Park and Recreation - Prince Georges County MD

Pollinator Party
2026-05-17 09:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York)
Celebrate World Bee Day by learning about the many types of pollinators and their crucial role in the ecosystem through a short lecture followed by a fun craft activity.

Gardening for all: Spring Salads
2026-05-17 10:30 - 11:30
Connect with sustainable gardening and landscaping as you learn practical tips on backyard design, unique uses of plant materials, and seasonal maintenance while practicing hands‑on skills in our gardens to support the native ecosystem. Please wear outdoor‑appropriate clothing and sun protection, and feel free to call us with any questions.

She's Outdoors: Boat Tour
2026-05-17 14:00 - 15:00
Board a pontoon boat for a quiet cruise along one of Prince George’s County’s beautiful rivers. As part of the She’s Outdoors series, a program created specifically for women, participants can enjoy growing in community and outdoor fun.

She's Outdoors Series: Fitness Hike
2026-05-19 09:00 - 10:30
Enjoy a naturalist‑led woodland hike as part of the “She’s Outdoors” series for women 18+, taking a brisk three‑mile loop along the natural surface trails at Cosca Regional Park starting from the Nature Center. Be sure to register for the May 19 session, and don’t forget your water and bug spray!

Growing in the Garden: A 3-Part Learning Series
2026-05-19 13:00 - 14:00
Give your child a hands‑on introduction to gardening and agriculture through this fun, three‑session program. Each class encourages kids to explore, observe, and record what they discover in the garden.

The registration fee covers all three classes.Each session must be attended.Each session builds on the one before it.

Sessions:

Tue, March 24, 1-2 pm

Tue, April 28, 1-2 pm

Tue, May 19, 1-2 pm

Turtles In Maryland
2026-05-20 10:30 - 11:30
Learn the importance of turtles to Maryland’s ecosystem and their use in the colonial period as a food source. Children will also learn how reptiles were used as powerful political symbols of independence. A naturalist from Watkins Nature Center will bring reptiles to the museum.

Nature: Wild Reading
2026-05-20 11:00 - 12:00
Give your child a jump start in literacy as they enjoy a short story with a park naturalist, followed by questions, creative crafts, nature exploration, and a guided walk around the center to learn fun facts about live animals—making a love for reading feel like second nature.

This program, held at Clearwater Nature Center, requires all children to be individually registered in advance through ParksDirect, must include a parent or guardian to assist with activities, may be canceled if registrations are insufficient, and may include outdoor components, so please dress for the weather.

Toddler Time
2026-05-21 10:30 - 11:30
Give your little one a head start on understanding the importance of the environment by exploring nature through hands‑on activities, stories, songs, crafts, and more, with each class focusing on a different nature theme. Children must be accompanied by an adult as they learn about animals, plants, and habitats.

Toddler Time: Animal Cues
2026-05-21 11:00 - 11:45
Give your little one a head start on growing into a knowledgeable adult aware of the importance of the environment. Join us for an exciting time of exploring nature through hands-on activities, stories, songs, crafts, and more. Learn about animals, plants, and habitats. Each class focuses on a different nature theme.

Live Jazz Boat Tour
2026-05-22 18:45 - 20:00
Glide down the river for an evening of unforgettable music as a live jazz saxophonist fills the air with smooth melodies while you enjoy light refreshments and the calm, scenic atmosphere of nature. Back by popular demand, this event has limited seating, and participants must have a Parks Direct account to register.

Black Birders Week 2026
2026-05-23 - 2026-05-30
Founded in 2020, Black Birders Week is an annual celebration that highlights the intersection of birds, people, and environmental justice. The annual event celebrates Black birders, naturalists, scientists, and outdoor enthusiasts, and advocates for the inclusion, safety, and visibility of Black people in birding and outdoor spaces.

This year’s theme, Flyways & Freedom: Advocacy, Action, and the Future, honors the pathways birds have always followed and the freedom of movement they represent. It asks us this important question: what could freedom look like if we moved through the world without barriers?

Join us in May for a week of birding programs that explore this idea through learning, community, and exploration!

FREE, but space is limited. Registration required.

1. Black Birders Week Kickoff Talk & Boat Tour

Bladensburg Waterfront Park

Saturday, May 23, 8-9:30 am

Learn about Black Birders Week, then take a boat tour on the Anacostia River.

2. Birding Kayak Tour

Bladensburg Waterfront Park

Wednesday, May 27, 6-7:30 pm

Join a park naturalist for a birdy-ful evening paddle through wetlands and tributaries along the Anacostia River.

3. Beaks, Feet, & Feathers Boat Tour

Bladensburg Waterfront Park

Saturday, May 30, 2-3 pm

Board our pontoon boat to explore common birds in the Anacostia Watershed.

4. Bird Research: M.A.P.S

Patuxent River Park

Saturday, May 30, 9-10 am

Join hands‑on bird research with wildlife experts working to protect breeding bird populations along the Patuxent River.

5. Wings of Watkins

Watkins Nature Center

Saturday, May 30, 1-1:45 pm

Learn about raptors during a live training and flight demonstration.

Contact Info:

Bladensburg Waterfront ParkEmail: Bladensburgwp@pgparks.comCall: 301-779-0371

Black Birders Week: Kickoff Talk & Tour
2026-05-23 08:00 - 09:30
As part of the Black Birders Week series celebrating and uplifting Black birders, naturalists, and outdoor enthusiasts, participants will join a park naturalist for a discussion on the history and significance of the movement. The presentation is followed by a bird‑themed pontoon boat tour along the Anacostia River. All attendees must register.

Basic Birding 101
2026-05-23 09:00 - 10:30
Grab your binoculars, or borrow a pair from us, and join our naturalist for a birdwatching adventure during the spring migration season. Enjoy the beauty of nature as you search for the many birds moving through our area.

Ranger Hiking Spree
2026-05-23 10:00 - 11:00
Enjoy a naturalist‑led woodland hike and explore the beauty of the outdoors. Whether you like hiking, biking, or simply spending time with family, join a self‑paced program that guides you through different parks, trails, and scenic natural sites across the county.

Animal Encounters: Spring Camouflage
2026-05-23 11:00 - 12:00
Come meet the nature center’s live reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey, and discover how interacting with animals can boost your mood and support mental wellness, while learning about their natural habitats. Our animal friends look forward to greeting you, and classes will be held outdoors.

Seeds and Weeds Planting Day
2026-05-23 13:00 - 15:00
Help restore beauty and biodiversity by planting native flowers in areas cleared of invasive weeds—no gardening experience needed, just a willingness to dig in and make a difference!

Black Birders Week: Evening Kayak Tour
2026-05-27 18:00 - 19:30
Explore the natural beauty and cultural history of the Anacostia River on a moderate‑pace, guided kayak trip offered as part of the Black Birders Week series, which highlights and uplifts Black birders, naturalists, and outdoor enthusiasts. Paddle with a park guide to view birds and river scenery while staying with the group. Life jackets, paddles, and single or tandem kayaks are provided. Please dress for the weather. All attendees must register.

Toddler Time: Here Comes the Summer
2026-05-28 11:00 - 11:45

May Family Farm Tour
2026-05-29 13:00 - 14:00
Take a guided tour of Old Maryland Farm and get up close with the animals! Learn about daily farm life and enjoy exclusive access to behind-the-scenes areas.

Enchanted Trail Adventure
2026-05-30 10:00 - 11:00
Step into a world of wonder on our Enchanted Trail as you enjoy a magical story, take a short nature walk through the woods, and create your own fairy house using natural materials. This charming outdoor adventure invites young explorers to discover the magic of nature all around them.

Learn to Kayak
2026-05-30 10:00 - 13:00
Learn kayak paddling skills from a certified instructor in a program where boats, paddles, and life jackets are provided. Participants under 16 (ages 11-15) must be accompanied by a registered adult. Please wear shoes that can get wet and dress for the weather.

Watkins Park Farmers Market
2026-05-30 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-06 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-13 10:00 - 14:00
Come support new growers, explore the fields, and take home something delicious at the Urban Farm Incubator at Watkins Regional Park.

Every Saturday, 10 am-2 pm, from late May to mid-November, you can shop fresh vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers grown on-site by ten emerging farm businesses. Expect nutrient‑dense, culturally relevant, all‑natural produce!

DIRECTIONS: Once inside Watkins Regional Park, follow signs for the Urban Farm Incubator and park inside the black deer fence.

The Urban Farm Incubator hosts ten beginner farm businesses growing vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers. The Urban Farm Incubator at Watkins Regional Park is a collaboration among ECO City Farms, the Prince George’s Soil Conservation District (PGSCD), Prince George’s Food Equity Council (FEC), The Capital Market, and M-NCPPC, Department of Recreation, Prince George’s County.

This event is held at 601 Watkins Park Drive

For more info, visit https://www.ecoffshoots.org/urban-farm-incubator or email urbanfarmincubator@gmail.com

Black Birders Week: Wings of Watkins
2026-05-30 13:00 - 13:45
Come face-to-face with a powerful bird of prey! Learn all about what makes raptors so incredible, then enjoy a thrilling training session and watch a bird take flight in an exciting live demonstration. Parents and chaperones of children attending this program must also be registered to attend.

Black Birders Week: Beaks, Feet, & Feathers Boat Tour
2026-05-30 14:00 - 15:00
As part of Black Birders Week, this event celebrates and uplifts Black birders, naturalists, and outdoor enthusiasts. Join a naturalist aboard the park pontoon boat to explore the birdlife of the Anacostia River while cruising downstream. All attendees must register.

Fishing Trip
2026-05-31 09:00 - 11:30
Learn about casting, handling fish, fishing safety, and fish biology in this beginner‑friendly, weather‑dependent program while enjoying a morning of fishing on the Anacostia River from a pontoon boat. Rods and bait are provided (or you may bring your own), and children under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult participant.

Family Discovery Hike
2026-05-31 10:00 - 11:30
Take a hike with the whole family and enjoy a guided adventure together in nature. Experience the sights and sounds of the outdoors as you explore the trail.

Adult Hike 18+
2026-05-31 14:00 - 15:30
Enjoy a naturalist-led, woodland nature hike. Take a walk with a naturalist on one of the many trails in Cosca Regional Park.

Suitland Bog Birthday Bash
2026-06-06 10:00 - 13:00
Celebrate the Suitland Bog’s 50th birthday with a day of nature, hands-on fun, and community pride. Explore this rare ecosystem, enjoy family-friendly activities, and meet the Park Rangers who help protect this important natural space.

What to Expect:

Guided Hikes with a Park Ranger Take a short, family friendly walk to discover the bog’s unusual plant life, its history, and how M-NCPPC helps care for this rare habitat. Please note: the walk is on a natural surface trail.

Nature Crafts Create a nature inspired project to take home.

Nature Education Table Enjoy interactive displays and learn what makes a bog so special.

Giveaways Free items for attendees while supplies last.

Suitland Bog is part of your community. Join the celebration, connect with nature, and help us mark 50 years of protecting this incredible space.
