Meadowside Nature Center, Montgomery Parks

On July 12, join a family scavenger hunt and explore a trail as the sun sets. Local artist Pamela Gordimer will show you how to use watercolor to paint your collected treasures in your book. Each registered participant will paint their own picture.

Register: https://mocoparks.org/3UV3UM8

Our July programs filled fast, but we do have space in two programs!

Check out Brush Strokes on the Raptor Deck Family Night!

Visit our website for more details: https://mocoparks.org/44v1dUm

because we sure did!

On June 21, we meant to “Show Our Stripes” and participate in a global moment to share concern about how the climate is changing.

Pictured are the “warming stripes” for Washington D.C.; a powerful representation of how temperatures have increased in D.C. since 1895. Each stripe represents the average temperature for D.C. each year.

Read more about warming stripes here: https://mocoparks.org/4czeu2o

Photo: Ed Hawkins - University of Reading

On July 6th, the M-NCPPC Arts and Cultural Heritage Division is thrilled to present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” directed by newly appointed Artistic Director Randy Snight. Love is in the air, but it’s tangled in a romantic web involving four young Athenians. Get ready for an unforgettable experience of whimsy, wonder, and weddings as the enchanting tale of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” comes to life on stage in this 90-minute production. Bring your lawn chair, a picnic, and enjoy the Bard under the stars.

Register for this free program: https://mocoparks.org/3yFSLY9

Photo by Ed Wondoloski

Coming to Meadowside on July 6th! This FREE show starts at 7:30 pm. Bring your lawn chairs.

Learn more: https://mocoparks.org/4elz3RM

Master the miles of Meadowside! In this multi-part series, join a Naturalist and navigate a portion of the trails during each hike. Expect to hike about 1-3 miles on natural surface trails that contain roots, rocks, uneven surfaces, mud, and some incline/decline.

Dates: June 26 and July 10

Register: https://mocoparks.org/3X85jSp

Picture this, you’re outside on a deck watching the sunset with a glass of wine in one hand and a paintbrush in the other. This could be you! On June 14, join local artist Ellen Mansfield as she leads you through the evening to paint a nature scene.

Instruction will be given in American Sign Language. A qualified interpreter will be present during the event who will give verbal instructions in English. Raptors will be visible at a distance from the deck during this event.

Register: https://mocoparks.org/3R6f27D

How much does a black vulture weigh? About as much as the food composted at our recent summer camp training!

Last week, Montgomery Parks hosted the annual summer camp training for 55 Parks staff members. An all-day training, complete with lunch and snacks, would produce a lot of waste. Or did it?

Meadowside Nature Center brought along a zero-waste kit that contained enough reusable cups, plates, silverware, nametags, and a compost bin to the meeting. And the best part? They composted about 4.5 lbs. of food, about the weight of a black vulture. Park employees and vultures, composting partners to save the planet!

Master the miles of Meadowside! In this multi-part series, join a Naturalist and navigate a portion of the trails during each hike. Expect to hike about 1-3 miles on natural surface trails that contain roots, rocks, uneven surfaces, mud, and some incline/decline.

Dates: June 12, June 26, and July 10

Register: https://mocoparks.org/3X85jSp

Make your own pieces of functional nature-themed art and enjoy your next drink in style!

During this hands-on program you will be provided with the instructions, materials, and stencils needed to create your own personalized wine glass using the process of chemical glass etching.

Register: https://mocoparks.org/3R7iG1n

Photo: pexels-polina-tankilevitch-4110415

Think you have what it takes to become Montgomery County’s Next Top Energy Star?

In partnership with My Green Montgomery, attend our Energy Star program and pass the challenges: learn about electricity, tackle the topic of pollution, and identify sources of energy.

Learn more about the challenge: https://mocoparks.org/3UX8OZ0

Celebrate Pride this season with a naturalist-led night hike referencing q***r ecology, and s’mores around a cozy campfire lit up with rainbow flames. Join our Pride campfire and night hike on June 7.

Register: https://mocoparks.org/4bVKJZq

Photo: Magda Ehlers

Pull on those gardening gloves to help us with a spring spruce up!

On Friday, June 7 from 10am-12pm we are looking for volunteers to help with pulling weeds, refreshing materials in enclosures for wild birds, and pulling recycling items out of the building. No animals will be in the enclosures while volunteers are at work.

This opportunity is available to volunteers 16 years or older, with those under 18 accompanied by an adult.

RSVP here: https://mocoparks.org/3wVryjw

Photo by Emma Matheu

June is just around the corner. Here’s what's happening at Meadowside next month.

Etch and Sip Wine Night June 7

Brush Strokes on the Raptor Deck- An American Sign Language Event

Are You Montgomery County’s Next Top Energy Star?

Pride Month Campfire and Night Hike

Master of the Miles at Meadowside

Meatless Monday Campfire Dinner

Credit: Montgomery Parks

It’s and Meadowside Nature Center and My Green Montgomery are ready to celebrate! Did you know there’s gold in your garbage? Well, black gold is more like it. All of your non-meat food waste and much of your lawn waste, can be turned into rich compost for your lawn and garden. It’s easy to do and saves money.

Want to know more? Visit MyGreenMontgomery for more information including where you can get a free compost bin (hint: at Meadowside!): https://mocoparks.org/44dEAoM

Meadowside’s compost bin renovation with support from a local Scout group.

No one wants to be the “butt’ of a joke, unless you're a turtle. They don’t mind being called a “butt breather” because it’s true...well mostly.

Some turtles have extra sacs just inside their cloaca (the opening where a turtle lays eggs and removes waste) that can hold water. The sacs are loaded with blood vessels that can exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between a turtle’s blood stream and the water! So it’s not breathing because there are no lungs in this area. It’s called bursae breathing and many freshwater turtles can do it!

Learn more at Zoo Atlanta:

TURTLES CAN DO WHAT?! - Zoo Atlanta As is often the case in biology, if you hear of some weird phenomenon, there may well be a sound scientific basis for what you are hearing. The details and

Did you know that the National Park Trust is celebrating their 14th annual Kids to Parks Day today??

“Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. The day connects kids and families with their local, state, and national parks and public lands through thousands of park events that promote discovery and exploration in the great outdoors.”

Where will you play today? Will it be on a trail?

Trails Directory - Montgomery Parks Montgomery Parks boasts more than 250 miles of park trails for walking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

This native honelylocust tree looks like it’s ready to defend itself against...something? What’s with the spikes?

In 2018, Ohio State University wrote a fascinating article about evolution of honeylocust tree spikes and a formidable animal that no longer exists.

The article explains “There’s no doubt that mastodons ate the seedpods and remnants have been preserved in their manure.” Enter those extra-large spikes, “The spikes start a few feet from the ground and end at about the highest reach of a mastodon; the greatest concentration are located where they provide maximize protection against a mischievous mastodon.”

Ready to know more about the coevolution of honeylocust trees and mastodons? Check out the entire article: https://mocoparks.org/3Uxbyxm

Looking for something to do this Friday? Try making your own paper at Meadowside!

Bring your creative ideas and we’ll provide everything else you need to make your one-of-a-kind nature-inspired paper.

The program starts at 4 pm with a fee of $7. Register here:

Make Your Own Paper! - Montgomery Parks Learn how to make your own paper with upcycled and natural materials. Bring your creative ideas and we’ll provide everything else you need to make your one-of-a-kind nature-inspired paper. Registration […]

Register now: https://mocoparks.org/30iiV2h

On May 17, come to Meadowside and learn how to make your own paper with upcycled and natural materials. Bring your creative ideas and we’ll provide everything else you need to make your one-of-a-kind nature-inspired paper.

Learn more and register: https://mocoparks.org/44bml3r

Attention Park Enthusiasts! The Wait Is Over... Montgomery Parks’ Summer Program Guide Has Dropped!

Check out the full guide and make your wish list of programs today: https://mocoparks.org/30iiV2h

Did you know that May 6 – 10 is Teacher Appreciation Week? Can you recall your favorite teacher and what stood out about them? Teachers help shape the future of our children, act as mentors and guides, and provide inspiration to all.

At Meadowside, we thank our teaching and support staff as they work to create public environmental education for Montgomery County. Thank YOU!

Join us on May 11 and decorate terracotta pots for Mother’s Day! Choose a pot to decorate, pick your flowers, and get creating! Each participant will receive one terracotta flowerpot, soil, and a live plant.

Learn more and register: https://mocoparks.org/3UuoW5i

Credit Montgomery Parks

What’s happening in May at Meadowside?

Come check out our raptors during a Raptor Caretaker Chat.

Celebrate during our Mother’s Day Flower workshop.

Explore a new craft with a Make Your Own Paper class.

Visit the calendar for more information and to register: https://mocoparks.org/4d42iI7