckers listen for insect movement inside trees? Birds are incredible animals that have many interesting adaptations to survive. During this program, students will investigate the characteristics of birds, take a close look at beaks, feet, and feathers, and explore some of their amazing behaviors and adaptations. MCPS Science Blueprints: K LIT; Grade 2 LCB. 1 hour. Reptile or Amphibian? (K - 6th grade) Discover the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians! We will explore the similarities and differences of these animals through a series of stations and learn about their behaviors and life cycles. Students will also get an up-close look at a live reptile or amphibian. MCPS Science Blueprints: K LIT; Grade 4 LCB; Grade 6 Diversity and Adaptation 1 hour (K-1), 1.5 hours (2nd-6th Grade). Wonderful Worms! (K - 2nd grade) This program brings worms out from underfoot and into the children’s hands! Through hands-on observation students will learn about earthworms’ structure, needs, and value as decomposers. We’ll also construct a worm habitat for your class to observe throughout the following weeks. MCPS Science Blueprints: K LIT; Grade 1 RSS; Grade 2 LCB. 1 hour. Survival! (3rd - 6th grade) From thorns and tendrils to teeth and talons, plants and animals are equipped with an amazing array of structures and behaviors to help them stay alive. In this program, students will identify unique survival adaptations through an interactive game and get an up- close look at feathers and skulls. We will also bring a live animal into your classroom and discuss the adaptations it has to survive. MCPS Science Blueprints: Grade 3 PGD; Grade 4 ECO; Grade 6 Diversity and Adaptation. 1 hour. Geology Rocks! (4th - 7th grade) What is the rock cycle? What forces change the earth’s surface by building mountains or creating oceans? In this interactive program, students investigate the earth’s interior and plate tectonics; discover the difference between sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks; and play a game to travel through the rock cycle. MCPS Science Blueprints: Grade 4 EAM. 1 hour. school programs GreenLabs Discoveries Environmental Education Workshops Each FREE workshop consists of 3 afternoon classes (4:30 - 7:30 pm) at the Audubon Naturalist Society in Chevy Chase, MD and an all-day Saturday field trip (9 am - 4 pm), out and about in Montgomery County. The topics presented in these workshops are coordinated with MCPS Science Blueprints for elementary and middle schools, giving you content and activities for your classes. We’ll show you how to use the environment to teach math, English, reading, art and, of course, science. Each teacher who completes a workshop will receive one MSDE credit. Sign up now to assure a space! E-mail janenhuff@aol.com or call the Audubon Naturalist Society at 301-652-9188 x 10. The Potomac: A River Runs Through Thursdays, March 8, 15, 22, and Saturday, March 17 Learn how the Potomac River and its rocks have shaped the human history of our region. We will emphasize the ecology, geology, and history of this river and its watershed as we study landforms, rocks, riverine fauna and flora, and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. MCPS Science Curriculum Blueprints including Grade 1 RSS; Grade 2: 4.2.3; Grade 3 PGD: 3.3.8, 6.3.2; Grade 4 ECO; Grade 5 SOE: 2.5.10, 1.5.6 will be featured. GreenLabs Goes to School/GreenKids at School Thursdays, April 12, 19, 26, and Saturday, April 21 GreenLabs participants who have completed any two of the other workshops will be invited to put it all together. Active visits to three example schools will allow participants to practice using the GreenLabs activities and information at their own schools. We will revisit watersheds, streams, neighborhoods, and weather and learn how to make any school a GreenLabs school. MCPS Science Curriculum Blueprints PreK PSW; PreK UNC; K-1.K.11; K-LIT will be emphasized. Nature Travel Programs The Audubon Naturalist Society’s Nature Travel Program offers our members and friends opportunities to search for wildlife and explore the wonders of nature at places outside the mid-Atlantic region. Group size is typically limited to 15 persons and many trips fill early. Call the ANS travel desk at Woodend at 301-652-9188 x 11 for complete itineraries and registration information for any trip listed here, or visit www.audubonnaturalist.org. Alaska June 2 - 14, 2007 Leader: Mark Garland & Rob Gibbs This journey is full but call to be added to our waiting list. If interest warrants, a second trip later in the summer may be arranged. Rocky Mountain National Park June 23 - July 1, 2007 Leaders: Stephanie Mason & Mark England Rocky Mountain National Park preserves some of Colorado’s most spectacular mountain terrain. The park’s habitats range from open forest to alpine tundra, with rich wildlife communities inhabiting each zone. As spring gives way to summer, the Park is at its best, with nesting birds busy raising young, big mammals moving into the high country, flowers filling the meadows and forests with color, and butterflies moving from flower to flower. Our trip will visit each major habitat as we enjoy the wildlife, plants, and scenery of the Park. We mix optional modest hikes with gentle nature walks. Members’ cost is $1900, double occupancy from Denver. Mt. Rainier & Olympic National Parks July 25 - August 5, 2007 Leaders: Mark Garland & David Horn Two spectacular National Parks in Washington state are the primary destinations for this trip. Mt. Rainier is one of our country’s most spectacular mountains. The slopes of this 14,410-foot peak are a mix of glaciers, forests, and flower-filled meadows. Explorations here are followed by a visit to nearby Mt. St. Helens, which famously erupted in 1980. Much of our trip is spent at Olympic, a huge park that preserves extensive old-growth, more than 50 miles of wild Pacific coast, and a jumbled set of glacier-clad mountains whose slopes are covered with montane forests and flowery meadows. Our journey mixes birding with other aspects of nature study. Members’ cost is $2100, double occupancy from Seattle. Veracruz, Mexico September 26 - October 7, 2007 Leader: Hal Wierenga Visit the famous “River of Raptors” and bask in the richness and diversity of life in coastal Mexico. Literally millions of raptors migrate through the skies here every autumn. There are tropical forests, coastal wetlands, and other habitats loaded with birds, butterflies, and other tropical wildlife. The Mexican conservation group Pronatura Veracruz coordinates our trip and provides local leadership. Members’ cost is $3000, double occupancy, from Veracruz and includes all meals. Ecuador - Andes to Amazon .November 3 - 17, 2007 Leader: Mark Garland We are repeating our very popular and successful autumn Ecuador trip, first offered in 2006. Destinations include the Mindo Cloud Forest, the high slopes of Antisana, a glacier-glad volcanic mountain, Papallacta Pass, where our 2006 group saw Spectacled Bear, and the amazing Amazon basin at the Napo Wildlife Center. This is hummingbird heaven – 52 species were tallied on our 2006 trip, including Giant Hummingbird, Violet-tailed Sylph, Gorgeted Sunangel, and Shining Sunbeam. Cost TBA. South Florida - Birds & More January 19 - 24, 2008, Optional Extension to January 27 Leaders: John Bjerke, Judy Gire, & Tom Gire Escape winter and enjoy the biological richness of southern Florida. Our trip visits a variety of habitats ranging from the pristine cypress swamps at Corkscrew Sanctuary to the vast sawgrass prairies of Shark Valley at Everglades National Park. See wading birds galore at photography paradises, such as the Wakodahatchee Wetlands, and walk lovely Tigertail Beach, a favorite feeding spot for Reddish Egrets and a grand variety of shorebirds. Learn about the dynamics of south Florida’s unusual subtropical ecosystems and about conservation efforts. Cost TBA. Costa Rica February 13 - 26, 2008 Leaders: Stephanie Mason & Carlos “Charlie” Gómez Costa Rica is a small Central American nation with big diversity of habitat and wildlife. The country is home to toucans, motmots, trogons, puffbirds, dozens of tanagers and hummingbirds, four kinds of monkeys, and much, much more. We’re drawn back to this country time and time again, not just because of the wildlife, but also by the incredibly warm hospitality offered by our Costa Rican friends. Are you one of the few who hasn’t traveled to Costa Rica before? Maybe it’s your time. Been once before? We’ll bet you’re ready to go again. Cost TBA. Kenya March 1 - 15, 2008, Optional Extension to March 22 Leaders: Mark Garland & Francis Kitayi The savannahs, forests, and wetlands of eastern Africa comprise what is arguably the best wildlife viewing region of the world. The big mammals you can see here are legendary – elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, hippopotami, and so many more. Less well known is that this region is loaded with birds. Our itinerary takes us to well-known wildlife parks including Samburu Reserve, Lake Boringo, Lake Nakuru, and the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, in the northern part of the legendary Serengeti plains. The optional extension visits sites in eastern Kenya, including Tsavo West National Park, the Shimba Hills, and Malindi, along the shores of the Indian Ocean. Act fast – we expect this trip to fill quickly. Cost TBA. Nature Programs for Adults These programs offer nature novices andexperienced naturalists alike a wide array ofopportunities to explore and learn moreabout our area’s natural history. All programsare led by experienced naturalists; foralectures are at theWoodend Sanctuary,withfield trips by private vehicle or carpool,unlessotherwise noted. Special Discounts and Registration Information Please use the registration form on page 23 to sign up for classes. Special discounts apply: .. If more than one person from the same household registers for the same class on the same registration form, then the fee for the second person is reduced by 20%. This applies only to family memberships. . If an individual registers for more than 4 programs (excluding series programs) on one registration form, the fee for every program after the 4th (excluding series programs) is reduced by 50%. The discounted fee applies to the least expensive program(s). .. To qualify for reduced prices on more than one program in a series, you must sign up for them at the same time, using the same registration form. Winter Tree Identification Saturday, March 3 (9 am - 3 pm) Leader: Cris Fleming Using the clues of bark, fruit, buds, and twigs, we’ll practice identifying trees in winter on the grounds of our Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, MD. We’ll begin inside with a look at techniques of winter tree identification, then move outside to use our skills to identify the many species of woody plants that grow on our grounds. Members: $28; Nonmembers: $39 Natural Heritage Series: Mid-Atlantic Battlefields -North Point State Park and Fort Howard Sunday, March 4 (10 am - 3 pm) Leader: David Farner In 1814, British soldiers attempted to capture Baltimore City, while the navy bombarded Fort McHenry. They landed at North Point, engaging in skirmishes with American militia before ultimately retreating. Today, North Point State Park provides several trails through woods, meadows, and along wetlands with access to the Chesapeake Bay. Fort Howard, a Baltimore County park, sits where the Patapsco River and the Bay meet. Both parks will provide us with the opportunity to look for winter waterfowl, as well as nature’s early signs of the coming spring. Members: $23; Nonmembers: $32 Woodcock Watch Saturday, March 10 (5:15 - 7:15 pm) Leader: Stephanie Mason Members: $16; Nonmembers: $22 On this field program to a natural area in upper Montgomery County, we’ll hope to be lucky enough to catch a performance of the woodcock’s seasonal drama. FULL - CALL TO BE ADDED TO WAITLIST. Early Spring in Cape May Saturday, March 17 (9:00 am) to Sunday, March 18 (5:00 pm) Leader: Mark Garland Witness the early unfolding of spring at Cape May. Scan the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay waters for scoters (sometimes here by the tens of thousands), loons, long-tailed ducks, and gannets. Watch the activity of Bald Eagles at nesting sites near the shores of Delaware Bay. Stay out until dusk on Saturday evening to watch for displaying woodcocks and to listen for frogs and owls. The program begins at Cape May and concludes near Millville, in Cumberland County. (Millville is about an hour closer to Washington than is Cape May.) We will send you information on overnight options, which include many motels, B&B’s, and campgrounds in the Cape May area. Members: $75; Nonmembers: $105 Vanishing Vernal Pools Saturday, March 17 (9:30 am - 2:30 pm) Leaders: Liam McGranaghan and Cliff Fairweather As the hours of daylight lengthen and temperatures begin to rise, animals that have spent the winter in hibernation begin to stir. Some of the earliest to become active are certain frogs and salamanders that use vernal or temporary pools for breeding. Unfortunately, these pools - and their breeders are facing many threats. This program will be held at ANS’s Rust Sanctuary in Leesburg, VA and will include an indoor session on vernal pool ecology, followed by an outdoor exploration of vernal pool habitats at the Rust Sanctuary and other nearby locations. Cosponsored with the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy (LWC). Nearly full! Members (ANS & LWC): $23; Nonmembers: $32 nature travel & adult programs 1 Adult Programs continued Sights and Sounds of Early Spring Saturday, March 24 (2 - 7:30 pm) Leader: Stephanie Mason Early spring wildlife activity is the focus of this field excursion to the Riley’s Lock and Seneca Creek area, along the Potomac River near Poolesville, MD. We’ll walk up to 3 miles along the C&O Canal, exploring forest and wetland habitats and watching for wintering birds, early migrants, and maybe even a Mourning Cloak or anglewing butterfly. We’ll also search for the earliest spring wildflowers along the River’s floodplain. As the sun sets, we’ll revisit the wet woods, listening for owls and the raucous spring chorus of frogs. Members: $23; Nonmembers: $32 Beginning Birding Thursday, March 29 (7:30 - 9:30 pm) Saturday, March 31 (8 am - 2:30 pm) Leader: David Farner If you’re curious about birds and bird watching but don’t know where to begin, this class is for you. No experience is required! At our evening lecture, we’ll focus on the selection of field guides, binoculars, and other resources, and we’ll discuss the basic techniques of birding finding and identification. The goal of our field trip, which visits Black Hill and Little Bennett Regional Parks in upper Montgomery County, is to develop the ability to find, study, and identify birds in their natural environment. Members: $35; Nonmembers: $49 GEOLOGY PROGRAMS Geology Along Four Mile Run Join Joe Marx, instructor in the Natural His- Sunday, March 25 (10 am - 2 pm) tory Field Studies Program, and learn more There are a lot of interesting things to see along Four about our region’s fascinating geologic history. Mile Run in northwestern Arlington, VA: a 40-foot hill made of quartz, a fragment of ocean crust, undersea Geology Along the C & O Canal landslides frozen in stone, and the rocky bed of an Ice Age stream. Come along on a 4-mile guided geologic Sunday, May 6 (10 am - 2 pm) walk starting at the East Falls Church Metro stop. Between Swains Lock and Violettes Lock, the Potomac Because the hike is one-way, there will be a car shuttle. River cuts through the relatively hard metamorphic rock that Be prepared for a few steep, wet, or muddy spots. composes the Mather Gorge formation. Grayish, tightly- Members: $21; Nonmembers: $29 folded bedrock crops up repeatedly alongside the Canal and in innumerable islands in the river’s channel. We will hike upriver on the towpath about 5.5 miles, discussing the originChevy Chase Geology Loop of the hard rock and the evolution of the landscape featuresSaturday, April 14 (10 am - 2 pm) that have developed on it. The route is easy: flat and well- Underlying Chevy Chase in MD and the District is maintained. The trip leader has ordered wildflowers and ancient igneous and metamorphic rock related to the birdsong for the occassion. assembly of the super-continent Pangaea. We will walk Members: $21; Nonmembers: $29about four miles, starting and ending at Candy Cane City in Rock Creek Park. Most of the hike will be over parkland trails, with some uphill and downhill. On about a quarter of the loop, we will traverse suburban Fredericksburg Geology Loop sidewalks. Except for the developed area, there will be Saturday, July 21 (9 am - noon) plenty of rock outcrops to see. Fredericksburg, VA sits squarely in the Fall Zone at the Members: $21; Nonmembers: $29 head of navigation of the Rappahannock River. We will walk a 3-mile loop through the historic town using the Canal Park Trail, a third of which is paved, with the Please note: The pace set and distance remainder either sidewalk or grassy pathway. The bedrock geology is fully exposed, both by the canal builders andcovered on these geology field trips is the scouring river. Optional rock scrambling will provide typically faster and farther than our access to interesting features alongside the river. usual “naturalist’s shuffle.” Members: $18; Nonmembers: $25 Hike the Appalachian Trail in Central Shenandoah National Park We’re continuing our popular series of nature hikes along the Appalachian Trail with a stretch along the Blue Ridge Mountains in Central Shenandoah National Park. Each hike features a mix of deciduous forest with sweeping vistas of the Shenandoah Valley and the Virginia Piedmont. On each full-day hike, we’ll walk between 5 - 6 miles, still taking time to enjoy the views and some of the plants and animals we encounter as the seasons progress. Carpooling will be encouraged, with a “shuttle system” used to return hikers to their cars at the end of the hikes. Hike 1: Sunday, March 25 – Thornton Gap to Pinnacles PicnicArea -We’ll begin the series with a moderately strenuous, late-winter hike that climbs for 1.5 miles (1200 ft. ascent) to Mary’s Rock (app. 3500 ft.) where we’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Park, as well as mountains to the west. We’ll continue climbing up and pass the jagged Pinnacles (3750 ft.) before reaching the Pinnacles Picnic Area. (5.2 miles) Leader: Phil Daley Hike 2: Saturday, April 28 – Pinnacles Picnic Area to Skyland -We’ll look for signs of spring’s return as we hike along the ridge to the second highest peak in the Park, Stony Man Mountain (4010 ft.), formed by the erosion of layers of lava flow. Early spring wildflowers and the start of bird migration should be highlights. (5.4 miles) Leader: Stephanie Mason Hike 3: Sunday, May 20 – Skyland to Fisher’s Gap -The AT along this stretch follows the greenstone cliff shelves below Crescent Rocks and along Hawksbill and Franklin Cliffs, making this a rugged section of the Trail. On the north face of Hawksbill Mountain, the highest in the Park, we’ll look for the indigenous Shenandoah salamander. (5.7 miles) Leader: Cliff Fairweather Hike 4: Saturday, June 16 – Fisher’s Gap to Milam Gap -We’ll enjoy an extension of spring here in the mountains, as we hike from Fisher’s Gap (3061 ft.) past the Big Meadows area to Milam Gap (3257 ft.). Along the way, we’ll make a detour to Lewis Springs Fall, the fourth highest waterfall in the Park. (5.2 miles) Leader: Bob Pickett Hike 5: Sunday, September 16 – Milam Gap to Lewis Mountain Campground -We’ll finish the series with a hike across the summit of Hazeltop Mountain (3812 ft.), where plants with more northern affinities, such as spruce and balsam fir, grow. We’ll descend to Booten’s Gap (3243 ft.), then climb two more low mountains – Bush and scenic Bearfence – before reaching Lewis Mountain Campground (3400 ft.) (5.4 miles) Leader: Stephanie Mason Note: These hikes are designed to offer a natural history experience for persons who want to move farther and faster than the pace of most ANS programs. We will stop to observe natural phenomena, but will keep a pace necessary to cover the distance stated. Participants should be in adequate physical condition for both uphill and downhill hiking along trails, which may be rocky and uneven. All of the hikes this season should be considered moderate to moderately strenuous. Each hike: Members: $28; Nonmembers: $39; Any two hikes: Members: $52; Nonmembers: $72; Entire Series: Members: $115; Nonmembers: $160 Adult Programs Early Spring Wildflowers Saturday, March 31 (9 am - 3 pm) Leader: Cris Fleming Beat the winter blues by finding early spring wildflowers often missed by those who don’t get out until mid- April. We’ll search for early bloomers such as harbinger of spring, purple cress, early saxifrage, dutchman’s breeches, bloodroot, hepatica, trailing arbutus, and many other species. Our field trip will visit Great Falls Park and Difficult Run on the Virginia side of the Potomac River. Park entrance fee is waived for participants. Photo by Janice Browne Members: $28; Nonmembers: $39 Spring Saunters Along the Canal Wednesdays (10 am - 12:30 pm) Section A: April 4 - Carderock Section B: April 18 - Widewater Section C: May 2 - Riley’s Lock Section D: May 16 - Pennyfield Lock Leader: Stephanie Mason Enjoy one or all of these leisurely walks along portions of the C&O Canal. The focus of our walks, each beginning from a different location, will be general natural history of the varied habitats along the Potomac River and the Canal. We’ll proceed at a slow “naturalist’s shuffle” pace as we watch spring unfold. We’ll stop often to observe birds, wildflowers, butterflies, snakes, turtles, and whatever else we might find. Each walk: Members: $16; Nonmembers: $22 Two walks: Members: $30; Nonmembers: $42 Three walks: Members: $39; Nonmembers: $54 All walks: Members: $44; Nonmembers: $62 13 Adult Programs continued Introduction to Wildflower Identification Thursday, April 5 (7:30 - 9:30 pm) Saturday, April 7 (full-day field trip) Leader: Stephanie Mason In April, spring wildflowers in the Washington area are dazzling! We’ll spend Thursday evening at Woodend discussing books, equipment, and terminology for beginning wildflower identification. On Saturday, we’ll travel to the Carderock area along the C&O Canal and explore several short trails between the Canal and the Potomac River. We’ll practice using keys to identify wildflowers and look for Virginia bluebells, dutchman’s breeches, twinleaf, toad trillium, and many other species. Members: $35; Nonmembers: $49 Spring Wildflowers of the Potomac River Gorge Fridays (10 am - 12:30 pm) Walk A: April 13 - Carderock Recreation Area, MD Walk B: April 27 - Bear Island, MD Walk C: May 11 - Turkey Run Park, VA Leader: Cris Fleming The display of spring wildflowers in the Washington area is especially rich in the varied habitats along the Potomac River Gorge. From Virginia bluebells blanketing the bottomlands to the rare Coville’s phacelia on the slopes and wild columbine on rock outcrops, different parks of the Gorge present a grand show. Join us for one or more of these visits to three nearby natural areas to find and identify local wildflowers and to observe the seasonal progression of blooms. Our explorations will involve some steep, uneven, rocky, and/or muddy terrain, but we will proceed at a slow pace. Each walk: Members: $16; Nonmembers: $22 Two walks: Members: $30; Nonmembers: $42 All three walks: Members: $39; Nonmembers: $54 A Year at Boundary Bridge Saturdays (9 am - 1 pm) Section B: April 14 Section C: June 23 Section D: October 27 Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley Our series of hikes with the author of City of Trees continues. Starting at Boundary Bridge in Rock Creek Park, just inside the Maryland/District Line, we will follow the same loop each season as we enjoy the area’s large trees, abundant wildflowers, birds, butterflies, and amphibians. Our 2.5 mile circuit hike will be on trails with moderate uphill/downhill walking. All hikes are full, but call to be put on a waitlist. If there is adequate interest, we may schedule second sessions. Each walk: Members: $21; Nonmembers: $29 Two walks: Members: $38; Nonmembers: $45 Three walks: Members: $54; Nonmembers: $75 Special Free Programs! River Herring Return to Rock Creek Saturday, April 14 (9 am - 1 pm) Leaders: Neal Fitzpatrick and Bill Yeaman Tom Horton describes the annual Rock Creek migration of herring in Bay Country: “No finer parade, or one more unappreciated, ever swung through this capital than the quicksilver legions of Alosa pseudoharegus, the common river herring.” On our four-hour walk, we hope to view the spawning run and discuss opportunities for restoring fish migration to Rock Creek. We will visit the fish ladder construction site at Pierce Mill. Meet at the Cleveland Park Metro Station and end at the Woodley Park/ National Zoo/Adams Morgan Station. 10th Anniversary Walk! Free, but registration required. Butterfly Habitats on the East Coast Thursday, April 26 (7:30 - 9 pm) Leader: Rich Cech Many of our butterfly species rely upon unusual and exotic natural habitats for their survival. This illustrated presentation, by the co-author of Butterflies of the East Coast: An Observer’s Guide, will explain how to identify butterfly habitats, as well as how to distinguish those of special value. Participants will be able to purchase the newly- published paper edition of the guide before and after the lecture. Our Sanctuary Shop will open at 7:15 pm and offer a 20 percent discount on any items in the Shop (excluding optics) for those attending the event. Co-sponsored with the Washington Area Butterfly Club. Free; no registration required. Butterfly Basics Saturday, June 2 (9 am - 2 pm) Leader: Pat Durkin Tackling our region’s 150-plus butterfly species all at once is a quick route to brain-overload. Get started with a dozen or so that are typical of early summer. We’ll start with a lecture covering field marks, behavior, and how to lure these beauties to your garden. We’ll then head outside on the grounds of our Woodend Sanctuary to look for butterflies and their host plants. Our leader is a founding member of the Washington Area Butterfly Club and teaches in the Natural History Field Studies program. Free, but registration required. Made possible by the generosity of an ANS member. The Eastern Box Turtle: Natural History and Conservation Thursday, April 19 (7:30 - 9:30 pm) Leader: Sandy Barnett The Eastern Box Turtle is on the decline throughout much of its range. Habitat loss and fragmentation are the primary threats to this species, although collisions with motor vehicles and power mowers, attacks from raccoons and dogs, and even collection as pets jeopardize this slow- moving reptile. Join the President of the Mid-Atlantic Turtle and Tortoise Society and Senior Herpetologist at the National Aquarium in Baltimore for a slide presentation and discussion of the natural history and threats to the survival of this local turtle. Members: $16; Nonmembers: $22 Evening on the Canal Saturday, April 21 (7 - 9 pm) Leader: Stephanie Mason Early spring evenings can be alive with wildlife. Celebrate Earth Day with this stroll from Pennyfield Lock up the C&O Canal towpath. We’ll watch for wildlife as the sun sets, and as twilight gives way to the darkness of night, we’ll listen for calling frogs and hooting Barred Owls while discussing the adaptations of these and other nocturnal animals. Members: $16; Nonmembers: $22 Spring Early Birds (7 - 9:30 am) A. Saturday, April 21 - Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, VA B. Sunday, April 29 - Meadowside Nature Center, MD C. Saturday, May 5 - Rock Creek Park, DC D. Sunday, May 13 - Pennyfield Lock, MD Leaders: Mike Bowen (A); Mark England (B); John Bjerke (C); Mark England (D) Immerse yourself in the phenomenon of spring migration with this series of short morning bird walks at nearby parks. These walks are designed for beginning and intermediate birders for whom the spring migration can sometimes be overwhelming. On each walk we’ll search for songbirds by sight and sound. We’ll discuss the arrival sequence of spring migrants, practice spotting them in the forest, and learn the songs of many species. Each walk: Members: $16; Nonmembers: $22 Two walks: Members: $30: Nonmembers: $42 Three walks: Members: $39; Nonmembers: $54 All four walks: Members: $48; Nonmembers: $68 Natural Heritage Weekend: Chincoteague Friday, April 27 (8 am) to Saturday, April 28 (4 pm) Leader: Mark Garland Members: $85; Nonmembers: $120 Explore the many habitats of the Chincoteague National Wildlile Refuge, located on the Virginia end of Assateague Island. FULL, but call to be added to waitlist. Note date change. Massanutten Botanical Communities Sunday, April 22 (full-day field trip) Leader: Bob Pickett The scenic Massanutten Mountain, which bisects Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, harbors a wide variety of plant communities. Most noteworthy are mid- Appalachian shale barrens, which support several rare or unusual species. In late April, these communities are abloom with shale-barren ragwort, shale-barren pussy toes, and bird’s-foot violet. On this exploration of shale barrens and other Massanutten plant communities, participants need to be able and willing to walk for short distances on steep, rocky slopes. Members: $28; Nonmembers: $39 Natural Heritage Series: Balls Bluff and Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Saturday, April 28 (9 am - 3 pm) Leader: Cris Fleming The Potomac River bluffs in Loudoun County, VA, are rich areas for botanists, birders, geologists, and historians. Our field trip will be an in-depth exploration of the diverse habitats and plant communities at two rustic parks near Leesburg. At Balls Bluff, the site of a short but fierce Civil War battle, limestone bluffs now harbor uncommon wildflowers such as shooting star and green violet, and the bottomlands along the river display Virginia bluebells, sessile trillium, and many other species. Early spring migrants such as Northern Parula frequent these riverside woods. At the nearby Red Rock Wilderness Overlook area, high red siltstone bluffs support wild pink, lyre-leaved rockcress, and cascades of wild columbine, while the ravines are carpeted with dutchman’s breeches and squirrel corn. Members: $28; Nonmembers: $39 Adult Programs Improve Your Nature Photography Workshop Thursday, April 19 (7 - 9 pm); Saturday, April 21 (3/4 day field trip); Thursday, May 3 (7 - 9 pm) Leader: Arlene Ripley Check out www.nestbox.com and you’ll see why we asked its creator -ANS member, naturalist, and photographer Arlene Ripley - to lead our workshop to one or more parks along the Potomac River, close-in to Washington. Spring’s buds, blooms, and butterflies will provide us with ample subjects to practice our photography skills. Our first evening meeting at Woodend will focus on elements of nature photography as well as equipment and photographic composition. Our second evening meeting will be a class “showcase” of photographs from the April 21 field trip. This workshop will not require additional equipment; instead, it will focus on knowing your current equipment and getting the most out of it. Limited to 10 participants. Nearly full! Members: $45; Nonmembers: $63 15 Adult Programs continued Bird ID Series: Spring Warblers Thursday, May 3 (7:30 - 9:30 pm) Saturday, May 5 (6:45 am - 1 pm) Optional: Saturday, May 19 (6:45 am - noon) Leader: Mike Bowen More than 30 species of warblers pass through the Mid-Atlantic during spring migration - but finding and properly identifying these active songbirds can be a real challenge. We’ll use slides and recorded warbler songs for the Thursday lecture. On Saturday we’ll start early at Riley’s Lock, Seneca, MD, then move on to nearby Hughes Hollow, hoping to hear and see a wide variety of warblers. The optional field trip visits Great Falls Park, VA, where we will encounter later arrivals and species preferring different habitats. Members: $35; Nonmembers: $49; Add $16 members, $22 nonmembers for the optional second field trip. Spring on Wheels Friday, May 11 (8 am - 2:30 pm) Leader: Stephanie Mason Spring has sprung and the towpath along the Potomac River is one of the finest places in the D.C-metro area to experience the season’s richness. In order to cover more territory and visit more habitats, we’ll use bikes to explore the stretch from Swain’s Lock to Riley’s Lock, a 12.3 mile round-trip ride. We’ll dismount often to look for spring wildflowers, butterflies and other insects, and reptiles and amphibians, all the while keeping an eye and ear open for spring migrants and other breeding bird activity. Bring your own bike. Members: $26; Nonmembers: $36 Appalachian Spring Sunday, May 13 (8:30 am - 3:30 pm) Leader: Stephanie Mason Spring rains, warming temperatures, and longer hours of daylight ignite a great burst of life in the valleys and ridges of the Appalachian Mountains. Nowhere is this more evident than at the Thompson Wildlife Management Area in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Linden, VA, a wildlife reserve that is well known for its botanical diversity. The floral display is especially rich in early May, when the hillsides are covered with millions of large-flowered trillium, along with other species such as yellow lady’s-slipper, showy orchis, pennywort, and wood betony. Our field trip will focus on the rich wildflower display, but we will also take time to listen and look for spring migrants, butterflies, and other wildlife. Members: $28; Nonmembers: $39 Spring on Sugarloaf Mountain Saturday, May 19 (10 am - 3 pm) Leaders: Melanie-Choukas Bradley and Tina Brown Join Sugarloaf author Melanie Choukas-Bradley and illustrator Tina Brown for an outing devoted to the botany, wildlife, geology, and history of Sugarloaf Mountain, a monadnock in the rural Piedmont northwest of Washington, D.C. The 1.5-2.5 mile hike, with some uphill and downhill, is timed to coincide with the first blooms of mountain laurel. Other plants that may be in bloom: fringe-tree, wild sarsaparilla, yellow stargrass, and Bowman’s root, among others. Bring binoculars to look for wood thrushes, worm-eating warblers, ravens, and other bird species. Tina will give a brief demonstration on illustrating plants in the field during our lunch break. Members: $23; Nonmembers: $32 Butterflies of Blue Mountain Sunday, May 20 (full-day field trip) Leaders: Dick Smith and Stephanie Mason Blue Mountain, near Linden, VA, is best known for its spectacular wildflower display earlier in the month at the Thompson Wildlife Management Area. We’ll search for the rich diversity of butterflies that can be found here at the lower elevation Lake Thompson, as well as at the summit. We’ll hope to find swallowtails, including the uncommon Appalachian Tiger Swallowtail; the Appalachian Azure and other blues; plus other species both common and uncommon. Members: $28; Nonmembers: $39 Introduction to Bird ID by Voice Tuesday, May 22 (7:30 - 9 pm) Thursday, May 24 (7:30 - 9 pm) Saturday, May 26 (7 am - noon) Leader: Mark England The sounds made by birds can help find and identify many species; yet to beginning birders, the wide variety of sounds can be confusing. If you know many of our area birds by sight but not by sound, this class is for you. Two evening sessions will use recordings and slides to study bird songs and calls. Our field trip to one or more sites in Montgomery County will give us a chance to listen for and try to learn some of the local species. Members: $35; Nonmembers: $49 Natural Heritage Series: Suitland Bog Thursday, June 7 (7:30 - 9:30 pm) and Saturday, June 9 (morning field trip) Leader: Cris Fleming Suitland Bog is a tiny but perfect coastal plain “magnolia bog,” the best preserved of over 30 bogs that once occurred in the Beltsville-Suitland, MD area. Surrounded by swamp magnolia and swamp azalea, this small bog contains many typical bog species such as sphagnum moss, bog clubmoss, northern pitcher-plant, and sundews. At least 20 state-listed species still occur in the bog, including the delicate orchid, rose pogonia, red milkweed, twisted spikerush, ten-angled pipewort, and sheep laurel. Thursday’s class will include slides of plants found in Suitland Bog and a discussion of bog formation, types of bogs, and characteristics of bog species. Saturday’s field trip to the bog is by special permission and is limited to 14 people. No need to wear boots - a short boardwalk traverses most of the bog habitat. Members: $38; Nonmembers: $52 Natural Heritage Series: Elliott Island Saturday, June 9 (2 - 10 pm) Leaders: Hal Wierenga and Lynn Davidson Extensive wetlands border the Chesapeake Bay on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and the marshes near Vienna, MD are diverse, well-studied, and accessible. Hal Wierenga, who has conducted the state’s Black Rail study, leads this exploration of the natural history and management of the Elliott Island marsh ecosystem. We’ll identify marsh plants and search for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. We’ll also discuss the effects of human activities on the marsh environment. Our foray continues into the night, when we’ll listen for rails, frogs, owls, and Chuck-will’s-widows. If conditions are good and the marsh is “active,” the leaders may stay out even later. Members: $28; Nonmembers: $39 Natural Heritage Series: Green Ridge State Forest Saturday, June 16 (full-day field trip) Leader: Stephanie Mason Explore the dry ridge tops, open shale barrens, and rich streamside forests of the Green Ridge State Forest, located in Allegany County, Maryland. We’ll search for early summer wildflowers, mountain butterflies, nesting songbirds, and other wildlife on a series of short walks. We will meet at the Sideling Hill Visitors’ Center, about a 2-hour drive from Woodend. Members: $28; Nonmembers: $39 Botanical Gems of Montgomery County: Little Bennett Park Sunday, June 17 (9 am - 1 pm) Leader: Carole Bergmann At 3,700 acres, Little Bennett Regional Park near Clarksburg, MD, is the park in Montgomery County where you can still get lost. Its richness in plant diversity is due to its many habitats, including mature forest, shrub thicket, meadow, stream valley, and riparian wetlands. Our early summer hike, with the county’s forest ecologist, will cross a wet meadow, head up the Allegheny Mound Builder (ants) Trail, explore an oak-hickory woods, and visit a skunk cabbage bottomland. Expect some uphill and downhill on our 3-4 mile hike. If interest is strong, we’ll schedule a visit to a different section of this vast park for fall. Members: $21; Nonmembers: $29 Signs of Hope for a Disappearing Butterfly: The Baltimore Checkerspot A: Thursday, June 21 (10 am - 2 pm) B: Thursday, July 12 (10 am - 2 pm) Leader: Denise Gibbs We’ll visit three sites in the upper part of Montgomery County, MD, where Maryland’s state butterfly, the Baltimore Checkerspot, has recently been found to occur naturally in the wild. Our leader, a county naturalist, has been a leader in efforts to protect and enhance this species’ wetland habitats on both private and park land. She will describe these efforts, whose results will be witnessed firsthand by participants. If we’re lucky, we will see Baltimore adults in flight on the first field trip. We’ll search for their eggs, caterpillars, and chrysalids on the later trip. Register for one or both sections. Section A or B: Members: $21; Nonmembers: $29 Both sections: Members: $37; Nonmembers: $51 Sunset Safari Friday, June 22 (5:30 - 7:30 pm) Leader: Jane Huff Many animals wake up and become most active at dusk. As the day begins to wind down, join animal behaviorist Jane Huff for a leisurely walk through the National Zoo to learn about the crepuscular activities of outdoor birds and mammals housed there. Members: $16 Nonmembers: $22 AAAAAdulduldulduldult Prt Prt Prt Prt ProgramsogramsogramsogramsogramsWestern Montgomery County Butterfly Count Saturday, June 23 Join us for the 19th annual Western Montgomery County Butterfly Count scheduled for Saturday, June 23. Count participants will be teamed up and sent into the field to count butterfly species in a given area. No experience is necessary. This annual mid-summer count, modeled after the Christmas Bird Counts, is organized by ANS and sponsored by the North American Butterfly Association and Xerces Society. Call Stephanie Mason at 301-652-9188 x 37 for a participant’s information letter. Bicycling Weekend on the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River Saturday, June 23 (8:30 am) to Sunday, June 24 (4 pm) Leader: Mark Garland The Delaware River flows through the piedmont between Trenton, NJ and Philadelphia, PA. It’s a beautiful stretch of river, steeped in history and protected by the National Park Service as a Wild and Scenic River. Abandoned canals line the waterway and some of its tributaries, their banks now supporting a rich floodplain forest. Explore the natural history of this area with a series of modest bike rides along the old canal towpaths, enjoying big trees and river views while searching for wildflowers, birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Fans of the C&O Canal will especially enjoy comparing the nature of the Delaware to that of the Potomac. Activities are centered around the twin towns of New Hope, PA, and Lambertville, NJ. Lodging options abound, and there are campgrounds and bicycle rentals nearby. A second meeting time of 1:00 p.m. on the 23rd will allow for later arrivals. Members: $85; Nonmembers: $120 Paddle on the Patuxent Saturday, June 30 (4 - 8 pm) Leader: Karyn Molines Join us for a leisurely paddle through tidal marshes and along the Patuxent River’s edge at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary in Anne Arundel County, MD. As day gives way to dusk, we’ll keep our eyes and ears open for turtles, muskrats, green tree frogs, owls, and other wildlife. Cost includes canoe fee and sanctuary entrance fee. Participants are welcome to enter the sanctuary and explore on their own before the canoe trip. Limited to 15 participants. Members: $28; Nonmembers: $39 Dragons of the Air Sunday, July 1 (10 am - 1:30 pm) Leader: Karen Sheffield The wetlands at Hughes Hollow and the Potomac River near Poolesville, MD are an ideal spot to study dragonflies. Leading our search for both common and uncommon species is Karen Sheffield, a naturalist who has conducted seven years of dragonfly surveys at Riverbend Park in Fairfax County, VA. Members: $18; Nonmembers: $25 Adult Programs continued Introduction to Ferns and Fern Allies Thursday, July 5 (7:30 - 9:30 pm) Saturday, July 7 (full-day field trip) Leader: Cris Fleming Many ferns and fern relatives such as clubmosses, horsetails, and quillworts occur in eastern woodlands. Identification of the different species is easiest in summer when these nonflowering plants produce spores in unique patterns. Thursday’s lecture will feature slides of local ferns and characteristics used for identifying different species. The evening session will also include discussion of their structure, life cycle, and role in the environment. Saturday’s field trip will be to Turkey Run Park in McLean, VA, where over 25 species of ferns and fern allies can be found. Our field trip pace will be slow, but includes some uphill and somewhat-steep downhill, plus several rocky stream crossings. Members: $38; Nonmembers: $52 Natural Heritage Series: Mid-Atlantic Battlefields, Manassas National Battlefield Park Saturday, July 7 (8 am - 1 pm) Leader: David Farner In 1861 and 1862, on the doorsteps of Washington the Confederacy won two of its greatest victories during the Civil War. Today the National Park Service maintains over 500 acres of meadows, woodlands, and streams where these battles were fought. Rare local nesting birds such as Grasshopper Sparrow and Meadowlark can be found in the fields, while wildflowers and a variety of reptiles and amphibians can be found in the wetlands and along Bull Run. We’ll visit several locations in the park, studying the course of the two battles while also exploring the natural history. Members: $23; Nonmembers: $32 Summer Stroll in the Hollow Sunday, July 8 (7:30 - 9:30 pm) Leader: Stephanie Mason Enjoy a slow sunset stroll through the field, forest, and wetland habitats of the Hughes Hollow area, south of Poolesville, MD. We’ll look and listen for owls, frogs, foxes, beavers, bats, and insects, discussing the adaptations of these crepuscular and nocturnal animals. Members: $16; Nonmembers: $22 The Natural History of Caterpillars Thursday, July 12 (7:30 - 9:30 pm) Saturday, July 14 (9 am - 3 pm) Leader: Nate Erwin Caterpillars are cool! Here’s a chance to learn about their many forms and their fascinating life histories, including defense strategies and ant associations. We’ll also focus on how to find and identify local caterpillars using recent field guides and discuss their host plant associations. Under the leadership of Nate Erwin, director of the Smithsonian Insect Zoo, we’ll combine an evening presentation at Woodend with a field exploration at Hughes Hollow, near Poolesville, MD. Members: $35; Nonmembers: $49 Introduction to the Natural History and Identification of Shorebirds Thursday, July 19 (7:30 - 9:30 pm) Saturday, July 21 (full-day field trip) Leaders: Cyndie Loeper and John Bjerke Shorebirds are among the most spectacular migrants in the avian world. Many species breed as far north as the Arctic tundra and winter as far south as Patagonia. By mid-July, they’ve already begun their remarkable journeys southward, passing through our coastal areas in the process and presenting an identification puzzle to beginning and even mid-level birders. The beginners’ level class will focus on the most common shorebirds that occur in our region, using a field trip to Delaware’s Bombay Hook and Little Creek Refuges to reinforce Thursday night’s slide-illustrated lecture. Members: $35; Nonmembers: $49 Butterflies and Wildflowers of Harper’s Ferry Sunday, July 22 (9 am - 3 pm) Leaders: Stephanie Mason and Pat Durkin Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park fans out over 2,500 acres of diverse natural habitat. The meadows, riverfront, wetlands, woodlands, and open mountain summits-preserved much as they were when Civil War soldiers fought over them- support a treasury of butterflies and wildflowers. Join Pat Durkin and ANS Senior Naturalist Stephanie Mason in a search for the saber-tailed Zebra Swallowtail, comical American Snout, regal Tawny Emperor, and other butterfly species. We’ll also stop to identify wildflowers along the way. Co-leader Durkin has surveyed butterflies at Harper’s Ferry for the National Park Service. Expect uphill/downhill walking, but at a leisurely pace. Members: $26; Nonmembers: $36 The Summer Meadow Saturday, July 28 (8 am - noon) Leaders: Stephanie Mason & Cathy Stragar Join two naturalists for a closer look at the summer web of life in both wet and dry meadows at Clark’s Crossing, along the W & O.D. bike trail in Vienna, VA. Plenty of species of flowers will be in bloom, attracting butterflies and other pollinators, in addition to the predators of these pollinators - birds, spiders, and mantids. We’ll take the time to identify the sun-loving plants as well as the animals that find food and shelter among them. Members: $21; Nonmembers: $29 Natural Heritage Hike: Rose River Falls Saturday, July 28 (full-day hike) Leader: Bob Pickett While others head to the beach, join us in the mountains for a 4-6 mile loop hike in the Central Section of Shenandoah National Park. Falls, cascades, and pools will line our path and keep us cool as we hike along the Rose River and Hogcamp Branch. We’ll explore the natural and cultural history of these stream valleys, from plant communities to salamanders to mountain mammals. This moderate hike includes uphill/ downhill hiking on rocky trails. All are invited to spend the night with the leader and his wife in a rustic cabin after the hike. Add $10 for this option, which covers dinner, breakfast, and cabin rental. Members: $28; Nonmembers: $39 Water Quality Classes are for volunteer stream monitors, who work to protect and restore local watersheds. Classes are free.Tofind out more about becoming a monitor, call Cliff Fairweather at 703-737-0021 or Suzanne Shoemaker at301-652-9188 x 10. BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE IDENTIFICATION 1 Benthic macroinvertebrates (bottom-dwelling boneless creatures such as aquatic insects) help us assess the health of local streams. Learn how to identify major groups of these organisms to the taxonomic level of order (e.g. Ephemeroptera or mayfly). Field sites are at streams in Montgomery Coounty, MD and Loudoun and Fairfax Counties in VA. We recommend one classroom and one field class for new monitors. When registering, specify section or sections. Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD Section A: Sat., Mar. 24 (9 am - 12:30 pm) Classroom and Field Site (TBA) Section B: Thurs., Apr. 5 (7 - 9 pm) Classroom Section C: Sat., Apr. 14 (1:30 - 3:30 pm) Field Site (TBA) Section D: Thurs., May 17 (7 - 9 pm), Classroom Section E: Sat., June 16 (9:30 - 11:30 am), Field Site (TBA) Rust Nature Sanctuary, Leesburg, VA Sat., Jun. 9 (9 am - noon) Classroom Sun., Jul. 8 (1 - 4 pm) Field Site (TBA) Clifton/Manassas Area (exact locations TBA) Sun., Mar. 25 (10 am - 1 pm) Classroom Sun., Jun. 3 (1 - 4 pm) Classroom Sat., Jun. 16 (10 am - 1 pm) Field Site (TBA) MONITORING PROTOCOL PRACTICUM Learn how to correctly implement the ANS Water Quality Monitoring Program protocol, including collecting abiotic, habitat, and biological data and refining macroinvertebrate capture techniques. New monitors should attend this class prior to their first monitoring session and current monitors are encouraged to attend periodically as a refresher. Maryland Sites Section A: Sat., Apr. 14 (10 am - 12:30 pm) Field Site (TBA) Section B: Sat., Apr. 28 (1:30 - 4 pm) Field Site (TBA) Section C: Sat. Jun. 23 (9:30 am - noon) Field Site (TBA) Leesburg, VA area Section A: Sun., Mar. 18 (1 - 3 pm (Note: For Loudoun Stream Monitoring Program only. Others should attend a Clifton/Manassas area Protocol Practicum session). Clifton/Manassas area Section B: Sat., Apr. 28 (10 am - noon (Note: This session for monitors in Fairfax, Arlington Maryland, Prince William, & DC) BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE IDENTIFICATION 2 Veteran water quality monitors can deepen their bethnic macroinvertebrate identification skills to the taxonomic level of family (e.g. different families of mayflies within the order Ephemeroptera) through this series of four classes. Identification of these organisms to family level greatly enhances the water quality assessment power of our data and gives us a better reading of aquatic insect diversity. Intended for experienced monitors with good order-level ID skills; MD classes available only to current ANS monitors. Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD Section E: Sat., Apr. 21 (10 am - 12:30 pm) MD Field Site (TBA) Rust Nature Sanctuary, Leesburg, VA Sat., Mar. 10 (9 am - noon) Beetles & True Flies MACROINVERTEBRATE IDENTIFICATION: REVIEWAND QUIZ Test your bethnic macroinvertebrate identification skills! New monitors are strongly encouraged to take the quiz before going into the field with their team; team leaders and veteran monitors are required to recertify their identification skills annually. Only team members who have been certified through the quiz can identify organizisms for data recording. Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD Section A: Sat., Mar. 10 (9:30 am - noon) Section B: Thurs., Mar. 15 (7 - 9:30 pm) Section C: Sat., Mar. 17 (9:30 am - noon) Rust Nature Sanctuary, Leesburg, VA Section A: Wed., Mar. 14 (7 - 9:30 pm) Section B: Sat., Mar. 31 (9 am - noon) Clifton/Manassas area (exact locations TBA) Section A: Sat., Apr. 7 (10 am - 1 pm) Section B: Sun., Apr. 15 (1 - 4 pm) 19 Adult programs & water quality classes Natural History Field Studies Program This popular program, cosponsored by the Audubon Naturalist Society and the USDA Graduate School, provides a comprehensive and stimulating view of our region’s natural history and conservation issues. Taught at the college freshman level, these courses are open to anyone 18 years of age or older, professionals and amateurs alike. A Certificate of Accomplishment is awarded for completion of a required curriculum of 26 credits. Go to www.audubonnaturalist.org for a complete list of classes. Classes are offered at several locations around the DC metro area, including the Audubon Naturalist Society’s Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, MD and its Rust Sanctuary in Leesburg,VA, as well as the Capital Gallery in downtown DC. Spring Courses (April 9 - June 16, 2007) Non-Native Invasives of 1 credit the Mid-Atlantic NATH 2219E Learn about organisms that are non-native to the mid-Atlantic region and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause environmental or economic harm, or harm to human health. Primary focus is on terrestrial and aquatic plants. Students will receive an overview of the issue, acquire understanding of the multiple impacts of non-native invasives, and gain specific information about species of concern in our region. Class night and time: Mondays, 7 -9 pm Class meetings: April 9 - May 7 Field Trip Dates: April 22 and May 6 Location: Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD Tuition: $225 Instructor: Carole Bergmann To Register Online: http://grad.usda.gov/ course_details.php?cid=NATH2219E REGISTRATION INFORMATION FOR NATURAL HISTORY FIELD STUDIES CLASSES Because an essential feature of these courses is the experience gained through field trips, students should make an effort NOT to register for classes where field trips overlap. Registration may be completed: ¦ online at www.grad.usda.gov ¦ by phone at 202.314.3320 or toll-free at 888.744.GRAD ¦ by FAX at 866.FAX.GRAD or 202.475.6843 ¦ by mail: Registrar’s office, Suite 120, 600 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20024 ¦ or in person at the Registrar’s Office, 8 am - 7 pm, Monday - Friday Bookshop Open! On the first night of classes held at Woodend, our Sanctuary Shop will be open for a half hour prior to class for students to buy books and other items. Freshwater Ecosystems 2 credits NATH 2207E Learn about lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Study the physical characteristics of freshwater habitats and how they shape aquatic communities. Visit different freshwater ecosystems and become familiar with the organisms that inhabit them. Discussions will focus on pollution and other human impacts to aquatic systems. Class night and time: Tuesdays, 6 - 8 pm Class meetings: April 10 - June 12 Field Trip Dates: April 28, May 12, and June 2 Location: Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD Tuition: $335 Instructor: Doug Redmond To Register Online: http://grad.usda.gov/ course_details.php?cid=NATH2207E Biology for Naturalists 2 credits NATH 1110E Explore basic biological principles and theories with hands-on examples drawn from the natural world around us. Understand the classification and adaptations of organisms as we explore living things. Outdoor activities and field trips will help you develop the naturalist’s way of seeing. This course is recommended background for other courses in the Natural History Field Studies Certificate program. Class night and time: Tuesdays, 7 - 9 pm Class meetings: April 10 - June 12 Field Trip Dates: May 19 and June 9 Location: Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD Tuition: $335 Instructor: Jane Huff To Register Online: http://grad.usda.gov/ course_details.php?cid=NATH1110E The Living Soil 2 credits NATH1175E Knowledge of soils is basic to understanding plant communities and ecosystems. Examine the nature of soils and their influence on environment. Learn the structure, properties, and the classification of soils and the significance of these factors to plant growth and other uses. Discover life in the soil and study the soil groups and natural land resource areas of the Central Atlantic region. Previous courses in climate and biology are helpful. Class night and time: Wednesdays, 6 - 8 pm Class meetings: April 11 - June 13 Field Trip Dates: April 21, May 6, and May 19 Location: Capital Gallery, DC (Metro accessible) Tuition: $335 Instructor: Katherine Nelson To Register Online: http://grad.usda.gov/ course_details.php?cid=NATH1175E Spring Flower Identification 2 credits NATH 1135E Learn to recognize common spring wildflowers. Increase your enjoyment of the season by learning about flower study of the principal spring-blooming identification, the relationships of plants, and how they are classified. Gain an appreciation for the rich flora of the Central Atlantic region through plant families in the area. Field trips emphasize practice in recognizing diagnostic characteristics and in using identification keys. The field trips feature some of the area’s best wildflower locations. Class night and time: Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8:30 pm Class meetings: April 4 - May 23 Field Trip Dates: April 7, 14, and 21 (9 am - 3 pm); May 6 (2 - 5 pm) Location: Capital Gallery, DC (Metro accessible) Tuition: $335 Instructor: Stan Shetler To Register Online: http://grad.usda.gov/ course_details.php?cid=NATH1135E Look for details on these upcoming summer classes, starting June 25, in our next catalog: Grasses (2 credits) Mondays, 6 - 8 pm, Woodend Sanctuary, MD Wetland Ecosystems (2 credits) Mondays, 6 - 8 pm, Woodend Sanctuary, MD Mushroom Identification (2 credits) TBA, 7 - 9 pm, Woodend Sanctuary, MD Weather and Climate 2 credits NATH 1140E Explore a wide range of weather phenomena. Learn about weather observation, clouds and cloud formation, weather map analysis and forecasting, weather satellite imagery, and the weather’s role in global and local ecological systems and the environment. Note: A fee of $20 for the Chesapeake Bay boat trip will be collected in class. Class Night and Time: Wednesdays, 7 - 9 pm Course Duration: April 11 - June 13 Field Trip Dates: TBA Location: Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD Tuition: $335 Instructor: Dan Ferandez To Register Online: http://grad.usda.gov/ course_details.php?cid=NATH1140E Reptiles & Amphibians 2 credits NATH 2276E This course is an introduction to identification, life cycles, and ecology of common reptiles and amphibians in Northern Virginia. Emphasis is placed upon the diversity of local herpetological fauna. Reptile and amphibian systematics will be reviewed and behavior, populations, ecology, and species preservation will also be discussed. Class night and time: Thursdays, 7 - 9 pm Class meetings: April 12 - June 14 Field Trip Dates: April 21, May 5, and May 26 Location: Rust Sanctuary, Leesburg, VA Tuition: $335 Instructor: Liam McGranaghan To Register Online: http://grad.usda.gov/ course_details.php?cid=NATH2276E Butterflies (2 credits) Tuesdays, 7 - 9 pm, Woodend Sanctuary, MD Evolution (1 credit) Tuesdays, 7 - 9 pm, Woodend Sanctuary, MD Insect Life (2 credits) Wednesdays, 7 - 9 pm, U of MD, College Park, MD Summer Wildflower Identification (1 credit) Thursdays, 7 - 9 pm, Woodend Sanctuary, MD Natural History Field Studies 21 Explore Your Local Stream Walks Conservation This series of free, naturalist-led walks introduces area residents to their local streams as living systems and is offered by a Forums partnership of the ANS, Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, and Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services. Registration required. Explore Nichols Run - Sunday, March 25 (1 - 4 pm) We’ll visit the beautiful Fraser Preserve to explore the lower reaches of this relatively healthy stream near Great Falls, Virginia. Moderately strenuous, some steep hills. Explore Bull Run -Sunday, April 22 (1 - 4 pm) Walk an untamed portion of Bull Run at Hemlock Overlook Park through scenes of fascinating human and natural history. Moderate to strenuous, steep terrain, stream crossings. Explore Thompson Creek -Saturday, May 26 (10 am - 1 pm) Thompson Creek is a coastal plain stream in the Bureau of Land Management’s Meadowood Recreation Area on Mason Neck. Fairly easy, mostly gentle terrain. To Register for Classes, Programs, or Events Listed in this Catalog... Education programs are held at Woodend, the Audubon Naturalist Society's 40-acre Headquarters, 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, unless otherwise noted. To register for any program with the exception of Summer Camp or Natural History Field Studies (phone 202-314-3320 or toll-free 888-744-GRAD for NHFS), fill out the registration form and fax or mail it to us with your check, or register in person in the Environmental Education Office in the Main House of Woodend Sanctuary, Monday through Friday, 9 am - 4:30 pm. Please use the registration form on the next page. You will be notified immediately if the program is full; otherwise, confirmation notices will be mailed approximately two weeks before the scheduled program. If the program is full, you can choose to remain on the waiting list or to receive a refund of your payment at that time. Financial aid is available. Cancellation Policy Because our programs rely upon registration fees for funding, we have adopted this policy: ¦ Cancellations must be made at least six working days before the beginning of the program to be eligible for a credit voucher on future programs (to be used within one year of the date of issue). The credit voucher will be issued less a $5 administrative fee. ¦ If the program is cancelled by ANS, you will receive a full refund. ¦ Nature travel programs have different cancellation policies, explained on the information sheet sent on request. ANS Environmental Education Programs Registration Form (Not for USDA Natural History Field Studies or Summer Camp) Please fill out information clearly. Questions? Call (301) 652-9188 ext 16 Registration Options: 1. Mail-in: Print out this form and send it with payment to (Make check payable to Audubon Naturalist Society): Audubon Naturalist Society Education Programs, 8940 Jones Mill Chevy Chase, MD 20815 2. Fax: Fax the completed form, with credit card information, to (301) 951-7179 I am ____ am not_____ a member of the Audubon Naturalist Society. Member ID #: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ (Check your mailing label on reverse.) Name of adult(s) Child's Name Birthdate Age Grade Child's Name Birthdate Age Grade Child's Name Birthdate Age Grade Address Work Phone City State Zip Home Phone Check here if this is a new address e-mail address Program/Selection Date Participant's name (List all names) Cost Please write "EE Programs" on your check): Total Cost of Programs I want to join Audubon Naturalist Society at this time so I can continue to receive the Educational Program Brochure. forNonmembers may enclose $ 0 for a year's family membership or $ year's individual membership and sign up at member's rates. 50 40 YES! Sign me up for MEMBERSHIP I wish to donate $1 to help with printing and mailing costs: See page 22 for cancellation policies Total Enclosed Method of Payment: Check___Visa___MC___ Card # Exp. Date Cardholder Signature: May we give out your phone number to registrants who would like to carpool? Yes____ No_____ If I/we appear in a photograph taken during an ANS program, I/we give ANS permission to use that photo for noncommercial, informational purposes.Yes_____ No _______ In registering for the above activities, I am consenting to the following statement of risk and acknowledgement of liability: I know and understand that there may be risks and dangers involved in the above activities, and that the ANS does not carry accidental injury insurance on participants. In case of medical emergency,ANS has my permission to secure emergency treatment for me/my child. I will assume liability for any expenses incurred in such an emergency. I waive and release ANS and its employees from all liability for any personal injuries, illness, loss or property damage. Help us protect our treasured natural heritage... Join the AUDUBON NATURALIST SOCIETY today! As an ANS member, you’ll receive: Discounts on all ANS trips and classes for adults and children. Our Nature Activities for All Ages catalog on a quarterly basis. A 10% discount on all birdseed, feeders, books, and gifts you buy in our Sanctuary Shop. Our informative Audubon Naturalist News and invitations to members-only events. Most importantly, you will be playing a vital part in preserving our region’s natural resources. To join, please send check, payable to ANS, with your registration or application form. The Audubon Naturalist Society of the Central Atlantic States, Inc., founded in 1897, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of public understanding of natural history and preserving and renewing our natural resources. A copy of the last financial report filed with Maryland Secretary of State may be obtained by writing to: Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, or write to the Audubon Naturalist Society (ANS). Audubon Naturalist Society of the Central Atlantic States, Inc. 8940 Jones Mill Road Chevy Chase, MD 20815 www.audubonnaturalist.org Save the Date! Nature Fair - May 6, 2007 Non-Profit Org. AUTO U.S. Postage PAID Silver Spring, MD Permit No. 3385