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Community & Club Opportunities

Community involvement is important at Clearwater Nature Center and to further this involvement we support a number of clubs and community groups. Memberships run from January 1 - December 31. To become a member of any of Clearwater Nature Center's clubs, please stop by Clearwater Nature Center during normal business hours (Mondays-Saturdays: 8:30 am-5 pm; Sundays: 11 am-4 pm). If you do not already have one, you will also need to set up a SMARTlink account.

The Clearwater Nature Center Associates

The Clearwater Nature Center Associates is a group of volunteers working together to support the center's goals of providing youths and adults the opportunity to gain knowledge, enjoyment, appreciation, and a sense of stewardship of our natural, historical, and human environment; and to help protect and manage natural areas of Prince George's County. CNCA members receive reduced fees on selected programs and field trips while helping to support Clearwater Nature Center goals and activities. Membership dues: $10 (individual), $20 (family), $50 (patron), and $100 (contributor). Contributions over $4 are tax deductible.

The Southern Maryland Rock and Mineral Club

The Southern Maryland Rock and Mineral Club meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7 pm at Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton, MD. Speakers and field trips are planned for jewelry makers, fossil hunters, mineral enthusiasts, and laymen just interested in beautiful stones. Guests are welcome! Club dues: $16 ($17 non-resident) and automatically include a membership in the CNCA. Please call the nature center for information about joining the So. MD Rock and Mineral Club or visit the SMRMC website.
  • 2012 Meeting dates: Jan. 24, Feb. 28, Mar. 27, April 24, May 22, June 26, July 24, Aug. 28, Sept. 25, Oct. 23, Nov. TBA, & Dec. TBA
  • 2013 Mineral, Jewelry & Fossil Show & Sale will be held on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 10 am-5 pm. $3 per person, children 6 & under are free. This event is located at The Show Place Arena.

The Natural Dye Study Group

The Natural Dye Study Group is comprised of amateur and semi-professional fiber artists who meet once a month to dye natural fibers with traditional techniques and materials. Beginners are welcome. Fiber samples for dyeing are available for purchase at each meeting for a nominal fee. If you think this fun hobby is for you, join the club today. Club dues: $16 ($17 non-resident) and automatically include a membership in the CNCA. Meetings are held the 2nd Sunday of each month from 11am-4pm.
  • 2012 Meeting dates: Jan. 8, Feb. 12, Mar. 11, April 8, May 13, June 10, July 8, Aug. 12, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, & Dec. 9

The Kiyomizu Bonsai Club

The Kiyomizu Bonsai Club meets on the 4th Sunday of each month at 2pm. Meeting locations may vary depending on scheduled activities. Club dues: $16 ($17 non-resident) and automatically include a membership in the CNCA. Please contact Godfrey Trammell at 301-645-3519 or Essie Wilson at 301-839-2471 for schedule details and more information if you are interested in learning this unique art.

Basketeers

The Basketeers, an adult group of experienced basket weavers meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 9 am-2 pm. Members take turns teaching others how to make a variety of interesting baskets. Beginning basket-weaving enthusiasts with a desire to learn are always welcome. Club dues: $16 ($17 non-resident) and automatically include a membership in the CNCA. If you are interested in finding out how to join this group, please contact CNC volunteer Beverly Linde at 301-283-3248 or Patty Schartner at 301-812-1028.
  • 2012 Meeting dates: Jan. 10, Feb. 14, Mar. 13, April 10, May 8, June 12, July 10, Aug. 14, Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 13, & Dec. 11

Forest Akers

The Forest Akers is a group of adult/senior volunteers that meet monthly (usually the 2nd Thursday of the month) for field trips and outings. Previous trips have included: the Spy Museum, the National Arboretum, and an overnight trip to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. If you can donate just 15 hours per year and want the fellowship and knowledge gained from local field trips, please call the nature center to find out about joining this enthusiastic group. Club dues: $16 ($17 non-resident) and automatically include a membership in the CNCA. Please call the nature center for information about joining the Forest Akers.

Teen & Adult Volunteers

Adults and youths (ages 13 & up) are needed year-round to assist nature center staff as program guides as well as to support animal care, secretarial needs, exhibit construction, photography, research, gardening, and many other services. For additional information about various volunteer programs provided by Clearwater Nature Center and volunteer applications, please contact Park Naturalist Beth Wisotzkey.