Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation
 > Parks and Rec Home > Things To Do > Nature > Clearwater Nature Center > Programs and Events

Programs and Events

June Programs

Live Animal Show
Come out to see and meet up close some of the nature center's live animals. You will have a chance to touch a snake, turtle, toad, or other live animals.
  • Date: Sat. June 1, SMARTlink #1144315
  • Time: 10-11 am
  • Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
  • Ages: 2 & up
    Jewelry: Gem Cutting - Cabochons
    Learn the basics of gem cutting as you create your own cabochon using diamond saws, grinds, and polishing equipment. Students are required to bring a pair of safety goggles to class. It is recommended that you bring an apron to protect clothing or wear clothes that can get wet and oily. Members of the Southern Maryland Rock and Mineral Club receive a discount on the cost of the class.
    • Date: Sat. June 1, SMARTlink #1144272
    • Time: 9 am-3 pm
    • Fee (members): Resident $20; Non-Resident $24
    • Fee (non-members): Resident $30; Non-Resident $36
    • Ages: 18 & up
    • Note: Last day to register is: May 30, 2013. Must register via SMARTlink. Drop-ins are not permitted for this program.
    SCOUTING SATURDAYS
    Explore the natural world by completing requirements for a scout merit badge. This all day program is taught by staff currently registered as merit badge counselors with the National Capital Area Council. This program is not limited to Boy scouts - members of Girl Scouts, Spiral Scouts or other youth groups should explore how the activities fit into their advancement programs. Participants need to bring a bag lunch/drink that does not require refrigeration or heating. Dress for the outdoors. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended. Space is strictly limited.
    • Date: Sat., June 8, please call to sign up
    • Time: 9:30 am-3:30 pm
    • Fee: Resident $10; Non-Resident $12
    • Ages: 11-17
    • Topic: Insects
    Jewelry: WIRE WRAPPING
    Students will learn to bend, twist, and wrap decorative wire to make a simple pair of earrings and a pendant.  Note: an extra $10-20 material kit fee (cash or check) is due at the start of each class. The cost of the material kit fee will vary depending on the selection of items chosen/used by the student.
    • Date: Sat., June 8, SMARTlink #1144275
    • Time: 9:30 am-4:30 pm
    • Fee: Resident $40; Non-Resident $48
    • Ages: 16 & up
    • Note: Last day to register is: June 6, 2013. Must register via SMARTlink. Drop-ins are not permitted for this program.
    CREEK HIKE
    Come explore, examine and identify the many creatures found in a local creek using dip nets. Dress to get wet: wear wading boots, water shoes, or old sneakers that can get wet or muddy.
    • Date: Tue., June 18, SMARTlink #1144265
    • Time: 1:00-2:30 pm
    • Fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident $4
    • Ages: 5 & up
      Live Animal Show
      Come out to see and meet up close some of the nature center's live animals. You will have a chance to touch a snake, turtle, toad, or other live animals.
      • Date: Thu., June 20, SMARTlink #1144316
      • Time: 1:00-2:00 pm
      • Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
      • Ages: 2 & up
      EXPLORING NATURE: INSECTS
      Come explore the natural world of insects with a park naturalist. See and touch one of the nature center's live insects if you choose and go for a short hike to look for insects in the park.
      • Date: Thu., June 27, SMARTlink #1144416
      • Time: 10:30 am-12:00 pm
      • Fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident $4
      • Ages: 6 & up
      Back to Top

      July Programs

      BAT AND BEAVER HIKE
      Take a walk on the wild side with a park ntauralist to look for and learn about nocturnal creatures such as bats, beavers, insects, and owls.
      • Date: Fri., July 5, SMARTlink #1144467
      • Time: 7:30-9:00 pm
      • Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
      • Ages: 5 & up
      LIVE ANIMAL SHOW
      Come out to see and meet up close some of the nature center's live animals. You will have a chance to touch a snake, turtle, toad, or other live animals.
      • Date: Sat., July 6, SMARTlink #1144317
      • Time: 10:00-11:00 am
      • Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
      • Ages: 2 & up
      Jewelry: Gem Cutting - Cabochons
      Learn the basics of gem cutting as you create your own cabochon using diamond saws, grinds, and polishing equipment. Students are required to bring a pair of safety goggles to class. It is recommended that you bring an apron to protect clothing or wear clothes that can get wet and oily. Members of the Southern Maryland Rock and Mineral Club receive a discount on the cost of the class.
      • Date: Sat., July 6, SMARTlink #1144273
      • Time: 9 am-3 pm
      • Fee (members): Resident $20; Non-Resident $24
      • Fee (non-members): Resident $30; Non-Resident $36
      • Ages: 18 & up
      • Note: Last day to register is: July 4, 2013. Must register via SMARTlink. Drop-ins are not permitted for this program.
      CREEK HIKE
      Come explore, examine and identify the many creatures found in a local creek using dip nets. Dress to get wet: wear wading boots, water shoes, or old sneakers that can get wet or muddy.
      • Date: Tue., July 9, SMARTlink #1144266
      • Time: 1:00-2:30 pm
      • Fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident $4
      • Ages: 5 & up
      EXPLORING NATURE: INSECTS
      Come explore the natural world of insects with a park naturalist. See and touch one of the nature center's live insects if you choose and go for a short hike to look for insects in the park.
      • Date: Thu., July 11, SMARTlink #1144417
      • Time: 10:30 am-12:00 pm
      • Fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident $4
      • Ages: 6 & up
      FABRIC ARTS: NATURAL DYEING
      Join members of the Natural Dye Group to explore colors that can be obtained from plants and other natural materials and experiement with a variety of traditional dye techniques. For students of all skill levels. Some projects may have a nominal materials fee (usually under $5).
      • Date: Sun., July 14, SMARTlink #1144269
      • Time: 1:00-4:00 pm
      • Fee: FREE
      • Ages: 13 & up
      LIVE ANIMAL SHOW
      Come out to see and meet up close some of the nature center's live animals. You will have a chance to touch a snake, turtle, toad, or other live animals.
      • Date: Wed., July 17, SMARTlink #1144318
      • Time: 1:00-2:00 pm
      • Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
      • Ages: 2 & up
      EXPLORING NATURE: ANIMAL TRACKS
      Come explore animal tracks and signs with a park naturalist. Learn about the many ways animals leave evidence behind when they visit an area. Each participant can make their own plaster cast of an animal track and take it home.
      • Date: Tue., July 23, SMARTlink #1144465
      • Time: 10:30 am-12:00 pm
      • Fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident $4
      • Ages: 6 & up
      REPTILE SHOW AND HIKE
      Meet and learn about a variety of reptiles from the nature center's collection and touch one if you wish. Afterward, join a naturalist for a short hike to look for reptiles in the park.
      • Date: Thu., July 25, SMARTlink #1144365
      • Time: 1:00-2:30 pm
      • Fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident $4
      • Ages: 5 & up
      FAMILY DISCOVERY HIKE
      Join a park naturalist on a hike to discover the sights and sounds of nature. Enjoy learning about plants, animals, and interesting facts about our park.
      • Date: Wed., July 31, SMARTlink #1144270
      • Time: 10:0 am-11:00 am
      • Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
      • Ages: 5 & up

      Back to Top


      August Programs

        LIVE ANIMAL SHOW
        Come out to see and meet up close some of the nature center's live animals. You will have a chance to touch a snake, turtle, toad, or other live animals.
        • Date: Sat., Aug. 3, SMARTlink #1144319
        • Time: 10:00-11:00 am
        • Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
        • Ages: 2 & up
        Jewelry: Gem Cutting - Cabochons
        Learn the basics of gem cutting as you create your own cabochon using diamond saws, grinds, and polishing equipment. Students are required to bring a pair of safety goggles to class. It is recommended that you bring an apron to protect clothing or wear clothes that can get wet and oily. Members of the Southern Maryland Rock and Mineral Club receive a discount on the cost of the class.
        • Date: Sat. Aug. 3, SMARTlink #1144274
        • Time: 9 am-3 pm
        • Fee (members): Resident $20; Non-Resident $24
        • Fee (non-members): Resident $30; Non-Resident $36
        • Ages: 18 & up
        • Note: Last day to register is: August 1, 2013. Must register via SMARTlink. Drop-ins are not permitted for this program.
        REPTILE SHOW AND HIKE
        Meet and learn about a variety of reptiles from the nature center's collection and touch one if you wish. Afterward, join a naturalist for a short hike to look for reptiles in the park.
        • Date: Thu., Aug. 8, SMARTlink #1144366
        • Time: 1:00-2:30 pm
        • Fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident $4
        • Ages: 5 & up
        EXPLORING NATURE: ANIMAL TRACKS
        Come explore animal tracks and signs with a park naturalist. Learn about the many ways animals leave evidence behind when they visit an area. Each participant can make their own plaster cast of an animal track and take it home.
        • Date: Tue., Aug. 13, SMARTlink #1144466
        • Time: 10:30 am-12:00 pm
        • Fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident $4
        • Ages: 6 & up
        LIVE ANIMAL SHOW
        Come out to see and meet up close some of the nature center's live animals. You will have a chance to touch a snake, turtle, toad, or other live animals.
        • Date: Sat., Aug. 15, SMARTlink #1144320
        • Time: 1:00-2:00 pm
        • Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
        • Ages: 2 & up
        TEEN VOLUNTEER PROGRAM-2013 FALL SESSION ORIENTATION
        This program is for new teen volunteers who wish to begin volunteer school service for school credit (service projects will vary). Space is limited! You must sign up in Smartlink to reserve your spot. No drop-ins will be accepted. After registering, pick up an application at Clearwater Nature Center during normal business hours.
        • Date: Sat., Aug. 24, SMARTlink #1144415
        • Time: 1:00-4:00 pm
        • Fee: FREE
        • Ages: 13-17
        BAT AND BEAVER HIKE
        Take a walk on the wild side with a park ntauralist to look for and learn about nocturnal creatures such as bats, beavers, insects, and owls.
        • Date: Fri., Aug 30, SMARTlink #1144468
        • Time: 7:30-9:00 pm
        • Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
        • Ages: 5 & up
        Back to Top

         Summer Day Camps 

        Nature Seekers (Ages 4-5)
        • Dates: July 15-19, 2013
        • Time: 9 am-12 noon
        • Fee: Resident $65; Non-Resident $75
        • SMARTlink #1037015
        Nature Detectives (Ages 6-7)
        • Dates: July 22-26, 2013
        • Time: 9 am-4:30 pm
        • Fee: Resident $120; Non-Resident $145
        • SMARTlink #1037016
        Wetland Wanderers (Ages 8-10)
        • Dates: June 17-21, 2013
        • Time: 9 am-4:30 pm
        • Fee: Resident $130; Non-Resident $155
        • SMARTlink #1037019
        Nature Adventurers (Ages 8-10)
        • Dates: July 29-August 2, 2013
        • Time: 9 am-4:30 pm
        • Fee: Resident $130; Non-Resident $155
        • SMARTlink #1037038
        Nature Predators (Ages 8-10)
        • Dates: August 12-16, 2013
        • Time: 9 am-4:30 pm
        • Fee: Resident $130; Non-Resident $155
        • SMARTlink #1037022
        Extreme Adventurers (Ages 11-13)
        • Dates: July 8-12, 2013
        • Time: 9 am-4:30 pm
        • Fee: Resident $185; Non-Resident $225
        • SMARTlink #1037025
        WILDLIFE ART (Ages 11-13)
        • Dates: August 5-9, 2013
        • Time: 9 am-4:30 pm
        • Fee: Resident $185; Non-Resident $225
        • SMARTlink #1037032
        Junior Naturalists (Ages 13-15)
        • Dates: June 24-28, 2013
        • Time: 9 am-4:30 pm
        • Fee: Resident $185; Non-Resident $225
        • SMARTlink #1037029
        General Camp Information
        • Campers must meet age requirements by the start of camp.
        • All campers must have a SMARTlink account prior to registration (see SMARTlink account for more info).
        • Only a parent or court-appointed legal guardian (proof required) may register a child for camp. The parent/legal guardian must also be listed on the SMARTlink account and set as the main contact person for the entire account. If both parents or more than one legal guardian are listed on the account, then the designated main contact needs to be the person who will be filling out and signing all camp paperwork and who will be the person that staff contacts first if there are any questions.
        • Please make sure that home address, email, and other contact information is up-to-date for each individual listed on the account prior to registration.

        Back to Top


        Program Information


        Program Registration

        • To guarantee your spot within a program, advance registration is required for all programs with a SMARTlink course number. Drop-in admission (no registration) for programs are accepted only as space permits. Space availability is never guaranteed for drop-ins. Programs may be canceled 24-48 hours prior to the start of the program due to insufficient registrations via SMARTlink.
        • If you already have a SMARTlink account, please register for programs via SMARTlink. Most of our programs allow for "spots booked" where only one person in the family needs to have a SMARTlink account to register for the total number of spaces wanted. However, for programs that do not allow for spots booked, each person wanting to attend the program must have their own SMARTlink account and be registered individually.
        • Don't have a SMARTlink account yet? Check out the SMARTlink account page for information on how to go about setting up a SMARTlink account for yourself and your family.
        • For programs that do not have a SMARTlink course number, please call Clearwater Nature Center at 301-297-4575 to sign up.
        Program Requirements

        • Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult for most programs. In other words, adults must register and participate in the program too. Unless a program says otherwise you may not drop your child off and leave.
        • Check the age requirements for each program before registering. All participants must meet the age requirement to attend a program.
        • Make sure that your email and other contact information is up-to-date on your SMARTlink account prior to registration. Staff may need to contact you if they have questions or in the event that a program must be cancelled due to inclement weather or other reasons.
        Program Fees

        • Fees for programs are based on your residency.
        • Residents (R): individuals who live within Prince George's or Montgomery Counties
        • Non-Residents (NR): individuals who live in all other jurisdictions.

        Back to Top