FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 26, 2017
MEDIA CONTACT: KIRA CALM LEWIS 301-446-3327; Kira.CalmLewis@pgparks.com – or –
VERONICA MARSHALL 301-446-3313; Veronica.Marshall@pgparks.com
Fall into Nature:
What’s Happening at Watkins this October
Riverdale, MD – If you think fall is a time to stay inside and shut down– think again! Head over to the Watkins Nature Center (301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD. 20774) for a variety of activities that will inspire you to learn new things and spend time outdoors even as leaves and temperatures fall!
WHAT: STEAM: Whatever Floats Your Boat
WHEN: Wednesday, October 4 from 2 – 3:30 PM
COST: $6/Residents ages 8- 10; $8/Non-residents ages 8- 10
Join a naturalist and have fun making several different kinds of boats. Make your own soap powered boat and race it; make your own boat charged by a natural chemical reaction and let's take it out to launch; make your own sturdy structure and compete to see who makes the strongest boat. Dress for the weather and wear some shoes or boots that can get wet. All materials provided.
WHAT: Campfire
WHEN: Friday, October 6 from 6:30 – 8 PM
COST: $4/Residents ages 2 & better; $6/Non-residents ages 2 & better
Enjoy nature tales and roasted marshmallows. Different nature theme each program. Patrons will be notified of weather related cancellations.
WHAT: Educator Workshop: Project Wet
WHEN: Saturday, October 7 from 9 AM – 4:30 PM
COST: $10/Person ages 18 & better
Participants will receive educator materials to take home Maryland Educator Credits available for participants who attend both Project Wet and Project Wild. Space is limited; call 301-218-6702 to reserve a spot or for information. Lunch will be provided for full day workshops, and light snacks will be provided for half-day workshops. Registration is required. Payment is due at the time of the registration.
WHAT: Nature Hike for Seniors
WHEN: 10/10/2017; 11/07/2017, from 1 – 2:30 PM
COST: $3/Resident; $4/Non-Resident
Join a naturalist on a hike looking for wildlife and local plant life. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
WHAT: Home School Science Club: Nature Friends
WHEN: 10/12/2017; 11/09/2017; 12/14/2017 from 10 – 11:30 AM
COST: $20/Residents ages 5 - 6; $26/Non-residents ages 5 - 6
A home-school science club where children will experience nature through multimedia presentations, discussion, stories, hikes, and/or hands-on activities. Each class focuses on a different nature theme. Class meets once a month for 4 months.
WHAT: Small Fry Club
WHEN: 10/13/2017; 11/17/2017 from 10 – 11 AM
COST: $4/Residents ages 2-4; $6/Non-residents ages 2-4
Stories, games, and crafts for little ones!
WHAT: Educator Workshop: Project WILD
WHEN: Saturday, October 14 from 9 AM – 4:30 PM
COST: $10/Person ages 18 & better
Participants will receive educator materials to take home Maryland Educator Credits available for participants who attend both Project Wet and Project Wild. Space is limited; call 301-218-6702 to reserve a spot or for information. Lunch will be provided for full day workshops, and light snacks will be provided for half-day workshops. Registration is required. Payment is due at the time of the registration.
WHAT: Farm Story & Craft
WHEN: 10/18/2017; 11/22/2017, from 10 – 11 AM
COST: $3/Resident; $4/Non-Resident
Join us at the Old Maryland Farm for a farm related story, followed by a craft and an animal meet and greet.
WHAT: Birding Trip to Cumberland Valley
WHEN: Thursday, October 19 from 5 AM – 8 PM
COST: $25/Residents ages 18 & better; $33/Non-residents ages 18 & better
Join a naturalist for a trip to Waggoner’s Gap to watch the hawk migration. Located on the north side of the Cumberland Valley, this area has been used for hawk watching and counting for many years. No refunds unless trip is cancelled, or unless spot is resold. The trip coordinator must approve and process all refunds. Registration required by October 13th.
WHAT: Puppet Show
WHEN: Friday, October 20 from 2 – 2:45 PM
COST: $3/Resident; $4/Non-resident
Enjoy a seasonal themed puppet show for children ages 2 - 10 and meet a live animal from the show.
WHAT: Educator Workshop: Growing Up Wild
WHEN: Saturday, October 21 from 9 AM – 12 PM
COST: $5/Person
Participants will receive educator materials to take home Maryland Educator Credits available for participants who attend both Project Wet and Project Wild. Space is limited; call 301-218-6702 to reserve a spot or for information. Lunch will be provided for full day workshops, and light snacks will be provided for half-day workshops. Registration is required. Payment is due at the time of the registration.
WHAT: Home School Science Club: Nature Explorers
WHEN: 10/25/2017; 11/29/2017; 12/20/2017 from 1 – 3 PM
COST: $24/Residents ages 10-14; $32/Non-residents ages 10-14
A home-school science club where children will experience nature through multimedia presentations, discussion, stories, hikes, and/or hands-on activities. Each class focuses on a different nature theme. Class meets once a month for 4 months.
WHAT: Home School Science Club: Nature Rangers
WHEN: 10/26/2017; 11/30/2017; 12/21/2017 from 1 – 3 PM
COST: $24/Residents ages 7-9; $32/Non-residents ages 7-9
A home-school science club where children will experience nature through multimedia presentations, discussion, stories, hikes, and/or hands-on activities. Each class focuses on a different nature theme. Class meets once a month for 4 months.
WHAT: Mocktails & Murals
WHEN: Thursday, October 26 from 7 – 8:30 PM
COST: $15/Residents ages 18 & better; $20/Non-residents ages 18 & better
Enjoy a fun evening of mocktails and painting with friends as an artist/Naturalist guides participants through the step-by-step creation of a nature-themed piece of artwork.
All materials will be provided.
WHAT: Campfire
WHEN: Friday, October 27 from 6 – 7:30 PM
COST: $4/Residents ages 2 & better; $6/Non-residents ages 2 & better
Enjoy nature tales and roasted marshmallows. Different nature theme each program. Patrons will be notified of weather related cancellations.
WHAT: Explore Corvids
WHEN: Saturday, October 28 from 10 – 11 AM
COST: $3/Residents ages 8 & better; $4/Non-residents ages 8 & better
Help us fight Maryland’s invasive problem one bite at a time! Take a look at Maryland’s invasive plants and animals. Look at how they got here, their effect on the environment, and how you could help! Learn how to find and identify these plants and animals, and prepare them in a tasty meal.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is celebrating 90 years of excellence, since 1927. The Department of Parks and Recreation delivers an award-winning park system through progressive, innovative leadership and a commitment to the community and the environment in Prince George’s County.
For more on the Department of Parks and Recreation, visit www.pgparks.com and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, and Instagram. The M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities in all programs and services.
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