Group Programs
Locust Grove offers a variety of programs for schools, scouts and youth groups to complement MCPS Environmental Literacy standards, fulfill scout badge requirements or provide an informative activity in a natural setting.
Looking for a naturalist to visit you school? For K-- 5th grade, please see our Nature Everywhere program page.
Let us help you find the joy in nature everywhere. For further information and/or to sign up call our office at 301-765-8660.
The following programs are offered at the Nature Center:
NATIVE WAYS - year-round
Students experience the daily life of Eastern Woodland Indian children as they lived in our area over 1,000 years ago. We will explore where they found shelter, how they prepared food, what they wore, and what chores children did. We’ll discover the importance of certain plants and animals, and how deeply the Woodland Indians were connected to the natural world.
HABITAT IS HOME - year-round
All living creatures need food, water, shelter and space. Students will identify and explore habitats around the school grounds, looking for the four elements of a good habitat. We will discuss how human beings affect natural habitats and learn what we can do to preserve the ‘homes’ of our wildlife neighbors.
CHANGING SEASONS - year-round
Plants and animals adapt in many ways to the arrival of cold weather. We’ll discover who migrates, who hibernates and who remains here and active when the weather turns cold. We’ll examine different animal pelts and learn how some mammals are able to stay warm and dry. We’ll also observe the changes plants make in response to shorter days and falling temperatures.
FEATHERED FRIENDS – year-round
Learn to identify local birds by sight and sound, and discover their amazing adaptations. Observe birds that visit our feeders, and head outside with a pair of our binoculars to search for birds in different habitats. We’ll explore the seasonal lives of birds, from migration to just staying put!
MAPLE SUGARING – February only
Syrup making has been a late-winter activity in North America for centuries. In this program students learn about the important historical relationship people have with maple trees and follow the production of maple syrup by observing sap flow, watching the boiling process, and tasting the finished product.
AMPHIBIANS - March/April
Spring is springing! Come hear the wood frogs, peepers and toads sing! Visit our wetland where amphibians lay their eggs, and discover their journey through metamorphosis.
SMALL WORLD – April - June
Get to know one of the largest groups of animals on the planet! Learn about the unique characteristics, life cycles and adaptations of insects, and use magnifying glasses, nets, and collecting jars to discover who crawls, hops and flies in our meadow.
CABIN JOHN STREAM STUDY – April - June
Explore your local watershed, discuss water quality and runoff issues on a hike to the creek, then put on your water shoes as we wade into Cabin John Creek and use nets to catch and identify aquatic wildlife.
Fees:
Nature Center In-house programs: $5/student ($2.50/student for Title I schools)
Scout Programs
Locust Grove offers programs for Bears, Webelos, Daisies, Brownies, and Junior Girl Scouts. Some, but not all badge offerings are listed below. Fees: Bears, Daisies. Webelos, and Brownies: $5 per scout. Jr. Girl Scout and Boy Scout: Call 301-765-8660 for fee information.
Webelos:
Geology
Forester
Naturalist
Brownies:
Nature-oriented Try-its
Junior Girl Scouts:
Nature- and science-oriented badges
Please contact us at 301-765-8660 for your scout program needs.
Montgomery County Department of Parks