Patuxent Research Refuge Public Programs

June 2009

All programs are FREE except where noted. All programs REQUIRE advance reservations. Reservations are taken by calling 301-497- 5887. Please advise us of any special needs in advance so that we may accommodate you.

Programs held at the National Wildlife Visitor Center

The National Wildlife Visitor Center is located on Powder Mill Road between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 197, in Laurel, Maryland.

Bird Walk
Wednesday, June 3rd, 7:30AM -10:00AM
Wednesday, June 17th, 7:30AM -10:00AM
Ages 16+
Search for birds in several refuge habitats on this guided hike. Field guides and binoculars are recommended.

Pollution Solutions!
Saturday, June 6th, 2:00PM-3:30PM,
Ages 5-7
Join a refuge naturalist on a clean-up hike and discover how you can control pollution through stories and hands-on activities.

Twilight Tram Tour
Tuesday, June 9th,
7:00PM-8:15PM,
All Ages
Enjoy a 45 minute guided tour through the habitats of Patuxent Research Refuge on an all electric, open-air tram. View wildlife and their habitats while discovering the story of how the land has changed over time and how Patuxent is managing habitats for wildlife. Tickets are $4 for adults, $3 for seniors over 55, and $2 for children under 12. Please bring exact change. Space is limited.

Romp in the Swamp
Monday, June 15th, 2:00PM-3:30PM,
Ages 5-7
Take a walk on the wet and wild side to look for frogs, fish, insects, and more in this hands-on program about wetlands. Dress to get wet and muddy.

Dragonflies of Patuxent
Saturday, June 20th, 10:00AM-12:00PM,
Ages 12+
Come learn about dragonflies—the ferocious predator of pond and meadow—and how to identify several common ones in this hike. Hat and binoculars are recommended.

Friend or Foe: The Symbiosis Story
Sunday, June 28th, 10:00AM-11:30AM,
Ages 8-10
Discover some natural dynamic duos through interactive games on the Refuge. See why some animals and plants are friends and why some are foes!

Nature Tots: Busy Bees
Tuesday, June 30th,
10:30AM -11:30AM & 1:00PM-2:00PM,
Ages 3-4
Discover how bees help give us flowers
and food by becoming a bee in this hands-on, interactive program.

Programs held at the
North Tract

The North Tract is located on
Rt. 198 between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 32.

Butterflies: Nature’s Festival of Colours
Saturday, June 6th, 8:30AM-11:30AM,
Saturday, June 27th, 8:30AM-11:30AM,
Ages 10+
Discover the role that butterflies play in the ecosystem and learn to identify several common to Maryland on this guided 2.5 mile hike. Field guide recommended. Bring water and dress for the outdoors.

Nature Hike
Sunday, June 7th, 10:00AM-11:30AM,
Ages 5-7
Join us for a guided hike through shady, forested areas. Discover how Patuxent’s wildlife makes it through the warm summer days.

Weed Warriors!
Wednesday, June 10th, 9:00AM-12:00PM
Wednesday, June 17th, 9:00AM-12:00PM
Ages 13+
Non-native invasive plants are threatening our wildlife habitat. We need YOU to help stop them!Bring gloves and water (and hand tools if available).

Wildflower Wanders!
Sunday, June 14th, 8:30AM-11:00AM,
All Ages
Discover the role that wildflowers play in
the ecosystem and learn to identify some common species on this guided walk. Field guide, water, and hat recommended.

Herp Search
Saturday, June 27th, 2:00PM-3:30PM,
All Ages
Join a refuge naturalist on this guided search for reptiles and amphibians. Wear good walking shoes!

Owl Prowl
Saturday, June 27th, 8:00PM-9:30PM,
Ages 5+
Explore the Refuge at night while looking
and listening for owls.

Bird Walk
Sunday, June 28th, 8:15AM-10:00AM,
All Ages
Search for birds in several refuge habitats on this guided hike. Field guides and binoculars are recommended.

July 2009

Programs held at the National Wildlife Visitor Center

The National Wildlife Visitor Center is located on Powder Mill Road between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 197, in Laurel, Maryland.

Weed Warriors!
Wednesday, July 8th, 9:00AM-12:00PM,
Ages 13+
Non-native invasive plants are threatening our wildlife habitat. We need YOU to help stop them! Bring gloves and water (and hand tools if available).

Nature Tots: In the Treetop
Monday, July 13th,
10:00AM-11:00AM & 2:30PM-3:30PM,
Ages 3-4
It is summer and our Refuge trees are bustling with activity! Introduce your toddler to the many animals that make their homes in trees through stories and a nature hike.

Twilight Tram Tours
Tuesday, July 14th, 7:15PM-8:00PM,
All Ages
Enjoy a 45 minute guided tour through the habitats of Patuxent Research Refuge on an all electric, open-air tram. View wildlife and their habitats while discovering the story of how the land has changed over time and how Patuxent is managing habitats for wildlife. Tickets are $4 for adults, $3 for seniors over 55, and $2 for children under 12. Please bring exact change. Space is limited.

Nature Hike
Sunday, July 26th, 10:00AM-11:30AM,
Ages 5-7
Explore the woods using your senses in this fun, hands-on program.

Little Whooper’s Excellent Adventure Puppet Show
Tuesday, July 28th, 11:30AM & 1:00PM
All Ages Welcome!
NO REGISTRATION NECESSARY FOR PUPPET SHOW. Join us on this excellent adventure to watch life unfold for Little Whooper.

Programs held at the
North Tract

The North Tract is located on
Rt. 198 between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 32.

Wildflower Wanders!
Sunday, July 12th, 8:30AM -11:00AM,
All Ages
Discover the role that wildflowers play in
the ecosystem and learn to identify some common species on this guided walk. Field guide, water, and hat recommended.

Butterflies: Nature’s Festival of Colours
Saturday, July 18th, 8:30AM -11:30AM,
Ages 10+
Discover the role that butterflies play in the ecosystem and learn to identify several common to Maryland on this guided 2.5 mile hike. Field guide recommended. Bring water and dress for the outdoors.

Herp Search
Saturday, July 18th, 2:00PM-3:30PM,
All Ages
Join a refuge naturalist on this guided search for reptiles and amphibians. Wear good walking shoes!

Night Hike
Saturday, July 18th, 8:00PM -9:30PM,
All Ages
Discover the nighttime world of the refuge as you look and listen for owls, frogs, and other nocturnal animals on this guided walk.

Bird Walk
Sunday, July 19th, 8:15AM-10:00AM,
All Ages
Search for birds in several refuge habitats on this guided hike. Field guides and binoculars are recommended.

Weed Warriors!
Wednesday, July 22nd, 9:00AM-12:00PM,
Ages 13+
Non-native invasive plants are threatening our wildlife habitat. We need YOU to help stop them!Bring gloves and water (and hand tools if available).

To find out about upcoming programs..........Join our list serve, or pick up a flyer at the refuge, or check your local newspaper or library. Programs are also listed in the Volunteers <->Friends monthly newsletter. Annual memberships are available at $15.00, payable to Friends of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Inc., 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD 20708-4027.