A full list of events is on the online calendar. Registration is at www.calvertparks.org or follow the instructions in the left hand column. Except where noted, programs are free for Calvert Nature Society members; nonmembers pay $8 per family. Reservations are required.
Pond Survey
Ages 12-16 years Saturday, June 13, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Ward Farm Nature Park
We will wade in with nets and buckets and do our best to identify what we find. Program Fee: free for members; $8 per person for nonmembers.
Volunteer: Prothonotary Warbler Nest Box Monitoring
15 years to adult, under 18 with an adult
Monday, June 15, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Battle Creek Cypress Swamp
Accompany the naturalist as she checks Prothonotary Warbler nest boxes. Have fun trekking through seldom-seen parts of the swamp, and perhaps catch a glimpse of some fuzzy little nestlings. Limited registration.
Capture That Critter
Ages 10-13 years
Thursday, July 2, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Flag Ponds Nature Park
The Maryland Biodiversity Project needs help documenting all the plants and animals of Maryland. Teens will have fun exploring the park as they capture animals on camera. Program Fee: free for Society members. Nonmembers pay $8 per person.
Herpetology Camp
Entering grades 1-2
Monday, July 6-Thursday, July 9, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Flag Ponds Nature Park
Your children can explore the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians as they play games and use seine nets, dip nets and traps to safely view these animals. There will be encounters with live animals every day. $150, members; $180, nonmembers.
Outdoor Adventure Camp for Girls
Entering grades 2-4
Monday, July 20-Friday, July 24, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Flag Ponds Nature Park
Girls will enjoy a week of adventure and excitement. They will learn how to use a compass, ID plants and animals, tie knots, and cook over a fire. $150, members; $180, nonmembers.
Ornithology Camp
Entering grades 3-5
Monday, July 13-Wednesday, July 15,
9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 16, 4:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Location varies
Your children can explore the fascinating world of birds as they bird watch, check nest boxes, dissect owl pellets, and make bird feeders. After Thursday supper over the campfire, the young birders will meet the nature center’s live owls and will take a hike to look for birds at night. $150, members; $180, nonmembers.
Wild About Wildlife
Entering grades 4-5
Monday, July 27-Wednesday, July 29,
9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 30, 4:00 p.m. overnight through Friday, July 31, 10:00 a.m.
Location varies
We’ll explore our parks to learn about animals big and small. Activities will include habitat exploration, observing wild animals in the field, up close encounters with our exhibit animals and an overnight campout at Flag Ponds Nature Park. Food for the overnight and camping equipment are included. $200, members; $230, nonmembers.
Nature Photography Camp
Entering grades 4-6
Monday, August 3-Friday, August 7, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Photo presentation for families: August 7, 3:00 p.m.
Location varies
Your children will capture the natural wonders of Calvert County Parks on camera. They will also learn camera basics and picture-taking tips. After camp on Friday, families are invited to a presentation highlighting campers’ work. Campers must provide their own digital camera. $150, members; $180, nonmembers.
Camp: Water Watchers
For children entering grades 9-11
Monday-Wednesday, August 3-5, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 6, 7:00 a.m. overnight through
Friday, August 7, 6:00 p.m.
This week will be an epic adventure that tests our limits as we immerse ourselves in the habitats around us. Here in Calvert County, we will wade in to the cypress swamp and explore the nearshore Chesapeake Bay.The week will culminate with a two-day overnight trip to Assateague Island National Seashore where we will camp in the dunes and experience the effects of the salty ocean firsthand. $300, members; $350, nonmembers.